Unbroken Melodies | Charlie Delgado

Unexpected Encounter

As the car pulled up to the curb, Celestine adjusted her backpack and took a deep breath. She knew what was coming next: a lecture from her mother about the importance of getting straight A's and making sure she was the top student in her class. Celestine was a popular girl at her high school, known for her kindness and beauty, but she was also incredibly academically talented. However, her mother's expectations weighed heavily on her shoulders, and Celestine couldn't help but feel the pressure to constantly excel.

'Celestine, I hope you have a successful day at school,' her mother said, as Celestine opened the car door. 'Remember, I expect nothing less than perfection from you. I want you to get a perfect score on all your tests and assignments.'

Celestine nodded, putting on a brave face and plastering a smile on her lips. 'Yes, mother. I won't let you down.'

Her mother's words stung, but Celestine knew better than to argue. She closed the car door and took a moment to compose herself. Her eyes were slightly blurry from the tears that threatened to fall, and she didn't see the boy walking towards her until it was too late. She bumped into him, nearly falling to the ground.

'I'm so sorry!' Celestine exclaimed, as she regained her balance. She looked up and saw a pair of warm, brown eyes staring back at her. It was Charlie Delgado.



'No, it's my fault,' Charlie said, offering her a hand. 'I wasn't paying attention. Are you okay?'

Celestine took his hand and allowed him to help her up. She felt a strange flutter in her chest and quickly let go of his hand, taking a step back. 'I'm fine, thank you. I'm Celestine, by the way. It's nice to meet you.'

Charlie smiled. 'Nice to meet you too, Celestine. Ummm... I've seen you around school. You're quite popular, aren't you?' In a good way of course.

Celestine smiled and blushed, uncomfortable with the attention. 'I don't know about that. I just try to be kind to everyone.'

Charlie nodded, his gaze softening. 'That's really cool. I wish more people were like that.'

Celestine smiled, feeling a connection with Charlie that she couldn't explain.

Just then, the bell rang, signaling the start of the school day.

'I guess I better get going,' Celestine said, reluctantly.

Charlie nodded. 'Y-yeah, me too. Maybe I'll see you around? Charlie said while blushing

Celestine watched as Charlie walked away, feeling a strange mix of emotions. She had just met him, but there was something about him that she couldn't shake. She shook her head, dismissing the thought and headed towards her first class.

Celestine's Pov~

As I hurried through the bustling halls of Mesa High School, my mind went back to the encounter I'd just had with Charlie Delgado. Time seemed to blur as I darted past students, my backpack bouncing on my shoulders.

Rounding a corner too quickly, I collided with someone, sending us both falling to the ground. As I looked up, my eyes widened in shock-it was Principal Steven Brenigan, the imposing principal who only loves sports and Turbo Blast, and only treats the cheerleaders and the jocks like they matter.

A sense of dread washed over me as I scrambled to my feet, barely managing to stammer out an apology. His expression was stern, his eyes looking at me that made me feel like an ant under a microscope.

'Watch where you're going, Miss Martinez,' he said. 'Detention after school. I won't tolerate such recklessness in my school.'

My heart sank. Detention would only add to the stress of an already challenging day. I nodded meekly, unable to meet his gaze as I gathered my belongings and hurried to my class. The weight of his disapproval hung over me like a thundercloud.

Throughout the day, the encounter with Principal Brenigan nagged at me, a constant reminder of the consequences of my rushed actions. As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, I made my way to the detention room, steeling myself for what lay ahead.