The Hidden Heart

Shealeigh Ferrer's POV I couldn't believe my college career was coming to an end. It seemed like just yesterday I was moving into my tiny dorm room, filled with excitement and nerves about this new chapter. Over the past four years, I had grown and learned so much. I chose to study history because I wanted to understand how we got to where we are today. Professors like McKenzie brought the past to life and showed me how to think critically. My friends Celeste and Emrys helped make the experience memorable. Celeste was always up for the latest adventure, while Emrys brought laughter and light to every situation. We had formed an unconventional but loving friendship group. Now graduation day had finally arrived. As I walked across the stage to accept my diploma, I beamed with pride. All those late nights studying had paid off. My friends Celeste and Emrys in the audience cheered the loudest. After the ceremony, Celeste and Emrys found me amid the chaos. "Drinks are on me to celebrate!" Emrys declared. We all knew he would make this a night to remember. As we left the venue, Professor McKenzie caught up to us. "Leaving so soon? I have a special graduation tradition I think you'll enjoy." He described a secret gathering in the library stacks, with lively music and libations. My curiosity was piqued - what secrets did those books hold? After four formative years here, how fitting to celebrate among knowledge itself. McKenzie led us to the ancient library. As the hidden door opened onto revelry within, I smiled at my dear friends. Our college journey may have ended, but new adventures surely awaited beyond those hallowed walls. McKenzie held the door open with a flourish as we entered the secret party. The hidden space had been transformed - string lights twinkled among the shelves, lamps cast a warm glow. A makeshift bar lined one wall, stocked with bottles of fine liquor and casks of beer. Jazz standards floated from a vintage record player. About two dozen graduates laughed and mingled amid the books. "Professor, this is amazing!" Celeste exclaimed. McKenzie beamed. "I'm glad you like it. Now go, mingle, and make the most of your last night as students!" We grabbed drinks and eagerly joined the festivities. Emrys was soon charming a group with tales of our antics. Celeste introduced me to her journalism friends. I chatted with graduates from other departments, swapping stories of our time at school. We lamented that it was nearly over, while eagerly anticipating new paths. Hours flew by in the cozy atmosphere. As the party began to wind down, I noticed McKenzie browsing a shelf, lost in thought. "Professor? Are you alright?" I asked gently. He turned, a bittersweet smile on his face. "Just remembering my own graduation, so long ago. I'm glad I could create one last meaningful memory for you all here." Warmed by his kindness, I gave him a heartfelt hug. "Thank you for everything you've given us. It's been a privilege learning from you." The library would always hold a special place in my heart, filled with history and hope for the future. After sharing my heartfelt moment with Professor McKenzie, I rejoined Celeste and Emrys near the makeshift bar."This has been the perfect way to end our college days," Celeste smiled, resting her head on my shoulder. Emrys lifted his glass in a toast. "To new beginnings!"We clinked drinks and savored the sugary sweet cocktail. As the party began winding down, McKenzie took the record player into a quiet alcove. Slow jazz notes wafted out."May I have this dance?" Emrys asked Celeste with an exaggerated bow. She giggled and curtsied in return, sweeping onto the impromptu dance floor.I watched them fondly, reflecting on our bond. We had supported each other through late night study sessions, first heartbreaks, and so much more. What would I do without them?As if reading my mind, McKenzie approached. "Thank you again for this," I told him sincerely. He gave a nod."You three have a friendship like no other. Cherish that as you start new paths. And remember - this place will always welcome you back."Warmed, I gave him a hug goodbye. Stepping outside, the cool night air was bittersweet. Celeste squeezed my hand."One last toast?" Emrys proposed, uncorking a bottle of bubbly he'd swiped. We raised our drinks under the stars. Whatever came next, we'd face it together. As Celeste, Emrys and I said our goodbyes outside the graduation after-party, the evening's festivities coming to an end, we parted ways to head to our separate homes. I started feeling the effects of the drinks I had consumed over the celebratory hours, a pleasant buzz accompanied by an unsteady gait. The cool night air no longer seemed sobering as I walked alone down the dimly lit street. A few stumbles later and I was finding it hard to put one foot in front of the other. Before I knew it, as my blurred vision started to spin even more, someone had reached out and grabbed firmly onto my arm. Unbalanced, I looked over to see a blurred figure standing beside me, but my muddled state made it impossible to make out any distinguishing features of who had intercepted my faltering steps. A concerned voice asked, "Hey, are you alright? Do you need some help?" As my vision swam, I strained to focus on my savior. Beyond the haze, I sensed deep pools of ocean blue gazing back with concern. "I'm okay," I managed to reply, my voice slurring slightly. "I'm just a little drunk." The man laughed. "I can see that. Here, let me help you." He slipped his arm through mine and guided me towards the exit. As we walked outside, the cool night air hit me, and I felt a little more sober. "Thanks for helping me," I said, turning to face him. As I looked at him properly for the first time, I realized that he was tall and handsome, with bright blue eyes and a kind smile. "It's no problem," he replied, his gaze meeting mine. "I saw you stumbling out of the party and I didn't want you to get hurt." I felt a warmth spread through me as I looked at him, and I realized that I was attracted to him. But at the same time, I knew that I was in no condition to make any decisions or judgments. "Thanks again," I said, my voice a little softer than before. "I should probably go home now." He nodded and released my arm. "Take care of yourself, okay? And congratulations on graduating." I smiled at him, feeling a sense of gratitude and happiness. "Thanks. It means a lot." Reluctantly, he loosened his hold. Our fingers brushed as we parted, sending electricity up my arm. As I drifted away in a daze, I whispered a wish that our serendipitous meeting was merely the first chapter in a beautiful story yet to unfold. I was now waiting on the sidewalk to hail a cab, still feeling the effects of the alcohol when someone suddenly bumped into me. "Hey," I said, my tone laced with annoyance and frustration. He didn't even bother asking for forgiveness, what a rude guy! "What? Aren't you going to apologize?" I said, my voice rising in exasperation and disbelief. He smirked for a moment, as if amused by my outburst, before leaning his face towards mine and staring at my eyes closely. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I met his gaze, feeling a mix of fear and curiosity. His eyes were dark and intense, and I couldn't help but feel drawn to him despite my better judgment. For a moment, we stood there in silence, locked in a gaze that felt both intimate and unsettling. I could feel my heart racing in my chest as I tried to decipher the stranger's intentions, wondering what he was thinking and feeling. "Wh-what?" I stammered, feeling a sense of unease as the stranger continued to stare at my eyes without saying anything. His gaze was intense and unrelenting, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of vulnerability under his scrutiny. For a moment, we stood there in silence, the noise of the party fading into the background as the stranger's gaze bore into me. I felt a mix of fear and curiosity, wondering what he was thinking and what he wanted from me. "I'm Lysander Greyson," he said, his voice low and smooth. "And I do hope to see you again next time." I felt a jolt of surprise and excitement at his words, wondering what he meant by 'next time.' But before I could respond, he had disappeared into the crowd, leaving me standing there with a sense of anticipation and intrigue. As I hailed a cab and made my way home, I couldn't stop thinking about the stranger I had met. Lysander Greyson. The name rolled off my tongue, and I couldn't help but wonder what he was like and what he wanted from me. Despite the uncertainty and confusion, I couldn't shake the feeling that our paths would cross again in the future. And I couldn't wait to find out what fate had in store for us. As I walked into my apartment, the first thing that struck me was the silence. It was a spacious, one-bedroom apartment with an open-plan living and dining area. The floors were made of polished hardwood, and the walls were painted in a light shade of beige that gave the space a warm and welcoming feel. The living room was furnished with a comfortable sofa and a couple of armchairs, arranged around a coffee table. The walls were adorned with a few pieces of artwork, including a large abstract painting that hung above the sofa. The dining area was situated in a corner of the living room, with a glass-topped table and four chairs. A floor-to-ceiling window overlooked the street outside, offering a glimpse of the bustling city below. The bedroom was located down a short hallway, and it was furnished with a queen-sized bed, a dresser, and a closet. The walls were adorned with a few black-and-white photographs, and a small balcony offered a view of the city skyline. Overall, the apartment was cozy and inviting, with a minimalist and tasteful decor that reflected my personal style. As I looked around, I felt a sense of comfort and familiarity wash over me, and I knew that I was home. I rushed to the bathroom, feeling a sense of exhaustion and relief wash over me. The warm water from the showerhead felt like a soothing balm on my skin, and I couldn't help but let out a sigh of contentment. As I lathered up my body with soap, I closed my eyes and let my mind drift, reflecting on the events of the night. The memories of the party and the encounter with Lysander Greyson played in my mind like a movie, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. After rinsing off, I turned off the shower and stepped out, wrapping a fluffy towel around my body. I headed over to the bathtub and turned on the hot water, watching as the tub filled up with steaming water. As I sank into the warm water, I let out a sigh of pleasure, feeling my muscles relax and my mind unwind. The scent of lavender and vanilla filled the air, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment of peace and solitude. As I soaked in the tub, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held, and whether I would see Lysander Greyson again. But for now, all that mattered was the warmth of the water and the comfort of my own company. After a while of soaking in the warm bath, I felt my eyelids grow heavy and my body relax. The warmth of the water had lulled me into a state of calm, and I couldn't help but feel my mind drift off into a peaceful slumber. As I stepped out of the tub and dried off, I felt a sense of drowsiness wash over me. I wrapped a fresh towel around my body and made my way to the bedroom, feeling the softness of the carpet under my feet. Once in my bedroom, I slipped into a pair of comfortable pajamas and crawled into bed, the soft mattress enveloping me in a cocoon of warmth and comfort. I turned off the lamp on my bedside table and closed my eyes, feeling the weight of the day lift off my shoulders. As I drifted off into a deep and restful sleep, I couldn't help but think of the stranger I had met at the party. Lysander Greyson. The name echoed in my mind like a whisper, and I wondered what the future held for us. But for now, all that mattered was the warmth of my bed and the comfort of my dreams. And with that, I fell into a deep and peaceful slumber, ready to face whatever tomorrow had in store. /////////////////// A few months had passed since I graduated, but I still hadn't been able to secure a good, high-paying job. For months, I had been working as a cashier at a convenience store in the morning and as a waitress at a bar in the evening. It was funny how my life had taken a turn for the worse after all those years of studying, but I hadn't given up on making the most of my life. As I may not have mentioned before, I am an orphan and I live by myself. Throughout my existence, I have been the only one providing for my needs, and luckily, I had managed to graduate through my greatest hard work. "Miss, do you have another strong liquor you can recommend? I can't seem to get drunk with this one," a man said to me, interrupting my thoughts as I worked my shift at the bar. As I looked up, I realized that the man was somehow familiar. I couldn't quite place where I knew him from, but there was something about his face that seemed familiar. I recommended a shot of whiskey, hoping it would help him forget his problems for a little while. He nodded, and I poured him a shot. He lifted the glass to his lips and threw back the whiskey in one swift motion. I watched as he slammed the glass back down on the counter, his eyes closed as the alcohol burned its way down his throat. "Another one, please," he said, holding out his empty glass. As I poured him another drink, I observed him closely. There was a sadness in his eyes that seemed to mirror my own, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of empathy for him. As the night went on, the man continued to drink, and I could tell that he was trying to forget something or someone. I wondered what kind of problems he was facing, and whether he would be able to find a way out of his troubles. As I watched him stumble out of the bar, I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness wash over me. Despite the challenges I was facing in my own life, I knew that there were others out there who were facing even greater difficulties. And yet, we all had to find a way to keep going, to keep pushing forward in the face of adversity. ""Hey, Shealeigh. Is something bothering you?" Celeste asked me, as they sat together with Emrys on one of the bar stools. I shook my head to clear the thoughts that had been running through my mind. "No, nothing. Do you guys want to order something?" I asked them. "Nah, maybe we'll just go home. There aren't any hotties in here," Emrys said, looking disappointed. I laughed at his obsession with hot and rich guys. "But I found a hottie earlier though," I snapped at him, and his face instantly lit up. "Where? Where is that hottie guy?" he asked, looking around to find the man I was talking about. "Nah, he already went home," I told him, feeling sad as I pouted. "He was really hot though, but he looked desperately sad." My face got wrinkled with the thought that he was really familiar though. "I don't know, but he seemed...," I said, furrowing my brows as I tried to gather ideas of where I could have met him before, but I failed instantly. "He really seemed familiar though." "Maybe it's one of the guys you had a one night stand with?" he replied, raising his eyebrows, and I playfully hit him on the arm. "No way. I haven't done that yet," I said, laughing a little. "Ohh, yet? Does that mean you have plans?" Celeste teased, and I shook my head nonstop. "No, no, no. I have to make a living first before trying to involve myself with pleasure." Celeste shook her index finger in a sign of disagreement. "No, no, no. That's the wrong way to think things through. Girl, you have to give yourself time for pleasure and not just work your butt off day and night." she said, with a friendly and encouraging tone. "Remember, it's best to balance work with pleasure." "Alright, alright. If you say so," I replied, my tone resigned and a little defeated. "Okay, so that means you're free tomorrow night?" Celeste asked, pointing at me. My eyes widened. "Hey, I never said that!" "No, girl, you should make reservations. You better come with us tomorrow night. Please?" Emrys pleaded. "But I have work, and," I hesitated, "I have a lot of bills to pay at the end of the month." "The more reason you should come," Emrys retorted, "we might be able to find rich hotties who can help you pay off all your bills!" "I don't know about that," I said, shaking my head. "You have to come. We're going to a luxurious bar. I'm sure there will be a lot of rich guys there." I don't really know why Emrys thinks like this, trying to get with men just to get by in life. But on second thought, if push comes to shove, I might resort to that. However, I won't stoop that low and will try to make a living for myself without relying on support from wealthy men. //////The_Next_Day////// I am currently at the luxurious bar that Emrys and Celeste were talking about. I was compelled to go with them because they had been persistently bothering me yesterday and wouldn't leave me alone. But I don't regret coming, as it's been a while since we attended a party together and I was actually enjoying myself. We've been chatting, drinking, and admiring attractive men for a while now. However, I suddenly feel dizzy and nauseous, so I excuse myself from the table and head to the restroom to vomit. As I try to walk, I stumble a bit due to the alcohol. Eventually, I make it to the restroom and find a handsome man there, coughing while trying to light a cigarette. Under the influence of alcohol, I impulsively offer to light it for him. "Thanks," he spoke softly and I could feel a warmth in his voice that made me blush. His eyes held a kindness and understanding that made me feel at ease. As I looked at him, the dizziness and nausea seemed to fade away, replaced by a strange sense of comfort. I couldn't help but feel drawn to him. Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe it was something else, but I knew that I wanted to get to know him better. "Hey, want to have a dirty night?" I was shocked myself as those words came out of my mouth. But I just couldn't seem to resist his charms. A smirk formed on his attractive lips, which were full and had a natural pink hue. The way his lips curved upward hinted at a playful and confident personality, making me feel drawn to him even before he spoke. "Are you sure about that?" he asked in a husky voice as he walked closer towards me, closing the gap between us. His eyes locked onto mine as he stared at my lips intently, sending shivers down my spine. I could feel my heart racing as he leaned closer, his breath warm on my skin. Despite the sudden rush of nerves and excitement, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for what might happen next. As I was waiting for his advance, I was just staring at his lips and I couldn't understand what was going on with myself as I rushed to him and kissed him on the lips. His lips were soft and warm, and I felt a rush of excitement as I explored them with my tongue. For a moment, he stood frozen, as if surprised by my sudden advance. But then he responded to my kiss, his hands reaching out to pull me closer. As we kissed, I felt a sense of passion and desire that I had never experienced before, and I knew that this was the beginning of something new and exciting.