He'd gone beyond his player ways for her.
She'd grown beyond her traumatic past for him.
Together, their love was beyond.
Until one fatal accident.
__________
When she loses the love of her life in a car crash, Althea has nothing left in California...
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*ALTHEA'S POV*
October 11, 2016.
"Okay, I think we've reached the end of our tour. Don't hesitate to ask if you need help finding some rooms, and I've also put my number on the map I gave you, in case."
"Thanks, but I'll be fine. I have a good memory for these things," I replied before realizing it sounded ruder than intended, especially when the blond-haired guy was holding out the door for me.
So I quickly offered him a thankful smile. "I have another question, though, if you can help? It's about the clubs."
"Sure, tell me." Troy's friendly grin didn't waver at my previous rudeness, nor at the brightness as we stepped into the schoolyard.
He was surely used to the Californian sun, contrary to my eyes, which needed a few seconds to adjust to the dappled light seeping through one of the many palm trees around.
Palm trees and parasol pines bordering the whole concrete courtyard and further into the paths and squares of lawn, it would surely take me a few more days to get familiar with this sight. Though for now, I focused on the papers in my hands and not missing a step as we strolled around.
"Um, it's written here that there's an art club, but I couldn't find it on the website registration. Do you know why?"
I probably should have asked the homeroom teacher for this, but so far, Troy and his detailed documents had helped me more than the man who was too busy on his laptop.
It was clear Troy was taking his representative role seriously. Besides, his smile had stayed patient through all his explanations. At least, until this instant, as it strained into a wince.
"Yes, it's because there's no member since years. Mrs. Hearts is... well, everyone calls her the Queen of Hearts, if that can give you an idea."
Indeed, I'd watched Alice in Wonderland enough to get the image and even hear the 'off with her head'.
"And if I want to sign up, how do I do then?"
He stared at me as if I were mad, and maybe I was, though I preferred to call it 'passion'.
"You know we have other art clubs like music, literature, and origami?"
"Yes, I saw on the website, but origami won't add to my resume for the UCLA Fashion course. Arts is the closest to fashion design I can find, and if I have to paint roses for the queen, I will."
