🦋MIA🦋
Stepping out of class, I clutch my backpack securely, walking down the bustling hallway, the cool breeze of the winter greeting me. The chatter of students, the sound of footsteps echoing against the tiled floor and the distant hum of activity creates a symphony of everyday life. I came back to campus on the weekend for the second semester. Christmas break is over and we're now back to studies. The first semester was tough for me, a challenging journey of ups and downs, late night study sessions and moments of self doubt. But I'm sure this second one won't be as challenging. Dashing out of the hall, I reach the open expanse of the football field, a wave of energy washing over me. The crisp air fills my lungs as I quicken my pace, the football players in the distance catching my eye as they practice for an upcoming game, the thud of the ball and shouts of encouragement filling the air. Without hesitation, I pick up the football lying nearby and with a confident grin, I throw it towards them in excitement, watching it soar through the air and one of them catching it swiftly. He laughs heartily, saluting me and I salute right back as his teammates cheer for us in appreciation. I'm full of energy, strength and optimism today. I'm looking forward to new things and creating amazing and joyful experiences.
Reaching the shade and opening the wooden doors, I step inside and my eyes meet Lucas's. Damn, he has the most beautiful eyes in the whole wide world. They gaze into mine with an intensity that never fails to make my heart skip a beat. He rises to his feet, coming to the door and reaching forward, taking me in his arms and hugging me. I breath in his intoxicating scent that always consumes me, calming me and I want it on my skin too. In this moment, it feels like the rest of the world has faded away, leaving just the two of us in our own little bubble. "Hey beautiful."
"Hey handsome."
He holds my hand leading me to the bench and we sit side by side as he takes out a joint and lighter from his pocket. "Chipmunk, you're so excited to be back in school while I'm fucking tired and bored of it. It's sucking the energy out of me." He flicks his thumb over the lighter, lighting the joint.
"I'm trying to keep a positive attitude and be optimistic." That's exactly what my dad told me to do months ago.
He gazes at me for a moment as he takes a long drag of the joint, his gaze fixed on me with a curious intensity. As he exhales a cloud of smoke, it curls lazily in the air before dissipating into nothingness. "Optimistic, I'll try that shit and see if it changes anything. What are you upto? I'm free for the next two hours then I'll leave for my shift at the restaurant." With a mischievous grin, he exhales another plum of smoke, this time directing it straight to my face. In mock annoyance, I playfully swat his arm and he winces. "I don't want to stay here all bored. Think of something fun we can do."
Checking my watch, it's five minutes to the music club meeting. "You can come listen to me sing." I suggest, hoping he agrees and accompanies me. He loves listening to me sing.
"I love listening to you sing." Lucas blows out the smoke, holding the joint between his fingers. "Do you want me to come listen to you sing?" He asks and I stare at him blankly. Of course I want him to come listen to me sing and he knows it already.
Ignoring his annoying ass, I unzip my bag taking out a bar of dark chocolate, unwrapping it and biting a piece delightfully. I eat it happily, Lucas still smoking next to me, the ember glowing softly. Once he's done, he takes a sip of water, his eyes lingering on my chocolate, a hint of desire flickering in them. "No, I'm not sharing my chocolate with you."
"Only a piece, don't be selfish." He says softly but I ignore his plea, rising from the bench and making my way to the door. He gets up following me closely behind, his eyes still on the tantalizing chocolate in my hand. Taking more steps away from him, my back hits the door as he gets to me, resting both hands on the door on either side of me, caging me in. "Okay give me another chocolate if you don't want to share this one you're eating with me."
"I ran out of them, this is the only one I have now." I turn the doorknob, opening the door to leave but he closes it before I can do so.
Now facing the door, I hold the chocolate tightly in my hand, Lucas still behind me and his chest now pressed against my back I can feel the thumping of his heart. Slowly he moves his lips to the back of my neck and ears, tickling me and sending strange shivers through my entire body. "Face me so I can see your beautiful face." He whispers in my ear, his warm and enticing breath still tickling me. I close my eyes instead, my cheeks turning crimson. I'm always blushing these days and I don't like it. Slowly, I turn facing him and leaning against the door. "Only a piece." He continues begging and I finally decide to feed him a piece of my chocolate.
He winks at me and walks back to the bench looking so fine in the denim shirt hugging his broad shoulders, sleek black jeans and pristine white sneakers he has on. Ever since we confessed our feelings to each other on new year's eve, many things have changed about him, including his outfits and what he wears. He no longer wear only black and white anymore but incorporates other different colours and shades too. He's more vibrant now in many ways, shedding old inhibitions and stepping into a brighter, more colourful version of himself, one that's holding the promise of endless possibilities and newfound adventures. A new side of him is slowly being brought forth.
"You look great in that denim shirt." Why am I talking so much like this?
"You like it?" He inquires eargely and I nod in response. A smile dances across both our faces and we simultaneously avert our gazes, a sudden shyness settling between us. "I like your outfit too," he remarks, his eyes trailing appreciatively over my outfit, a smile yet stylish combination of a white t-shirt, a denim miniskirt a black Vans. An awkward silence descends upon us and I playfully toss the chocolate wrapper at him, hopping to break the ice and elicit a reaction from him. He shoots me a glare, his lips twitching in a repressed smile and I burst into laughter, making a dash for the door. "Spider!" He suddenly shouts and I scream, running back to him as he gets up and I jump on him wrapping my legs around his waist tightly, my hand on the nape of his neck. Then he starts laughing at me. "You're such a scaredy cat."
"You're such an idiot."
Lucas stops laughing as we keep our eyes on each other, neither of us looking away. Looking deep into his eyes I feel that sense of familiarity once again, feeling drawn in by the depths of his intense and unwavering gaze. "Your smile is cute." He compliments me and I smile even more. Poking his dimple to annoy him, he loosens his grip around me and I panic almost falling but he tightens his arms once again, hoisting me up and steadying me. He's doing this to get back at me. "Don't poke my dimple. Quincy always gets on my nerves whenever she does it."
Getting off him and climbing on his back this time, he carries me to the music club room finding a few members already present with more tinkling in one by one.
Their instruments are resting beside them as they chat and tune their guitars. Since the band is already present I request them to play the beats of the song I want to sing for Lucas to cheer him up because he said earlier that he's bored. He settles into a chair in the furthest corner of the room as usual, his gaze fixed on me. The band starts playing soon after as I take a deep breath, relaxing my mind and body.
"Don't the water grow the trees, don't the moon pull the tide.
Don't the stars light the sky, like you need to light my life.
If you need me anytime, you know I'm always right by your side." I sing joyfully, my body moving gracefully music as it wraps around me like shimmering cloak. Lucas leans back in the chair, watching me with admiration and affection in his beautiful eyes. The smile on his face is like a radiant sun breaking through the clouds, illuminating the room with its brilliance. It's a smile I know so well and adore, one that speaks volumes without a single word.
I let go of all inhibitions, allowing myself to be fully immersed in the music and dance. Every movement is a celebration of life, a testament to my inner light shining brightly for all to see. I feel alive, free and unburdened by the worries of the world. It's a feeling I've missed, a feeling that fills my soul with pure happiness. As I continue to sing and dance, Lucas joins in, his movements mirroring mine. His smile widens, matching the radiance of my own.
*******
The meeting and practice comes to a close, the sun now dipping below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the campus grounds. Lucas and I make our way to the parking lot together, our footsteps echoing through the emptying corridors. I reach into my pockets retrieving the keys to the sleek black Bentley Continental that I drove to campus today just as he also holds out to me the keys to the Jeep that he drove home days ago. "You can drive the jeep back home. I came to campus with another car." I wave the keys of the Bentley at him.
"Mia, you have to take back this Jeep tomorrow then, or I'll bring it back to your apartment myself. I'm used to riding my motorcycle." Opening the door, he holds my hand stopping me from getting inside the car and I face him wondering what's on his mind that he wants to tell me. "I want to take you out tonight," his voice breaks the silence, drawing my focus back to his words.
I smile at him and he bites his lower lip, gazing at me. "I think that wasn't a question but rather a statement. You've not asked if you can take me out."
"If you don't want me to take you out then it's okay. We don't have to." He blubbers, moving away but I hold his arm pulling him back to me.
"Ask me out." I say and he clenches his teeth, his patience with me slowly running out but I just laugh, enjoying getting on his nerves and teasing him.
He glances to the side before his sharp gaze falls on me again. "May I take you out tonight, Chipmunk?"
"Yes, you may." I smile at him but he maintains his blank stare, not smiling back.
His expression then shifts as he keeps his eyes on me, his deep gaze penetrating through me. A lump forms in my throat and I swallow hard, unable to tear my eyes away from his. Slowly and deliberately, he begins to close the distance between us as he draws nearer, until there's barely a breath of space left between our bodies, his presence enveloping me. I attempt to move away but he reaches out and places his hand on the car door, blocking my path and preventing me from retreating. "Look at me, I want to tell you something."
"Must I look at you?" I keep my eyes shut instead.
"Yes. I love maintaining eye contact with you when we talk." Opening my eyes, I find his piercing ones still on me. "Mia, you're beautiful, gorgeous, sexy, elegant, humble and intelligent. You're a queen and should be treated as one. I want to make you feel seen at all times, valued, respected and cherished in a way you've never experienced before. I get worried at times that I won't be able to do that but I promise to try my best to honor you." He leans in, pressing a gentle kissing my cheek, my heart now racing fast against my chest and my grip on the straps of my backpack tightening. "I'll pick you up at 7.30 pm."
Squealing in pure happiness, I touch and trace the spot on my cheek that he has kissed, where his lips met my skin, his warm breath lingering. His words are echoing in my mind, the tenderness in his voice and the sincerity in his gaze, all of it swirling within me and creating a whirlwind of emotions I'm struggling to contain. I can't help but smile to myself, feeling like a giddy schoolgirl caught up in the throes of a budding romance. Conscious of my fluttering heart and the blush now painting my cheeks, I straighten my t-shirt, trying to compose myself.
Opening the door and ready to leave, a familiar presence joins me and I glance over seeing Aria leaning wearily against the car. "I had so many lectures today, thank the heavens they're finally over and I can now leave. I need a long bubble bath."
Lucas's friends Malin, Tekhani and Jakoda walk past us, heading to their car to leave campus. Aria stares at Tekhani the entire time, not taking her eyes off him even for a second, lost in a deep trance in him. His eyes meet her gaze and he smiles, winking at her. She quickly averts her gaze from him, trying not to make it obvious that she has been caught staring. As she tries to compose herself, her cheeks flush faintly and a rush of embarrassment tints her features, betraying the effect Tk's gaze has had on her. My eyebrows knit together as I wonder what this awkward staring and tension between them is all about. Aria hastily gets in the passenger seat, fumbling with the seatbelt before I can utter a word. Following suit, I drive back to the apartment to get ready for my date tonight.
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SONG
♥️ALL I EVER NEED - AUSTIN MAHONE♥️
Quote of the chapter.
♥️TRUST YOURSELF, YOU'LL FIND PEACE.♥️