Chapter 3
537 Words
Clara's P.O.V
It's a cold morning in Monterrey, the kind that makes you crave a hot cup of coffee and I never say no to that craving. On my way to Toppings Medical Academy, I stopped at Café Alma, just across the street. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wrapped around me like a warm embrace as I stepped inside.
"Good Morning, Clara," Fred grinned from behind the counter.
"Morning Fred." I smiled back.
"The usual?"
I nodded. He knew I loved coffee mocha, it calmed me, prepared me for the day, and reminded me of my late mom. She’d loved it too, her memory a soft ache in my heart.
"Here!" He handed it over.
"Thanks, Fred." I paid, settled by the window for a view of the city, letting the warmth seep into my soul.
Soon, my best friend Chloe burst in, beaming. "Hey, gurllll!"
"Hey Chloe." Her energy always lifted me.
"Nice look, Angie." She eyed my knee-length blue dress.
I teased her with a look, but her compliments boosted me. "Well, thank you; you look great too, as always."
"I know; I always look good. I'm Chloe." We laughed. "Now can we go to class?"
We crossed to school. At my locker (as Angela Graciano), I grabbed practical supplies. Chloe joined, grinning wildly.
"Guess what, Angie?"
"You are quitting school?"
"No, silly; though that wouldn't be such a bad idea." We laughed; she hated studying.
"The Elites just invited me to their month-end party today at Roseline's place."
"Wow, that's great. You go have fun, OK?"
“Oh my mistake, I mean invited us!!” She flaunted two tickets.
"Definitely a no; I'm not going to any parties, Chloe. I'm going to stay at home, read for the test coming up next week..."
"No, no, no, not on my watch. You need a break from all this reading and from life itself. You deserve to have fun, too. Once in a while, a little fun won't hurt."
She was right. In our hidden mafia world, joy was rare. "I'll pick you up by 7:00."
She said walking away not waiting to hear if I’d accepted. She was assured that she wouldn’t have to stress much again to convince me.
I headed straight back home that afternoon, it was empty. Dad always busy with "business," Mom gone. I cooked spaghetti and meatballs, showered, napped. Waking at 5, I fretted over what to wear. Sifting through mom's closet, I found her green sleeveless dress with a thigh slit; the one from her first date with Dad. Tears welled as memories flooded, but it fitted perfectly, making me feel beautiful, alive.
Chloe arrived, stunning in black. "You look amazing!!"
"So do you, loving the slit, girl!!" We laughed, heading out.
Roseline's apartment was luxurious, crowded, pulsing with music. Drinks, buffet, and dance floor, she welcomed us warmly.
I fetched wine, but Chloe vanished, “Typical!”
Heading back, someone bumped me, wine splashed across a white shirt.
Who wears white to a party?
Looking up, my breath caught: sculpted chest, strong jaw, sulky mouth, trimmed black hair, ink-blue eyes holding galaxies.
Robins Tyla. William Stone in disguise.
My heart raced. This was the moment everything changed.
- Writer
