The shrill blast of my alarm jerked me awake. Being the type who could sleep through an earthquake, I always set it to maximum volume. My hand instinctively moved to hit snooze, but I caught myself. Today wasn't the day for that.
Stretching my arms above my head, I tried to shake off the lingering drowsiness before dragging myself to the bathroom. The cool tiles under my feet jolted me awake as I turned on the shower. I scrubbed my body and washed my hair more thoroughly than usual. I caught my reflection in the fogged-up mirror, cheeks flushed from the steam.
"What's going on, Aurora? Trying to impress someone?" I muttered to myself with a half-smile, shaking my head as if that would dismiss the thought.
I slipped into my school uniform, smoothing out the creases with careful fingers. Being a graduating college student means punctuality and diligence are non-negotiable. Anything less, and I risk not holding that diploma in my hands. A light touch of makeup, a quick spritz of perfume, and I was ready.
I went downstairs and Grandpa was already at the dining table. He's sipping his coffee and flipping through the morning paper.
"Sleep well, little one?" His daily greeting never changed.
"Yes, Grandpa," I replied, settling into my chair. We shared our breakfast in companionable quiet, only the soft clink of silverware breaking the peace.
After finishing my breakfast, I grabbed my bag and stepped outside. Silas was already there. He's standing by the sleek black car, his posture impeccable. He opened the door for me.
"Good morning, milady."
"Good morning, Silas," I greeted back before sliding into the seat.
The drive was filled with an electric sort of silence. I couldn't help stealing glances at his reflection, the sharp line of his jaw, the casual grace with which he guided the wheel. I curled my fingers into my lap, trying to ignore the way my heartbeat quickened.
I need to break this Silence!
I cleared my throat. "Did you sleep well, Silas?"
He glanced briefly at me through the mirror, his eyes meeting mine for a fleeting second. "Well enough, milady. Thank you for asking," his tone polite but with a softness that lingered.
I nodded and looked away quickly, pretending to be interested in the scenery outside, but my thoughts were anything but distant.
Why am I nervous around him? Is it his presence? His aura?
I just realized we had arrived at the school's parking lot when Silas got out of the car and opened the door for me. He subtly shielded my head with his hand, ensuring I wouldn't bump my head against the doorframe.
"Thank you, Silas."
Then I noticed the stares. A lot of students were looking in our direction. At first, I thought it was me, but I quickly realized their attention was on Silas. Of course they'd stare – he looked more like he belonged on a magazine cover than behind a wheel. Something possessive flared in my chest.
"That's all for now, Silas. I'll see you after classes."
"As you wish, milady." He bowed slightly before departing.
"Auri!" Yue's voice cut through the morning air as she bounded over, her skirt dancing dangerously high with each step.
"Who's the hottie?" she demanded with her eyes sparkling.
I feigned offense. "Wow, not even asking how I'm holding up post-breakup?"
Truth was, after that night of clubbing with Yue and the final showdown with my ex, I felt surprisingly light. In retrospect, both Grandpa and Yue were right. He'd never been good enough for me, in academics or social standing.
The morning's peace shattered when I spotted Steven charging toward us, face twisted in anger. Great. Just what I needed.
"Aurora!" he shouted. His voice grated like nails on a chalkboard.
I grabbed Yue's arm, ready to escape, but Steven wasn't finished. "Running away now?"
"Just avoiding waste of time," I replied coolly.
Steven's jaw clenched. He wasn't used to being dismissed. When he reached out to grab my arm, Yue stepped in to shield me. Steven shoved her aside roughly which made her she stumble. Fortunately, a strong hand caught her just in time. It was Ezekiel.
"Is there a problem here?" Ezekiel's voice carried the weight of his position as student body president.
"Mind your own business," Steven snarled, trying to maintain his bravado.
Ezekiel stepped between us. "It became my business the moment you laid a hand on her. This looks a lot like harassment to me, which is grounds for suspension."
Steven scoffed. "Don't throw around big words. This is just a personal matter."
"Personal? That's not how the school sees it," Ezekiel shot back. "Article 4, Section 2 of the student conduct code clearly defines unwanted physical contact as harassment."
Steven's face turned red, either from embarrassment or rage. "You think quoting rules makes you right? This isn't a courtroom."
"No, it's worse- for you. Because here, there's zero tolerance for this behavior. One report, and you're on probation. Two, and you're out," Ezekiel voice was calm but deadly serious.
Steven opened his mouth to argue but then shut it, realizing he couldn't win this argument. After a moment of impotent fury, he stormed off.
Yue dissolved into giggles. "Did he really think he could take on Mr. President?"
Ezekiel turned to me, concern evident. "You okay?"
I didn't feel like rehashing the whole thing, so I waved it off. "I'm fine. When did you get back?"
"Just yesterday. Would've come sooner, but duty called."
Ezekiel had been out of town for two weeks attending a seminar. We had been friends since kindergarten, brought together by the isolation our family names created. Despite his packed schedule as student body president, he never failed to show up when it mattered.