Chapter 7

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The following day, I found myself on my way to school, despite the pouring rain that was a bit too intense for my taste.

Although the school was just a brief ten-minute walk away, I was already completely drenched. I suppose that's the outcome when you don't have a driver's permit.

Approximately five minutes away from school, a car pulled up beside me. They rolled down the window, but I continued to march forward. I wouldn't let anyone who might be attempting to kidnap me succeed today.

"Sweetheart, get in," the voice called out.

I abruptly halted. Vincent?

I pivoted, and sure enough, it was him – seated behind the wheel of a sleek black Chevrolet Camaro.

Wow. 

"You can admire my car later, just get it before you get hypothermia."

"I can handle a 5-minute walk. I won't freeze."

He sighed, the sound carrying a mixture of exasperation and amusement, "Just get in."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his exaggerated concern, but I relented and climbed into the car nonetheless. As soon as I was settled, he cranked up the heat.

He took a leisurely moment to appraise the outfit I had chosen for the day. It wasn't anything extraordinary—just a hoodie, jeans, and my handy dandy pair of high-top Converse sneakers.

I took a minute to glance around his vehicle; it was impeccably clean. And then the realisation struck me—I'm actually in Vincent's car??

It's remarkable how only a few days ago, we were no more than acquaintances. Yet here I am now, in his car as he drives us to school.

The rest of the drive is silent, I stare out the window as I see other people rushing to get to school in the rain. 

As I stepped out of the car after arriving, a sudden chill engulfed me. The abrupt transition from the car's warmth to the outside air caused an involuntary shiver to run through me. The hoodie I wore was still damp from earlier, making my skin prickle. 

I noticed Vincent's gaze on me, and before I could fully comprehend what was happening, he disappeared to the trunk of his car. He reappeared at my side, holding out a garment that appeared to be a hoodie.

Baffled, I stared at him and questioned, "What's this for?"

He returned my gaze, his eyes carrying a softness I hadn't expected, and replied, "You're likely to be shivering for the next few hours. Just take it. You can give it back to me at the end of the day."

I was taken aback by his consideration, my surprise mingling with gratitude. 

Though hesitant, I accepted the hoodie, my words a sincere response to his unexpected gesture, "Thank you." With a genuine smile, I turned and headed to the restroom to change into the warmer clothing.

I scanned the hallway, hoping to catch sight of Rory by her locker, but she wasn't in view. I silently made a mental note to share everything with her later. With a determined nod, I decided to continue on my way, walking the remaining distance to the restroom.

As I slipped into the hoodie Vincent had given me, a waft of warmth enveloped me, and I couldn't help but notice an unmistakable, comforting scent. The fabric felt incredibly cozy against my skin, a stark contrast to the damp chill that had been clinging to me moments ago. Since Vincent's was much taller, the hoodie dangled down to around my knees, wrapping me in a comforting embrace.

I collected my belongings and stowed my hoodie in my locker before reaching my English class.

Upon entering the room, I spotted Rory already seated, her gaze locked onto the door. As soon as I walked in, a visible wave of relief washed over her features.

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