epiphany | damian x anya

16 | grabbing the stars

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"As punishment for your tardiness, you are to help the dormitory's matron. Until then you are prohibited from the dormitory." Henderson looked at me with his usual stern eyes.

My eyes were going to pop out from staring at him for too long. "Yes, sir."

"How unusual, though it's not a school day," He continued. "A self-indulgent lifestyle is not elegant at all, Mr. Desmond."

The dizziness made me sway a little. "I'll do better, sir."

Can't believe I have to do this.

"Lord Damian, were you up studying again?" Ewen and Emile ran beside me as I gathered the sheets to dry for the Dorm Mother.

"I need to hurry up and get myself a Stella." I stared back at them blankly, though my eyelids were half closed already. I settled the basket onto the grass and began to drape the sheets over the clothesline.

"You're pushing yourself too hard." Ewen continued, though he sounded quite concerned. But there was nothing to be concerned about. "Oh yeah, by the way, I heard our teacher's taking us to the movies today!"

As if I was even able to go. I had to study.

"We might get to see 20,000 Steps Under the Sea!"

"And on the way back, we're gonna have roast beef at Wimpson's!" Why was Emile always thinking about food? "Let's finish up so we can meet up with everyone! Yay! Roast beef!"

I sighed. "I'm not going. I'll be studying in my room."

"Huh?" Emile's shoulders slumped. "Even though we don't have classes today? It's a holiday!"

"Yes! I already made up my mind, okay?" I grumbled as I picked up the basket to gather more sheets.

"No...but..."

It's what Dad would want.

"Professor," A kid's voice echoed from nearby. I paused my steps and turned. It was some kids and Professor Evans. "Can we see any movie we want?"

"I wanna see 20,000 Steps Under the Sea!" Another kid exclaimed.

Mr. Evans smiled cheerfully as usual. "Is that so? We'll have to see, kids."

They all cheered.

I wasn't like those other kids. While they were all busy playing around, I was focused on working hard to get to the top. My father always said I had to keep pushing myself, so I wouldn't bring shame upon the Desmond name. I hoped that maybe, just maybe, my father might praise me again. Even if Demetrius told me it still wouldn't.

I remembered the look of disappointment in his eyes every single time. The other kids didn't understand the pressure. They laughed and played without a care in the world, but I couldn't afford to be like them. Every moment I spent working brought me closer to my goal.

I couldn't afford to rest.

Not one bit.

I walked off and went off to bring more sheets to hang up. But when I did, Ewen and Emile were already there with their own baskets. "What are you doing? What about your outing?"

"We're grounded." Emile had his head bowed down shamelessly, and I knew they must've done it on purpose.

"Let's finish this up quickly." Ewen draped another sheet on the clothesline.

I rolled my eyes. "I already told you, I won't be going outside."

"Stop being so stubborn, Lord Damian!"