Love, After Dark

Chapter 21

I awoke before my alarm, the sky outside still pale and undecided. My stomach fluttered with nerves. The kind that didn’t let you sleep deeply, only hovered until morning forced you awake. First day. New city. New school. New everything. I slipped out of bed quietly, determined to get ready before Sia even stirred. I wanted time to shower, breathe and curl my hair without rushing. The hot water helped calm my nerves, steam filling the bathroom as I let myself pretend this was just another normal morning.

I kept my outfit simple: baggy jeans and a white cropped top with short, ruffled sleeves. White always pairs well with my golden-brown skin and vibrant blue eyes. It was effortless, stylish without trying too hard- elegant in a way that felt like me. I paired it with white designer flats, then hesitated only a second before opening my jewelry case. I don’t usually wear expensive jewelry to school. No, I’ve never worn expensive jewelry to school. But this city sparkled. And on my first day here, I wanted to meet it where it stood.

The pearl and gold Van Cleef necklace settled perfectly at my collarbone, the bracelet cool against my wrist, the matching earrings catching the light when I moved. Subtle. Polished. Intentional. I was just finishing my makeup-mascara, gloss, one last look- when the bathroom door swung open. In walked Sia. I did a full double take and my eyes nearly popped out of my head.

She was wearing a light pink tube top and a dangerously short black skirt. Dangerous wasn’t even dramatic! It barely qualified as fabric. “You’re not serious right now,” I said, staring at her reflection. “What?” she replied innocently, adjusting the strapless push-up bra like she had no idea what I meant. “If Mom sees you, she will kill you,” I hissed, trying to reason with her. Sia smiled tightly. “Good thing I already told Mom she should sleep in. And that my newly licensed big sister is happy to drive me on my first day.” I closed my eyes and counted to three. “Whatever,” I muttered, dropping it before my blood pressure spiked.

Downstairs, I headed for the kitchen, planning to grab something quick before we left. Instead, I froze. Mom was already up. Bagels, orange juice, and fruit were neatly arranged on the table. She stood at the counter with a cup of coffee, looking… tired. “Hey, Mom,” I said carefully. “What are you doing up? Sia said you’d be sleeping in since she’s riding with me today.” I glanced toward the stairs just in time to see Sia at the top, completely frozen. “Well, I didn’t want to miss seeing you off on your first day,” Mom replied between sips. “Besides, I didn’t sleep much anyway.” I nodded. That made two of us. “Do we have any tea bags?” I asked. “I thought I’d take one with me.” She turned toward the cabinets, digging through a box. “I’m sure I do. Some of these still need unloading.” The moment her back was turned, I waved frantically at Sia. “Go, now!”, I mouthed. She didn’t hesitate.

The front door slammed just as Mom straightened up. “Was that your sister?” she asked, already moving toward the door. “Uh… yeah!” I said quickly, grabbing an extra bagel and an orange juice and holding them up. “No worries, I got breakfast for her.” Mom paused, then sighed. “She didn’t even stop to eat.” “I’ve got it handled,” I said gently. “You should go lie down. You look really tired.” She glanced at herself in the reflection of the oven door, dark circles undeniable. After a moment, she nodded. “You’re right.” She turned back to me, smiling softly. “You look beautiful, Siri. Have a good first day.” “Well,” I said with a grin, “I get it from you.” She gave me a small smile and I headed out the door.

Sia was already waiting in the car, drumming her fingers against the steering wheel. I gave her one last look before reaching into the back seat and grabbing the jacket I’d left there the day before.” At least put this on,” I said, tossing it at her. She rolled her eyes. “Whatever.” But she took the jacket. And then we were off, driving toward whatever this city had planned for us next.