To the other Side

18. HIRAETH III

Adrian's heart raced as he watched Celestina from a distance. Her presence was magnetic, drawing his attention like a moth to a flame. He stood there, rooted to the spot, unable to tear his gaze away from her. The world around him seemed to blur into insignificance, and all that mattered was the enchanting figure before him.

In that moment, as he gazed at Celestina, he felt like they were living in two entirely different worlds. Her grace, beauty, and elegance seemed to belong to a realm far beyond his reach. Her background, which he had only heard about in hushed whispers, was a stark contrast to his own. Adrian couldn't help but feel a sense of pity for himself; he had never imagined that someone like Celestina could ever be a part of his life.

As he finally managed to pull himself away from his reverie, Adrian realized that he was slowly making his way toward the gate of the school. His steps were measured and cautious, as though he was afraid of disturbing the ethereal moment he had just experienced. He couldn't help but wonder what had brought Celestina to the school, as he had never seen her there before.

Just as he was about to reach the gate, he felt a sudden rush of movement behind him. Before he could react, Celestina was running toward him, her radiant smile lighting up the space around her. It was as if they were old friends reuniting after a long separation, and Adrian was left in a state of shock as she bumped into him.

The impact was gentle, but it sent a shiver down his spine. He hadn't expected this sudden, intimate contact, and he had to hold onto his backpack tightly to keep his emotions from spilling out. The backpack, a simple yet sturdy one, contained not only his books and supplies but also the emotions that were now in turmoil within him. It was as if the bag itself was a vessel holding his surprise and admiration.

Adrian stuttered for a moment, his voice catching in his throat as he tried to find the right words to express his astonishment. He had seen Celestina last night,but this was different. Here, in the open air, her beauty seemed to shine even more brilliantly. It was as if the very clouds above had conspired to bow down and pay homage to the breathtaking sight that was Celestina. The sky itself seemed to be participating in the enchantment of the moment, casting a warm, golden glow over the scene.

Celestina's dress was a masterpiece of elegance and sophistication. It flowed around her like a cascade of moonlight, the fabric shimmering with every step she took. The dress was a soft, ethereal shade of lavender, a color that complemented her complexion perfectly. Delicate lace accents adorned the bodice and sleeves, adding a touch of timeless grace to her ensemble. The skirt of the dress billowed with every movement, creating an almost otherworldly aura around her.

Adrian couldn't help but be struck by the attention to detail in her attire. The dress seemed tailor-made for her, hugging her figure in all the right places and accentuating her natural beauty. Her hair, a cascade of ebony silk, framed her face like a veil of midnight, and her eyes sparkled with a depth that seemed to contain the secrets of the universe. Her every movement was a graceful dance, and it left Adrian utterly entranced.

As they stood there, momentarily locked in each other's gaze, the world seemed to fade away. The sounds of the bustling school and the voices of his classmates were drowned out by the enchanting symphony of their connection. Adrian felt a warmth spreading through his chest, and he realized that he was smiling, a genuine and heartfelt smile that he hadn't experienced in a long time.

Celestina's laughter was like a melody, and as she spoke, her voice was a soothing balm to Adrian's soul. She was the embodiment of grace and kindness, and her genuine interest in him left him feeling as though he was the most important person in the world.

In that moment, Adrian knew that his world had irrevocably changed. Celestina had entered his life like a shooting star, and he couldn't help but feel that this was the beginning of something extraordinary. The backpack, once a vessel of emotions and surprise, now felt like a mere afterthought in the presence of the radiant Celestina.