A Eternal Love

chapter first

Again, I’m here—walking along that same narrow path, standing in front of the lonely hut. I don’t know this place, but this place… it knows me. I can’t move forward, because the moment I step closer, the smog rises and swallows me whole. Every time, it feels as if something—or someone—is holding me back from reaching the hut.

But, like always, I take a step. The smog creeps in, and I’m lost again.

And then comes the voice. The same one every night.
“You have to wait until he allows you to enter. You have to wait for him. You have to find him.”

Ring ring…

The alarm blares. I jolt awake and tumble off the bed. Not again. The dream feels like it’s killing me slowly. And of course, I’m late. Mom is going to kill me for real this time.

I drag myself through my morning routine, reminding myself—as usual—that my life is basically a story, and I’m the main character. At least, that’s what I like to believe.

As I head downstairs toward the kitchen, I hear my mom and sister talking about me in that worried-about-her-future kind of way. I’ve never really understood the point of worrying. If something’s meant to happen, it will. Simple.

My mom’s name is Ava, my sister is Rebecca, and me? I’m Mia—the unlucky one who got my grandmother’s name while she’s still alive. No offense, but where’s the fun in that?

From behind, my dad, Tyler, steps into the scene and joins the conversation, because why not—it’s a family thing.

Mom : “Mia, I know you’re listening. Come have breakfast before you’re late.”
Mia: “Good morning, everyone.”
Rebecca: “Morning, Mia. You’re not late today?”
Mia: “Nope. My morning classes are off. First lecture’s at twelve.”
Rebecca: “Great, I’ll drop you then.”
Mia: “Cool. Can Jeeya and Harry come too?”
Rebecca: “We don’t have space.”
Mia: “Two people can’t possibly take up the whole car.”
Rebecca: [rolling her eyes] “I have to give Stella a ride. Her car broke down. Maybe you two can finally bond.”
Mia: “I’ll take the bus.”
Rebecca: “You hate buses.”
Mia: “I hate Stella more.”
Mom: “Mia! Behave. She’s your sister’s soon-to-be sister-in-law.”
Mia: “Cousin.”
Mom: “Still.”
Mia: “She hated me first. I’m just returning the gift.”

Dad tries to save me, like always.
Dad: “Ava, leave her alone. If she doesn’t want to, don’t force her.”
Mom: “Tyler, you spoil her. She’s becoming a brat.”
Mia: “I’m nice to everyone—except Stella. Because she’s a bitch.”
Rebecca: [coughs]
Mia: “See? She coughed because I spoke the truth.”
Rebecca: “No, people hiccup when they tell the truth.”
Mia: “Same difference. It still works in my favor.”
Rebecca: “And who told you that?”
Mia: “Grandma. Obviously.”

Dad checks the time and hurries to leave.
Dad: “I’ll drop you off, Bella.”
Rebecca: “Not fair, Dad!”
Mia: [smirking] “😁😝”

Mom keeps trying to make peace, but Dad slips out with me. Before shutting the door, I hear Mom mutter, “When will she grow up?” and Rebecca sigh, “Maybe never.” They’re probably right. Growing up sounds boring anyway.

The car ride with Dad is my favorite part of the day. He doesn’t talk much, but his actions always speak louder than words. He’s the best.

Dad: “So, how’s college?”
Mia: “Great, Dad 😁.”
Dad: “New semester means new start. Be good.”
Mia: “I’m always good.”
Dad: “Pop quiz. What should you do if someone messes with you?”
Mia: “Break their nose.”
Dad: 😐
Mia: “What? You taught me that!”
Dad: “Your mom is going to kill me.”
Mia: 😁
Dad: “That’s only if someone tries ragging you. Otherwise, call me or tell your professor.”
Mia: [pouts] “Okay.”
Dad: “Doesn’t sound convincing.”
Mia: 😁

Luckily, we reach college before he can turn the lecture into a sermon about Stella.

I wave goodbye, step out, and head toward the gates. Among the sea of students, I start scanning for my people—my favorite animals in this jungle. They should be here by now.

And then I see her. My best friend. Laughing. Talking.

With Stella.

My sworn enemy.