ONE WRONG STEP
746 Words
Chapter Four
Elena's POV
The ink wasn't even dry before I regretted signing my name.
I stared at the acceptance form lying on the table.
Four seconds.
That was all it had taken to change my life.
Yesterday, I wanted nothing to do with Westbridge Academy.
Today...
I had accepted a scholarship from the one person I couldn't stand.
Lucien Vale.
I dropped the pen and rubbed my forehead.
"What have I done?"
"You finally said yes."
I looked up.
Noah stood at the bedroom door, smiling as though he'd just won a prize.
"Were you spying on me?"
He laughed.
"I woke up when you started talking to yourself."
"I wasn't talking to myself."
"You asked, 'What have I done?'"
I groaned.
"You heard that?"
"I heard enough."
He walked over and picked up the form.
When he saw my signature, his shoulders relaxed.
"I've never been happier to see your handwriting."
I smiled despite myself.
"I still think this is a bad idea."
"Maybe."
He looked at me.
"But it's an opportunity."
I didn't answer.
He already knew why I'd accepted.
Not for me.
For us.
For the bills waiting on the table.
For his school uniform.
For the future neither of us could afford anymore.
He folded the papers carefully and handed them back.
"You should go."
I looked at the clock.
Nine fifteen.
Admissions closed at eleven.
I grabbed my bag.
At the door, Noah stopped me.
"Elena."
I turned.
"No matter what happens in that school..."
He smiled.
"Don't let anyone make you forget who you are."
I walked over and hugged him.
"I won't."
At least...
I hoped I wouldn't.
I caught the next bus to Westbridge Academy.
The journey felt shorter than usual.
Maybe because my mind wouldn't stop racing.
By the time I reached the academy gates, my palms were damp with sweat.
Yesterday, I walked through these gates carrying someone else's lunch.
Today...
I was carrying my future.
The security guard from yesterday recognized me immediately.
"The delivery girl."
I smiled awkwardly.
"I guess that's one way to remember me."
He looked at the envelope in my hand before stepping aside.
"So you accepted."
News really did travel fast around here.
"I did."
"Admissions is straight ahead."
"Thank you."
I hurried toward the administration building before anyone else could stop me.
A woman at the reception smiled warmly.
"Miss Elena Reyes?"
"Yes."
"We've been expecting you."
She handed me a file.
"Just a few signatures, then you'll officially become a Westbridge student."
That was it?
After everything I'd imagined, it was just paperwork.
I followed her into a small office where the principal greeted me with a kind smile.
"It's good to finally meet you, Miss Reyes."
"You too, ma'am."
She gestured for me to sit.
"I've heard wonderful things about your academic record."
I blinked.
"My record?"
She nodded.
"You've earned this opportunity."
For the first time since receiving the scholarship...
Someone made me feel like I belonged there.
Not because of Lucien.
Because of me.
She pushed the admission documents toward me.
"Whenever you're ready."
I took the pen.
This time, I didn't hesitate.
Within minutes, it was over.
The principal stood and extended her hand.
"Congratulations."
"As of today, you're officially a student of Westbridge Academy."
I shook her hand.
"Thank you."
As I stepped out of the administration building, I let out a long breath.
I'd done it.
There was no going back now.
I had barely taken a few steps when I noticed something strange.
The courtyard had gone unusually quiet.
Students who had been talking moments earlier suddenly stopped.
Several of them looked toward the academy entrance.
Others quickly moved aside, clearing a path.
A black luxury car rolled through the gates.
The whispers started immediately.
"He's here."
"Lucien."
"I heard he was in a meeting this morning."
My heart skipped.
No.
Not already.
The car came to a smooth stop.
The driver stepped out and opened the rear door.
A pair of polished black shoes touched the ground.
I didn't need anyone to tell me who it was.
I already knew.
Lucien Vale.
He adjusted the sleeve of his blazer before lifting his head.
His eyes swept across the courtyard.
Then...
They landed on me.
For a brief moment, neither of us moved.
The corner of his mouth lifted into the faintest smile.
Not one of surprise.
One of satisfaction.
As if he'd known all along...
That I'd say yes.
- Writer
