Chapter 2: When Fear Meets Longing
1670 Words
ALEXA'S POV
"My Queen, be careful... and trust the new friends you will soon meet," said a beautiful woman with a soft, serene smile. Her eyes were a vivid green, her lips thin and crimson, and her chestnut-brown hair fell in gentle waves. She wore a long white gown that flowed gracefully to her ankles, and atop her head shimmered a crown adorned with diamonds.
"Who are these friends you're talking about? And... why are you floating?" I asked, my voice filled with confusion as questions spilled from my lips. But she only smiled and reached out, lightly touching my left cheek. Her hand was warm and comforting—so gentle that I instinctively pressed it closer against my skin.
"My child, I love you so much. Please, always take care of yourself," she whispered, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her face. I reached up to wipe them away, but a sudden tightness gripped my chest. It was hard to breathe.
Why did it hurt so much?
ALARM RINGING
I turned off my alarm and sat up. To my surprise, my cheeks were wet. I held my chest—there it was again, that sadness and pain.
My child... she called me that in my dream. Could she be my real mother?
I quickly shook the thought out of my head. It was just a dream. Get it together.
"Alexa!"
I jumped at the shout. "Are you still standing there? Is breakfast cooking or not?"
I rushed to the kitchen. If I didn't get started, Aunt Joyce would let loose on me again.
"I'm cooking now," I called back quickly.
If only my real parents were still alive, I wouldn't have to live like this. I miss them—every single day. They passed away when I was twelve. Yes, I'm adopted. I've always known.
Still, I was lucky... they loved me deeply, even if just for a while.
They loved me, even though I was different.
What am I, really?
Abnormal. That's the only word that fits. I'm not normal. In fact, I'm not even sure I'm human at all.
FLASHBACK
When I was six years old...
"Mom! Mom!" I ran to her as she swept the yard, holding out my tiny hand where a flickering flame danced in my palm. Her eyes widened in shock, and she quickly ushered me inside the house.
"How many times have I told you? Not outside the house," she scolded gently.
I grinned and closed my hand. "Sorry, Mom. I won't do it again."
She pulled me into a tight hug.
When I was eleven...
"Sweetheart, what did you do to Alfred? He ran home pale as a ghost," she asked, worry in her voice.
"He saw me... playing with water floating in the air," I sobbed. I couldn't stop crying. It hurt. I understood why Alfred was scared of me.
She didn't say much—just one word, quietly:
"My child."
The next day...
"Alexa, come on," Dad called.
I still missed him. I hadn't seen Alfred since that day. I hoped he'd come back. Maybe he wasn't really scared of me. But maybe he was—and I wouldn't blame him.
If I could wish for anything, it would be that he never hated me... because even then, I knew he meant something special to me—even if I didn't understand why.
"I'm coming," I answered softly.
From that day forward, I never had another friend. I chose not to.
Who could accept someone like me? I was weird... different... frightening.
On my 12th Birthday...
No party. No friends. Just the three of us—Mom, Dad, and me.
But I was happy. They were all I needed.
"Sweetheart," Dad said behind me, holding a small box wrapped with a ribbon. I turned and smiled brightly.
"What is it, Dad?"
"A gift from your mom and me," he said, placing it in my hands.
"Thank you!" I hugged them both and opened it eagerly.
"Wow... it's beautiful!"
A necklace with a raindrop-shaped crystal pendant. My name was engraved inside.
"Thank you so much, Mom, Dad. I love you!"
"We love you too, sweetheart," Dad said.
But Mom was quiet. She looked like she wanted to say something more.
"What is it, Mom?" I asked.
She hesitated, then smiled.
"Your dad and I have something important to take care of back in our hometown. I want to go with him... and I'd like you to come too. I also want to visit my family while we're there."
"Of course I'll come, Mom. Don't worry," I said, hugging them both. "I love you. Thank you for everything."
On the ship...
The ship was sinking.
I panicked. I tried to save them—I tried to use my powers—but everything was out of control.
The water wouldn't listen. My hands were shaking. Nothing worked.
I wasn't strong enough. I wasn't fast enough.
I screamed. I cried. But it was too late.
They drowned... and I didn't.
I should've saved them.
Instead, I floated there—breathing underwater like it was nothing—while the two people I loved most were gone forever.
END OF FLASHBACK
I quickly wipe away my tears and set the table. It's only 5:30 AM—Aunt Joyce and Loraine will be coming downstairs soon.
Since my parents died, I've been living with them. It's been almost four years. I work here like a maid in exchange for food and a roof over my head.
I attend a private school on a full scholarship. I'm fifteen now, in my third year of high school. Lorraine and I go to the same school, but we're in different sections.
She's popular—cheer captain, beauty queen, always in the spotlight. A real queen bee.
"What are you spacing out for?" I flinch at her voice behind me.
"Go clean my room and iron my uniform. Don't make me late."
"Yes," I murmur.
She smirks as she walks off.
I do what she says, then clean the house quickly. They leave ahead of me.
It's already seven. I get ready and rush to school. I like studying, but being around bullies every day wears me down.
People pick on me—maybe because I'm a loner.
It's not that I don't want friends. I just can't risk having any.
If anyone finds out what I am, they'll treat me like a freak. Or worse—use me.
Mom and Dad used to say my ability was a gift, not a curse.
But I never believe that. Nothing good ever comes from it.
I just want to be normal.
At school...
"Ouch!" I gasp after bumping into something—or someone.
He holds out his hand to help me up. I hesitate, then stand on my own.
He bumps into me, and now he wants to play the gentleman? Seriously?
"Sorry, I was in a rush," he says.
I look up—and my heart skips a beat.
He has a sharp nose, warm brown almond-shaped eyes, thick brows, and those familiar dimples.
Though I'm surprised to see him, I take a deep breath and stay steady, forcing myself to remain calm.
He's wearing our school uniform... so he studies here now?
He's taller. More muscular. Somehow, even more handsome.
I blink several times, stunned. It's really him.
I turn away quickly, my cheeks burning.
I can't believe it. I see him again.
While waiting for our adviser, I stare at the ceiling, replaying his face in my mind.
Is he still afraid of me?
My thoughts scatter when Mrs. Gavez enters. We all stand to greet her. She's our Physics teacher—and my favorite. Always kind and cheerful.
After we sit down, she smiles. "We have a new transfer student today."
Oh no.
"Please come in," she calls toward the door.
My heart drops when he steps inside.
He smiles—at me.
I can't smile back. The girls' jealous stares could pierce through me.
"Good morning, everyone. I'm Alfred Lee," he says.
The classroom erupts in squeals.
"You may now take your seat... beside Ms. dela Rosa," Mrs. Gavez gestures to the empty chair next to mine.
Of course.
Just perfect.
I try to think of an escape plan—but now he's my seatmate.
He sits down, and I catch the scent of his cologne—clean and warm. Masculine.
I shake my head. Get it together, Alexa.
My heart is throwing a party.
Thankfully, I don't get called on during class. I'm in a daze all day, trying to avoid him, trying not to feel anything.
Maybe I could fake amnesia?
The bell rings. I start packing up fast.
"Alexa," he calls.
I look up, trying to keep my expression casual. "Yeah?"
He holds out my necklace. "This yours?" I reach up—my fingers find nothing.
"Hey," I say, starting to reach for it, but he pulls it just out of reach.
"Whoa, easy," he grins. "Aren't you going to say thanks?"
I flush, glancing around at the curious looks from the other girls.
"Thanks, Alfred," I say quietly, holding out my hand.
He raises an eyebrow. "Is it that important to you?"
I nod without thinking. "It means a lot."
He leans in, voice low. "What if I told you... it comes with a price?"
I blink. "What price?"
He smirks like he's hiding a secret. "Be my slave for a month."
I blink, torn between annoyance and disbelief. "Seriously? You're joking, right?"
"Not really."
I sigh, grabbing the necklace from him and slipping it back on. "Fine. Guess I don't have much choice."
He chuckles. "Don't worry. It's not as bad as it sounds."
I roll my eyes, crossing my arms. "And what exactly would that involve? Fanning you with palm leaves and feeding you grapes?"
Great. I'm already doing chores at home, and now I'm stuck with this guy too.
And somehow... that doesn't feel so bad.
..............................................................
Hi-Yu
- Writer
