Allison
Morning arrived, and I woke up to my mom’s gentle tap on my shoulder. “Wake up, sweetie. You’d better get going to school,” she said, her voice weak but reassuring.
I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, concern etched on my face. “Are you sure you’re okay, Mom? I can stay with you today.”
Mom chuckled, a faint smile on her lips. “I’m fine, really. Just go to school. You can come visit me again next week during the holiday, and I’ll be in better shape by then.”
I smiled, feeling a mix of relief and worry. I nodded, gave her a gentle hug, and waved goodbye before heading downstairs.
The taxi ride to my dormitory was a blur. I didn’t feel like attending classes that day, still reeling from the events of the previous night. As I settled into my room, I realized Nina wasn’t around. I wondered if she was in class, but somehow doubted it. She was probably with one or even two of her boyfriends or at some party, living her best life.
As the day drew to a close, the school’s administration gathered everyone for an assembly. The headmistress took the stage, a warm smile on her face. “We’re pleased to announce a three-day holiday, starting the day after tomorrow. This will give you all a chance to spend quality time with your families and recharge.”
The news was met with cheers and applause. Everyone was thrilled at the prospect of a break. The dean continued, “Please note that the campus will be closed during the holiday, so make sure to pack your bags and head home. Stay with your family, have your best life out there. We don’t want anyone to get left behind!”
As the assembly dispersed, students rushed back to their dormitories, eager to start packing. No one wanted to risk getting caught and chased off campus. I returned to my dorm, exhausted from the day’s events, under that scorching sun. I flopped onto my bed, feeling drained.
Before drifting off to sleep, I decided to message Sally, but she didn’t respond, despite being online. I guess she was still upset. I mean, I would be if it were me, but she will surely get over it… soon or later.
***
It’s the next day now, and as I prepared to leave campus, I messaged Jayden, asking if he was heading home too.
He replied with a casual “Why not?” I felt a spark of excitement, thinking we might travel together. “Want to ride with me?” I asked.
But Jayden’s response crushed my hopes. “Oh, goodness, I’m sorry, Alli. Yvonne and I were planning to go together.”
My smile faltered, and I felt a pang of disappointment.
I shook off the feeling and headed outside, where a line of taxis waited to take students home. I hailed one and slid into the backseat. As we drove away from campus, I gazed out the window, watching the scenery roll by.
The drive flew by, and before I knew it, we were pulling up to my house. I checked my watch one hour and thirty minutes had passed. I paid the driver and stepped out of the taxi.
I pushed open the front door, calling out, “Mom?” But there was no response. I tried again, “Mom, I’m home!” Still, silence.
I pulled out my phone and dialed Mom’s number. Where could she be?
I called Mom again, and this time she picked up. “Hey, sweetie?”
“Where are you right now?” I asked, anxiously.
“I’m at the horse barn,” she replied.
I made my way to the barn, finding Mom feeding the horses. I frowned, concern etched on my face. “Mom, what are you doing? You’re not supposed to be stressing yourself like this your leg is still healing.”
Mom smiled warmly. “Welcome home, honey. I’m fine, don’t worry. I just needed to get out and take care of the horses.”
“Mom, please go inside and rest,” I insisted, letting out a deep sigh. “I’ll take care of the horses.”
Mom relented, and I watched as she walked back to the house, her leg still a bit unsteady.
As I finished up with the horses and stepped out of the barn, I spotted Yvonne and Jayden getting out of a taxi. They shared a quick kiss before Yvonne crossed the street to her own house, which faced ours.
Jayden caught my eye and waved, a brief smile on his face. I forced a smile back, feeling a pang in my chest. Yvonne waved too, before disappearing into her house.
I let out a deep sigh, the sound carrying away on the breeze and left.
As I entered my room, Jayden followed closely behind. Just as I was about to shut the door, he grasped my hand, pulling me inside. His eyes locked onto mine, burning with intensity.
“What the hell are you doing?” I demanded, trying to wriggle free.
Jayden’s response was a low, husky whisper. “I’ve missed you, baby, especially since that night,” He pushed me against the wall, his lips crashing down on mine.
I grunted, shoving him away. “You should go kiss Yvonne or something. Stop doing this.”
Jayden’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean? Isn’t this what you wanted? What we wanted for ourselves?”
Oh… I must have forgotten I was his plaything.
“We have time for everything,” I explained, my voice firm. “You go to Yvonne when you’re with her, and you come to me when you’re with me. But now is not the right time for us. Yvonne is just a block away.”
Jayden’s face darkened, his jaw clenched. As I turned to leave, he seized my hand, his grip tightening.
“Are you mad at me?” he asked, his voice low and rough.
I met his gaze, my expression icy. “Take it as you want. I don’t fucking have to explain myself to you.”
Jayden’s eyes flashed, and he slammed me back against the wall. The door creaked shut behind him, the sound of his leg kicking it closed echoing through the room.
His lips claimed mine, his kiss animalistic and wild. I tried to resist, but his tongue tangled with mine, drawing out a response I couldn’t control.
As we broke apart, panting, Jayden’s eyes blazed with a fierce intensity.
“Look at you,” he whispered, his voice dripping with desire. “I thought you didn’t want this.”
With that, he turned and stormed out of the room, slamming the door shut behind him.
I stood there, my heart racing, my lips still tingling from his kiss. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself.
As I turned to gaze out the window, I caught sight of Colby standing in his own window. He had been staring, watching me and my stepbrother all this while.
My heart jumped, and I felt my body tense up. What have I done… AGAIN?
“Colby, I can explain-” I began, but he cut me off with a curt gesture.
He slammed his window shut, the sound echoing through the evening air. I winced, feeling a pang of embarrassment.
I let out a deep sigh, rubbing my face. This holiday was going to be a damned one.
“But why hasn’t Sally arrived though?” I whispered to myself, worriedly.