Early in the morning, as soon as I woke up, I received a text from Sia. Good morning, my love followed by a heart emoji.
Just reading it made me spring out of bed, excited to see her again as soon as possible.
Later, inside the classroom, everyone was stressed out we only had two days left before exam day.
The pressure was real, and my head was spinning with thoughts about the tests.
But even with all the exam worries, I couldn't shake the feeling that someone was staring at me.
I glanced around the classroom and I was right.
Matthew was looking straight at me, his expression as cold and unreadable as ever, like he was studying me with complete disinterest but refusing to look away.
I left the classroom to use the bathroom.
Our school's bathroom was about a minute away from our room — thirty seconds into the walk, I ran into Jane, which wasn't great timing at all.
Hey, what's up? she greeted me with a smile.
All good, just been busy, I guess, I replied, smiling back awkwardly.
Is that so... Jane said, her tone lingering.
I just nodded with a quiet Hmm.
I heard you were invited to Sia's birthday party last night.
Yeah, I was, I replied. By the way, Sia and I are dating now, I added without hesitation.
And right after I said it, I caught the shocked look on Jane's face.
Oh... she mumbled, forcing a small smile before quickly walking away
It was for the best.
I continued walking when suddenly Sia jumped in front of me, shouting, Bahhh!! trying to scare me.
Hey, slow down! You almost gave me a heart attack, I laughed, and she joined in, giggling.
Can I get you something from the cafeteria? Is there anything you want? I asked her while still chuckling.
You think I can't afford my own food? she teased, crossing her arms and giving me a playful glare.
You know that's not what I mean, I said, playing along, smiling wide at her.
Then, as if on cue, someone walked past us — Matthew Salvatore.
Hey, lovebirds, take it easy. It's still school, you know, he said in his calm voice, teasing tone as he passed by, not even waiting for a reaction.
Sia and I looked at each other and laughed again, brushing it off like it was nothing — but deep inside, I couldn't help but wonder what Matthew really thought of us.
After class, Sia turned to me with a hopeful look in her eyes.
How about you come over for lunch at my place? Mom and Dad are out for the day and won't be back until tonight.
A soft smile tugged at my lips. Yeah, absolutely. I don't see why not.
We then parted ways, each heading toward our own classroom.
Sia's, actually a year older than me, was in Grade Eleven already a senior.
As soon as I stepped into the classroom, the news hit me like a slap of cold water, a surprise quiz. How amazing.
I let out a silent sigh, mentally preparing myself to dig deep into whatever fragments of knowledge I could still remember.
After surviving a barrage of quizzes, I finally landed in the cafeteria, treating myself to a well-earned snacks—my little reward for slaying the academic beast of the day. As I made my way, balancing exhaustion and hunger, Matthew walked right past me.
No glance.
He saw me—he had to—but he breezed by like I was just part of the scenery. Like we hadn't shared eye contact in class earlier. Like I didn't exist at all.
And somehow, that stung more than I expected.
Just as I reached the food counter, the bell rang sharply through the cafeteria, signaling the end of class 11:45 a.m. I glanced at the clock and froze for a second. Lunch with Sia. I'd completely forgotten.
My stomach reminded me I was starving, but the thought of Sia waiting pushed the hunger aside.
I'm sorry I came out late, I said as I get into the back seat beside her, slightly out of breath. Without thinking, I leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Sia's cheek.
She turned to me, a smile blooming on her face. You're lucky I like you, she teased, her voice soft and playful, and just like that, whatever stress or how hungry I was melted away.
In just a few minutes, we arrived at Sia's house.
Have a seat, Anna, just feel comfortable, she said sweetly as she moved around the kitchen, adjusting a few things and reheating the food in the oven.
As I settled down on the couch, I couldn't help but ask, may I ask where your room is?
Sia paused for a moment, then glanced over at me with a warm smile. Upstairs. I'll show you later. Let's eat first, okay?
I smiled back, nodding in agreement. Yeah, sounds perfect, I said, settling in as the scent of the food began to fill the air.
After lunch, Sia led me into her room.
It's pretty cozy in here, huh. I said, roaming slightly around her space.
Is it? You really think so, Anna?
Yeah, it is, I replied, sitting on the edge of her bed. Sia followed and sat beside me.
We still have thirty minutes, Sia said, her gaze fixed on me, intense and passionate, like she was searching for something in my eyes.
I know, I returned her look, my heart racing a little.
I'm so happy I'm dating you, she whispered.
I've never regretted it, not once, Anna, she added, intertwining her hands with mine. She rested her head on my shoulder, comfortable, just like when we were at the park for her birthday.
Someone knocked on the door, and when Sia opened it, it was the driver. He leaned in and said something to her in a low voice that I couldn't quite catch.
Curious, I asked, What was that about?
Sia turned back to me quickly, brushing it off with a soft smile. Nothing really to be bothered with. Just my brother, she said, trying to sound casual but something in her voice made me think otherwise.
I stood from the couch, hesitant. Should I leave now? I mean… for school. In case you need to talk with your brother or something.
But Sia shook her head gently. We'll go to school now. I'll just grab my bag, okay?
I nodded, but the feeling lingered—something was definitely off.
We walked down the stairs together, the light from the high windows casting long shadows on the steps. As we neared the bottom, my eyes fell on a man sitting rigidly on the living room couch. He looked older—maybe in his early twenties—with sharp eyes that tracked our every movement. That must be her brother, I thought immediately.
Sia, he snapped, his voice cold and clipped, each syllable laced with tension.
Sia didn't stop walking. She grabbed her bag from the table with practiced indifference and replied, What? Her voice held clear annoyance, her expression even more so. It was the first time I saw her look genuinely irritated.
I stood there awkwardly, unsure if I should stay silent or step outside. The energy between them felt electric, like a storm was just waiting to break.
Do you even know what you're doing? he said, his voice steeped in authority, like an older brother stepping into a role he hadn't earned but still demanded.
Sia turned sharply, eyes narrowed, jaw clenched. And what do you even know? she shot back, her tone sharp and unwavering. Don't act like you know me when you clearly don't.
Without waiting for his response, she reached for my hand, her fingers firm around mine. Let's go, she said, pulling me toward the door. The air was thick behind us, the silence that followed her words louder than any shouting could've been.
As we stepped outside, the door clicking shut behind us, I barely had time to process everything before Sia suddenly turned to me—and without a word, threw her arms around me. She hugged me tightly, burying her face in my shoulder, and I felt her body tremble as soft sobs escaped her lips.
Hey… heyy… I whispered, startled and worried, wrapping my arms around her gently. What's wrong?
I held her tighter, resting my cheek lightly against her hair, feeling the storm of whatever she was carrying finally break loose in my arms.