"Mom! Please hurry! I'm already late!" I shout as I rush down the stairs, trying to balance my backpack on my shoulder. My heart races with panic—missing the first class would mean dealing with the wrath of Mrs. Abella.
"One minute, Flora," my mom calls from the kitchen. I can hear the sound of pots clattering as she hurriedly packs my tiffin.
While waiting by the counter, I pull out my phone to check the time. Anxiety surges through me; it's already cutting too close. Before I can dwell on it further, Mom pushes the tiffin into my hands, practically shooing me out of the house.
"Go, go! You're already late!"
I grab my lunch and dash out the front door, finding our family's long-time driver, Steven, waiting by the car.
"Morning, Miss," he greets as I jump into the back seat.
"Hurry, Uncle Steven! I'm going to be late!" I say breathlessly, my nerves already frayed.
Steven, a kind man who has been with our family for as long as I can remember, just nods calmly. "Okay, Miss," he replies as he speeds up, pulling out of the driveway.
I glance out the window, watching the blur of trees and houses go by, but my thoughts quickly drift elsewhere. My mind wanders back to yesterday—back to Alex.
Yesterday was perfect. Alex and I spent the whole day together at the beach. We talked, laughed, and shared so many little moments that made me fall for him all over again. My heart still races thinking about it.
Of course, my mom doesn't know I was with Alex. She thinks I was spending the day with Lia. Lia, my best friend since childhood, has always been my alibi for these little secret dates. She knows everything about me—well, almost everything.
By the time we pull up to the school gates, I snap out of my thoughts, realizing how late I truly am. I jump out of the car, barely managing a quick goodbye to Steven as I dash toward the classroom.
The Witch's Class
I stop just outside the door, already dreading what's coming next. My first class is with Mrs. Abella, a teacher infamous for her stern demeanor. The students call her "the witch" behind her back—her punishments are as scary as her piercing gaze.
Panting and out of breath, I knock and ask, "Can I come in, Miss?"
The entire class turns to look at me, and Mrs. Abella, standing at the front, narrows her eyes. "Well, well, well. Look who's decided to grace us with her presence."
I can feel everyone's eyes on me. My cheeks burn with embarrassment. Across the room, I see Lia, raising her eyebrows, silently asking why I'm late. I shake my head and mouth, "Later."
"I woke up late," I stammer, feeling more and more foolish by the second.
"Then you can stand outside until you've fully woken up," Mrs. Abella says coldly, turning her back to me.
Ugh. Witch.
My legs grow sore as I stand outside the classroom for what feels like forever, watching the minutes crawl by. Eventually, the bell rings, signaling the end of the period. Mrs. Abella finally leaves, allowing me to re-enter the class.
I make my way inside, spotting Lia waving at me and gesturing to the seat next to her. Gratefully, I collapse into the chair, letting out a deep sigh.
"So, why were you late?" Lia asks, passing me her water bottle.
I gulp down some water, my throat still dry from the sprint to school. "I couldn't get up on time."
Lia raises an eyebrow knowingly. "Sure, sure. You couldn't get up because you were tired from your little date yesterday, weren't you?"
I glance away, guilty.
She glares at me, mockingly stern. "You gonna tell me, or should I just guess?"
I groan and lean into her for a side hug. "I'm sorryyy, Lia!"
She pushes me off, rolling her eyes. "Sorry, my foot! I wouldn't have even known if your mom hadn't called me, asking if you were with me yesterday! You could have at least told me."
"I know, I know. I forgot to tell you!" I reply sheepishly, giving her my best innocent smile.
"Whatever. Now spill—what did you two do on this oh-so-secret date of yours?" she asks, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
I blush, feeling my face heat up. "It wasn't that exciting. We just went to the beach. That's all."
Lia doesn't let me off that easily. "Oh, just the beach, huh?" she says with a teasing smile. "How romantic."
I shove her lightly. "Stop it! It was just a normal day."
We spend the next few minutes talking about the date, with Lia poking fun at me the entire time. Once we're done giggling and talking, the bell rings, and it's time for our next class.
---
Lunch Break and Reality Check
As soon as the lunch bell rings, Lia and I gather our things and head toward the canteen. As we walk down the hall, I spot Alex waiting for me. A smile spreads across my face as he takes my hand.
"Excuse me? I'm still here, you know?" Lia complains, making a face. "Stop with the public display of affection."
Alex chuckles. "Maybe you should find someone so you don't feel so left out."
Lia rolls her eyes, waving him off dismissively. "Yeah, I'll pass on that, thanks."
We enter the canteen together, but just as we find an empty table, Alex's friends call him over. I watch as he waves back at them, turning to me with an apologetic smile.
"Flora, my friends are calling me. I'll join you later, okay?"
I frown slightly. "But won't you have lunch with me?"
"I will, just later," he says, pulling his hand away from mine and heading toward his friends.
I watch him walk away, my heart sinking a little. He didn't used to be like this. Alex used to always make time for me. But lately, it feels like he's slipping away, spending more time with his friends than with me.
Lia notices my expression and nudges me gently. "Hey, forget about him for now. Let's get some lunch."
I force a smile and follow her to the lunch counter, but I can't shake the feeling of being left behind. After lunch, we take a stroll outside, but Alex is nowhere to be found. The unease settles deeper into my chest.
---