Sia pov
It was a beautiful Monday morning — the kind that made everything feel brighter, softer, like nothing bad could ever happen.
I was in the kitchen helping Mum make breakfast, carefully arranging slices of toast on a plate while Selene and Sean argued — again — about who would get the last piece.
"Sean, you ate two already!" Selene complained.
"And you took the biggest ones," Sean shot back.
I sighed, smiling quietly as Mum rolled her eyes. "You two will fight over air one day."
I left her to toast more bread, hoping it would stop their bickering.
At the dining table, Adriana looked up from her phone. "Sia, sit and eat before you're late."
I nodded and sat down quietly. I've never been much of a talker. Unlike Selene, who always had something to say, I just… listened. It was easier that way.
Dad had already left for work. Adrian wasn't there either — until he walked in, carrying little Liam on his shoulders, grinning like he always did.
"Oh, toast! Nice," he said, winking at me like he knew I made it.
I couldn't help but chuckle. Adriana smacked his arm lightly. "Stop teasing her."
Mum came out of the kitchen with more bread. "Don't tell me you're still eating! You're going to be late. And remember — Adrian and Adriana won't be going with you today. They're starting college, so behave yourselves."
She turned to Sean, narrowing her eyes. "Especially you."
Sean groaned. "I'm always the bad guy."
"You usually are," Selene muttered, earning laughter from everyone except Sean.
For a second, everything felt warm and normal. I didn't want it to end.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Adrian and Adriana exchange a quick, worried glance. I wanted to ask what that was about, but I didn't. Instead, I focused on my plate. It was already 6:30, and I hated being late.
After breakfast, Mum left to drop Liam at school. I was tying my shoelaces when Selene called out, "Sia! Adriana's calling you!"
I walked to her room. Adriana stood by the door, already dressed for college. She looked so mature in her simple jeans and cream blouse — it made her seem older than she really was.
"Sia," she said gently, "I won't be there to protect you anymore. Promise me you'll stand up for yourself. Don't let anyone talk to you anyhow."
I smiled shyly and nodded.
She sighed and brushed her fingers through my hair, just like she used to when I was younger. "You're too innocent sometimes," she murmured.
I laughed softly. "You always say that."
She smiled, but her eyes looked distant — thoughtful, almost sad.
I didn't know what she was thinking, but at that moment, everything still felt right — warm, safe, and whole. I didn't realize how much I would miss that feeling.
Outside, I watched as Adriana and Adrian got into their cab. They waved until their car disappeared down the street.
As Selene, Sean, and I got into ours, the seat beside me suddenly felt too empty. The silence pressed against my chest. Adriana and Adrian were really gone.
Fear crept in quietly. Without them, who would protect me?
I hated being bullied, but standing up for myself never came easy. I wished I could be more like Selene — bold, confident, unbothered by what anyone thought.
A hand landed on my shoulder. I turned to see Selene beside me, her gaze fixed out the window.
"Don't worry," she said quietly. "I'm here. I won't let anyone touch you."
I blinked, surprised. We'd never been close — probably because we were complete opposites. But at that moment, something in me softened.
I smiled and nodded, blinking back tears. It's time to stop being afraid, I told myself. It's time to learn to stand on my own.
---
We got to the school gate, and Sean immediately jumped out of the car.
"Sorry, guys! Got a girl to meet. See you in class!" he shouted, running ahead without looking back.
"I thought he was supposed to look after us," Selene scoffed. "Asshole."
"It's fine," I said with a small smile. "We can go alone."
Selene glanced at me, her brows slightly raised. "You never get angry, do you?"
I didn't reply. I just adjusted my bag and started walking toward the entrance.
The schoolyard was already alive with chatter and laughter. Some students hugged after the long break, while others stood in small groups gossiping.
It felt strange walking without Adriana or Adrian beside me. I'd gotten so used to their presence — Adriana's calm voice, Adrian's easy jokes. Without them, the air felt heavier.
Before we got to the building, I spotted her — Vivian. She was standing with two other girls near the gate, whispering and giggling. When her eyes met mine, she smirked.
I looked down quickly and tried to slip past, pretending not to see her. Selene noticed and sighed in disappointment. She didn't say anything, but her silence said enough.
We entered the classroom. The room buzzed with the usual first-day excitement — students dragging chairs, sharing snacks, comparing hairstyles.
I walked in quietly, trying to stay invisible.
Then I saw her — my best and only friend, Clara. She was sitting alone, her backpack on the desk, scanning the door like she was waiting for someone.
The moment she saw me, her face lit up. She jumped from her chair and ran toward me.
"Sia!" she laughed, hugging me tightly. "I missed you so much!"
"Same here," I said, smiling for real this time. "It feels weird without Adriana and Adrian."
"I know," Clara said, squeezing my hand. "But you'll be fine. You've got me."
Her words made me smile, but somewhere deep down, I still felt the empty space their absence left behind.
As we sat together, Selene joined a group of girls at the back, already blending in with her usual confidence. Sean's laughter echoed faintly from the hallway.
And me? I sat quietly, watching everyone, the hum of chatter fading into the background.
I didn't know it then — but that was the last normal morning of my life.
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