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The Alarm Clock's Call
The alarm clock buzzed loudly, jolting Lisa from a dreamless sleep. Another Monday loomed ahead, and she reluctantly recalled the events of the previous day. Liam had taken her and Jade shopping to gather school supplies and refresh Jade's wardrobe, a necessary venture considering the tattered remnants of clothing Jade had brought with her.
With Liam heading back to school this morning, Lisa scrambled out of bed, showered quickly, and pulled together a stylish outfit that struck a balance between casual and polished. A touch of makeup accentuated her features, and she slung her backpack over her shoulder before heading downstairs, the familiar scent of breakfast drawing her in.
"Good morning, everyone," she greeted, stepping into the dining room where her family was already seated. The atmosphere was warm, filled with the clinking of cutlery and the murmur of casual conversation.
"Morning, sweetheart," her father replied, beaming with fatherly pride.
"Hey," chimed both Liam and Jade in unison, the latter's voice tinged with nervousness.
Lisa's mother shot her a concerned glance. "I hope my little girl slept well?"
Lisa smiled, savoring the affection that came from her mother. "I did, Mom. Woke up late, though. You guys started without me," she said, feigning disappointment as she reached for a slice of buttered bread.
"You're not late for school, sweetheart," her father reassured her. "We just wanted you to take your time. After all, we know you're not much of a morning person."
"Whatever," Lisa mumbled, a smirk curling her lips as she focused on her food.
Liam leaned in, the tease evident in his tone. "Since I'm heading back to school today, I left the textbooks you asked for in your drawer. I hope you won't miss me too much."
Lisa pretended to ignore him, only to turn to Jade with genuine curiosity. "How are you feeling about your first day at a new school?"
Jade chuckled softly, her anxiety flickering across her features. "Who wouldn't be nervous? It's a big change."
Lisa nodded, her smile reassuring. "Don't worry. I'll be there to guide you."
Feigning hurt, Liam interjected, "I feel like I've already been replaced."
Lisa laughed, nudging his shoulder playfully. "You're such a crybaby."
With a shrug, Liam accepted her jibe, but Lisa leaned over and hugged him from behind. "I'll miss you, Liam. I promise to call every time I can."
His grin widened. "I'll miss you too, Lis Bay."
As Lisa finished her tea, she grabbed an apple from the bowl on the table, slipping it into her backpack. After kissing her parents goodbye, she urged Jade to hurry so they could leave for school.
Outside, they slid into Lisa's car, the familiar sound of Alan Walker filled the space, and Lisa lost herself in the rhythm, momentarily forgetting the weight of their new reality. Jade sat quietly, glancing at Lisa as if weighing whether to break the comfortable silence.
Upon arriving at school, Lisa shifted back into the role of the confident guide. She led Jade to the secretary's office to collect a map and timetable, her heart pounding with the prospect of the day ahead.
As they navigated the bustling hallway, laughter and whispers caught their attention. A group of girls huddled together, their eyes trained on a figure at the far end. Lisa's gaze followed, and her breath hitched. There he was—Lucas.
At six feet tall with a chiseled face that could have graced magazine covers, he exuded an effortless charm that had earned him a devout following. Everything about him was alluring: his tanned skin, the designer clothes that hugged his physique, and the confident aura he radiated. Yet for Lisa, he was a painful reminder of a past she wanted to escape.
Just as their eyes met, a shiver ran down her spine, and she turned away, grabbing Jade's arm as she quickened her pace. "Let's go, Jade," she urged, her voice strained.
Jade, noticing Lisa's sudden change in demeanor, furrowed her brow. "Why the rush? You don't look well. Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine," Lisa replied, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her. "Just feeling a little dizzy." The truth was, Lucas's presence had sent her spiraling back to memories she wasn't ready to confront.
Curiosity edged Jade's tone as she pressed on. "Who was that guy everyone was staring at?"
"That's Lucas," Lisa replied curtly. "What about him?"
Jade's blush was unmistakable. "He's really handsome."
"Definitely your type," Lisa teased, her voice lacking enthusiasm.
Jade shook her head, embarrassed. "I wouldn't say that. He's way out of my league. Besides, didn't you see how cold and arrogant he looked?"
If only you knew, Lisa thought, suppressing the urge to share her secret. They arrived at the secretary's office, and she gestured for Jade to enter. "I'll see you after class," she said with a polite smile, hoping her face didn't reveal too much.
Inside, Lucas had just stepped out of his car, fully aware of the commotion he caused. Envious glances from the boys and adoring stares from the girls had become a daily routine. Yet, as he walked through the halls, his mind wandered elsewhere, far from the eager admirers.
Then, he caught sight of Lisa. Surprised to see fear and disdain reflected in her blue eyes instead of the usual admiration, he felt a knot tighten in his stomach. What had he done to provoke such a reaction? But before he could dwell on it, she turned and walked away, pulling the girl with her.
For reasons he couldn't articulate, the sight unsettled him more than he wanted to admit.
Meanwhile, as Jade wandered through the school, she couldn't shake off her fascination with Lucas. She had reassured Lisa that he meant nothing to her, but deep down, she was determined to make him hers. With Lisa's obvious discomfort around Lucas, Jade sensed an opportunity. No one would stand in her way—not even her new cousin.
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