Elite Affairs - Book one

Chapter Eighteen

"Your scars doesn't define you, your strength does"

Sunday morning sunlight filtered through the blinds of Açelya's dorm room, casting a warm glow across the cozy space. She stirred, her body heavy with exhaustion. Yesterday's school trip had drained everyone's energy, and the quiet evening had been a testament to that. Mass this morning had been a struggle to stay awake, but attendance was mandatory. Now, as she lay in bed, Açelya's thoughts drifted lazily, her mind reluctant to shake off the remnants of sleep.

The sound of her phone displaying the time - 10:00 AM - pierced the tranquility. Breakfast was being served in the dining hall until 11 AM, and her stomach growled in anticipation. With a sigh, Açelya tossed off the covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Her feet dangled, hesitating for a moment before touching the cool floor.

Açelya shuffled to the bathroom, flipping on the light switch. The sudden brightness made her squint. She adjusted the water temperature, stepping into the shower as the warmth enveloped her. The gentle stream revived her senses, washing away the fatigue. She lathered up her hair, working the shampoo into a rich foam before rinsing thoroughly.

After brushing her teeth, Açelya moved to her closet, scanning the array of casual outfits. She chose a comfortable pair of dark jeans and a pastel pink sweater, pairing it with her white sneakers. The simple yet put-together ensemble boosted her mood. She towel-dried her hair, gathering it into a ponytail that accentuated her face.

Feeling refreshed, Açelya grabbed her phone, slipping out of her dorm room. The hallway was quiet, with only a few students stirring. She headed downstairs to the dining hall, looking forward to a relaxing Sunday morning.

Açelya entered the bustling cafeteria, the aroma of freshly cooked breakfast filling her senses. She joined the queue, surveying the options. The breakfast spread consisted of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes, and fresh fruits. She opted for a simpler meal: scrambled eggs, whole wheat toast, and a glass of orange juice. She collected her food and scanned the room for an empty seat.

Spotting a vacant chair at a table, Açelya sat down, placing her tray in front of her. The table was occupied by a few other students, some engrossed in their phones, others conversing quietly. To her left, a senior was typing away on her laptop, earbuds in. Across from her, two juniors chatted softly about their weekend plans. Açelya tuned them out, focusing on her breakfast.

She took a bite of her scrambled eggs, savoring the fluffy texture. The orange juice provided a refreshing contrast to the richness of the eggs. As she ate, Açelya checked her phone, scrolling through messages and social media.

A message from Léon popped up, catching her attention. She felt a flutter in her chest, her curiosity piqued. She opened the message, and her eyes widened at the curt instruction:

"Meet me at the library at 12 pm."

Açelya's mind raced. Why did Léon want to see her? Her confusion deepened. She sat still, her breakfast forgotten, her thoughts consumed by Léon's message. Memories of their school excursion resurfaced, the almost-kiss lingering in her mind like an unspoken promise. Açelya's cheeks flushed as she recalled the way Léon's eyes had locked onto hers, the tension between them palpable. She felt her heart skip a beat, her pulse quickening. The library seemed to beckon, but Açelya hesitated, unsure what to expect.

Just then, her phone buzzed again. Léon's response was curt, answering her unspoken question. "We need to work on your maths, remember?." His words were laced with annoyance, and Açelya smiled.

"Maths savior to the rescue! I knew you couldn't resist saving me from failing maths...or is it just an excuse to spend time with me?" she teased, adding a flirtatious emoji.