Maia

21

Word Count: 1084

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MAIA'S POV

The final bell of the school day rang, and a wave of relief washed over me as Emma slid into the driver's seat. The car glided smoothly along the road, taking us back to what I could hardly call just a house - it was more like a grand mansion, its imposing façade framed by perfectly manicured gardens.

As we arrived, Emma dropped me off with a quick nod before she drove around to the rear of the mansion, where I had recently discovered the staff quarters were located. I pushed open the heavy front door and called out, my voice echoing in the vast emptiness, but all I was met with was a haunting silence.

I wandered through the vast rooms, each devoid of life, a sense of loneliness creeping in as I searched without success. Finally, I let out a soft sigh of frustration and made my way upstairs to my room. The idea of a warm shower beckoned me, and I looked forward to shedding my school clothes for something more comfortable.

The water stings my open wounds, and the pressure feels nice on most of my body except for the bruised areas. I push the pain out of my mind, trying to focus on the warmth surrounding me. Thankfully, after the first class, I didn't have to see Nikolia again, which brought me a sense of relief. Emma ensured I had something to eat, though it was just liquid food. She knows how my appetite has been lately, Al told her. We settled into a cozy corner of the library and I nestled into a chair, I opened the pages of the book I had started during my previous visit, eager to get lost in its story once more.

After finishing my shower, I take a moment to carefully dry my wound, being cautious not to aggravate it. Once I'm done, I quickly slip into some comfortable sweatpants and a matching hoodie, feeling the soft fabric against my skin. I tie my hair into a messy bun, letting a few strands fall around my face. With a sense of relaxation washing over me, I step out of my room and head down the hallway.

As I make my way to the movie room, I open the fridge and grab a smoothie that someone kindly prepared for me. The coolness of the drink is refreshing, and I take a quick sip before continuing downstairs.

Entering the movie room, I see the plush couch inviting me to settle in. I grab a soft, cozy blanket from the side and wrap it around myself, feeling its warmth immediately envelop me. I sink into the cushions, ease into a comfortable position, and reach for the remote.

With a flick of my thumb, I start scrolling through various films and series, exploring my options as a sense of anticipation builds. What will I watch to unwind and escape for a while?

A soft hum escapes my lips at the sight of the movie "Me Before You" in front of me. Excitedly, I grab the remote and press play. Just then, I feel a gentle vibration coming from my pocket. I take out my phone and see a message from Al asking where I am. I quickly type a response, letting him know I'm at home watching a movie, and then I turn my phone off to avoid distractions.

Just as the opening credits begin to roll, the door opens, and Alessandro strolls in. His presence instantly brightens the room for me. He makes his way over to the couch and sits down next to me, wrapping his arm around my shoulders and pulling me closer into his side. I can't help but smile as I look up at him, feeling a warm sense of comfort. Resting my head on his shoulder, I indulge in the moment, feeling grateful to share this experience together. The movie starts to play, and I settle in, feeling perfectly content.

"How was school today, Principessa?" Al inquired, his warm gaze settling on me as he looked down to my level. His eyes flicked momentarily to my drink before returning to my face with a small, affectionate smile.

"It was really good! We learned about animal diversity," I replied, my enthusiasm bubbling over. I could feel the excitement of the day's lessons rushing back to me. Al nodded in interest, clearly engaged. "That's cool! Animals are fascinating. So, what movie are we watching, Principessa?" he asked, directing his attention to the screen, where the title was displayed.

"Me Before You," I murmured, feeling a bit shy but also eager to share my choice with him. He nodded in understanding, and we both settled into the couch, the anticipation of the movie enveloping us in a cozy atmosphere. We quieted down and shifted our focus, ready to immerse ourselves in the story on the screen.
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My eyes brim with tears as Al pulls me in closer, wrapping his arms around me in a comforting embrace. "Will can't die... he has to live... for Lou," I whisper, my voice trembling with emotion as I watch the heartbreaking scene unfold. Al's gentle touch reassures me as Will prepares to say his final goodbye. Alessandro softly rubs his hand up and down my back in a soothing motion, trying to console me as the characters on the screen are engulfed in their own sorrow, their tears reflecting the pain I feel in my heart. The weight of the moment hangs heavily in the air, a shared sense of loss enveloping me.

The scene shifts to Clark, who is reading Will's emotional letters. As the movie reaches its end, tears stream down my face, and I instinctively lean my head into Alessandro's chest, seeking comfort. The weight of the sadness lingers, and I find myself overwhelmed. I can't imagine watching another heart-wrenching film for quite some time.

Al and I remain in an embrace, the quietness surrounding us as I slowly begin to calm down. After a moment, Alessandro breaks the silence. "Let's find something more upbeat to lighten the mood, alright? We have some time before dinner," he suggests gently, his voice soothing. I nod in agreement, a small smile emerging on my lips, grateful for his comforting presence. Alessandro deftly takes the remote with his free hand, his fingers gliding over the buttons as he browses through the selection of movies, eager to find something that will bring a touch of joy to our evening.