A Light Called Kiara
1478 Words
This morning, I woke up to Beth pacing frantically beside my bed. She kept shouting, “Kiara! If I don’t wake up, we’re going to be late for class!”
It didn’t really bother me—I wasn’t in a hurry—but I got up anyway and headed straight to the bathroom. When I came out, Beth had already laid out my uniform and packed my books. I smiled and quickly got dressed.
“Thanks, Beth,” I said, slipping into my shoes. “So… Geography first?”
“Yep. Let’s go!”
By the time we got to class, students were still settling in. We found a nice spot at the back of the room and claimed it. But then, of course, Diana and her little squad strolled over.
“That’s our seat,” she said sharply.
Beth immediately stood up, ready to leave, but I pulled her back down.
I turned to Diana, keeping my voice calm. “If it was your seat, I don’t see your name on it.”
Diana sneered, adjusting her glasses. “Nobody sits here except me. Trust me, you don’t want to get on my bad side.” Her voice dropped as she added, “I know your blood is fresh.”
Did she just…? Was she a vampire?
I raised my finger instinctively, and it began to glow. Diana flinched and stepped back. Yep—definitely a vampire. She waved her sidekicks off and muttered something about not having time for “bullshit” before leaving us alone.
Beth looked at me with wide eyes and whispered, “I’m learning how to pull bullies’ hair—just so you know.”
Mr. Vradukan, our Geography teacher, walked in and greeted the class. He was the type who liked making everything dramatic. “Welcome to the new term!” he announced. “Today’s topic: Zodiac Sign Compatibility.”
We were all asked to write down our zodiac signs. After collecting the slips, he began pairing us off.
“Beth and Alex,” he called. “Scorpio and Leo—feisty combo.”
He kept pairing students until only Brandon and I were left.
“Kiara and Brandon,” he said, looking pleased. “Libra and Taurus. That’s a perfect match—balanced and grounded.”
Apparently, our zodiac partners would sit together for the rest of the term. Brandon walked over and took the seat next to me. I couldn’t help noticing his deep goldish-brown eyes, rich brown skin, and full curly hair. He looked like someone straight out of an anime.
He kept staring at me.
After a few moments, I finally asked, “Bro, why are you looking at me like that?”
He blinked. “Nothing… you’re just really pretty.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’ll get over it. I’m not pretty at all.”
He cleared his throat and asked gently, “Why do you think that?”
“Because everyone calls me a freak. Ugly. All the time.”
He didn’t respond at first. He just stared, like he was trying to figure me out.
“Okay, seriously,” I said. “You’re creeping me out. Why are you staring at me?”
He shook his head slightly. “You’re not ugly to me. Actually, I think you’re one of the most beautiful girls around.”
“Enough,” I said, turning away.
“Did I say something wrong?” he asked, his voice suddenly softer.
“No,” I mumbled. But I stood up and left the class anyway. I found a spot in the hallway, sat down, and let the tears fall.
Brandon followed me. He sat beside me and wrapped his arm gently around my shoulder.
“Are you okay?”
“I don’t think you’d understand,” I said.
“I’m here,” he replied. “Arms and eyes open.”
I laughed through my tears. “I just… hate compliments. They make me cry.”
“There’s more to it than that,” he said quietly. “What’s the story?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“It’s eating you inside.”
Before I could argue, he started tickling me. I laughed and gave in.
“Okay, fine! I’ll tell you.”
I mimicked the voices of people from my past. “Hey everyone, the ugly duckling has arrived!”
They used to say, “Kiara, since your power is light, why don’t you light up your face?”
Brandon’s expression softened. He stood, leaned closer, and looked me in the eyes.
“Forget those people. They don’t deserve you. You’re beautiful, whether you know it or not.”
For a moment, time froze. We stared at each other. Then he kissed me.
We walked back to class together, and he whispered, “I trust you.” As we walked, he held my hand. Diana caught sight of us and glared.
I looked at him. “Why are you holding my hand?”
“To make Diana jealous,” he smirked.
Later, as class ended, he turned to me and asked, “So where are you heading, Light?”
“PE,” I replied. “Did you just call me Light?”
“Well, that’s what your name means, doesn’t it?”
“It does,” I said, a smile tugging at my lips. “But we’re going to be late, so let’s go.”
We went to the changing room. And before your mind goes wild—it was a large room divided into boys’ and girls’ sections by a wall. Brandon looked around and whispered, “Let’s change in the same room.”
I stared at him. “Are you out of your mind?”
“I’m fully dressed under this. Nothing weird,” he laughed.
“Fine, whatever.”
We changed quickly. I made sure I wore something modest underneath. When I turned to grab my top, I caught him staring. He came closer, grinned, and tickled me until we both fell.
Then he asked, “Kiara, would you be my girlfriend?”
I blinked. “We just met 40 minutes ago.”
“Doesn’t matter.”
“Well, it matters to me. So I’m just going to pretend you didn’t say that.”
“Oh man, I’m sorry. That was dumb.”
“No, you’re not dumb. But… I can be your friend, if that’s okay.”
“Yeah,” he smiled. “That’s more than fine.”
When we got to PE, the class had just started. Mrs. Link grouped us for a 100m sprint to the lake. I was teamed with Beth and a guy named Timothy.
As we jogged, Beth gave me a sly look.
“So, what were you and my cousin doing?” she asked.
“Wait—Brandon’s your cousin?”
“Yup. Now spill.”
“Nothing happened,” I said quickly.
Beth gave Timothy a look, and he offered us sandwiches and water. We sat down for a break. Timothy watched squirrels while Beth grilled me again.
“Kiara, I know something happened.”
“Okay, fine,” I admitted. “But nothing serious. I swear.”
Beth giggled. “I’m happy for you. But why didn’t you say yes?”
“Because… I don’t like him. Not like that.”
“If you say so,” she said, unconvinced.
We raced back just in time so Mrs. Link wouldn’t notice anything.
Later, after all our classes, Beth and I returned to our room. After showering, she sat knitting while I read a book.
“Must you always be the one to break the silence, Beth?” I asked.
“I just wanted to know what you were reading.”
“Fine. It’s about boys. Now leave me alone.”
“Kiara… I have a confession.”
I dropped my book and grabbed her hand. “Beth. What did you do?”
“Nothing serious. I just told Brandon you wanted to go on a walk with him.”
I flopped back onto the bed, covering my face. “Beth! This is the last time you do anything like that without telling me.”
She chuckled. “Like it’s the first time.”
“What do you mean?” I sat up.
“Maybe I told a few guys you desperately needed love.”
“What guys?”
“Timothy, Alex, Nelson, Brandon… Lebron.”
I gaped. “Wait, wait—there’s more? No wonder Brandon asked me out! And Timothy’s going to be shocked.”
“Actually, he laughed when I told him.”
I sighed. “For the record, Beth… I don’t need anybody.”
Then I lay back down, and we both drifted off to sleep, letting the day disappear into dreams, waiting for the next one to unfold.
- Writer
