Shock of Love

Chapter 12...Break Over

Two days later, the morning air was filled with a sense of returning routine as spring break officially came to a close. At her home, Bloom gathered her things and prepared to leave for the day.

"I'm off to school, Mom," Bloom called out.

"Sure, take care, darling," her mother replied warmly.

Her younger sister, Lily, offered a cheerful wave. "Bye, sis! See you later!"

As she headed out the door, Bloom felt a flutter of nervous anticipation in her chest. Now that spring break is over, I can see my friends again at school, she thought to herself, her resolve hardening, and also put my plan into action to confess to him.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town at the royal palace, a very different morning departure was taking place.

"Young Master, the ride to school is ready," the butler announced.

"I'm coming," Tyler replied, eager to escape the suffocating atmosphere of the estate.

Before he could make a clean getaway, Luna appeared. "Bye, Tyler. See you later, darling," she cooed. Beneath her sweet farewell, her mind was racing with triumphant glee. I'm so excited that I'm your fiancé, Tyler!

"Yeah, bye Luna," Tyler muttered, barely masking his urgency to leave. As he climbed into the waiting car, he let out a heavy sigh of relief. Good riddance, he thought bitterly. Spring break is finally over, so I can finally see Bloom, and also Mia.

Later, outside the school building, the atmosphere was much lighter. Mia walked up with a warm smile. "Morning."

"Hey, morning Mia!" Bloom greeted, waving happily at her friend.

Just then, Tyler walked up to join them. "Hey, good morning to you two."

Bloom turned to him, her heart doing a familiar flip. "Morning, Tyler. Hope you enjoyed your break."

"Yeah, I did a lot," Tyler answered smoothly. Behind his casual facade, however, his thoughts were a storm of frustration and dread. For the past two days, those were full of confusion and conflict, he thought to himself.

Oblivious to his inner turmoil, Bloom smiled and turned her attention back to her other friend. "Great! Hope about you, Mia?"

"Good, very great in fact," Mia replied. Yet, just like Tyler, she was hiding her true feelings. Yeah, maybe not, she grumbled internally. I just worked my whole spring break away.

Wanting to keep things moving, Tyler gestured toward the building. "Let's head to class now."

"Sure," Bloom agreed, falling into step beside them. "But when we reach there, we can tell each other about your spring break."

"Sure, why not, Bloom," Mia said.

"Sure we can," Tyler echoed.

As the trio broke into a run toward their classroom, Bloom's focus shifted entirely to the boy running beside her. I can't wait to tell Tyler my feelings, but I wonder if he will reject me, she worried silently. Pushing the fear aside, she steadied her nerves. I'll just have to be bold and confess to him!