A Step Toward Independence
983 Words
Ava's POV
The sound of footsteps pushed me from what seemed like a bittersweet dream.
Panic surged through me…Emilia might be coming.
I shoved him hard. He staggered a few steps, his gray eyes flashing.
“Stay away from me, you creep,” I spat before slamming the bathroom door
.
I made my way to the kitchen, my chest heaving, before going outside through the side door.
The fresh California breeze rushed against my skin, but it did nothing to calm my racing heart.
I could faintly hear the sound of cars zooming on the street ahead as I stood on the steps.
The air smelled faintly of pancakes and autumn. I kicked off my slippers and marched barefoot down the steps.
I felt alive when my feet touched the grass.
If there was one thing I loved about our estate, it was how nature-themed it was.
Neat and orderly squares of cut lawn sprawled across the ground, with the exception of the parking space and walkways that were lined in neon lights.
I took a deep breath, walking around to try to calm myself.
But the echo of his words danced in my thoughts without meaning to.
You want me to do what I did to your sister to you.
Heat crept up my cheeks instantly.
Was it true?
Did I want it to be true?
The sound of his voice, his lips against my ears, sent a shiver through my spine even in the garden.
“No!” I screamed out, startling the birds building their nest a few meters away.
He was Emilia’s boyfriend.
Not mine.
I couldn’t possibly hurt her like that.
My palms cupped my face and I drew a deep breath. I needed to disappear before I would do something unforgivable.
Thank God it was just one breakfast.
I didn’t have to meet him again.
I had wanted to try going to school from home, but I was moving back to the dorms.
My dad wouldn’t like it, but it was all I could do to stop myself from falling into the temptation that had gray eyes, smelled like musky oud, and was Emilia’s boyfriend… Luke.
…
The next morning, I finally packed what was left of my clothes into my huge black box.
My parents had agreed to me staying in the dorms on the condition that I’d be home every Sunday and attend every ball or gala they hosted.
My dad was hell-bent on reintroducing me to society. His way of attracting eligible suitors.
I cringed at the thought.
I took a mental note of important stuff.
Laptop, check.
Kindle, check.
Headphones, check.
Earbuds, check.
Before finally zipping my box shut.
Yes, I was that type of girl. The one who lived off lists.
To-do lists were the bane of my existence.
I rolled my suitcase out of my room, taking one last glance at it.
“I’ll be back,” I whispered before closing the door.
One of the maids in the hallway helped me take it downstairs.
I took a left turn at the hallway that led to my parents’ room.
I knocked twice.
My mum’s soft voice floated out, “Come in.”
I tugged the door open and stepped in.
She was at her dresser, the golden light from the mirror pooled on her face.
“Honey,” she beamed when our eyes met. “You’re all set?”
She turned her attention back to the mirror, applying her eyeliner flawlessly.
“Yes.” I nodded.
“Alright, Wyatt will drop you—”
“No, Mum.” I cut her off before she could finish.
“I want to drive myself to school.”
Her gaze never left the mirror. “You know your father won’t let that happen, honey,”
“I know,” I sighed. “But he doesn’t have to know, right?”
I gave her my best puppy-dog eyes.
No way was I moving into the dorms with a driver and escorts again. Aside from the embarrassment, I was just going to announce that I'm a Morgan spoiled heiress.
“You know your father has drivers and escorts for a reason, honey.”
“Yes, I know, Mum. The incident that happened…
It’s been ten years, Mum.
Plus, I’m nineteen now, and I don’t see the rule applying to Emilia. She goes wherever she wants without a driver.”
“Oh, she has an escort,” Mum said matter-of-factly.
“Come on, Mum. Please.”
I could see her reflection weighing the thought
I had to think fast if I was going to get her to agree.
“Okay,” I scrambled. “He can follow me to school in another car, make sure I get there safely, and I can pack my stuff in.”
“Mum, please.”
She rose from her chair and smoothed her gown, studying herself in the full-length mirror.
“You look absolutely stunning.” I offered quickly. "No one will take their eyes off you.”
A laugh escaped her lips.
“Resorting to flattery now, eh?”
“Did it work?” I chewed my lower lip, praying she’d say yes.
“On one condition.”
“Anything,” I breathed.
“You're home on Saturdays and Sundays. I can’t have my baby girl away from home for too long.”
“What?” I groaned. “Mum!!”
“Deal or no deal.” She turned a smirk tugging on her lips.
So this was it.
I could either refuse to come home, or suffer the humiliation of having an escort.
I scrunched my brows.
“Fine. Deal.”
“Oh, cheer up.”
She crossed the room and wrapped me in a warm embrace.
“Have a nice stay, sweetie. Don't forget to say bye to your dad in the study before you leave.”
- Writer
