Knocking at the Harringtons

Chauffeur

The next morning, she woke up from the sound of her alarm clock. It read 7:00 am. Disoriented, she looked around the room, her mind taking a moment to catch up.

She sat up in bed, brushing the hair out of her face, and took a deep breath. Today was her first day at a new school, and despite everything, she had to keep her composure. 

Rising from the bed she headed to the bathroom to take a quick shower. The bathroom was luckily connected to her room. She was happy she didn't have to share the bath with anyone.

She took a quick shower and began getting dressed. In front of the mirror, she studied her reflection as she brushed her hair back into a neat ponytail. The navy skirt fit her well, the deep red accents adding a touch of sophistication. She decided to apply light makeup and almost didn't recognize herself. "I kind of look like a rich English brat," she laughed to herself as she took a quick snap of herself and sent it to Sara, her best friend back home.

Shortly after her phone buzzed in the pocket of her school uniform jacket. A message from Sara lit up the screen: "Good luck today, girl! You look hot."

Amaya smiled and quickly typed back a response: "Thanks haha, I'll need it."

The house was quiet downstairs. Edward had probably left for work. She hesitated for a moment before entering the kitchen, preparing herself for another encounter with the family.

Vivian was the only one there, sipping coffee and reading something on her phone by the breakfast table. She glanced up as Amaya entered. 

"Good morning," Amaya said.

"Good morning, Amaya," she greeted back with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes and continued: "Are you ready for your first day of school?"

"Yes, I am," Amaya answered steadily.

"Good. The chauffeur will drive you and Sebastian to school," Vivian continued, her tone pleasant. "It's all arranged. I'm sure you'll do wonderfully today."

Amaya felt a knot tighten in her stomach at the mention of Sebastian. The thought of spending the car ride with him was less than appealing, but she nodded politely. "Thank you."

"Have you had breakfast?" Vivian asked, gesturing to the spread of pastries and fruit on the table.

"No, but I can grab something quickly. I'm not that hungry" Amaya replied, her eyes flickering over the array of food.

"Nonsense, sit down and I'll get you a plate." Vivian said. She moved with grace, placing a selection of pastries and fresh fruit on the plate, then placing it in front of Amaya. "It's important to have a good breakfast, especially on your first day of school," she said.

Amaya forced a smile as picked up the croissant. She appreciated the gesture.

"Thanks, it looks great," Amaya replied, taking a bite. The buttery layers melted in her mouth, and she couldn't help but savor the moment.

Suddenly, Sebastian walked into the kitchen, his presence shifting the mood. It seemed he had that effect on people. Dressed in his school uniform that seemed to have been tailored to every inch of his body. His face sharp as ever even this early in the morning.

"Morning," he said, his voice still raspy as he scanned his surroundings before his gaze landed on the coffee pot. He didn't seem interested in the food laid out in front of him. Instead, he poured himself a cup of coffee and leaned his back against the kitchen counter.

Vivian noticed her son's habit of not eating in the morning, but smiled at him warmly. "Good morning. Ready for the day, Sebastian?" she asked lightly, trying to engage him.

He gave a half-hearted nod, taking another sip of coffee. "Yeah," he replied flatly, his eyes flickering toward Amaya briefly before returning to his cup.

Amaya kept her focus on her plate, chewing slowly as the tension in the room grew thicker. Suddenly she didn't know where to put her hands. 

It was clear he wasn't the type to bother with pleasantries, especially this early in the morning.

Sebastian drained the rest of his coffee, setting the cup down in the sink with a soft clink. "I'll be in the car," he said shortly, not bothering to wait for Amaya or exchange further words. He pushed off the counter and exited the kitchen, leaving an uncomfortable silence behind him.

Vivian rose from her seat, offering Amaya a comforting smile. "You'll be fine today. Just take it one step at a time." Amaya gave a small nod, appreciating the words.

Taking a steadying breath, she gathered her things and followed Sebastian while mentally preparing herself for the car ride ahead. The first day of school was nerve-wracking enough without having to sit next to someone who clearly didn't want her there.

Amaya walked out the front door, spotting the sleek black car waiting in the driveway. The driver stood by the door, holding it open as she approached. Sebastian was already in the backseat, staring out the window, his expression unreadable.

The air outside was crisp, and Amaya felt a slight chill as she climbed into the car.

She slid into the seat next to Sebastian, keeping a respectful distance between them. The door shut with a soft click, and the silence in the car felt suffocating.

She stole a quick glance at him, noticing the tension in his jaw. He seemed so distant, yet there was something about his cold demeanour that only made her more curious. Why was he like this?

The silence felt heavier than it should, and the lack of radio music didn't help.

Finally, Amaya couldn't take the silence any longer. She shifted in her seat, trying to appear casual. "So... how long have you been going to this school?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

Sebastian's eyes flickered toward her for a brief second before he returned his gaze to the window. "Too long," he muttered.

Amaya chewed on her lip, feeling the awkwardness in the pit of her stomach. She wasn't sure why she had expected a real answer. Maybe a part of her had hoped for some common ground. But Sebastian clearly wasn't going to make things easy.

She decided to try again, this time shifting her approach. "Do you like it?" she asked softly, her curiosity genuine.

Sebastian let out a small, humorless laugh. "Not particularly, no?" he said under his breath, leaning back against the seat. "It's school. It's just something you deal with," he said as he opened his phone.

Amaya frowned at his response, but didn't push any further. It was clear Sebastian wasn't in the mood for conversation, and she didn't want to make things worse. Instead, she turned her attention back to the passing scenery, feeling the weight of the tension between them once more. What was wrong with this guy? she thought to herself.

That's when her phone buzzed. She reached for it to see that she got a text from Noah:

"Hey, how's the first day going? Heard that the food down there is pretty good."

Amya smiled at the text. Her mood instantly lighting up.

"It's okay so far! I'm kind of nervous, though. Wish I had you were here!"

As she sent the message, she felt Sebastian's gaze on her. She glanced up, but he had already turned his attention back to his phone.