Eternal Echoes

15

~~Aria's POV~~

The next morning, Aria awoke to the soft glow of early sunlight filtering through the curtains. She stirred slowly, her body still warm and languid from the night before, and found herself nestled between Isabella and Alessandro. The weight of their arms around her felt comforting, grounding her in the present moment. She smiled softly, her heart full from the intensity of their shared experience.

She took a deep breath and let herself linger in the warmth of their embrace. Her mind briefly wandered to the day ahead—the return to her new school after a much-needed break. It was a transition she had been both anticipating and dreading. The time away had been necessary for her healing, and though she felt more grounded now, the thought of facing the bustling halls and curious eyes filled her with a flicker of anxiety.

Isabella shifted beside her, her eyes fluttering open. When she noticed Aria was awake, she smiled softly, her hand gently brushing Aria's arm. "Morning, love," Isabella whispered, her voice husky with sleep. "How do you feel?"

Aria turned her head, meeting Isabella's warm gaze. "Better," she said, her voice soft. "I feel more... centered. Last night helped." She smiled at the memory of the deep connection they had shared, the way it had fortified her.

Alessandro stirred on the other side of the bed, his hand sliding gently across Aria's waist as he joined the conversation. "It was a powerful night," he said, his voice low and soothing. "We're glad to have shared it with you." He pressed a soft kiss to Aria's shoulder before rolling onto his back, his eyes closing again in quiet contentment.

Isabella stretched, sitting up in bed and running a hand through her tousled hair. "You'll do great today," she said, her tone filled with confidence. "It's normal to feel nervous going back, but you've grown so much during this time. Your strength will carry you through."

Aria nodded, though the nervous energy still hummed beneath the surface. She took a moment to savor the peacefulness of the morning before slipping out of bed. "I should get ready," she said, glancing at the clock on the bedside table. "I have to be at school soon."

Isabella rose as well, moving to the closet to gather her own clothes. "I'll be heading in too," she said, her eyes twinkling as she glanced over her shoulder at Aria. "It'll be nice to see you around the halls again." Isabella, who was also a teacher at the same school, had been part of Aria's life in more ways than one—both in and out of the classroom.

Alessandro, content to stay behind for now, watched the two women with a quiet smile. "I'll be here when you both return," he said, his voice a comforting presence. "Take your time. Today's a new start."

As Aria showered and dressed, she found herself thinking about the person she had become over the last few months. She had taken a break from school , something that had been difficult but necessary. Now, as she prepared to step back into her new life, she felt a strange mixture of nervousness and strength, as though she were ready to face whatever lay ahead but still bracing for the challenge.

After a quick breakfast with Isabella, they left the townhouse together. The cool morning air was refreshing, and as they walked toward the school, Aria's nerves began to settle. Isabella's presence beside her was a steadying force, a reminder that she wasn't alone in this new chapter.

When they arrived at the school, Isabella gave Aria a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. "You've got this," she said with a smile. "I'll see you around later." With that, she turned toward the faculty offices, her steps confident and familiar.

Aria took a deep breath, adjusting her bag on her shoulder as she made her way toward the main entrance. The sounds of students chatting and lockers slamming filled the air, and for a moment, she hesitated, feeling the weight of the break she had taken. But as she walked through the doors, the familiar smells of the school—the slightly musty books, the faint scent of cafeteria food—brought a sense of normalcy.