My Paradiso

Chapter 10: Evening Reflections

Chapter 10: Evening Reflections

The energy that had carried Celestia through her day with Aira and Mika began to dissipate as she arrived home. The familiar silence of the house enveloped her, a stark contrast to the lively chatter of her friends.

"Liza?" she called out, her voice echoing slightly in the large, empty space.

"Good evening, Ma'am," Liza replied, appearing from the kitchen with a warm smile. "How was your day?"

"It was good, Ate Liza," Celestia said, managing a smile. "Just the usual."

Liza, the family's longtime maid, was one of the few constants in Celestia's life. More than just an employee, Liza was a confidante, a friend, and a source of quiet comfort.

"Dinner will be ready in an hour," Liza said. "Anything you'd like in the meantime?"

"Just some peace and quiet," Celestia replied, heading towards her room.

Inside her room, Celestia didn't immediately relax. Instead, she sat at her desk, pulling out a stack of books and notes. The events of the past few days, particularly her interaction with Marcus, swirled in her mind, but she pushed them aside, focusing on her studies.

She was determined to excel in everything she did, not for the accolades or the admiration, but for her grandmother. Her Lola was the only family who had consistently been there for her, the one who had raised her and loved her unconditionally. Celestia wanted to make her proud, to show her that her sacrifices hadn't been in vain.

Hours passed as Celestia immersed herself in her studies, the only sound the soft scratching of her pen on paper.

Meanwhile, Aira was walking home through the familiar streets of Diffun, the setting sun casting long shadows. She had parted ways with Celestia and Mika with a lingering sense of contentment from their day together.

As she turned a corner, a figure caught her eye. A man was standing near a lamppost, and Aira found herself momentarilyMesmerized. He had a shaved head, which accentuated his strong features, and his physique was... impressive. He was wearing a tight black shirt that showed off his... Well, Aira had to look away.

It was Lorenzo.

Their eyes met for a brief, electrifying moment. Lorenzo's gaze was intense, and Aira felt a blush creeping up her neck. She quickly averted her eyes, pretending to be engrossed in her phone, her heart pounding in her chest.

Oh my god, she thought, her mind racing. Lorenzo? He looks... different.

She chanced another quick glance at him from the corner of her eye. He was still there, and Aira could have sworn he was smirking. She turned and walked quickly, trying to regain her composure.

Back in her room, Celestia's phone buzzed, pulling her away from her books. It was a message from Aira.

Aira: You will NOT believe who I just saw.

Celestia sighed, a small smile tugging at her lips. Only Aira could be this dramatic in a text message.

Celestia: Who? Brad Pitt?

Aira: Better. Lorenzo De La Cruz.

Celestia's eyebrows shot up. Lorenzo? She knew Aira had a crush on him since their freshman year.

Celestia: No way! What happened?

Aira: He was... glowing. Okay, not really, but he looked amazing! All... buff and stuff. And he looked at me!

Celestia could practically hear Aira's squeal through the phone.

Celestia: And? Did you talk to him?

Aira: Are you kidding me? I almost fainted! I just walked away. Like a loser.

Celestia laughed, imagining Aira's flustered expression.

Celestia: You're not a loser. You're just... you.

Aira: Yeah, well, "me" almost missed her chance with the love of her life. Again.

Their conversation continued late into the evening, a mix of playful teasing and genuine excitement. For a while, the loneliness that often settled in Celestia's house was replaced by the familiar comfort of her friends' virtual presence.