Midnight Kisses

“See? Our new home isn't too bad, Malia. Maine is a striking and cozy city. Our neighbors are friendly. I got some good news, too, honey. I got a new job at a Lewiston City law firm,” Abigail said excitedly. Abigail turned the steering wheel of her car to the left. “Good for you. I'm glad to hear that,” Malia replied with a short smile. “I'm happy for you, mom.” Malia's gaze glanced out of the windshield. Through the long road of Acadia National Park that presents views. The coastal stretches, winding picturesque cliff hills, and giant pine forests. The blue sky looks roughly can be touched. This beauty still could not cure the emptiness of mental or physical wounds that Malia felt. Abigail sighed - anxious to see Malia's somewhat cold attitude change since moving to Maine last week. “Why are you looking so sad? Does your rib still hurt? Do we need to see a doctor, honey?” Malia rolled her eyes, “I'm okay, mom. My flail chest no longer hurts. Yeah, it still hurts a little bit − sometimes.” “Come on, honey. It's your first day at Vortigern University, right? Don't be so sullen. Cheer up! It's one of the best universities. The most popular college here is Malia. I heard it's a gathering place for dashing boys and classy girls. You're lucky to get there because they admire your piano achievement.” “Pianist? I want to forget that, mom.” “Why?!” Abigail screamed in disbelief behind the wheel. “Oh, dear. You broke my heart.” “Yes, I forgot about the dream that killed daddy. I explained it to you many times, didn't I?” Malia answered flatly. Their car is waiting for the turn of the traffic sign light. She enters the bustling town of Camden Hills. Residents of her village spend time in the harbor. The blue of the ocean and Nubble Lighthouse look tiny from a distance. Malia took a deep breath. She couldn't dispel the terrible memories of the accident that killed Robert Sutton. No one has left Los Angeles since her father died. Robert's death hit her hard mentally. Her world turned upside down quickly − living in a metropolis, large and developed like Los Angeles. Have a perfect life, great as well as the dream of many girls. All of that vanished instantly - now carrying Malia Sutton stranded in Maine. This deep pain and loss are still difficult for her to overcome. Abigail shook her head. “Oh, sweety, you're not the only one who lost Robert. I feel the same way. But the accident happened to your father. It was not your fault and it had nothing to do with that musical recital. He's proud of you. Do you remember his happy face welcoming you backstage? It would be a shame if you abandoned your dreams. You're talented, Malia. Vortigern University accepted you without a second thought.” Malia's empty gaze glazed over. “I've hated myself ever since daddy died in that accident, mom. That's why I don't want to deal with music anymore.” There is only pain and sorrow in her heart. “I think you need time to accept everything, sweetie.” Malia was speechless. Her heart was troubled and hurt when she remembered the accident. Even now, she can still hear Robert Sutton's screams clearly in the cabin of the wrecked sedan, haunting her night's sleep. “I've been thinking about it, momma.” Malia was adamant. Her tears came down. “We've discussed this before, okay?” Abigail sighed deeply - tried to be gracious. She drove her car slowly. Her fingers gently stroked the crest of Malia's hair. “Whatever you want, go ahead. I don't want to pressure you. You know I love you more than anything. I know you're furious. You know the situation, no one left in Los Angeles, Malia. I had to sell the house for our new life here.” Malia took a piece of tissue to wipe away her tears. She sobbed in a muffled voice. She even missed Robert's funeral because she was lying in a coma in the hospital. “I'm sorry, honey. I know it's hard for both of us. You're my only reason to stay tough, Malia. You're all I have now. I love you more than anything. I don't want to see you sad anymore. Let's open a new chapter in our lives. It takes time, but I'm sure we can get through this.” Malia bewailed. “I'm sorry - I made you sad.” Abigail kissed the back of her daughter's hand and smiled airily. "My Malia Sutton is tough. It's okay, honey. Sad is natural when it drags on - it's not good for us.” Malia smiled painfully. “Well, we've arrived.” Abigail pulled over on the university grounds. Cut off the conversation and melt the atmosphere. “Okay, don't be sad anymore. Have fun, baby.” “See you, mom. Be careful on the road.” “I'll see you at home in the afternoon, okay? Bye, honey!” Malia got out of the car without turning again. She entered the gates of majestic Vortigern University while docking her coat. This campus is astonishing. It has a stunning yard. The parking lots were rowed with exotic-class cars. “Woah. Earthly paradise.” Malia muttered in surprise. A group of handsome young men in hockey team jackets gathered in front of their cars. They're laughing about something. The three giggling girls had just gotten off their Maseratti as another young man teased them. Everyone has their party gangs, from students with glasses, who bring thick books, popular glamorous girls, geniuses, or a bunch of athletes from their clubs. A young man suddenly came cutting through Malia's path with his skateboard. Malia was jolted up while the young man's companions giggled at him from their seats on the green grass – right under the shady Woody Oaks. Malia shook her head and stepped quickly. Go up the lobby stairs-mingle with other students. “I have an appointment with Mrs. Lenore Wesson,” Malia muttered. She only hopes her first day will be fun compared to her old campus. *** “Malia Sutton? Welcome. Come on, sit down.” Lenore Wesson greeted Malia with a warm smile from her desk. Malia with a big smile. She pulled up a chair to sit facing Mrs. Lenore Wesson. “So, Miss Sutton. Here are some files you'll need to fill out later. These are your locker keys. All the files from your two major courses - Law and IT -?” Lenore asked with a frown. “Yes, Mrs. Wesson.” “You are talented at music. You got some merit. Why don't you get a creative arts major?” Malia was stunned inside. She smiled faintly. “I want to try something new, Mrs. Wesson.” “All right. Don't forget to file it later. If you have any other questions - you can contact me ahead or your supervising professor directly. The file is a mandatory extra class to complete the course. Mandatory conditions, Miss Sutton. You can't empty it.” Lenore explained the details. “Okay, Mrs. Wesson.” Malia noticed the map in her hand. Her forehead furrowed deeply. [ Additional compulsory classes sports, music, creative arts, self-development - gosh. ] “You can access all class schedules through the application and attend class today. Then welcome aboard, yes. Nice to meet you.” Lenore said and shook Malia's hand warmly. “Thank you very much, Mrs. Wesson,” Malia said goodbye and smiled politely. Malia was about to open the door of Mrs. Lenore Wesson's before the commotion outside the room held her back. A lecturer forcibly dragged the young man wearing the Vortigern University pride club team jacket with the American Football logo. “You are a troublemaker, Slater!! What the hell is wrong with you? Do you enjoy this rebel attitude?! Because you're a genius and accomplished at American Football. Can you go around like that?!! It is the umpteenth time! You're messing with Darius Gaskarth!! Stop that nonsense!!” The young man was inflamed. The edges of his lips let out fresh blood. “He's the one who got into trouble with me first, Mr. Cole. Come on, you know me. I wouldn't be in trouble if I hadn't been disturbed! It's a f*****g jerk - Darius Gaskarth!” “Hey! Watch what you say!” Mr. Cole hit Kaius Slater on the head with a roll of paper in his hand. The young man moaned irritably and almost bumped Malia. For a few moments, Kaius felt his world stop spinning as he stared at Malia's bright silver irises that cracked like glass. It radiates deep sincerity, kindness, and innocence which Kaius had never seen in his life. Malia docked against the wall when their eyes met long enough. “What is this?” Lenore Wesson put on her glasses, then her voice thundered in rage. "KAIUS SLATER-YOU AGAIN!!!” ***