Chapter 1
September 26, 2040
Azalea slept peacefully, her reddish-brown hair spread across her pillow. Her big gray-blue eyes, somewhat pale skin, refined nose, and rosy plump lips made her look as delicate as a princess in a fairy tale. No one would want to disturb such a peaceful scene.
Until, of course, her bedroom door burst open, breaking the silence with a loud bang.
"Azalea, wake up! Mom said you're going to be late!" a boy shouted as he pulled open the curtains, flooding the room with light.
Azalea jolted upright, squinting against the brightness. "I'm coming down in a minute-now get out of my room!" she snapped, stretching her arms above her head and letting out a groan as she woke up fully.
Her brother just rolled his eyes, looking at her like she was the most annoying person in the world, before leaving her alone. She grumbled to herself, "Stupid Wednesdays. And I have work after school, too..."
She dragged herself out of bed and headed to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face to shake off the last of her sleepiness. After a quick shower, she brushed her teeth and searched through her closet, finally settling on a high-neck tee, a plaid skirt, and black gladiator sandals. She applied some lotion, deodorant, and a mist of perfume before pulling her hair back into a messy bun.
Once she was ready, Azalea grabbed her school bag and headed downstairs.
"Morning," she greeted her family as she entered the kitchen.
Seated around the table were her older sister, Zia, with black hair and dark eyes; her younger brother, Cyril, who had woken her up; Maxwell, her brown-haired, light-eyed brother-in-law; and Raelyn, her adorable five-year-old niece who was happily munching on her breakfast. Near the stove was her mom, Monica, a woman with silvery hair and bright eyes, currently cooking more eggs.
Azalea took a seat and was greeted with a chorus of affectionate nicknames:
"Morning, princess!"
"Sleepyhead."
"Auntie!"
"Lazybones!"
"I'm amazed you made it down here, idiot."
Azalea rolled her eyes, shoving some scrambled eggs and bacon into her mouth with a smirk.
???:
"You know you're going to be late, right?" Zia teased.
"She doesn't care about being late, babe," Maxwell added, wiping Raelyn's mouth.
"Azalea's never going to like school," Cyril said, rolling his eyes.
"No kidding. School is boring," Azalea replied, smirking.
"Language," her mom and Zia said in unison.
"Not sorry," Azalea said with a shrug, glancing at her niece, who giggled at their antics. Finishing her breakfast, she slung her backpack over her shoulder. "Alright, come on, Cyril. Let's go, shithead."
They exchanged farewells, and Azalea and Cyril headed out to their high school, Count Inferno High-a name supposedly chosen by someone with a flair for Dracula back in 2023. Azalea parked the car and hopped out, giving Cyril a teasing look.
"Go find your creepy friends," she told him as he nodded and headed off.
Almost immediately, her best friend, Lea, came sprinting over. "Aza!" she yelled with excitement.
"Lea!" Azalea laughed, giving her a playful flick on the forehead. "So, what's new?"
Lea's face turned serious. "Did you hear? He's back."
Azalea rolled her eyes. "I don't care. He can get lost for all I care." She glanced at her screen, checking the school website for her schedule. "Do you have Literacy first period?"
"You know I do," Lea replied. "My mom got us the same schedule. She adores you."
Azalea smiled, checking her watch. "Well, then, let's go before we're late."
After School
Azalea's POV
"Finally, we're out!" Azalea sighed in relief, while her friends laughed.
"You know you still have work," Lea reminded her.
"Don't remind me. And guess who I'll have to see there too? HIM." Azalea rolled her eyes, looking visibly annoyed.
"Just ignore him," Cyril chimed in. "Nothing's more satisfying than ignoring people like him."
"True," she muttered. "See you soon, guys." They all parted ways, and Azalea headed to her job.
She worked as an attendant at a restaurant, making sure customers were comfortable and coordinating with waiters. Some days were easy; others were a nightmare thanks to the occasional Karen or Ken. As she neared the entrance, her eyes narrowed. There he was-Liam, her ex, the one who shattered her belief in love.
Azalea took a deep breath, steeling herself. She entered the restaurant, fastened on her name tag, checked in, and began her shift, only for Liam to...
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Our protagonist is cute!