GAGE

CHAPTER EIGHT

The alarm going off pulls me from my deep slumber, my sleepy eyes zoom in on the beeping alarm clock on my bedside table, trying to read the time. Sighing, I roll over to the corner of my bed and push the off button on the clock, engulfing the room in peaceful silence again.

Lying on my back I stare at the cream coloured ceiling, analysing my dream filled night. Not only were my thoughts consumed by Gage before sleeping but also after dozing off. His voice and warmth were a continuous resonance throughout the night. Reminding my mind, body and soul of the overwhelming man even during shut-eye.

I groan, pondering if I'm going crazy before pulling the cosy covers off my warm body and getting up. Stretching my sleepy muscles I look out the window and take in the breathtaking view of the forest behind our apartment.

The best thing about the block of buildings we lived in was that it was the at the very end of town, giving residents the fortune of the glorious primitive environment.

Every morning I praise my quick thinking for calling dibs on the room when Ava and I came to examine the place. The sole reason behind choosing this room as opposed to Ava's room across the hall was the enrapturing view; something about the greenery exhibited the impression of home even though I was miles away from it.

The lush greenery beckoned me, demanding to be admired. Moving closer to the window, I take in the orange hues of the rising sun, pleasant chirping of birds, tall, evergreen pine trees, with thick branches glinting in the early morning rays. It was nature at its best; simply beautiful.

A sense of calm washes over me as I marvel the green landscape, the sight a treat for sore eyes in the active urban town.

The wind blows, caressing my face and carries with it the smell of pine and earth. My mind quickly associates it with Gage and his memories assault me; his unique scent, smouldering eyes, demanding presence and incredible taste.

I wish I could go back to yesterday and be in his arms again.

"Kiera, are you up at?" Ava shouts from across the hall, bringing me out of my melancholic thoughts.

"Yeah, I'm going to shower." I call back.

"Can you fix breakfast? I'm scrambling to be ready in time," Ava bellows hurriedly and I know without a speckle of doubt that she's pacing in her room deciding on an attire. Her routine never changing, the same prevailed even during high school days.

"Okay, don't wear a hole in your lovely rug pacing!" I respond chuckling.

Glancing one last time at the backwoods I proceed to the en suite bathroom. Following through my daily routine I brush and shower before throwing on a white bathrobe and heading to the closet.

The closet is small with a few hangers holding ironed dresses and jeans; while my tops, skirts, sweaters and pyjamas engage the bottom space. A full length mirror is stationed next to cupboards holding lingerie, socks, accessories and makeup.

Deciding on a black spaghetti top and dark blue worn jeans, I throw them on, finishing the look with black sneakers.

Standing in front of my reflection, my eyes are quickly drawn to the pink love bite on the side of my neck; their presence unavoidable.

The one time you badly want your prayers to be answered and it goes unheeded.

I sigh in annoyance as I pull on a red and blue checked full sleeve T-shirt, leaving it unbuttoned and letting the snug collar cover my neck, effectively hiding the evidence of my adventure from the world. While the feeling of receiving my first hickey had been exhilarating, the trouble of being continuously conscious of it was unwanted and hiding it was extra taxing.

Concluding that the shirt is the more realistic alternative than the stole, I pull my brunette strands in a high ponytail and apply a coat of pink lip balm to prevent my lips from parching before grabbing my book bag and heading out the room.

I start a cup of coffee and toast some bread in our modern styled kitchen. Breaking eggs on a pan, I start out with the intention of making sunny side up omelettes but they eventually end up being scrambled eggs.

I resist the urge to stomp my foot like a five year old as my cooking skills fail me yet again.

"Well at least you didn't burn it this time," Ava mutters cheerily from behind, startling me.

I jump a feet in the air before whirling on her and glaring. Taking in her attire, my eyes immediately lose their heat and fill with awe. Her curves are molded impeccably in a navy blue dress shirt; her dark red hair cascades down her neck, framing her heart shaped face. Winged liner highlights her topaz green eyes, demanding attention. Red lipstick, red skinny belt and red ankle boots bring colour to the plain dress.

"You look stunning, Ava," I mumble, gobsmacked by her beauty.

"So do you, Kiera," she winks before grabbing a plate and helping herself to some toast and eggs.

I look down at my unfashionable choice of clothing and roll my eyes murmuring, "Yeah, right."

The smell of burning fills my nostrils, dragging my focus back on the eggs. Noticing them turning black I quickly cut off the heat and grab a plate before joining her on the small, four seater circular wooden dining table.

"Looks like I spoke too soon." Ava giggles, taking a bite from her plate. "These are not that bad. In fact, they taste better than last time." Ava says with a straight face while her eyes dance with amusement.

Grunting, I take a bite of my semi-burnt omelette.

"I forgot to season the eggs." I grumble unhappily.

"Yes! I knew some of your taste buds would still be alive! I was beginning to worry that they were depleting from all your cooking ventures." Ava teases, poking me with her elbow.

I swat her arm away and hastily wash the food down my throat with water.

"Oh God, how can my cooking be so awful?" I croak, drinking coffee to get rid of the charred taste.

"It's okay, look at the bright side, you at least know where you went wrong so you can work on it next time." Ava voices enthusiastically.

"Nice try, but you're cooking from now on and I'll stick to doing the dishes." I declare.

Ava chuckles, "Fair enough."

Nibbling on a toast, seeing as it is the only item that didn't get seared, Ava questions, "You nervous about the first day of college?"

Hearing her softly spoken words, I look up from my toast and take in her knowing eyes.

"A bit," I mumble, anxiety and nervousness taking root.

Normally, I used to be a nail-biting, panicky mess before a first day but until the mention of it, I was living in blissful ignorance, not experiencing the usual first day jitters. And it was all thanks to one mysterious man. My mind being constantly brainstormed by Gage helped evade the nerves.

"Don't worry, I'll be there, right beside you." Ava assures.

I give her a forced unconvincing smile, trying not to let my mind be plagued with thoughts of the first day.

Ava reaches for my hand across the dining table and pats it affectionately. "It won't be that bad. You may like it."

Locking up, we ride in the lift to the underground parking lot and get in Ava's grey car.

Ava's joy and energy buzzes inside the confines of the car, while I gaze out the window, enjoying the beautiful views of the city.

After a quarter hour of being on the road, we reach Phoenix College. The tall brick building promising a brighter future.

"Isn't the ambiance welcoming?" Ava gushes, bubbling with happiness.

"Sure," I mutter, smiling at enthusiasm and look around the place.

The parking lot is filled with sleek cars, jeeps and motorcycles. While students mill around, some against their vehicle's and some in front of the campus.

"Common Kiera, let's go!" Ava squeals, un-snapping her seat belt before getting out.

Chuckling, I get out the car and round the front to where Ava is bouncing on the balls of her feet.

"Look at all the people, Kiera." Ava's face is transfixed in a smile. Her childlike excitement bringing another smile to my face.

Glancing around I analyse the boys and girls walking in every direction, few of them already in groups, talking, laughing and lounging.

As I rake my eyes over every person, I notice one thing common among all of them- physically fitness. The guys are tan, tall and well built while the girls are equally tall, though not as tall as the boys, but taller than the average height with perfect model like bodies and not an ounce of fat on them.

Weird. The town must be crazy about being in top shape.

Another similar feature was the good genes. Every guy was handsome in his own way and every girl had her own distinct beauty.

"Shall we go get our schedules?" Ava questions but doesn't wait for my answer, she simply takes my hand and drags me across the parking lot to the main entrance.

Stumbling and trying to keep up with her fast pace, I spot a sleek black car parked right next to the entrance, in the reserved section. My mind drifts to the time I spent in a similar car with Gage and a sigh of sadness leaves my mouth, my heart craving him.

As we climb up the stairs leading to open glass doors, I overhear some girls gushing over the car.

"Oh my god! It's his car." A curvy blonde screams at her group of friends.

"No way! What is he doing here?" Another slim, brown haired teenager yells with hysteria.

Before I can eavesdrop some more Ava pulls me inside, heading straight for the office room.

The girls must be going gaga over a hot male student. Seems like high school all over again, I muse waiting in line.

The gray haired lady behind the desk smiles fondly at us before asking for our names and handing over the schedules.

As we scrutinize and compare the two sheets, a smile forms on my lips and my heart calms a little.

We had every class together except for our specialisation class. While I had opted to pursue honours in Accounting, Ava chose Business Administration.

"See, I told you you had nothing to worry about." Ava exclaims, jutting out her chin.

Giggling like small kids, we lock arms and go in search of our class.

After spending every hour sitting next to Ava, I gingerly sit alone in the back of my honours class, nervous about the next two hours.

Students soon start entering the room and fill the seats. I stare at the almost full room, surprised by the turnout. Though the strength of girls is high, the sheer number of pupils present for the class is unbelievable. It was nowhere near this packed in all my previous classes.

The students here must take their specialisation very seriously.

The girls who had been raving about the black car in the morning enter hurriedly and occupy the front row seats.

"Is this seat taken?" A soft voice questions from beside me. I tear my eyes from the gossiping girls and focus on probably the shortest girl on campus.

Sky blue eyes framed by thick glasses, rests atop her straight nose and small pink lips are set in a nervous smile. Her curly strawberry blonde hair looks chic in a bob and her small body is enveloped in a white boat neck shirt and faded knee length denim skirt.

"No, go ahead." I smile up at her, hoping to ease her nerves.

Smiling shyly in return she takes the seat and turns towards me, "Hi, I'm Evie."

"Hey Evie. You can call me Kiera." I say warmly, understanding her timidness and relating to it.

"I saw you in the other classes." She mumbles in an attempt at conversation.

I frown thinking about the other students sneaking glances at me and Ava throughout the day.

"Yeah, about that, why does everyone keep staring?" My voice is laced with confusion.

"Oh.... Uh, we don't often see new people in our town. Almost everyone here are from the same high school so they're just familiarising themselves with the new faces, that's all." Evie chuckles, pushing her glasses up her nose awkwardly.

"Oh okay. Any idea who our teacher is?" I change the topic seeing her agitation.

She grins widely and her eyes sparkle with joy as she mutters, "Yeah, he joined recently, he's-"

Before she can finish her sentence the room goes silent, all chatter ceasing abruptly.

Glancing away from her I rake my eyes over the front seats, pondering the reason for the quietness.

"Good afternoon, class." A strong voice resounds across the room, a voice that haunted my dreams the last night; I freeze, not believing my hearing.

Slowly, cautiously, I search for the source of the voice and my eyes land on familiar dark blue eyes; they land on Gage.