When love rises from ashes

Mannie had learned how to run long before life demanded it. Not the kind of running people applauded. Not the kind that ended with medals or cheers. Hers was quieter, messier, running from one part-time job to another, and always chasing time that never seemed to wait for her. Her breath came out in short bursts as she hurried down the street, one hand tightly gripping the delivery bag that is strapped across her shoulder while the other checked the time for what felt like the tenth time. Late again...she muttered with a disappointed look, A soft curse slipped under her breath as she quickened her pace. The morning sun was already high, mocking her efforts. School had started for a new session , and she just got admitted to a new school. The thought alone pushed her forward. This wasn’t just any school. It was the one she had prayed for, worked for, and cried for. A scholarship she couldn’t afford to lose and a chance to finally step out of the life that kept pulling her back. She couldn’t afford to mess this up. “Last delivery,” she whispered to herself, almost like a promise. By the time she handed over the food and got her payment, her legs were already aching, but she didn’t stop. She rushed home, changed as fast as she could, and stood in front of the mirror for a second longer than necessary. The uniform looked too clean on her. Too polished and new. Like it didn’t belong on someone like her.But the smile on her face? That was too real and genuine, it was really written all over her.... Even if she was late… she had made it this far therefore that had to count for something. The bus station was crowded, loud, and impatient, just like every other place Mannie had learned to survive in. She stood at the side, trying to catch her breath, adjusting her bag as her eyes scanned for the next bus. And her eyes dawned on a figure, that was when she noticed him. He sat a little apart from the others, shoulders slightly slumped, sitting dejectedly like the world had paused around him. At first, it was the uniform that caught her attention. Same school, and destination. But everything else about him… didn’t match. He looked out of place in a way she couldn’t explain. Not because he didn’t belong, but because he looked like he belonged somewhere else entirely. Even from where she stood, she could tell that he smelled of wealth. Not literally, but in the way he carried himself, in the quiet confidence that didn’t need attention, in the expensive calm that didn’t belong in crowded bus stations. Mannie frowned slightly wondering what someone like him probably was doing here? Before she could think further, the bus arrived with a loud screech, cutting through the moment. People rushed in, So did she, and surprisingly to her somehow… he got in too She found a seat, still catching her breath, and for a moment, she forgot about him. Until she looked up, and really saw him. Her breath paused for a moment....damn He was…breathtaking, she told herself. Not in a loud way. Not in the kind that demanded attention. But in a way that made you look twice without realizing it. Tall, Calm, and Unbothered. Too composed for someone sitting in a crowded bus. He didn’t speak, and didn’t move much either. Just sat there quietly, like the noise around him didn’t exist. Mannie looked away quickly, suddenly aware of how long she had been staring. The rest of the journey passed in silence. But something about it felt… different. --------------------------------------- When the bus finally stopped at the school gate, people began to get down quickly. Mannie followed, adjusting her bag as she stepped down. Then he joined. The he pulled out a black card, handing it to the driver . For a second, she thought she imagined it. But no, It was really real.He held it casually, like it meant nothing. Mannie’s eyes widened slightly. A black card, do you know what it meant......Limitless wealth. And suddenly, the attention shifted to him, every eyes were on him at the moment, People noticed and started with Whispering.... But he didn’t move, he stood there, and kept staring at the driver like he was waiting for something… something he clearly didn’t understand. That’s when it hit her, it dawned on her that he didn’t know how to pay, Of course he didn’t. Why would someone like him ever take a bus? Mannie hesitated for a second. Then sighed. Reaching into her bag, she dipped her hands into her and backpack and pulled out the little cash she had left and handed it to the driver. “For both of us,” she said quickly, No time for pride because they were already late. She stepped down before the driver could complain further. Behind her, she heard his footsteps and then his voice came... “Thanks.” Just that, a flat thanks like it meant nothing, and Careless. Like it cost him nothing. Mannie turned slightly, about to say something, maybe ask for her money back later, but he had already started walking away. "So rude" she murmured under her breathe and shook her head turning to leave. Then her eyes caught on something on the ground, it was a piece of paper. Fallen from his hands She picked it up quickly and rushed after him. “Hey” He stopped and turned And for the first time, his eyes met hers fully and Something about them made her pause. He looked cold, sharp and unreadable...... She held out the paper. “You dropped this” she said expecting him to get it back but he replied calmly “Keep it.” The words were quick and Unexpected.Mannie blinked. “What?” she responded back.... His gaze didn’t soften. “Keep it,” he repeated, his voice lower now. “And don’t try to know what’s inside.” Confusion hit her instantly. “What does that even” she questioned, but he had already turned away. Walking and leaving her standing there with a paper that suddenly felt heavier than it should. Mannie looked down at it, then back at his retreating figure, then back at the paper again and her fingers tightened slightly around it. Confusion and curiosity, both pulling at her at the same time.......