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| ❛ C H A P T E R T H R E E ❜ |
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2 years ago

I've been at Maxton Hall for about a month now, and every day has felt like a new adventure. The beautiful campus, with its historic buildings and lush gardens, has become my second home.

James and Lydia have been my guides through this new world, introducing me to the hidden nooks and crannies of the school. The secret garden behind the art studio has become our favorite spot.

Classes are a whirlwind of activity and learning. The teachers here are passionate, bringing subjects to life in ways I never imagined. Mrs. Campbell with her kind smile and infectious enthusiasm, has made history my favorite subject. I've also discovered a love for literature, losing myself in the pages of classic novels during long afternoons in the library.

And then there's the boy with the glasses, Kieran. From the moment I introduced myself to the class, he's been a constant presence in my thoughts. We've shared a few fleeting glances and exchanged smiles, but we haven't actually spoken yet. There's something about his quiet demeanor and the way he immerses himself in graphic designs that intrigues me.

One afternoon, as I hurried down the hallway with a stack of books, I turned a corner too quickly and bumped into someone. My books went flying, and I stumbled backward.

"Oh no, I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed, looking up to see Kieran kneeling to pick up my books. His face was a shade of pink, his shy demeanor making the situation even more endearing.

"It's okay," he mumbled, handing me the books. "I should've watched where I was going."

"No, it was totally my fault," I insisted, taking the books from him. "Thank you for helping me."

As I bent down to pick up his book, I finally took the opportunity to introduce myself properly. "I'm Aurora, by the way. We've... seen each other in class, but we haven't really talked."

Kieran looked up, his eyes meeting mine for a moment before glancing away. "I'm Kieran," he said softly. "Nice to meet you, Aurora."

I noticed one of his books had fallen as well, a thick volume with intricate designs on the cover. I picked it up and handed it to him. "You like mythology?"

Kieran's eyes lit up, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, it's kind of a hobby."

"That's so cool," I said, genuinely interested. "I've always been fascinated by myths and legends."

We stood there for a moment, an awkward silence settling between us. I could see he was struggling to find the right words.

"Maybe... if you want... we could talk about it sometime?" I suggested, hoping to ease his nerves.

Kieran's smile grew a little more confident. "I'd like that."

Just then, the bell rang, signaling the end of the period. We both jumped slightly, breaking the moment.

"I guess we should get to class," Kieran said, glancing down the hallway.

"Yeah," I agreed, still holding the books tightly. "See you later?"

"See you," he replied, giving me one last shy smile before turning and walking away.

I watched him go, a warm, fluttering sensation filling my chest. And that was when I realized—I had developed a small crush on the boy.

˙ . ꒷ 🌊 . 𖦹˙—

The school day finally drew to a close, the final bell echoing through the corridors like a release from captivity. I let out a sigh of relief, my shoulders relaxing as I packed up my things.

Today had been a whirlwind, full of bustling classrooms, intense lessons, and the constant hum of chatter. My energy was drained, and all I could think about was the comfort of home and my bed.

As I stepped out of the school building, the cool afternoon breeze was a welcome contrast to the stuffy indoor air. I spotted my driver, Charles, waiting by the entrance, standing next to a sleek black car.

"Hello, Charles," I greeted him with a tired smile as he opened the backseat door for me.

"Good afternoon, Miss Aurora," he replied, his voice smooth and courteous. "How was your day?"

"Tiring," I admitted, sliding into the plush leather seat. "But I'm glad it's over."

As the car pulled away from the school, I leaned back and closed my eyes, letting the gentle hum of the engine lull me into a state of relaxation. The cityscape of England rushed past the windows, a blur of historical architecture and modern bustle.

"Did anything interesting happen today?" Charles asked, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.

I opened my eyes, smiling at the memory. "Actually, yes. I finally introduced myself to a boy I've been curious about. His name is Kieran, and we had a bit of a... book collision in the hallway."

Charles chuckled softly. "That sounds like quite the introduction. Did you make a new friend?"

"I hope so," I said, feeling a flutter of excitement. "He seems really nice, just a bit shy. We talked about mythology for a bit, and he seemed to open up."

"Ah, mythology. A fascinating subject," Charles remarked. "I believe it holds many stories that can captivate the imagination."

I nodded in agreement, feeling a spark of enthusiasm rekindle despite my exhaustion. "Yes, exactly. I'm looking forward to getting to know him better."

As we approached my new home, a grand estate nestled on the outskirts of the city, I felt a sense of awe all over again. The towering gates opened to reveal manicured gardens and a sprawling mansion, a stark contrast to the modest home I had left behind in Italy. It was beautiful, but it still felt foreign.

Charles pulled up to the entrance, and a maid was already waiting to greet me. "Welcome home, Miss Aurora," she said with a warm smile.

"Thank you, Maria," I replied, stepping out of the car. I turned to Charles. "Thank you for the ride, Charles."

"My pleasure, Miss Aurora. Have a restful evening," he said, giving me a polite nod before driving away to park the car elsewhere.

As I entered the grand foyer, the cool marble floors and high ceilings echoed with the sounds of my footsteps, the grandeur of the space still awe-inspiring despite my daily comings and goings. The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting intricate patterns on the floor and walls. The house was a blend of old-world elegance and modern luxury, showcasing my father's impeccable taste.

I made my way to my dad's study room, my heart beating a little faster with each step. This room was his sanctuary, filled with shelves upon shelves of books, antique furniture, and the faint scent of old leather and wood polish.

As I approached the door, I paused for a moment, gathering my thoughts. My dad had always been my rock, his unwavering support and guidance a constant source of strength. I knew he would be eager to hear about my day, especially the encounter with Kieran.

I knocked gently before entering. "Babbo?"

My father looked up from his desk, his reading glasses perched on the bridge of his nose. He smiled warmly, setting aside a stack of papers. "Rory, cara mia, come in. How was school today?"

"Busy, but good," I said, walking over to sit in one of the leather chairs opposite his desk. "I had an interesting encounter."

He leaned back in his chair, his curiosity piqued. "Oh? Tell me more."

"I finally introduced myself to Kieran," I began, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. "He's the boy I've mentioned a few times, the one with the glasses who loves mythology."

My dad's eyes twinkled with interest. "And how did that go?"

"We bumped into each other in the hallway—literally," I said with a laugh. "Our books went flying everywhere. But it gave us a chance to talk. He's really nice, babbo. Quiet and a bit shy, but there's something about him..."

My father nodded thoughtfully. "It sounds like you've made a connection. That's wonderful, Rory. Friendships, and perhaps even more, often start in the most unexpected ways."

"Yeah," I agreed, feeling a surge of hope. "I'm looking forward to getting to know him better."

𖦹 !! ꒰ 03 ꒱ ᯓ 🌤️