Kira woke up early to prepare food for her parents. But she noticed that every time she woke up, she’s feeling tired and exhausted.
She also had different dream but in the same place. In the forest. Sometimes in her dream, she got lost in the jungle. It’s like she was in the wide forest. She even saw some creatures that only in the book she could find. Her dreams were in the forest, mostly.
Kira stretched her arms to condition herself since she would have a lot of things to do. She had planned them ahead of time. She wanted everything to be organized and well-planned so that her part-time jobs wouldn't be jeopardized.
Kira’s parents are warehouse workers. But their salaries are not that high, so they always pack food for lunch to save money. Since they are still paying for the mortgage, bills and other necessities, they’re doing strenuous efforts to keep up with all the bills.
Because, Kira wanted to be a less burden for them. She resorted to do part-time jobs.
She knew that she’s adopted, but she had never felt like one. In fact, her parents have loved her so much.
However, their family is struggling right now, so sending her to college would be another thing for her parents. But Kira doesn't oblige them to send her to. She still has time to save money for her entrance, uniforms and books. She also plans to take scholarship exams.
There’s a Student Loan that the government has offered, but Kira is hesitant to apply. She doesn’t want to live her life paying years of loan, so she takes any job that can help her save money.
“Good morning, Kira.”
“Hi dad, good morning. Breakfast is ready and I’m almost done preparing your lunchbox.”
“Thank you, kitten.”
“You’re welcome. Anyway, dad. I may come home late tonight. I have tutorial session to do after school.”
She couldn't tell her dad about the part-time jobs she’s doing.
“Just always be safe. Okay?”
“Yes, Dad. I will.”
“By the way, your birthday is just so near. Do you have any plans that day?”
Kira had totally forgotten about her upcoming birthday. "Oh! Uhm, I don’t think I have plans that day, dad.”
“Good! Then we will go out on your birthday, Kitten.” Her mom interfers as she overhears the conversation.
“Mom??”
“I know we are so hard on you for not attending to your needs all the time. We felt bad for all the missed birthdays. That is why we wanted to catch up. So- we had decided to go on an outing for three days!.” Her mom told her excitedly.
His dad was also smiling at her.
“Really?? For real??” She's so thrilled. The last time they had gone on an outing was on her thirteenth birthday.
“Yes, Kitten. The tickets are for the three of us. I already booked a lodging inn and we’d go there a day before your birthday.”
“Oh, my!! You’re not kidding, aren’t you?”
But they assured her it’s real.
“Thank you! Thank you, Dad. Thank you, mom.”
She both hugged them tightly. She’s already excited about that day to come.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Kira was still in a bliss when she arrived at school. But he Science professor was doing a surprise individual recitation, so she hurriedly read her notes.
“Kira Skye Holson, stand up."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Tell me, what is physics?” Her teacher asked.
“Physics is the study of nature to understand how the universe works or behaves.” She answers it confidently.
“That’s correct. Good job. But who is the Father of Physics?”
“It’s Galileo Galilei.” Some of her classmates agreed to it.
“Great job, Kira. You studied well. You may sit now.”
She's about to sit in her chair, but her classmates took it away and made her a laughingstock. But then she approached them and kicked their legs. Because of that, their teacher heard the commotion. “What’s happening there?”
“Ms. Nova, it’s Kira. They kicked our legs!”
“They started it.” Kira retorted, glaring at them.
“Yes, Kira is right. They started it.” Another student butted in.
“What? No, that’s not true!”
Some who saw what they did, condemned their actions as well. Therefore, the teacher gave them a detention.
Her classmates are just neutral to her. Some are her bulalies, while some just ignore her.
She can actually protect and fight for herself, but she hates fighting because she thinks of her parents. She doesn’t want to disappoint them.
Not too long and he class has finally ended.
She’s on her way to meet with Blake at the pantry. Not to long after, Blake sighted her walking in at the entrance door.
“Skye!” Blake’s manly voice echoed.
The center of attraction with those angry eyes were at her.
If looks could kill, then highly likely she’s gone dead by now. But, deciding to just disregard those creepy stares while walking towards him.
She’s defying the threats she heard from students. She’s not sure if they’re just whispering or what, but she clearly heard them.
“Here, I bought this for you.” He handed the hamburger and a glass of juice to her as soone as she sat on the chair in front of him.
“Thank you. So- where is your notebook? How are we supposed to study? You don’t have your book, either.”
“Hahaha! Chill, Skye. Those are in my car already. Do you think I can study here? Look around you.”
He actually had a point. The cafeteria was so crowded and noisy.
“Let’s go to the library instead.” Kira stood up.
“My things are already in my car, Skye. Let’s just go to my house. I want to study there and not elsewhere.”
“Are you kidding me? You know I can’t go to your house.”
“Don’t worry, I will drive you home”
“No, but thanks. I'm going home now and just look for someone who can be your tutor.”
"I will pay you double. How about making it a ten thousand dollars?” Blake said when Kira was about to leave.
She halted upon hearing his offer. Ten thousand dollars could help her.
"Fine! But be sure it’s not a joke.” Squinting her eyes at him.
He chuckled. “Of course, it’s not.”
“Okay. Let’s go.” She first walked outside as Blake followed suit.
Kira knew Blake was from a wealthy family. He's nineteen years old and that his parents are currently living in Europe. He is living with ten helpers because the house is a mansion. Even her teachers and classmates knew about that as well. However, he's hiding something from everyone because all about his family was just a lie.
Kira and Blake became friends when she helped him about his assignment in Mathematics. After that, Blake was always by her side, sometimes to annoy her, but most of the time to help her.
Blake is an easy go lucky guy. He has a lot of friends. He can easily make friends. He is an overall package, just like what the girls have described him. A good-looking man, wealthy, charismatic, an athlete and so kind-hearted. Those are the reasons their classmates and other students are into him.
Little did Kira know that when she was young, Blake was already there for her.
“What’s with you lately?” Blake asked. They’re already in his car on the way to his place. Blake’s car is a Bugatti La Voiture Noire which is so expensive. Skye had asked him before why he chose their school instead of the elite school. But he only told her he didn’t like the elite school at all.
“What do you mean?”
“I no longer see you smiling. You look tired, too. Is there something bothering you, lately?” He looked perturb.
“Nothing. Just don’t mind me.” Skye looked outside the window to avoid his question.
“Did someone hurt you again?” He suddenly becomes serious.
They're approaching a secluded area while passing by the tree tunnel, which serves as shade as well.
“No, Blake. Why are you so nosy? I can smile if I want to and I chose not to, so what’s the big deal?”
“That is actually a big deal for me, Skye, because I hate seeing you like that.”
She stared at him with a questioning look.
“Why are you-” Words got cut off when the car abrupted halted
It almost made her bump into the dashboard as well. But, thanks to the seatbelt.
It frightened the hell out of her. She was about to yell at him, but she met Blake’s embrace. She had not even recovered from the shock, yet.
She kinda sense his aura had changed in an instant. She found it weird, but she felt something was off about him. At the same time, confused about how he quickly removed his seatbelt to embrace her.
She felt her heart was beating faster, while Blake’s scent had sent a new sensation to her whole being.
“Don’t move, Skye.” He whispered, but there’s an edge in his voice.
“What are you doing? Get off me!” Attempting to push him, but he’s too strong.
“Say nothing. Please.” His voice was still on edge, while his face was in the crook of her neck.
Until she eventually gave up and let him stay like that. There’s a strain silence for a couple of minutes until her hands were automatically caressing his back. Her action somehow conciliated him.