┌─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───┐
Ava's love for science was like no other. Chemistry, physics, and biology had her heart, and she was a natural talent in all three subjects. Science was undeniably her favourite, and she embraced it with a passion that lit up her eyes.
After stubbing out the butt of her second cigarette, Ava headed to the science lab. Sarah wasn't with her as she was in a different level of the class, so Ava made her way to the lab alone.
As she entered the lab, a sense of calm washed over her. The familiar smell of chemicals and the soft hum of machines felt like home. She exchanged a warm smile with her teacher, Ms. Sinclair, before taking her seat at the lab bench.
The experiment for the day was about the properties of acids and bases, and Ava couldn't wait to dive in. She donned her safety goggles with a grin and began mixing various chemicals, watching intently as colours changed and substances transformed. It was like magic, and she savoured every moment of it.
Ms. Sinclair made her rounds, checking on the students' progress. When she reached Ava's bench, her eyes sparkled with interest as she observed Ava's experiment. "Impressive, Ava. You've got a real talent for this."
Ava blushed, but a wave of pride surged through her. "Thanks, Ms. Sinclair."
The class continued, and Ava relished the opportunity to explore the science lab. It was her sanctuary, a place where she could escape and immerse herself in her passion, momentarily forgetting the outside world.
As the class concluded, Ms. Sinclair had exciting news to share. "Class, I have some incredible news," she beamed. "Next week, we're heading to Catalyst Laboratory—a cutting-edge science lab where scientists work with chemicals and conduct ground-breaking research."
The room buzzed with excitement. A field trip was a rare treat, and Ava's heart raced with anticipation. Catalyst Laboratory was a dream come true, and she couldn't believe she'd have the chance to witness real scientists at work.
As soon as class was out, Ava spotted Sarah in the hallway and dashed towards her, practically bouncing with excitement. "Sarah! You won't believe it! We scored a field trip to Catalyst Laboratory!" she blurted out, unable to contain her enthusiasm.
Sarah's eyes lit up in surprise. "Seriously? That's incredible! I'm so happy for you, Ava. You're going to have a blast."
Ava's excitement was contagious, and Sarah couldn't help but share in her friend's joy. "I wish I could join you, though," Sarah admitted with a hint of disappointment.
Ava pulled a playful pout. "I know, right? It would have been so much fun if we were both there."
They continued chatting and laughing as they made their way to the food hall for lunch, however, outside the food hall, James leaned against the wall, casually rolling a cigarette between his fingers. He glanced up and saw Ava and Sarah approaching him.
With a smug smirk, he couldn't resist the chance to tease them. "Well, well, look who's here. The two future scientists going on the Catalyst Lab trip," he said, relishing the fact that Sarah was in a lower class than him.
Ava responded with an eye-roll, unamused by James's taunting. "Oh, joy, you too?" she retorted, hoping he wouldn't ruin her excitement for the upcoming trip.
As James chuckled, he finished rolling his cigarette. "Yep, my class is also in on the fun," he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Guess we'll be lab partners, Ava," he added, playfully winking at her.
Ava scowled, not liking the implication one bit. She knew James could be trouble, and she was determined not to let him spoil her experience at the lab.
Sensing Ava's unease, Sarah stepped in to put James in his place. "James, cut it out. Ava's really looking forward to the trip, and she doesn't need your antics," she asserted, giving him a stern look.
Rolling his eyes in response, James eventually relented. "Alright, alright. I'll behave... for now. See you around," he muttered, flicking the excess tobacco onto the ground before walking away.
As James left, Ava and Sarah exchanged knowing glances, glad to be rid of his unnecessary teasing.
Entering the food hall, Ava's excitement bubbled inside her like a shaken soda can. Thoughts of the Catalyst Laboratory filled her mind—the awe-inspiring achievements she had heard about, the innovative chemical processes, and the ground-breaking materials that awaited her. The allure of it all fascinated her, and she couldn't wait to experience it first-hand.
Observing Ava's visible excitement, Sarah couldn't help but smile. "You're really stoked for this trip, huh?"
Ava nodded enthusiastically, her grin nearly reaching her ears. "Absolutely! Science has always been my thing, and this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see real scientists in action. Plus, I've never stepped foot in a chemistry lab before, so it's all going to be a brand-new adventure!"
As they made their way through the busy food hall, they joined the queue, patiently waiting with other students to get their meals. As they moved closer to the front, they checked out the array of lunch options available. Ava's eyes landed on a delicious-looking slice of pepperoni pizza, a side of fries, and a bottle of water, while Sarah went for a turkey sandwich, some carrot sticks, and a carton of chocolate milk.
Once they had their meals, they scanned the bustling hall for an empty table. Finally, they spotted their usual spot tucked away in the corner.
Seated at the table, Sarah and Ava chatted animatedly while savouring their lunch. Their conversation revolved around the upcoming field trip, adding more fuel to their growing excitement. They eagerly discussed their expectations and what they hoped to learn and discover during their visit. Ava was so thrilled that she even whipped out her trusty notebook to jot down insightful questions for the scientists.
Unexpectedly, James sauntered over with a mischievous grin. "Hey there, ladies. Mind if I crash this lunch party?" he asked, his tone teasing.
Ava's eyes narrowed slightly, not entirely sure if James's intentions were genuine, but Sarah motioned for him to join them. "What's on your mind, James?" Sarah asked, curious about the seriousness in his tone.
Casually, James shrugged and settled into a chair. "I just wanted to make sure you guys are as pumped about the field trip as I am. Who knows, maybe we'll witness something truly ground-breaking during our visit," he said, his playful demeanour briefly replaced by earnestness.
Intrigued, Ava leaned in, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Really? Do you have any specifics?" she asked, eager to hear more.
James leaned back, keeping an air of mystery. "I don't have all the details, but there's been some talk about a new chemical they're working on—a potential game-changer in energy manipulation."
Sarah looked sceptical. "Energy manipulation? That sounds risky. What if it goes wrong?"
James waved off her concern. "Come on, Sarah, science is all about taking risks and making discoveries. Imagine the possibilities if they succeed!"
Ava's eyes sparkled with excitement. "It could be ground-breaking. We might witness history being made."
Sarah remained cautious, but a glimmer of curiosity shone in her eyes. "I guess it's worth keeping an open mind," she conceded, intrigued by the possibilities ahead.
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ
The week flew by, and before they knew it, it was the night before the school's field trip. James had organized a party in the old barn on campus, and Ava was excited about going. Sarah tried to advise Ava against drinking the night before the trip, but she knew Ava wouldn't listen. Instead, Sarah decided to accompany her and keep an eye on her from a distance, making sure she stayed out of trouble. Plus, her crush would be there, and Sarah didn't want to miss the chance to see him.
With excitement building up, the girls got ready for the evening's festivities. They synced their Bluetooth speaker, filling the bathroom with lively music as they did their hair and makeup together. They wanted to look their best, so they took their time curling their hair and applying their makeup with care. Once they were satisfied with their looks, they put on their chosen outfits. Sarah confidently wore a sleek black Tom Ford mini dress, while Ava exuded elegance in a lacy bralette paired with a Gucci skirt and stunning black Louboutin heels.
Feeling all dressed up and ready for a good time, Sarah and Ava made their way to the old barn where the party was already in full swing. The vibrant lights and pulsating music immediately caught their attention, setting the mood for the night. As they arrived, James greeted them, offering each of them a red plastic cup filled with a tempting, sweet-scented concoction.
"Looking absolutely stunning, ladies," James remarked with a sly smirk, his gaze lingering on Ava while taking a puff of his cigarette.
Ava accepted the drink, swiftly gulping it down in one go. "Thanks for the drink, Jamesy. Gotta say, you're not looking too shabby yourself," she playfully retorted, flashing a mischievous grin.
Sarah rolled her eyes at Ava's response but decided to let it slide. She scanned the room and spotted her crush, Adam, standing by the speakers. She nudged Ava and pointed in his direction.
"Hey, I'm going to go say hi to Adam. Are you going to be okay here?" Sarah asked.
"Yeah, I'll be fine. Go do your thing," Ava said, waving her off.
As Sarah walked away, Ava leaned against a nearby wall, observing the partygoers as they danced and laughed. The music pulsed through the air, and the vibrant atmosphere added to her excitement. She couldn't help but feel a thrill in the rebellious nature of the night. Taking another sip from her drink, she let the music carry her thoughts away, forgetting any worries about the upcoming field trip for now.
Ava's adventurous spirit led her to wander off, her curiosity piqued by the mysteries of the old barn. She immersed herself in the rhythmic dance moves and engaged in lively conversations with various groups, relishing in the night's liberating ambiance. The drink James had provided was gradually taking hold, casting a delightful euphoria over her being.
As the evening progressed, the party escalated in both size and intensity. Ava couldn't help but notice a growing sense of recklessness among some attendees. In a secluded corner of the barn, she spotted James and his companions sneaking off, their actions shrouded in secrecy. Intrigued, Ava decided to discreetly follow their trail.
Upon reaching their hidden alcove, Ava's eyes widened at the sight of James and his friends passing around a joint. Although she had never experimented with cannabis before, her adventurous spirit and the intoxicating atmosphere spurred her to take a daring leap. The group extended the joint towards her, and without hesitation, she took a hit, immediately succumbing to a fit of coughs as the smoke engulfed her lungs. Despite the initial discomfort, a wave of euphoria washed over her, prompting an infectious smile to spread across her face.
Ava embraced the growing audacity that coursed through her veins as she continued to partake in the shared smoking session with James and his friends. The thumping music reverberated in her ears, blending with the flickering lights that adorned the surroundings, creating an atmosphere tinged with surrealism. As the night progressed, Ava found herself increasingly drawn to James, an irresistible magnetic force propelling her towards him.
Compelled by a magnetic attraction, Ava closed the physical distance between them, the warmth of James' body enveloping her senses. Their eyes locked, their gazes conveying an unspoken intensity that fuelled the electrifying air surrounding them. Driven by an impulsive impulse, Ava leaned in, capturing his lips with her own, their connection igniting an exhilarating surge of excitement within her.
James reciprocated the fervour, eagerly responding to the kiss, his embrace tightening as their passion intensified in the seclusion of the barn's corner. Ava revelled in the illicit thrill coursing through her veins, fully aware of the forbidden nature of their encounter, adding an extra layer of allure to the unfolding events.
Breaking apart, James's lips curled into a knowing smile, his eyes glimmering mischievously. "You've got quite the wild side, Ava. I dig that," he remarked, his voice laced with a hint of admiration.
Ava's grin widened, a sense of accomplishment washing over her.
In the midst of their shared revelry, one of James's friends passed around a bottle of vodka, igniting a chorus of cheer and enthusiasm. "Shots!" they exclaimed in unison, their voices echoing through the air.
Caught up in the intoxicating atmosphere, Ava seized the opportunity and downed a couple of shots of vodka, the fiery liquid igniting her throat with its potent sting. With each passing moment, her sense of recklessness escalated, and a powerful desire to prolong the night surged within her, compelling her to embrace the uncharted depths of this exhilarating experience.
In a surge of desire, James seized the opportune moment to reconnect their lips, and without hesitation, Ava reciprocated the kiss, surrendering to the intoxicating momentum. Their inhibitions dissolved into thin air as she enveloped him in a tight embrace, their bodies pressing against each other in a fervent exchange of passion.
Breaking the intense kiss, James suggested with a raised eyebrow and a hint of suggestion, "Hey, wanna take this back to mine?" His gaze fixated on her swollen lips, his invitation laden with both temptation and possibility.
Ava's mind buzzed with excitement and temptation. The allure of James's proposition tugged at her adventurous spirit, daring her to venture further into the night's uncharted territory. A mischievous smirk crept across her lips, and she replied in a playful tone, "Well, if you think you can handle it."
With a shared understanding, they swiftly made their way out of the barn, their steps guided by the pursuit of an illicit thrill. Ava spared a moment to send a quick text to Sarah, notifying her of the impromptu change in plans, knowing she would be fine.
The room was cluttered and cramped, clothes scattered about haphazardly. James shut the door behind them, turning to face Ava as he leaned in to kiss her once again. His hands wandered over her body as Ava was consumed by desire, pressing herself tightly against him. With clothes quickly discarded, they gave themselves over to desire.
The following morning, Ava found herself in James' bed, feeling a mixture of excitement and regret. As her discarded phone vibrated on the floor, she rolled over to check the caller ID and saw that it was Sarah calling.
Feeling a tinge of guilt, Ava quickly answered the call, her voice slightly groggy. "Hey, Sarah," she greeted, trying to sound composed.
Sarah's voice sounded concerned on the other end of the line. "Ava, are you okay? You disappeared last night, and I was worried."
Ava hesitated, her mind racing for an excuse. "Yeah, sorry, I met someone and things got a bit crazy. I'm fine though, don't worry."
There was a pause before Sarah responded, her tone softer. "Just be careful, okay? You know I always have your back."
Ava smiled faintly, touched by Sarah's concern. "Thanks, Sarah. I appreciate it."
Sarah let out a laugh. "Hey, you better get a move on. You've got to meet at the courtyard in an hour for the trip. Don't tell me you forgot."
Ava's eyes widened in realization. "Oh no, I completely spaced out. Thanks for the reminder. I'll see you in a bit."
After ending the call, Ava hastily threw on the same clothes she wore the night before. As she made her way toward the door, she noticed James stirring in bed, gradually waking up and stretching his arms.
"Leaving already?" James mumbled, his voice still laced with drowsiness.
Ava nodded, feeling a mix of awkwardness and urgency. "Yeah, I forgot about the school trip. Gotta rush."
James chuckled lightly, running a hand through his dishevelled hair. "Oh yeah, guess I better get ready. I'll see you in a bit, don't forget we're bus partners"
"Yeah, bus partners," Ava repeated with a wry smile, trying to keep the mood light despite the lingering awkwardness. She hurriedly grabbed her bag and headed for the door, eager to put some distance between herself and the events of the previous night.
As Ava rushed back to her dorm, she couldn't help but replay the events in her mind. The thrill of the night still pulsed through her veins, but the guilt and uncertainty were also taking their toll.
Once she reached her room, Ava tossed her belongings onto the bed and quickly made her way to the bathroom. The warm water from the shower cascaded over her, washing away any lingering traces of the night before. As she stood under the stream, her mind replayed the events with James, causing a mixture of emotions to swirl within her.
"So James, huh?" Sarah's voice came from the doorway, her tone filled with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
Ava peered out from behind the shower curtain, her eyes narrowing playfully. "Oh, come on, Sarah. Don't make a big deal out of it. It's not like we're soulmates or something."
Sarah couldn't contain her mischievous grin. "Sure, Ava, just a casual night of fun," she teased, arranging skincare and makeup products on the sink, preparing for Ava's turn.
As Ava stepped out of the shower, wrapped in a towel, she joined Sarah at the sink. The two friends exchanged knowing glances, their unspoken bond allowing them to understand each other's thoughts without uttering a word.
"I'm just going to focus on the field trip," Ava said, determination in her voice. "There's so much to explore and learn. James is just a blip on the radar."
"Sure, a blip," Sarah replied, still grinning. "But you should probably hurry up and get ready. You don't want to be late for the trip."
As Ava approached James and his friends in the bustling courtyard, a mix of anticipation and nervousness filled the air. The group of students and teachers chattered excitedly, awaiting the arrival of the buses that would transport them to the Catalyst Laboratory.
"Hey, ready for the trip?" James greeted Ava, his smile warm and genuine.
Ava's lips curled into a slight smile, her earlier apprehension melting away. "As ready as I'll ever be," she replied, her voice filled with a newfound confidence.
They exchanged a knowing glance, silently acknowledging the shared secret of their recent encounter, but both understanding that the focus now was on the journey ahead. As the sound of approaching buses grew louder, Ava and James joined the rest of the students, finding their assigned seats together.
└─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───┘