SONG RECOMMENDATION : Bad Blood by Taylor Swift
Stella woke up to the soft rays of sunlight filtering through her curtains, casting a golden hue across her room. She stretched lazily in bed for a moment, her body still heavy with the remnants of sleep, before forcing herself to sit up. She glanced at her clock and realized she needed to get moving if she wanted to be on time.
She quickly grabbed her backpack, sorting through her textbooks and notes, making sure she had everything for the day ahead. Once her books were packed, she set them aside and headed to the bathroom.
The warm water of the shower enveloped her like a gentle embrace, washing away the lingering grogginess. She let the water run over her face, feeling it clear her thoughts and relax her muscles. After stepping out of the bath, her skin felt fresh, the last traces of sleep completely gone. She towel-dried her hair and walked over to her closet, mentally sifting through outfit ideas.
Her eyes landed on a sleek black spaghetti-strap crop top. It was fitted, simple, and minimalistic, showing off just the right amount of skin. The top framed her shoulders and collarbone perfectlyShe loved how it hugged her body without being too tight, accentuating her silhouette while maintaining an effortless vibe.
For balance, she opted for a pair of brown, high-waisted loose pants. The rich, earthy tone of the pants contrasted beautifully with the sleek black of the top. As she slipped them on, she felt the soft fabric graze her skin, the wide cut allowing her to move freely, perfect for the busy day ahead.
Stella checked herself in the mirror, her fingers lightly adjusting the straps of her crop top. She smoothed down the fabric of her pants, appreciating how effortlessly the pieces came together. It wasn't overly flashy, but it made her feel good in her skin—exactly what she needed.
Satisfied with her look, Stella casually threw her hair into a messy bun, letting a few strands fall loose to frame her face. With her bag slung over her shoulder, she made her way downstairs, her loose pants swaying gently with each step. The morning light poured through the windows, casting a warm glow across the hall as she entered.
As soon as she saw Elizabeth, she wrapped her arms around her in a warm hug. "Good morning, Gigi," she said, her voice soft and affectionate.
"Good morning, beautiful," Elizabeth replied, returning the hug and placing a kiss on Stella's cheek. "Eat your breakfast and get to college if you don't want to be late."
Stella smiled at her grandmother's gentle reminder but couldn't help but ask, "Where's Mal?"
Elizabeth's expression shifted slightly with concern. "She's been running a high fever since last night. I had to force her to take some rest. She only just fell asleep a couple of hours ago."
Stella's brow furrowed in worry, but she nodded, trusting Elizabeth to take care of Mallory. "Okay," she said softly, as she sat down to eat her breakfast.
Once she finished, she made her way to Mallory's room, walking quietly down the hallway. Pushing the door open gently, she stepped inside, careful not to disturb the stillness of the room. The air was cooler here, and the curtains were drawn, casting soft shadows over the room.
Mallory lay on the bed, her skin pale and her face flushed from the fever. She looked fragile in her sleep, her breaths shallow and steady. Stella walked over and crouched by the bed, her eyes filled with concern. She reached out, gently placing the back of her hand on Mallory's forehead. It was still warm to the touch,
"Take care, Mal," she whispered softly, almost as if speaking the words any louder would break the quiet peace in the room.
As she stood up to leave, something caught her eye. Mallory was clutching a silver chain in her sleep, her fingers wrapped tightly around it. Stella hesitated for a moment, her gaze lingering on the chain, but she decided not to pry. Instead, she carefully closed the door behind her, leaving Mallory to rest.
With a deep breath, Stella straightened her shoulders and headed out of the house. The day awaited her, but her mind would remain tethered to Mallory, hoping that by the time she returned, her friend would feel a little better.
Arriving at the garage, she was greeted by Elizabeth, who stood near the car, her comforting presence filling everywhere. Elizabeth's soft smile didn't fully mask the concern in her eyes.
"She'll be fine, darling," Elizabeth said reassuringly, as though reading Stella's thoughts.
"I hope so," Stella replied, her voice softer than usual. "I hate seeing her like this."
Elizabeth nodded knowingly. "You're both strong girls. She just needs some rest. Now, don't worry too much, or you'll be late for college."
Stella gave her grandmother a tight hug before heading out. She got into her car and pulled the seatbelt across her, glancing one last time at the house as if waiting for some sort of reassurance.
After her classes, Stella made her way to the library, weaving through the shelves lined with countless books. The familiar scent of aged paper and polished wood enveloped her, creating a comforting atmosphere amidst the chaos of her thoughts. As she turned a corner, her heart raced when she spotted Simon sitting alone at one of the tables, his intense gaze focused on a book before him.
It was as if he sensed her presence; he opened his eyes and locked onto hers. In that fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still, and Stella's heart skipped a beat—not only from the anticipation of their reunion but also from an undercurrent of fear that tinged her excitement. It had been three long days since he had come to her house, and the absence of his presence weighed heavily on her.
"Come, what are you doing there?" he said, his voice deep and dark, sending shivers down her spine. There was a new intensity in his tone that made her pulse quicken. Today, he looked different—more enigmatic and alluring, as though he had stepped out of the pages of a dark romance novel. The air around him seemed charged, crackling with an energy that both intrigued and unsettled her.
Stella hesitated for a moment, taking in his appearance. His hair was tousled, and the sharp angles of his face were accentuated by the soft light filtering in through the library windows. There was a glint in his eyes that spoke of secrets, hinting that he had experienced something profound during their time apart. She could sense a shift within him, an underlying tension that made her curious and cautious all at once.
Stella walked toward him, her heart racing as she pulled out a chair and sat down in front of him. She opened her books, laying them on the table with a soft thud, her mind buzzing with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The library was quiet, the soft rustle of pages and distant whispers creating an intimate atmosphere just for them.