Athena Diaz never wanted to leave her home for Aurelia Heights, an elite boarding school in London filled with wealthy students who think they own the world. Forced to go as a scholarship student, she dreads facing The Big 5-a group of powerful and...
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Saturday, 28 January 2022 19:00 p.m.
When we got to my apartment, I gave Athena a tour of my place and then she got settled in the guest room and I did the same. When I was done getting ready I wore a grey tank top and grey oversized sweatpants.
I quickly went to the kitchen to prepare snacks and popcorn and then I made the second living with a TV feel cozy for a movie. As I was coming out of the kitchen with the tray filled with snacks for the movie, Athena came dressed in a grey Skims tight t-shirt and grey oversized sweatpants.
We were matching clothes, I like that.
"What is this for?" she asked
"Isn't it obvious?" I walked past her and she followed behind me and I entered the living room again, "We're going to watch a movie."
She looked at me confused while I placed the snack tray on the table. I patted the space next to me on the couch, "Come sit down,"
She walked slowly towards the couch and she sat down, "So, what are we watching?" she asked, glancing at the screen like it held the answer. She still looked uncomfortable on the couch. I get why it's hard for her to trust me, I do bully her and other students as well.
"Sit back, be comfortable, I won't do anything to you," I said, and she hesitated, eyeing me for a moment before finally tucking her legs under her and I covered her with the throw blanket that was on the couch.
"We can watch any movie you want us to watch." I said and she started thinking and after a few minutes, a bright smile came on her face like she just had the best idea ever.
"Lets watch The Princess Diaries!" she said with a smile on her face and I felt my stomach drop.
I cleared my throat.
"The Princess Diaries?" I asked. Of course, I knew the movie—how could I not? My nieces had forced me to watch both of them on repeat during family holidays. "Sure," I say grabbing the remote and pulling up Disney+. I searched for the movie, and there it was—marked as fully watched.
Athena turned to look at me with a mischievous smile on her face, "You've watched The Princess Diaries before? Was it with it one of your other girlfriends?" she joked but I didn't laugh.
No," I said quickly, maybe a little too quickly. "It was with my nieces—two of them."
"Calm down, I'm just joking, you don't have to explain yourself," she said. "Now, let's watch the movie." she said in excitement and took the snack tray and put it on her lap.
I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye. She was already invested, her attention locked on the screen as she nibbled on popcorn. Meanwhile, I... couldn't stop looking at her. Something about the way she smiled at the smallest things.
I forced myself to look at the screen, but my attention didn't stay there for long. The movie wasn't bad—actually, it was kind of funny—but Athena's laughter, soft and genuine, stole the spotlight every time.
As the credits for The Princess Diaries rolled, Athena stretched, her blanket slipping slightly off her shoulders. "Okay," she said, her voice light and cheerful, "that was amazing. Now we have to watch The Devil Wears Prada."
"The Devil Wears Prada?" I raised an eyebrow at her. "You're really on a roll with these movies."
"You said I could pick," she said, narrowing her eyes playfully. "Besides, it's a classic. And it's your turn to get more snacks."
I stood up, shaking my head. "Fine, but don't start without me."
"I make no promises," she teased, already searching for the movie.
I walked into the kitchen, refilling the popcorn bowl and grabbing a few more drinks. As I poured soda into glasses, I could hear her humming the movie's opening theme from the living room. For some reason, the sound made me smile—like the place felt a little more alive with her in it.
When I returned, Athena had already started the movie, but she paused it when she saw me. "Hurry up," she said, patting the couch beside her.
"Impatient, aren't we?" I joked, setting the snacks down and sitting next to her. She grabbed the popcorn immediately, and we settled back into the cushions.
The movie played on, and Athena was totally captivated. I tried to focus on the movie, but my attention kept drifting toward her. The way her face lit up, the way she leaned forward during certain scenes—it was hard not to notice.
About halfway through the movie, her energy started to wither. She leaned back against the couch, the popcorn bowl balanced on her lap. Slowly, her head tilted toward me, and before I knew it, she was fast asleep, her head resting on my shoulder.
I froze for a moment, unsure of what to do. The soft rise and fall of her breathing filled the quiet room, and I found myself glancing down at her. She looked peaceful, so different from the guarded Athena I usually saw at school.
Carefully, I reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. My hand lingered for a second before I pulled it back, suddenly aware of how close we were.
I let her rest for a little while longer before deciding she'd probably be more comfortable in an actual bed. Gently, I slipped my arm beneath her shoulders and the other under her knees, lifting her off the couch. She stirred slightly but didn't wake up, her head resting against my chest.
I carried her to the guest bedroom, pushing the door open with my foot. The room was already made up with fresh sheets, and I laid her down carefully on the bed.
I pulled the blanket over her, making sure she was warm. For a moment, I just stood there, watching her sleep.
She reminds me so much of her.
I don't know what I'm doing because this will end terribly. But I just can't help myself, she pulls me in every time. I turn off the lights and close the door and I leave the room.
I head back downstairs and clean up everything and wash the dishes that need to be washed. I switched off the kitchen and living room lights and I went to my bedroom to get some sleep. Tomorrow is our last day together for the weekend, I want to spend it well.
