Pages of desire

Anna had just finished high school and was about to start college, but the timing could not have been worse. Her parents’ divorce was still fresh, and she was in a fragile state. Her father had been granted custody, forcing her to live with him, while the distance from her mother felt like a constant ache in her chest. Things only became harder after her father remarried. Veronica — her so-called stepmother — came with an overbearing daughter, Sam. The house never felt like home anymore. “Anna?” her father called. “Yes, Dad.” “Are you done packing?” “Yes. We can leave now.” During the drive to the airport, Anna stared out the window, thinking about what she would miss about Greenwood. Strangely, nothing came to mind. Being bullied throughout high school because of her weight had left very few good memories behind. Moving to another state felt less like leaving and more like relief. She wanted a new start. More than anything, she wanted peace. At the entrance, she hugged her father briefly. “I’ll call you when I land.” “Okay. Go now or you’ll miss the plane.” Something about his tone felt rushed, almost eager for her to leave, but she ignored the thought and dragged her suitcase inside. --- On the plane, Anna put on her headphones, determined to keep to herself. Music had always been her escape. A tap on her shoulder startled her. She removed one earcup and turned to see the man seated beside her waving a hand slightly in front of her face. “Oh — sorry,” she said quickly. “Hi,” he replied with an easy smile. For a moment she was too stunned to respond properly. He was… gorgeous. If she kept staring any longer, she was sure she might embarrass herself. “H-hi.” “What are you listening to?” he asked. “Pop. Never Been Small by Jennarie.” “Haven’t heard it,” he said before extending his hand. “Luke. Nice to meet you.” “Anna. Nice to meet you too.” Her palms were slightly sweaty as she shook his hand. She was nervous talking to him but tried to stay composed. She avoided sharing too many personal details — after all, he was still a stranger — yet she found herself enjoying the conversation more than expected. Hours passed quickly. By the time the plane landed, she realized she hadn’t slept at all during the twelve-hour flight. As they walked out of the airport together, Luke spoke again. “Welcome to Crownville. Where are you headed?” “Crown Lake.” “I could drop you off if you’d like.” “No, it’s okay. I don’t want you going out of your way. I’ll take a cab.” “It’s not out of the way. I’m headed in the same direction.” She hesitated before nodding. “Okay… if you insist.” --- While they waited, a car pulled up to them. The driver stepped out and took her luggage. “Ma’am,” he greeted politely before turning to Luke. “Nice to see you back, sir.” “Nice to see you too, Stanley,” Luke said. “And how many times have I told you? Just call me Luke.” “You’re my boss. It’s mandatory I call you sir.” Anna looked between them, confused. Boss? Who exactly was this guy? Luke opened the car door for her. Inside, she found herself wondering about him again. “You seem lost in thought,” he said. “I’m fine,” she replied. “I’ve just never been this far away from home.” “Homesick?” “Not really. Just a new feeling I’m getting used to.” Her phone buzzed. She tried calling her father, but he didn’t answer. “Boyfriend?” Luke asked casually. She shook her head quickly. “No, my dad. I wanted him to know I arrived safely. I wouldn’t want him worrying.” “Oh,” he said lightly. “My bad.” “You know,” she added softly, “if you wanted to know, you could’ve just asked. I don’t have a boyfriend.” The car slowed. “We’re here, sir,” Stanley announced. Luke nodded before turning to her. “Help the young lady with her suitcase.” “That’s not necessary,” Anna said quickly, but the driver had already stepped out. “Thanks for the ride,” she said. She watched the car drive away, realizing she never got his contact details — and he hadn’t asked for hers either. Still, she smiled faintly. The first person she encountered in Crownville hadn’t been so bad. In fact… It had been an amazing encounter.