You are staying with your beloved baby boyfriend and his caring mother?"
"Firstly, he is my baby, not yours, so don't call him baby. Secondly, he is not my boyfriend; he is my dear friend. And thirdly, yes, I am staying with them. They are incredibly warm and welcoming," Seraphina said as they sat by the beach.
"Firstly, he is indeed a baby, and secondly, he is still your boyfriend in my eyes. Thirdly, okay, what the heck?" Mike said, handing her a refreshing slush.
"I am going to ask my distant aunt if I can stay at her house nearby. She rarely stays there," Seraphina announced.
"Did you really have to mention 'distant' aunt, though?" Mike chuckled and shook his head. "Yes, distant in terms of connection, not by blood. She has never called or texted me, and both sides of my family don't seem to like me."
"Except for daada and daade, me," (grandfather and grandmother), "it's a pity that where they live, there is barely any internet connection. If they call, please let them know how much I love them," Mike said.
"Of course they love you; it's pretty obvious," Seraphina replied, rolling her eyes. "There's a certain glow on your face; I find it quite captivating," he said, smiling.
"A glow? Really?"
"Yes, your face used to appear pale, distant, and even when you smiled, it seemed lifeless. But now, you radiate with a captivating energy," Mike said, playfully pulling her cheeks. "Don't pull my cheeks; I might just bite you," she warned, playfully slapping his hands. "Bite me if you dare. You know that when I bite, I'll leave you craving for more," he teased, winking at her. "Pssh, we both know that I taste better," she retorted.
"Is that so? Let's find out. But I must warn you, I am quite addictive," he declared.
"I am the epitome of seduction, your favorite crystalline drug," she responded, sticking her tongue out playfully.
"I am the embodiment of irresistible allure, a captivating addiction that consumes your every desire. Once you succumb to the tempting taste of my essence, you'll find yourself helplessly entangled in a web of insatiable longing. A single tantalizing encounter with me is all it takes to ignite an unquenchable hunger that can never be satisfied. Prepare to be seduced beyond control, for once you have tasted the intoxication of my presence, you'll crave nothing else but to indulge in the depths of my forbidden allure," Mike declared.
"Okay, fine! I'll give you the benefit of the doubt," Seraphina responded, rolling her eyes playfully.
"Do you want to go for a bike ride?"
"Uh, obviously! I thought you would never ask," Seraphina said, standing up and pulling Mike up with her. They rode their bikes to the nearby forest, strolling through its enchanting paths. "The peace and solace I find in the forest is like no other," Seraphina said, closing her eyes and embracing the forest's allure. "If I were to pass away, I would love to be cremated, with half of my ashes scattered on the beach and the other half buried in the heart of the forest—a beautiful unity of two serene places," Mike expressed.
"That's only if you die, Mikkky. You're stuck with me for now," Seraphina replied, jumping on his back as he gave her a piggyback ride. After a while of exploring the forest, they returned to their bikes and rode back. They returned the rental bikes and had a tender moment. "I hope he gives you a reason to live," Mike said, smiling. "I'm glad you forgot," he continued as he kissed her forehead and embraced her tightly. "Forgot what?" Seraphina asked, puzzled. But Mike just smiled, waved at her, and walked away.
Upon reaching home, Seraphina found Angelina standing outside with a little girl. "You're a mother?" Seraphina asked in surprise. "Nope, this is Elizabeth, my little sister," Angelina clarified. "Hey Elizabeth," Seraphina greeted, smiling.
"Heyyy," the young girl replied. They all walked into the house together. "Is Octavia home?" Seraphina asked.
"No, he went for a dental appointment. Can't believe you both skipped school, you do know it's your last year, right?" Angelina scolded gently, helping her younger sister onto a kitchen stool.
Later that day, Octavia and Seraphina were washing the dishes together. "I need to start considering colleges," Octavia mentioned. "Yeah, but the registration period is still far off," Seraphina responded. "Phinny, today is the 29th of July, so the registration is actually approaching soon," Octavia informed her.
"July 29th? That's...," Seraphina's voice trailed off, and suddenly, she dropped the plate she was wiping. Octavia grew worried and looked at her frozen figure. "Thank God, I forgot... Mike!" Seraphina exclaimed,,realising what Mike had meant earlier, as she ran out of the kitchen. "Phinny!" Octavia called, following her.
Seraphina sprinted towards Mike's house, which was located just four streets away. Her mind raced with worry, her heart feeling numb. Octavia ran behind her, calling out her name, concerned and confused. Seraphina picked up her pace when she finally reached Mike's house. She knocked on the door with all her might, but there was no response. She hurried to the back of the house and spotted a ladder. Swiftly, she positioned the ladder beneath Mike's bedroom window and climbed it as fast as she could. Octavia was right behind her, desperately asking what was wrong. Suddenly, they both heard a gunshot, and Seraphina froze. "No, no, no, Mike," she whispered, then opened the bedroom window only to be confronted with a heart-wrenching sight that pierced her soul countless times.