Past - 5
Elysia's POV:
The next few days passed in a haze, my anxiety growing like a shadow. I couldn't shake the guilt from bumping into Ares, and it made me avoid him like a ghost. I even altered my routines. I stopped going to the shared courtyard, fearing he might come and confront me. I even abandoned my bicycle, opting for the bus directly to school.
I spotted him several times in the courtyard, searching for someone. I was convinced he was looking for me, but when he didn't find me, he'd quietly return to the other building.
He would eventually confront me once he knew my name and class, things would get complicated. I couldn't shake the feeling that he might resent me for following him without his knowledge.
I sighed heavily, resting my folded arms on the desk and burying my head in them, feeling a huge burden in my chest.
"Someone seems upset today," I heard a familiar voice and looked up to see Aubrey standing in the doorway.
Almost involuntarily, a smile formed on my lips. Amidst all the chaos, she had become a true friend for me with her beautiful and kind nature.
"I'm just tired," I replied with a lazy smile, although my sleepless nights were starting to take a toll on me.
Aubrey took her seat, and it was lunchtime. Over the past few days, I had been having lunch in the classroom, and Aubrey always joined me after her lunch.
"Hmm, how about this? Come with me after school?" she suggested, clapping her hands excitedly.
"Why? Where are we going?" I asked, intrigued but also a bit confused.
"Just come; I'll fill you in later," she said with a mischievous wink and a smile.
My smile widened, and I nodded in agreement. Before I left, I sent a message to my mom, letting her know I'd be home a bit later than usual. My parents were relieved to hear that I was making a friend in this new environment, thanks to Aubrey.
"Oh, by the way, I need your help with my assignment again. I can't seem to get the calculations right," she said, sighing dramatically and pouting at me with her big, round eyes.
I couldn't help but laugh at her cute expressions, agreeing to help her. We spent the rest of the lunch break working on her assignment and going over the calculations.
As the school day ended, I packed my things and left with Aubrey in her car. We made a pitstop at the mall, where she practically dragged me inside.
"Let's do some shopping," she suggested enthusiastically.
"No, really, I don't need anything. You go ahead; I'll keep you company," I replied, grateful for her offer.
"Come on, I want to buy something for you as a thank-you for your help earlier," she insisted.
I shook my head, feeling touched by her kindness. "It's not necessary. Let's find something nice for you instead," I suggested, gently patting her hand, which was wrapped around my arm.
Although I still felt slightly uncomfortable being touched, I was getting used to Aubrey's presence and her friendly gestures.
"Okay," she relented and took me to nearly every store in the mall. We spent hours wandering through shops, purchasing bags, sandals, clothes, accessories, and more.
Afterward, we decided to grab some bubble tea at a cafe. As we admired a beautiful dress on display inside one of the store, Aubrey's excitement was palpable, as she dragged me with her to the store entrance, while holding the bubble tea in our hands.
"Wow, look at that," she pointed to the dress, a stunning pink and grey gown with a graceful design. I looked closely, assessing and admiring the beauty of the dress.
"Yes, it's truly beautiful. It would look amazing on you, like a princess," I remarked truthfully with a smile as I imagined her in this beautiful dress.
Suddenly, a yelp from behind and a high-pitched shriek jolted me. I turned around, and to my astonishment, Aubrey stood behind me, gripping my arm tightly. She was visibly shaking.
Confused and alarmed, I tried to comprehend what was happening when suddenly a swift, stinging slap landed on my cheek, rooting me on the spot.
"WHAT THE HELL! ARE YOU BLIND?" I heard a girl's voice, shouting at me angrily.
I turned my head to face her, my cheek stinging. I noticed her soaked clothes, covered in bubble tea.
My body started trembling as mother's familiar, loud voice echoed in my head, stirring the storm inside me that had barely subsided after years of therapy. I shook my head vigorously, attempting to dispel those terrifying memories and refocus on the present.
"ARE YOU DEAF AS WELL?" Her yell echoed once more.
I glanced up at her familiar face. This girl; it was Ophelia Blake. I remember now, Sven's girlfriend. Aubrey's grip on my freezing hand tightened.
"I'm sorry, I'm truly sorry," I apologized quickly.
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Third Party's POV:
A few meters away from the chaos inside the shopping mall, a girl dressed entirely in black sat quietly, sipping her cola. Her long ash-brown hair cascaded gracefully over her shoulders.
The color of her attire mirrored the emotionless expression on her face. Her light gray eyes remained fixed on the commotion unfolding in front of her. She had never been fond of crowded places but it was her duty to follow her dad's orders and that was the reason she was here.
She recognized familiar faces from her school but had no intentions to interfere; it wasn't her concern. However, her gaze involuntarily fell upon an innocent-looking girl standing amidst the chaos, nervously apologizing. This girl was the new student, Elysia, if her memory served correctly. She had noticed her several times before in school, and every time she saw her, she couldn't help but see a silhouette of someone unforgettable.
Elysia appeared disoriented, absorbing the chaos around her, her grip on another girl, presumably her friend, tight and anxious, clearly visible in her state.
A silent scoff escaped her lips, watching the commotion. She clearly saw the other girl, whom she recognized as Aubrey, spilling her glass content on the other girl, who looked like Ophelia Blake from another section, and manipulated the whole scene, shifting the blame onto Elysia, who seemed oblivious.
Finishing her cola with a final sip, she rose from her seat, intending to leave due to the increasing crowd. She discarded her empty cup in a nearby trash can, donned her black hoodie, and headed for the exit. A girl's shrill voice, shouting behind her, created an irritating vibration in her eardrums.
"You ruined my new outfit, you witch!" she heard Ophelia scream.
"I-I'm sorry, we didn't mean it," Elysia stammered in response, her voice trembling.
"Sorry?!" one of Ophelia's friends scoffed at the apology.
'It's not my business,' the girl thought to herself as she walked toward the elevator. However, the expressions on Elysia's face kept replaying in her mind, reminding her of someone familiar whom she had buried deep within herself.
Her steps came to a halt as she looked heavenward, exhaling a silent sigh, and closed her eyes for a moment. Turning around, she briskly walked back towards the commotion, hands tucked in her hoodie pockets, and positioned herself behind the group of three girls who were busy still berating Elysia, who was apologizing repeatedly.
A small crowd had gathered around, watching with curiosity and interest, but no one bothered to intervene.
"Clear the way," she spoke in a firm yet icy tone, halting their tirade.
Ophelia Blake turned around, perhaps to unleash her anger on the person who dared to interfere. However, her expression shifted to surprise as she caught sight of the speaker. She abruptly fell silent, her eyes widening slightly.
"E-Esme Vasquez," the girl standing behind Ophelia stuttered.
"Move! You're blocking the way," Esme ordered, ignoring their expressions and speaking coldly, her eyes sharp and menacing.
Ophelia and her friends immediately stepped aside, creating a path. Esme walked past them and stood in front of the trembling figure of Elysia, who was observing everything in shock.
"Leave; you're blocking the store's entrance," Esme directed her words at Elysia, ignoring Aubrey's presence. Although her voice remained cold, there was a subtle hint of softness, almost imperceptible, but Esme was still surprised with her own tone.
Her voice seemed to break Elysia's state of panic as she looked at Esme with gratitude in her eyes to which Esme didn't respond, but she did wait for Elysia to leave with Aubrey. When Ophelia and her group tried to follow the two, Esme's sharp gaze shifted to them, freezing them with her icy glare before entering the store.
A few minutes later, Esme exited the shopping mall and settled into her car. She signaled for the driver to start the car. As their vehicle maneuvered out of the mall entrance, Esme spotted Elysia and Aubrey sitting on a bench.
"Park over there for a minute," she instructed the driver and lowered her car window just enough to hear their voices.
"I'm so sorry. I don't know how that happened," Aubrey apologized while tears streamed down her face and hugged Elysia.
"...It's okay, don't cry. Anyone can make mistakes," Elysia replied, patting Aubrey's back and gently wiping her tears away. She seemed more concerned about Aubrey than herself. Esme raised an eyebrow, observing Aubrey closely.
"They... she even slapped you. It was all my fault, but you didn't leave me alone there," Aubrey sniffled, hugging Elysia again.
Esme couldn't see the expressions on Aubrey's face because it was turned the other way but her eyebrows furrowed in doubt and confusion.
"Of course, I would never. We are friends, aren't we?" Elysia smiled softly, stroking Aubrey's back.
Esme had never been one to easily trust people. She'd encountered enough individuals to discern their true nature with a mere glance but she still stared at Aubrey with a grim and thoughtful expression on her face. If she hadn't witnessed Aubrey intentionally spilling the drink on Ophelia, she might have been convinced by the sincerity in Aubrey's voice and demeanor.
'What on earth is this girl trying to achieve?' Esme wondered, narrowing her eyes in thought.
"Let's go," Esme said, shaking her head. Lost in her thoughts, she cast one final glance in Elysia's direction.
'Whether she's genuinely naive or just plain foolish, it's none of my business, and this will be the last time I interfere in her affairs,' she had a final decisive thought in her mind as the car sped away.
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Hm, so your thoughts about Esme and Aubrey lovelies? 😉
Next chapter would be Ares' POV, are you excited to read about his pov from the past?
Share your thoughts and opinions about the story so far my dear lovelies, I love to read comments! 😍