Ephemeral Reverie

FIREWORKS OF FATE

CH3: FIREWORKS OF FATE

She can still hear her heart pound as she shuts the door behind her. Leaning against the cool wood, she let out a deep breath. That ride with Soren was still fresh in her mind, but she's confused by the emotion she felt as well as the awkward silence they shared. She couldn't shake the feeling that had shifted between them, which had left her restless and unsure. She lies down in her bedroom, the walls adorned with her artwork. Her phone buzzed, and she saw her best friend's message: "How did it go with Soren? 😏"

Thalia couldn't help but show a smile, so she quickly replied. "I'm not sure... Can we talk tomorrow? "

After sending the message, she stared at her ceiling, reminiscing about all the moments she spent with Soren this day. She was confused by the sudden presence of Soren in the art room, his curiosity about her, his willingness to help them by doing the murals, and the way he seemed genuinely interested in her passion for painting—none of it added up. Why would someone so popular like Soren want to spend some time with her?

She reached out to the picture frame on her nightstand, where their family picture rested. She carefully caressed the picture and said, "You left me too early." A tear escaped in her eyes as she tried not to sob hard. She has been left alone by her father since she was 14; her mother passed away after giving birth to her. It was challenging for her to live alone, but she managed to be strong every day. She's thankful to her best friend, who has sheltered her ever since she became an orphan.

All those fading memories of her father are what she holds onto; it has just been a year since her father remarried and had his own family. But even after remarrying, her father still supports her financial needs. She has no one to talk to when things don't go as planned; she has her best friend, but having a parent still feels different to her. 

Crying, she hugged the picture frame of their family. She has no memories of her mother since she left her too early. All that she remembers is the picture of her mother when she was pregnant. Things don't go as planned. To her, all she wants is a family, but destiny takes it away too early. She fell asleep crying; to her, it was a relief, and she feels comfort when she falls asleep while crying. She thinks that God has just comforted and hugged her.

The peak of the morning sunshine flushed into her room, waking her up. She hurriedly took her breakfast and took a bath. She looked at the dress hanging in her cabinet; she never gets the chance to wear it. It was her father's birthday gift to her when she was 16, and she decided to wear them, and it still fits perfectly, so she wears it for today's school event.

Thalia met Zara in their usual spot, a cozy corner of the school courtyard, where they often discussed everything from art to life. Zara's eyes sparkled with curiosity as Thalia approached. "Such beautiful woman! So, spill the tea! What happened after you left with Soren? "Zara asked excitedly, barely able to manage to contain her excitement.

Thalia just sighed, sitting down beside her as she said, "It was....weird. He offered me a ride home; no, he actually insisted. But there's something off about it."

Zara leaned closer as her excitement turned into a serious face. "Off? Why would he offer you a ride home? "

"Yeah, why would he? Like, hello, he's the most popular basketball player and the team captain of the Torchbearers. Why would he? Right? "It was not just the ride home; it was her indescribable feeling she felt throughout the day she spent with Soren. She can't tell her best friend because she's shy; maybe she overthinks a lot about how Soren treated her, or she misunderstands it.

A smile suddenly appeared on Zara's face, leaving Thalia confused. "Maybe he likes you, Thalia. Have you ever thought about it?"

Thalia's cheeks turn red. "Come on, Soren likes me? Are you out of your mind? He's always confident as usual, so maybe you misunderstood it." She wants to escape the topic; no, she never thought that Soren liked him, and even if he does, she will not consider it. She wants to focus on her studies to pursue her dreams which is her top priority now.