IV- Between Heartbeats

33 1 0
                                    

Ruby's PoV

Waking up next to Alex was like greeting a new dawn every day. The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over his peaceful face. I couldn't help but smile, feeling a warmth spread through me. I leaned in and kissed his cheek, feeling his skin stir slightly under my touch. His eyes fluttered open, and he smiled at me, a smile that could light up even the darkest of days.

"Good morning, Rue," he murmured, his voice still heavy with sleep.

"Morning, Alex," I replied, my voice soft. "Ready to face another day?"

He chuckled and stretched, pulling me closer for a brief moment before letting me go. "Always, especially with you by my side."

We got out of bed and headed to the bathroom. I watched as Alex splashed water on his face and brushed his teeth. It was a simple, everyday moment, but it felt special because it was with him. I mimicked his actions, and soon we were both refreshed and ready to face the day.

After getting dressed in our school uniforms, we headed downstairs to the kitchen. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted us, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. Alex, being the master chef he was, whipped up a delicious breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and bacon. We ate quickly, chatting about our plans for the day.

"Do you have everything you need for school?" Alex asked, his tone serious.

I nodded, patting my backpack. "Yep, got my books, my notes, and my Anzio. Just in case."

He smiled, shaking his head. "Always prepared. That's my Rue."

We finished our breakfast, and Alex grabbed the car keys. We walked out to the driveway, where my 1977 Ford Mustang GT-40 awaited. The sleek black paint gleamed in the morning sun, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of pride. Alex had bought it for me a few months ago, and I cherished it deeply.

The drive to school was uneventful, filled with the familiar sights and sounds of our town. We chatted about our upcoming classes, laughing and joking as we always did. As we pulled into the school parking lot, I felt a sense of anticipation. Another day of learning, another day of being with Alex.

We walked hand in hand through the school gates, drawing a few envious glances. I couldn't help but feel a surge of possessiveness, but I quickly pushed it down. Alex was mine, and no one could change that.

Our first class was history, taught by Mr. Thompson, a stern but fair teacher. We took our seats, and I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. History was one of Alex's favorite subjects, and I loved seeing him light up whenever the topic turned to World War II.

"Good morning, class," Mr. Thompson greeted us, his voice booming. "Today, we'll be discussing the Battle of the Bulge. Can anyone tell me what this battle was about?"

Alex's hand shot up, and Mr. Thompson nodded at him. "Yes, Alex?"

"The Battle of the Bulge was the last major German offensive campaign on the Western Front during World War II. It took place from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945, and was an attempt by Hitler to split the Allied forces and capture the Belgian port of Antwerp," Alex explained, his voice steady and confident.

"Very good, Alex," Mr. Thompson praised. "As usual, you have an excellent grasp of the subject."

I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. Alex was amazing, and I was lucky to have him.

The rest of the class passed in a blur of notes and discussions. Before I knew it, the bell rang, signaling the end of the period. We gathered our things and headed to our next class, English.

The disappeared Rose.Where stories live. Discover now