❝ 𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 ❞ ʲᵃˢᵖᵉʳ ʰᵃˡᵉ ( EN )

☇ 𝟮𝟰

The next morning, Theodora left her house, shoving her hands deep into the pockets of her coat to ward off the biting cold that hung over Forks. The town's typical fine drizzle seeped through her clothes, dampening her loose hair that clung to her face. She felt the moisture collecting on her sneakers, forming small puddles with each step on the soaked pavement. Her black jeans and thick wool sweater weren't enough to warm her, but it was another, deeper cold that consumed her. Why do I feel this weight, as if something terrible could happen at any moment? she wondered as she made her way to school, her breath forming light clouds in the frosty air.

The old red brick building, the familiar symbol of Forks High School, stood before her, its fogged-up windows contrasting with the gray surroundings. The towering trees around it seemed to bow under the relentless rain, as if the forest itself were burdened by the secrets it held. Theodora's stomach knotted even tighter as she approached the doors, each step feeling heavier than the last. Stay calm. Show nothing. Act like everything is normal, she silently repeated, trying to convince herself.

As she passed through the entrance doors, she was struck by the sudden warmth inside, a welcome contrast to the dampness outside. The hallways bustled with students, the sound of conversations, laughter, and slamming lockers filling the space with an almost comforting familiarity. Yet deep down, she knew Emmett was watching her, his invisible presence weighing on her shoulders like a protective shadow, constantly reminding her of the ever-present threat.

"Hey, Théo!" a cheerful voice called out beside her. Eleanor suddenly appeared, a bright smile on her face. Dressed in her usual oversized gray sweatshirt, Eleanor always seemed relaxed, even amid the school's chaos. Her tousled hair framed her face with a naturally carefree look.

"Ready for another thrilling day?" she teased with a wink.

Theodora, still wrapped in her anxiety, forced a smile in return. "Oh, totally ready," she said, trying to sound playful. "I wonder how many times I'll manage to get lost in the history lesson today."

Eleanor burst into laughter, and soon Thomas joined them, his trademark mischievous grin spread across his face. "History is the perfect excuse to nap in class," he joked, giving Theodora a light nudge.

"Don't you think we should ask to change the subject?" he added, laughing. "I mean, who wouldn't want to talk about dragons or aliens instead?"

"I'm in," said Chloe, quickly adjusting her blonde ponytail. Tall and almost ethereal, Chloe exuded a calming presence despite always seeming a bit rushed. "But only if we get to learn how to fight them in gym class."

As Theodora let herself be carried by her friends' chatter, her mind drifted, inevitably turning to Jasper. He occupied her thoughts like an obsessive melody, a song she couldn't banish, even if she tried. What was he doing at that moment? Perhaps he was watching her discreetly, hidden somewhere with Emmett, looking out for her as he always did. But even when he wasn't there, she felt his presence. He had become part of her, a force she couldn't ignore.

Jasper is everything I never imagined wanting, everything I never dared to hope for. With him, she felt an intensity she had never known. His gaze, his gestures, even his silences seemed to tell her more than any words ever could. He represented something deeply rooted within her, a raw, mysterious, and untamed force that, in an inexplicable way, made her feel safe.

How can I explain what he is to me? A refuge, a shelter in the storm, but also the storm itself. He made her feel vulnerable and invincible at the same time, as if she could face anything as long as he was by her side. Yet despite their closeness, part of her was always searching, always trying to understand him, to pierce the veil of mystery that surrounded him.

She caught herself smiling, thinking of the tenderness with which he touched her, the way he looked at her, as if she were the only thing that mattered in his eternal world. I love him, she thought, her heart beating faster at the realization. It was more than mere attraction, more than just a connection. It was a love that transcended time, a love that, even in her fear, resonated with an intensity she couldn't flee from or deny.

Inside the classroom, the hours dragged by at an excruciatingly slow pace. Theodora tried to stay focused, diligently taking notes, but her mind wandered constantly. She found herself casting furtive glances out the window, wondering where Emmett was, if he was standing somewhere nearby, always alert. Why do I feel safer with him outside than in this room full of people? she wondered. It wasn't so much Emmett's presence that bothered her, but what it represented: a necessary protection against an unseen danger.

At lunchtime, she joined her friends in the cafeteria, around their usual table. The hustle and bustle of the cafeteria, the sounds of trays and lively conversations around them, created a familiar atmosphere. Chloe, always a bit clumsy, ate her sandwich with crumbs falling everywhere, while Thomas shamelessly stole fries from nearby trays, pretending he hadn't done anything. Eleanor was engrossed in an animated discussion about her latest book, gesticulating so enthusiastically that Theodora thought for a moment her juice might go flying.

"Théo, are you with us?" Thomas suddenly called out, pulling her from her thoughts. "Or did you decide to drift off to another dimension without telling us?"

She smiled softly, shaking her head. "No, no, I'm here," she replied, grabbing a fry from her plate. "I wouldn't leave without you."

"That's a relief," he laughed. "We'd have a hard time surviving without you."

Their laughter echoed, and despite herself, Theodora felt slightly lighter. Just being surrounded by her friends, laughing with them, offered her a breath of fresh air in this stifling environment. Maybe I can still have moments of normalcy, she thought, watching the group around her. Theodora felt present, grounded in this reality. This is what I need to protect, she told herself. These moments of normalcy, these friends, this school. But deep down, the worry never fully left her, like a shadow lurking, waiting for its moment.

The day continued in this light atmosphere, though punctuated by flashes of stress that Theodora managed to push back. As she left the school at the end of the day, the sky still heavy with clouds, she felt a final shiver run down her spine. The danger is still there, she realized, glancing over her shoulder. But her friends were there too, and for now, that was enough to give her the strength to go on.