Midnight Kisses

Chapter 2

“The only extra class left is music, Miss Sutton. It's fully loaded. That's all you can follow. I think Mrs. Wesson has explained - this is mandatory. It must not be empty, though all your grades are good.” Mrs. Adeline smiled behind her desk.

Malia sighed wearily. She desperately avoids music but is now stuck because of this mandatory extra class.

[ What should I do? Anything but not music. ]

Malia bit her racy lower lip. Her feet moved restlessly under the desk of Mrs. Adeline.

“You are talented at music. Why are you avoiding it, Miss Sutton? Is there something going on that you don't want to get into this class?” Adeline asked, folding her hands on her chest.

Malia bowed deeply, still thinking about this extra class a thousand times. She wasn't sure if she could handle it. When looking at the piano, Malia always remembers the terrible accident that killed Robert.

Adeline cleared her throat. She moved forward to her desk. Her face looked concerned. “I heard it from your mother - I'm so sorry for your loss, Miss Sutton.”

Malia's face tightened. She asked flatly. “My mother said it?”

“Yes, but don't misunderstand. I mean - it would be a shame if you abandoned your dreams, Miss Sutton. As we know, you're talented, accomplished, and intelligent. I spend my time with music. I know what it feels like when you want to leave it because it hurts - everything you've achieved. Are you sure you want to leave it? I heard your late father was happiest watching you on stage.” Adeline said with a soft tone.

Malia sighed poignantly. “It's not that easy, Mrs. Adeline.”

“I feel sorry for you, Miss Sutton. You're a genius. Winning in the recital music state is not easy. You deserve to be defended and fought for - I don't think your father's death had anything to do with you. It's fate.”

Malia cleared her throat to sit up straight. There is no reason to continue this conversation. She smiled faintly - shook her head.

Malia sighed wearily. “Well, Mrs. Adeline. I just went to music class. Please help.”

Adeline smiled broadly. Her face lit up while shaking Malia's hand. “Fantastic! You're more than welcome, Miss Sutton. I can't wait to see you in my extra class. See you later. Glad you could join me.”

“Excuse me, Mrs. Adeline. Thanks for your help.”

Malia came out of Adeline's room with a gloomy bent face. She leaned there to close her eyes as she felt dizzy.

Her heart was drained. A new life chapter in Maine means that she will also have to leave her inner wounds in the field of music.

Robert Sutton's smile, laughter, and voice echoed through her mind.

Malia missed her father so much.

[ Why is it like this? Oh, mom. Why do you have to talk about this with someone else? ]

“Are you okay?”

Malia jolted up when a long wavy brunette girl stood before her. She's sweet and graceful with a nice aura.

The glare of her eyes radiated sincerity. Her forehead shriveled with anxiety at the sight of Malia, as to see if she needed help.

“Oh, sorry. I'm fine. Just a little twirl.” Malia replied unsteadily.

“Are you sick? Need help in the medical room? I can help you get there.” She asked in friendliness.

Malia shook her head - smiled kindly. “Oh, there's no need - I'm just fine, thanks for asking.”

“All right. I just saw you. You're new here, aren't you?”

“Yes.”

“Cool. I - Rebekah Ainslee, by the way.”

Malia shook Rebekah's hand warmly. They giggled. “Oh. I'm Malia Sutton. Nice to meet you, too.”

Rebekah smiled fabulously. Her hand pointed to the white room beside them. “I see you have just left the room. Mrs. Adeline. Extra music class?”

Malia rolled her eyes. “Yeah. I did not know that in this university extra classes are mandatory and should not be empty.”

“I hope that won't get you out of here.”

They giggled.

“You have to get used to it, Malia. But Vortigern University is a magnificent campus. An earthly paradise - as we call it.”

It is indeed an earthly paradise. The campus is astonishing.

The front–back yard has a striking view. The classes are futuristic based on faculties, and the various students are here.

“Oh, yeah. I've seen it since I first came to the gates of this campus. The aura is radiant.”

“Where did you come from before moving here?”

“L.A.”

Amber Rebekah's eyes lit up. “Woah. You're cool, Malia. L.A great state. What brings you to Maine?”

“Long story.”

“I have plenty of time,” Rebekah replied - smiling excitedly and shrugging. “I'm glad to hear your story, and I don't mind if you tell me, Malia.”

Malia rubbed her nape while giggling.

“Becca!”

Rebekah and Malia turned away.

“Shiloh?!”

Shiloh waved her hand from the end of the hall. She smiled broadly. She's running close.

“Hey. I've been looking everywhere for you. You're here.” Shiloh grumbled with a frown. “You left me, remember? You, Nolan, and my lovely Seth are the same!”

Rebekah rolled her eyes lazily. “Oh, gosh! Waiting you need a dozen times!”

“You guys are impatient,” Shiloh rebuked. Her gaze met Malia's and smiling obliquely. “Who is she?”

“Oh yeah. Shiloh. Here, Malia Sutton.” Rebekah patted Malia on the shoulder. “She has just moved from L.A. New student here. Malia. It's Shiloh Austen.”

“Woah. L.A? Are you kidding me? You come from the state of many people's dreams. Why was it stranded so far away in Maine?” Shiloh asked with a frown. Her eyes were full of light. “Did you run away because of something? Did you commit a crime or something? Or a stalker who doesn't want to leave you alone?”

Shiloh is as enthusiastic as Rebekah. The tone is somewhat haunting.

Malia guffawed. She didn't mind Shiloh's straightforward character. Getting to know them is a lot of fun.

[ I had forgotten. That I was heartbroken after my father's death. ]

“Yeah. Consider it so,” Malia replied with a shrug. “I ran away from something terrible.”

Shiloh giggled and pointed to Malia - impressed. She mistakenly thought that Malia might be offended by her words. In contrast, Malia chuckled. “Hey, I like this new kid, Becca.”

Rebekah elbowed Shiloh's ribs and snorted, “stop it, Shiloh! You scared her. Don't you listen to her, Malia? Shiloh is insane.”

“Hey, I'm just kidding.” Shiloh raised her hand.

“Never mess with her, or I'll break your nose,” Rebekah threatened through the sharp glance of her eyes to grab Malia's arm - dragging her away from Shiloh.

“Come on, don't leave me again, Becca! Hei, wait for me, guys!”

Malia and Rebekah chuckled.

***

[ Globalization, IT & Culture. ]

Malia sat in the middle of the chair to study the course book. She focuses on Mr. Alaric Faraday. He capitalized on the theme of today's lecture hall on his whiteboard.

“Speaking of globalization, IT, and culture - can anyone explain?”

Their discussion stopped when the door rattled wide open. When Malia glanced towards the door –

“Mr. Slater. Are you late again?” Mr. Faraday cleared his throat.

Kaius Slater?

Malia frowned. The young man she met in Mrs. Wesson last day ago for fighting with someone. The young man succeeded Mr. Cole, and Mrs. Wesson was annoyed to the point of screaming.

But he still relaxed as if nothing had happened.

[ Bad boy. ] Malia thought in her mind.

Kai smiled broadly. “I'm sorry, Mr. Faraday. I ran out of Mr. Cole's room.”

Malia glimpsed Kaius's deep shady eyes intensely.

Mr. Faraday crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head. “You've made Mr. Cole Hassett, Kai. You'd better keep your attitude from now on so as not to affect your graduation later.”

Kaius chortled. “Yes, I understand, Mr. Faraday. Not a thousand times. Thanks for reminding me.”

“Please, sit quietly.”

“Aye. Aye. Captain,” Kai muttered in a soft tone. He's looking for his seat.

Malia looked away as Kai's sharp and calm eyes stared at her.

Kai sat on the top seat to open his book. Quietly, his eyes seized on Malia Sutton - intensely.

***