Nearly six hours have passed since the incident with Professor Sutton and Lydia. Despite all my efforts to banish these images from my mind, they continue to loop incessantly. Every moment, the memories of this morning invade my thoughts, bringing to the surface every detail. Moreover, the confrontation with James does nothing to help me pretend that nothing happened.

I never would have imagined, not even vaguely, reconnecting with a member of the Beaufort family. And yet, here I am now, linked not only to Lydia but also to her brother.

A completely unexpected turn of events, contradictory to my plans: focusing on my goals, avoiding conflicts, and above all, staying invisible to everyone's eyes. After challenging James, I am aware that he won't give up and will try to make my life miserable. I still don't know what form his attacks will take, but he always has a plan in mind. I'm satisfied with standing my ground and not giving in, but I'm already afraid of the consequences of my actions, and I can't help but think about what he might be considering.

These thoughts have haunted me for hours, and I curse myself for not being able to rid my mind of them. The welcome party is scheduled for tomorrow evening, and although it's the most crucial aspect I should focus on, I can't seem to do so.

"Are you still coming over for dinner tonight?" Ruby asks as we walk side by side, leaving Maxton Hall.

Her tone is imbued with a familiar sweetness, reflecting the warmth and kindness that characterize moments spent with her family. It's become a habit for me to be welcomed every evening at the Bell's, especially when my mother works late, leaving me often alone at home.

"Absolutely. As long as it's not a problem for your parents." I reply.

"Not at all, quite the contrary! My parents are thrilled you're coming." she responds with a warm smile. "And besides, we'll all cook together tonight, as we often do. Is that okay with you?"

She asks the question with such assurance that I can't help but smile in return, grateful for this family I consider my own, who always welcome me with such generosity.

"Perfect." I reply with a sincere smile.

We continue our way, chatting happily, until a familiar voice calls out to us from behind. "Hey girls!" exclaims Amber, Ruby's younger sister, with her characteristic energy, as she catches up to us.

A wide smile lights up my face as she sidles up next to me, flashing me a radiant smile, while her sister, wearing the same smile, furrows her brows slightly, curious and amused.

"Aren't you supposed to be in math class?" Ruby asks, perplexed.

"Mrs. Venze lost it because Victor signed her up for Tinder during class. She let us out early."explains Amber, visibly delighted.

Ruby and I exchange surprised glances. A burst of laughter escapes me, tinged with a hint of nostalgia at the mention of our former math teacher.

"Admit it, you miss our old school when you hear stories like this." adds Amber, spinning around as a teenager passes by.

She blinks, her smile growing even wider. The young man and she exchange knowing smiles before parting ways. Amber turns back to us, continuing to walk by our side. We all burst into laughter, and I playfully nudge her to the side.

I particularly admire her for her ability to follow her desires without caring about others' judgments. She constantly emphasizes that she refuses to limit herself, often acting on her own whims, even very often.

"Are you going home to change before going to work?" Amber asks her sister.

Ruby nods. Two years ago, we both landed jobs at a small café near our home. Initially, the owner couldn't hire both of us because he didn't need so many employees. But thanks to our proposal to work alternately—one day for her, one day for me—we both got the job. This strategy allowed us to not only share our tasks at work but also our incomes, which turned out to be a practical solution for both of us.

It might seem unbelievable, but Ruby and I have been inseparable since forever. We share everything: our most intimate secrets, our deepest concerns, our simplest moments of happiness, our hardest sorrows, and even our darkest fears. Since we were children, we have built such a strong bond that nothing can break it.

The girls and I walk a few more meters before parting ways at the corner of the street, each heading in a different direction. The sudden silence reminds me with painful intensity that as I step inside my house, I will be greeted by emptiness and loneliness. I will walk into the living room, determined to break the silence that has become my daily companion by turning on the TV. Since Mom immersed herself in her work, our moments of togetherness have evaporated. The warm evenings over a good meal or a movie are now distant memories. When she returns, exhausted, she barely has the strength to sit down and take a few bites of the meal I've prepared for her before retreating, leaving behind a heavy silence that speaks of our missed exchanges.

The day the Beauforts decided to turn their backs on us and betray us, it was much more than a mere fracture in the family, it was an earthquake that transformed our lives irreversibly.

Arriving at my house, I reach into my pocket to grab my keys. After finding them, I hastily fumble for the right one. Finally, I find it, and a sigh of relief escapes me as I insert it into the lock. With a precise movement, I open the door and step into my home, freed from the tumult of the day. All I want is to collapse on my bed and not move until tomorrow.

      *************************************

The well-known expression "Sleep on it" resonates with all of us, reminding us that taking a step back and reflecting on problems can often lead to clearer and wiser solutions. In the darkness of the night, as the world seems calmer and thoughts deeper, it is precisely at this moment that I find myself a prisoner of my own thoughts. It is in these moments of nocturnal solitude that my mind constantly seeks answers to my questions and doubts.

After coming home from the Bell's, I waited for my mother to come back from work before heading straight to my room. Now, sleep seems to elude me, and for long hours, questions and worries torment my mind, heightening the stress related to the welcome party that will take place in less than twenty-four hours.

I hate being unable to silence and divert my thoughts away from James Beaufort. He occupies every corner of my mind, and I wonder how I will face the the entire day in his presence. My heart beats faster at every thought of him, and I know I must find a way to focus on something else, but that's easier said than done. The prospect of seeing him at school both terrifies, pisses me off and excites me.

Our altercation affected me much more than I thought, and I know I won't forget it easily. His gaze, his words, everything is etched in my memory, and the idea of seeing him again rekindles conflicting feelings. Is it anger or something deeper? My emotions are a whirlwind that I struggle to control.

Seeing him today felt like rediscovering a part of myself forgotten for years. It was like a stab in the heart to realize how much I had missed him. Despite everything, I will never admit it. He will continue to play the insolent jerk, and I will keep my feelings buried, pretending never to have crossed his path.

As I get lost in my thoughts, the moon faintly illuminates my room, adding an almost mystical dimension to this endless night. I wonder if daylight will bring answers or if I will remain trapped in this cycle of uncertainty. There is something strangely soothing in the silence of the night, but also terrifying in the truths it reveals.

I eventually get up, turning on the small bedside lamp on my nightstand and opening the window, letting the cool night air fill the room. As I sit on the window ledge, lost in my thoughts, I hear light footsteps in the hallway. My bedroom door opens gently, revealing my mother's silhouette.

"Honey, are you still awake?" Her voice is soft, but tinged with concern. "I saw your light on as I passed by the hallway."

I turn around, surprised but touched by her attention. "Yes, Mom, I can't sleep."

She enters the room, closing the door behind her, and sits next to me by the window. "Is something bothering you? You look worried."

I look at her, wide-eyed, and struggle to answer for a second. I can't remember the last time my mother came into my room to talk. It had been so long that this kind of moment seemed to belong to another time, a time when our conversations were more frequent and less formal. Her presence here, in the middle of the night, feels almost unreal, and I wonder what prompted her to cross the threshold of my room tonight.

I sigh slightly, searching for my words. "I'm just thinking about a lot of things. Today's party and... everything else. I have a big responsibility on my shoulders, and it's really stressing me out."

A part of me wants to tell her what happened with James earlier, but another part knows that it is not a good idea. Mentioning that now-taboo name would only cause her more pain. I take a deep breath, trying to push away the memories that threaten to overwhelm me. There are secrets that are perhaps better kept, truths that could destroy what remains of our fragile balance.

"Is everything okay?" My mother's worried voice brings me back to reality. Her gaze is filled with a maternal concern that will never fade.

"Yes, it's fine." I lie, displaying a false smile. "I'm just a bit tired."

She doesn't seem entirely convinced, but she doesn't press the issue and places a comforting hand on my arm. "You know, it's normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes. But don't worry, I'm sure everything will go well, whether it's for today's event or the other things that are troubling you."

"I hope so." I say, nodding. "It's just hard to manage everything right now."

She looks at me kindly. "How about focusing on one thing at a time? For example, the party. How do you feel about that?"

"Stressed."I admit. "I don't know how things will turn out, and I'm afraid of making a mistake."

My mother smiles gently. "You are stronger than you think. And no matter what happens, you and your friends will have done your best."

I take a deep breath, appreciating her presence. "Thanks, Mom. It feels good to talk a little."

"I am always here for you, sweetheart." she says, standing up. "Now, try to get some rest. Tomorrow is a new day."

"Good night, Mom." I say softly.

"Good night, my angel." She leaves the room, closing the door behind her.

I sit for a moment by the window, listening to the silence of the sleeping house, before returning to my bed. Perhaps, as my mother said, talking really could help. But for now, I prefer to keep my thoughts to myself, in the soothing calm of this quiet night.