FRESH- BEL- AIR

Chapter Twenty - Seven

The morning sun spilled golden light through the shutters of the Wikes household, casting warm rays across Alexandria's sleek bedroom. A steady beat thudded from her speaker—Rihanna's Lift Me Up—while she put on her Bel-Air Academy uniform, pressing out the wrinkles with a focused swipe of her hand.

Across the hall, her sister Lisa was taking her matching boho knotless braids out of her bonnet humming the same song under her breath.

"Senior year," Alexandria said aloud, almost in disbelief as she admired her reflection in the mirror.

Her edges were perfectly laid, her fresh boho knotless braids down, lashes curled, and gold hoops in place. Her nails—deep burgundy with tiny silver stars—clicked as she reached for her lip gloss.

Lisa peeked in through the open doorway, dressed in the same sharp uniform but paired with white kicks and her Bel Air sweatshirt on top of her button-up shirt. "You look like you're about to be crowned student body president and track star all in one."

Alexandria smirked. "Don't act like you ain't the future Olympian swimmer of the family."

They both laughed before falling into a soft silence. Alexandria turned and leaned on her vanity. "Can you believe this time next year, we'll be at Howard?"

Lisa's smile softened. "It still doesn't feel real. Full ride. Me for swimming, you for track." She paused. "Mom would be so proud."

"She would," Alexandria whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "She always used to say, 'Legacy is what you leave behind and what you carry with you.' We're carrying her legacy and Aunt Viv's."

Lisa nodded. "I'm glad we're doing it together."

Just then, their father's voice echoed up the stairs. "Girls! Breakfast is ready! Let's not be late on the first day!"

"Coming!" both girls shouted in unison, immediately laughing.

They headed downstairs where the smell of turkey bacon, scrambled eggs, and cinnamon toast filled the air. Fred stood in the kitchen in his black suit, already halfway through his first cup of coffee. He looked up and paused as the girls entered.

"My babies," he said, pride lighting up his face. "Senior year already?"

Lisa kissed his cheek before grabbing a plate. "Yep. Ready to make it count."

Alexandria plopped into her seat and reached for a cinnamon toast slice. "Let's not act like you're not gonna be watching me like a hawk from the school board, Dad."

Fred chuckled. "That's my job, young lady. Now eat up, both of you. You've got a legacy to protect and scholarships to keep."

The girls shared a smile and dug in. A few minutes later, Alexandria grabbed the keys to her car and they headed out. The late August sun warmed the driveway as they slid into the seats.