Bound by fate to the future Alpha.

**Chapter Four: Time is going backwards - Malia's POV**

Why is today of all days going so bloody slowly? Each tick of the clock seems like a mocking reminder of how trapped I feel in this monotonous classroom, where the minutes crawl by like they’re moving through molasses. With each painfully slow second, I can’t help but dream about the freedom that awaits me. The countdown until the final bell feels endless, and I’m practically vibrating with anticipation to ditch this place and join the girls for an evening of fun. As I daydream, I imagine the electric atmosphere of laughter and excitement that will fill the air as we get ready together. The thought alone makes the hours feel like years, and I can’t help but wish for time to speed up just this once.

Finally, after what feels like a lifetime, the bell rings, and a surge of energy courses through me. I jump out of my seat, propelled by adrenaline, and make a beeline for the door. But just as I’m about to burst through, Kirsty, in all her self-righteous glory, blocks my escape. “Watch where you’re going, you pathetic loser,” she sneers, strutting out with an exaggerated flick of her hair that seemingly catches everyone’s attention. “B**ch,” I mumble under my breath, but I shake it off—today is about celebrating, not letting her negativity ruin my mood.

With determination, I dash out of the front of the school, my focus laser-sharp as I spot the girls waiting for me. We all pile into Keira’s BMW, cranking up the volume to our favorite songs, and before I know it, we’re speeding toward Aimee’s house. As we pull up, I’m struck once again by the breathtaking sight of her stunning white house, surrounded by a picturesque garden and a charming picket fence. It’s like something out of a magazine, and I can’t help but admire it, knowing that we’re about to create some incredible memories here.

Bursting through the front door, I’m whisked away to Aimee’s room, a space that feels more like a luxurious suite than a typical bedroom. Her giant four-poster bed dominates one corner, and the fine furnishings make it feel ethereal. But it’s the walk-in wardrobe that makes my heart flutter—what a paradise for fashion! The two girls dive into a frenzy of clothes, pulling outfits in every direction while holding them up against me, excited squeals filling the air. “Aha!” Aimee exclaims, holding up a top with sheer elation. “This is the one! What do you think, Keira?” I can’t help but chuckle as they completely engross me in their fashion frenzy, feeling both flattered and slightly sidelined.

After what seems like an eternity, they finally unveil their masterpiece. I look in the mirror and barely recognize myself—I feel like an absolute goddess. A huge smile spreads across my face, stretching from ear to ear. “Thank you both so much; I really do love you!” I exclaim, overflowing with gratitude. Just then, Aimee snaps a picture, capturing this moment that feels like pure magic. “Our masterpiece has now been documented,” she laughs, and I can’t help but join in the laughter, knowing that this night is going to be unforgettable.

As the minutes tick away, my anticipation swells, and those familiar butterflies dance in my stomach, intensifying with each passing second. I catch my reflection in the mirror once more, and a wave of satisfaction washes over me. The baby blue summer dress envelops me in a whimsical embrace, perfectly complemented by my edgy black ankle boots and the snug warmth of my sleek black jacket. My long blonde hair, elegantly clipped to the side, frames my face beautifully, while my makeup, done just right with a hint of shimmer, makes me feel like a princess ready to conquer the evening.

“Come on, you two, she will be late!” Keira’s commanding voice cuts through my thoughts as she snatches her keys from the counter, urgency permeating her tone. Just then, Aimee’s mum appears from the corner, a warm smile plastered across her face. “You look beautiful, darling,” she beams, and I can’t help but grin as I return her compliment with a heartfelt “thank you.” But before I can linger in the moment, Keira pulls me out the door, her excitement evident as she propels us toward our destination.

With each turn we take toward Karen’s, my confidence starts to waver. Anxiety coils tighter in my stomach, knotting itself into an anxious ball. I glance at the girls, their faces lit up with mischief and encouragement. “Go get him!” they giggle, their playful nudges giving me the push I need. “Call me if you need us, and good luck, babes!” shouts Keira, her voice a mix of excitement and support that fuels my determination, even as my heart races.

This is it. The pivotal moment I’ve been building up to is finally here, and as I make my way toward the entrance, the shaking starts to intensify. My mind races with a flurry of thoughts: What if he doesn't like me? What if I trip on my own dress? Calm down, I tell myself. But the reality is, I am a bundle of nerves, standing at the brink of something thrilling and uncertain. As the door looms closer, I take a deep breath, ready to face whatever awaits on the other side.