Pen Of Destiny

Chapter- 6

Aria

I don't feel like it.

No, not now.

Not, ever.

But, I have to.

Reluctance seeped into every fiber of my being as the morning sunlight filtered through the curtains. The weight of responsibilities loomed over me, yet I couldn't find the motivation to rise from my warm bed. The monotony of daily routines left me feeling disenchanted with life. I buried myself deeper in the covers, unwilling to face the day ahead.

Life felt frustratingly mundane, with nothing new or exciting on the horizon. My reluctance to get up intensified as I pulled the blanket tightly around me, determined to prolong my escape from reality. I closed my eyes and shifted onto my side when an abrupt and jarring sound shattered the tranquility.

Startled, I found myself on the floor, bewildered by the sudden disruption. The blaring ringtone pierced through the silence, causing my heart to race with anticipation. I couldn't fathom who would be calling me so persistently; it couldn't possibly be Shayra.

The volume of the ringing intensified, echoing in my ears, as my heart matched its rhythm. Shaking my head to clear the drowsiness, I begrudgingly rose to my feet, wincing at the soreness from the unexpected fall. Annoyed with myself, I realized my phone had run out of battery. Frustration surged as I scolded myself and quickly plugged it in to charge. As my phone rebooted, a beep indicated four new messages had arrived.

Curiosity piqued, I wondered who would call once and then send multiple messages. With a shrug of indifference, I swiped the screen to read them.

Unknown - Hi!

Unknown - Good morning, or so I hope.

Unknown - Why didn't you answer?

Unknown - Aria, are you okay?

Baffled by the messages, I felt a glimmer of relief when my phone beeped again, revealing the identity of the sender.

Unknown - It's me, Ryan.

Unknown - Oops, sorry. Ryan Steve Parker.

A smile tugged at my lips upon seeing his name. Why? I couldn't explain. Swiftly, I composed my response.

Me - Hey!

Ryan - Can I come pick you up? You have school today, right?

Why would he offer to pick me up? I pondered the question momentarily, questioning the implications of accepting his offer. Nevertheless, without much thought, I found myself typing a reply.

Me - Why would you?

Ryan - Because I want to.

In that instant, I realized I had agreed without considering the consequences. Uncertainty clouded my mind as I contemplated the predicament I had landed myself in. I was already running late for school, and even with Ryan's driving skills, I doubted we would make it in time. Perhaps I should have informed him that I wouldn't be attending today, but for some inexplicable reason, I couldn't bring myself to do so. But what then? If he dropped me off at school, I would be stranded without a plan. I couldn't afford to arrive late; it had never happened before. Yet, there's always a first time for everything.

Rushing through my morning routine, I hastily changed into a red top, black skinny jeans, white boots, and a leather jacket to combat the chilly New York weather. I darted outside, giving a quick wave to my dad, who was initially taken aback, thinking I was unwell and staying home. He soon dismissed the thought and waved back, his indifference palpable.