FRANCHESCA PoV
Monday early morning. The alarm clock on the nightstand next to my bed wakes me up. I then left to do some checking. It's morning at six. I hurriedly got out of bed because I had a medical class this morning. I anticipate it starting at 8 a.m., but I always allow two hours for preparation before leaving for academy.
I work out right away in the morning. Yes, I like working out and maintaining my physical fitness. Since then, everything that has to do with taking care of myself has made me feel self-conscious, including what I eat. Extremely healthy food and exercise are my thing. I may have adopted this habit from my mother, who similarly makes an effort to maintain her physical fitness.
Her perpetual beauty sometimes causes others to misjudge her age occasionally. She continues to shine and be dazzling. In actuality, she has reached senior status. Imagine the secret to her continued beauty. Speaking of my mother, she's on the phone right now. I answer the phone right away as I prepare for my workout.
"Hi Mom, what is it?"
"It's early in the morning here." I speak.
"Hey, Chesca, dear, I called you to inform you if you can make it to your grandparents' anniversary this coming Friday. They both really miss you since you're not at home for a long time now."
"Do you have any plans for that day?"
My mother spoke softly at the line.
"Which Friday is it this week? Hmmm, let me check my schedule, mom."
I looked at my schedule and, unfortunately, I have an research examination on Friday. This week is going to be very busy.
"I'm sorry, Mom, but I have to cancel this Friday. This day, I have to take a very significant test—my research examination."
I described.
She sadly asked from the other end of the line,
"Is that so dear?"
"Yeah, mum, I'm extremely sorry. Please let Grandma and Grandpa know I wouldn't be there, and please give my warmest greetings to them."
"I will pass along your greetings to your grandparents. So I guessed you're going to be busy this week getting ready for your test. Good luck, dear!"
"Thank you, mom, but I'll send my present their way."
"Even though you work so hard to study, please be safe, okay? take good care of yourself there."
she said with concern.
"Yes mom, It will take a year until I ultimately receive my PhD, so it's a little patience to wait."
"Take good care also and send my regards to dad."
"Naturally, sweetheart; your father always mention your name. Dad is quite strict, but he always wants the best for you."
Mom remarked.
"I know. I will cut the line now, mom. I've got to go ahead. I love you. Please be safe. "
"Sure, I love you dear."
My mom finally said, and I ended the call now.
"Oh, how I wish I could be at my grandparents' party."
I sigh while I'm currently running on my treadmill with all of my might and enthusiasm. I checked the time after finishing my usual workout. Now it's seven o'clock. Bath time is now necessary. I stripped off my clothes and took the warmest shower I've needed. I'm scrubbing my body from top to bottom and can't help but think back on the events of the last few days. For me, the last few days have been both challenging and intoxicating. Because of what transpired in the hotel between us, I can't sleep as soundly as I used to. I tried to keep as busy as I could. I didn't realize I paused in between meals and carried on my overthinking. I find myself asking in the midst of my thoughts.
After that night, "How is he doing?"
After all the tension, "How does he felt?"
"How does he feel towards me after what happened between us?"
"Does he only feel strongly that one night, and now maybe wiping out our unforgetable momentum in an instant?"
I'm constantly asking myself,
"Does he think of me right now?"
In the mirror, I glance. After taking a warm bath, now I feel fresh and dedicated. I'm currently getting dressed in my casual wear. I chose a comfortable yet polished apparel for today. I wear my silk tailored trouser with my casual white v-neck blouse, and I accessorize with my flared heel leather mule. Of course, accessories and makeup are necessary for fashion to be complete. I decided to only wear my silver Cartier Franchaise timepiece, which my father gave me for my birthday, and a crystal rosegold earring stud. I may wear it with everything outfit like normal to casual alike. Afterwards, I put light make-up with nude lipstick on, emphasizing my radiant complexion. For the finishing touch, of course, last but not least, my perfume, I spray my favorite vanilla with a floral scent, giving a daring feminist smell. Now I guess it's time to go.
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As I walk towards the university with my leather shoulder bag in one hand and my coffee in the other, I notice my friend Lily approaching from a distance with her broad smile. As she continues to walk towards me, I feel quite nervous. Our last conversation was a day ago after she worriedly looked for me that night without informing her where I was and what I had done.
"Hey, how are you?" She greeted me as I gave her a sweet hug.
"I'm fine, don't worry," as I replied with my genuine smile.
"Are you sure, France?"
She asked, short-circuiting my name Franchesca. Yes, that's her way of calling my name.
"Yeah, you know, I was just hanging out a little with some air."
I'm stuck and I don't know how to start the conversation about what happened that night. I am pretty sure she will not let me pass this day without any explanation.
"Don't tell me you just felt the breeze of some air the whole night and forgot your things. Or someone let you feel the breeze of the night?"
She sarcastically spilled out.
"Whaaaaat?... Are you kidding me?"
I just laugh at her, but the truth is she is somehow right.
She leans forward to me and studies my face as she is investigating me.
"What are you doing, Lily?"
"Well, I just suspected you and I feel something is fishy going on."
She said without hesitation.
"You know what, you are more perfect for being an investigator than a doctor. You should shift your course now."
I sarcastically said.
"Come on France, just spill the beans. I'm waiting for your acceptable reason why and what happened that night."
Now she is seriously asking.
"I don't know where to begin; I know you're my most trusted friend, but I'm eating my nervousness right now."
I said in a soft tone.
"So let me guess then; are you with someone that night?"
She quickly asked.
I was going to choke while drinking my coffee the way she asked me that. Well, the answer is yes. But... How do I start?
"Okay fine, I met a stranger that night. He's not a typical stranger, but I don't know more about him. "
I anxiously spill out.
"So my sense is right," she said with a bubbly face.
"Why do you ask then if your sense is right?"
I said, ironically.
She just laughed.
"Then did you have a nice evening ahead?"
She curiously asked.
Oh my, how I wish this conversation would end.
"Well..." I mumble.
"Okay, enough with the pressure; I know your eyes are telling me the truth, "
She realized as she hands up her two arms indicating she surrender for her increased pressure on me.
"Let's go now. We are going to be late because of your interrogation."
I said while I was pushing her now to go with my other arms.
"Fine, but just tell me how he looks," she asked stubbornly, while we were now heading to our class.
"Well, he's not like an ordinary man. Just don't ask me again about him.Perhaps I'm not going to see him again."
I explained while I felt a little sorrow deep inside.
"So you mean you didn't exchange contacts?"
She asked again.
"No, I don't even know his name."
"What? So it's finished then without starting? Like you finish the race without knowing where the starting line is, how has it already ended?"
While she stated the last question, we are now in our seats and our professor just came into the room to start the lecture.
My mind is still on what she last said. "It's already finished without starting." Well, that's right. How come I'll have to face him again? Maybe it's for the best. I just can't accept my first being with someone I didn't even know. I just wish I could devote myself to someone I genuinely loved. This is my fault too. Why the hell did I let myself fall under his enticing, irresistible spell?
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