Lost Angel

C H A P T E R: T E N

I wake up early in the morning, the first rays of sunlight filtering through my curtains and casting a warm glow in my room. Stretching my arms above my head, I take a deep breath, feeling the excitement of a new day ahead. The familiar sounds of the neighborhood start to stir-birds chirping cheerfully outside my window and the distant hum of cars on the road.

After dragging myself out of bed, I head to the bathroom for a quick shower. The water wakes me up completely, and I let it wash away any remnants of sleep. Once I'm done, I dry off and put on my school uniform, making sure my shirt is neatly tucked in and my skirt is crisp. I tie my hair into a ponytail, glancing in the mirror to check my reflection. I want to start the day off right.

Downstairs, the delicious smell of pancakes greets me as I enter the kitchen. My Step-mom stands at the stove, expertly flipping the pancakes. "Good morning, sweetheart!" she says with a smile. We chat while I eat, discussing what I'm looking forward to at school today. I share my excitement about the science project I've been working on, and she encourages me with kind words, reminding me to speak confidently when it's my turn to present.

After breakfast, I grab my backpack from the corner of the living room, making sure I have everything I need-my notebook, pencils, and a snack for later. With a last glance around the house, I step outside. The cool morning air feels refreshing against my skin, and I take a moment to enjoy the peacefulness of my surroundings.

As I walk to school, I take the same route I always do, but I make a point to notice the little things. There's a flowering tree in someone's front yard that seems to bloom more beautifully each day, and I smile at how vibrant the colors are. I spot a neighbor walking their dog and wave hello. The dog wags its tail, and for a moment, I forget about anything else and just enjoy the simple joy of that interaction. Of course, everything is grand and big and huge. All these people are rich as fuck.

When I arrive at school, the buzz of laughter and chatter fills the air. I spot my friends gathered near the entrance, their faces lighting up when they see me. "Hey, Jhanvi!" they call out, and I jog over to join them. We exchange greetings and share stories about our evenings. It feels good to be surrounded by familiar faces, to feel like part of a community.

We head inside together, dodging other students who are rushing to their classes. The excitement in the hallways is palpable, and I can hardly wait for our first class. As I walk through the doors and take my seat, I feel a rush of anticipation for what the day will hold. goes to school.

Nick stands smirking, his gaze locked onto Aeri, completely enticed by her laughter and charm. It's clear to everyone around them, though perhaps not to her, just how in love with her he truly is. The way his eyes light up whenever she speaks is almost magnetic, and it makes me wonder if she's oblivious to the effect she has on him.

Meanwhile, Alaric stands quietly off to the side, his expression contemplative as he scans the room. His focus seems predominantly on Minnie, who, engulfed in her usual introverted demeanor, holds herself as if trying to shrink into the shadows. Just as I begin to worry she might feel out of place, she hurries over to me, her eyes wide with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. She hides behind me, almost as if I were her protective shield, causing just a hint of a smile to form on Rick's usually emotionless face. It's a rare sight; I've always felt there's a depth to Alaric that few get to see, and moments like this reveal something truly special about him.