Chapter 3
1096 Words
Tiara’s POV
I didn’t remember falling asleep, but I could remember the dream.
Vividly.
Fire.
Eyes like gold lightning in the dark.
I woke up gasping, tangled in sheets like I had just run a race.
My throat was tight with a scream that never came out.
I was shaking in fear. I looked around and noticed that I was still in my dorm room.
Safe.
My phone came on.
I picked it up, and my heart skipped a beat.
It was from Jeff.
Where did you go last night?
Pick your damn phone.
I shivered. Not again.
Jeff hadn’t asked if I was okay.
He didn’t care.
Another buzz.
Are you with someone? Who is the guy from last night?
Who is Nathan?
I froze. How—?
Lucy.
Of course. Lucy was good at exposing things like this.
“Did she see us talking?” I blurted out.
“Not interested,” Sofia muttered from her sleep.
Another buzz.
Ignoring me?
Jeff was annoyed, and I could feel it.
I wrapped my arms around myself in fear.
It was all my fault.
I should have stayed at the party and avoided Nathan. I picked up my phone to reply but paused.
Not today.
I got up, splashed water over my face, and shoved the phone into my bag without answering.
———————————————————
Everything felt different now.
The campus was quieter. Heavier.
I felt like I was being watched. It was scary, but I kept telling myself it was in my head.
It was all a figment of my imagination.
Stress. That was it.
Still, I caught myself checking myself and jumping at small noises.
Deep within me, I hoped to see Nathan.
“Tiara,” Sofia called, and I smiled.
Someone held my arm tightly, and I looked up to see Jeff.
I froze, feeling uncomfortable.
Jeff whispered into my ears.
“If you behave yourself today, I’ll let go of our issue.”
What issue?
I wanted to scream and ask him to leave me alone, but I didn’t dare.
Sofia glared at Jeff.
She hated his guts and didn’t hide it.
I didn’t blame her, though; she wasn’t blind.
The day went by slowly, and I barely paid attention to what the lecturer taught in class.
I was carried away.
“I’ll see you at home later,” Jeff said, kissing me on the cheek.
I cringed at his touch.
Sofia hissed, and I couldn’t help the smile on my face.
“Sofia, I think you need to cut Jeff some slack. I know you are trying to defend me, but I don’t want him holding a grudge.”
“I don’t like him. I don’t know why you are with someone like him, but I am not one to judge. If he wants to hold a grudge, let him,” Sofia replied, and I nodded.
I started to pack my things and suddenly remembered what transpired the night before.
Nathan.
I needed to avoid him at all costs, as I couldn’t risk Nathan getting hurt.
Jeff was dangerous.
“I need to stop by somewhere. Would you be okay going home all alone?” Sofia asked, bringing me back to reality
I looked around me and noticed Jeff stepping out with the lady he flirted with shamelessly in class.
“Yes, I'll be fine.”
“That's Good. Call me if need be,” Sofia replied and pecked me softly.
“Bye,” I whispered
I didn’t want Sofia to leave me alone. I was still shaken up from the night before, but I couldn’t stop her from doing what she needed to do.
Sofia waved at me and walked out of the class.
I packed my things and headed out.
The school was quiet, and most people had gone home.
I took a deep breath and began to count numbers.
1,2,3–
Then he appeared.
Nathan.
In the courtyard, sitting alone under a massive tree, a sketchbook in his hand.
He looked completely normal, but I could swear something about him wasn't.
I hesitated.
Nathan lifted his head the moment I moved closer.
Like he sensed me.
Our eyes met and held.
Warm. Calm. Too calm.
I wanted to walk away.
Almost did.
“Hi,” Nathan said gently like he didn’t feel the tension now.
“Hey,” I blinked rapidly.
He smiled and patted the bench.
“Rough day?”
“Something like that”
The silence was deafening, and I took the offer to sit.
“You left the party early.”
I cleared my throat, suddenly self-conscious. “Yeah, it wasn’t my thing.”
“You needed a reason to breathe, I suppose.”
I froze.
Was it just a guess?
A coincidence, maybe,
Before I could respond, he closed his sketchbook and stood.
“I’m Nathan, by the way,” he said, looking into my eyes.
I was confused.
“We attend almost the same classes,” he grinned.
“I promise I’m not stalking you, and I’m just an observant person.”
I raised my brows, unsure whether to be alarmed or confused.
“We take the same classes?” I asked, feeling like an idiot
Nathan chuckled.
“Maybe we are just in the same orbit.”
Orbit.
The word was strange to me, and it seemed to have a deeper meaning.
A connection.
I didn't feel uncomfortable but felt warm inside.
Nathan cleared his throat and pulled out a chocolate bar.
“Here”
“What's this for?” I asked
“You look like you haven't had anything to eat; you can tell me if I'm wrong.”
Nathan wasn’t wrong, and I didn’t have time to grab anything that morning before rushing to school for lectures.
I stared at him.
Nathan was mysterious.
“Thanks,” I said, slowly reaching for the chocolate.
My favorite.
Nathan smiled and started walking away.
“Nathan,” I called
I didn’t want him to leave; I felt more comfortable with him around.
“Yes”
I couldn't find words and swallowed hard.
“See you later, Tiara”
He said my name like it meant something to him.
I knew I was overthinking the whole thing.
Just like that, he was gone.
I got up immediately and headed home.
That night, I had the same dream.
This time around, the fire didn’t chase me. It called to me a shadow in the distance with golden eyes
- Writer
