I stare at the outside night world, taking in the view. The flickering lights and trees rustling gave me a serene feel. It calmed me down. I felt the heat from my cheeks residing.
Taking in a deep breath I turn back to Adrien who was still looking at me weirdly. I give him the brightest smile I could muster and sit back down.
“Shall we begin professor Valentin?” I ask teasingly. He gives me a final look before getting back to trying his hardest to make me do my homework.
We might have struggled for an hour with just one question, but in the next two hours we somehow manage to complete half the homework pages I was assigned to do.
“Let’s continue the rest tomorrow. Uh… Mia?”
I could hear Adrien talking but I was too tired and sleepy to respond. My head rocked back and forth and finally landed on the table. I shivered. The room was too cold right now. I’d forgotten to shut the windows. Right now, I was too lazy to get up and go close them up.
I heard the clicks of the window, the chilly midnight air leaving my room. A sheet is thrown over me and tucked from the sides making me feel warmer.
I smile in content and snuggle more. I hear Adrien chuckling at my childish moves but I could care less. I could still feel his gaze on my face, so I keep my eyes shut. Not that I had any energy left to open them. I was too tired. A yawn escapes my lips as I adjust myself to feel comfortable around the hard table. As soon as my lips were back together in a straight line, I felt something warm and soft on them.
Adrien’s forehead was touching mine, as he crouched in front of me, his lips still on mine. It wasn’t the quick peck as before. This was longer. It wasn’t fake. There was no hunger, lust or simply for-the-sake-of-it desire in his kiss. But it felt so real, warm, gentle, and most of all passionate.
My eyes were closed. My breath stopped short as my heartbeat escalated. Adrien was so close to me, I could hear his heart beating out of his chest. His hand rested below my ear, his thumb caressing my cheek. The rhythm vibration sending tingles all over my body. He was still unaware that I hadn’t gone to deep sleep yet.
Finally, his lips left mine, and the warmth between us subdued.
“Good Night Mia.” He said, his voice husky and filled with tiredness yet a gentle touch laced in it.
As the door closed my eyes flew open in shock.
I was most definitely wide awake now.
CHAPTER TWENTY- THREE
I woke up on my comfy bed, to the chirping of the birds, as I yawned beautifully letting myself be wide awake to welcome the gorgeous day.
Fuck no!
I’m still seated on the darn cold floor, shivering and wide awake since bloody last night!
My eyes were swollen with eye bags underneath. They were bloodshot and tired. I need to sleep right now. But my mind was denying me what I wanted.
I spent the whole night, trying to contemplate what happened. The first time Adrien had kissed me, I was willing to consider it as his way of teasing me. But I never expected him to kiss me again.
And sneakily at that!
Why kiss me when I’m asleep? Or pretending or whatever.
What does this all even mean? I’m so confused, my head hurts from all the thinking. French is easier than figuring out Adrien Valentin.
Speaking of French, I had more homework pages to complete. Not to mention the darn essay. Was I going to sit beside him doing homework as if nothing happened? Would he be able to?
Nuh-uh!
I have to get out of here right now.
I throw the sheet, which Adrien had covered me with onto the floor and get to my feet. Throwing my unfinished homework books into my blue backpack, I take off my nightwear, and change to ripped dark jeans and a white V-collared long-sleeve T-shirt. Grabbing my phone and wallet and throwing them into my bag along with the books, I rummage through my dresser grabbing a few clothes and lingerie, pushing them into the bag as well. It looked as if I was running away from home. The bag was huge and puffed, but I didn’t care what people on the road would talk behind my back
I quietly open the door, peering outside. The coast was clear. Adrien’s room was shut. I quickly yet silently make way downstairs. I run to the bathroom and wash myself up. I use the extra toothbrush Aunt Fel had kept in the cabinet. I was afraid of using the bathroom upstairs, because Adrien would surely hear the water running. Once I was all freshened up, I leave the bathroom and grab my bag. One look upstairs and I quietly leave the house, like some morning burglar.
I creep down the walkway and on to the silent street. A few vehicles pass by. I see a boy in a bicycle shoving the morning paper into letterboxes. He waves at me with a friendly smile as he cycles past me, uttering a loud “Bonjour”. I throw him back a smile or let us hope that’s what I gave him and not a scary sneer.
Adjusting the bag strap, I walk steadily towards the only person who could help me right now. Thankfully I knew the address. It wasn’t far from Adrien’s house. I half-jog, half walk my way towards my destination.
Taking a deep breath and hoping it’s her who opens the door, I walk up to the front door. I ring the doorbell a couple of times and hear the door locks unlocking from the other side.
“Qui est-ce à une heure pareille!? Oh…. Amalia?” Florence swore something in French I couldn’t quite get and then her sleepy eyes turned surprised as she stared at me confused as to what in God’s name I was doing in her front doorway at 6 a.m.
“Hey, Florence. Sorry, but can I stay over for the weekend?” I ask and she gives me a blank expression.
“Um… hello? Florence? Are you asleep on your feet?” I snap my finger in front of her face bringing her back to reality.
“Uh what? Amalia, I must have heard wrong. Sorry, what did you just…”
“I’m staying here Florence” I cut her through and then walk inside like I owned the place.
Yeah… I’ve lost my fucking brain cells.
Florence hurried inside once she shut the front door. I stand in a room, which I’m guessing is the living room.
Or perhaps a ballroom?
It’s uncomfortably large. It somehow reminded me of a hotel foyer back in America I had once visited with my parents. It wasn’t just space, but the types of furniture in the room as well. Everything screamed money and a professional designer. I’m sure every single thing in this room was personalized and custom made by some highly expensive designer. The floor is a high polished wood, light and free of either dust or clutter. The cream and white linen curtains were bringing in the warm morning sun, lighting up the place. But this place wasn’t just to show off the wealth of the family nor professionalism. There was love and warmth in the room. The walls and mantle were filled with frames of every size, every design, of Florence since baby to present age.
Florence’s parents were big in the business world, which was why their house looked so elegant and beautiful. I wonder if all the kids in my class live in houses equal to hotels? Maybe Vivienne’s house is a palace.
Not to brag, but my Dad is the CEO of his company, which was one of the largest in the industry. And yet my home was designed by my Mom to her homely taste. There’s no extravagance in anything.
Oh well. Guess French kids are different
I stood still unsure what I’m supposed to do. The cream couches were so clean and sparkly, I wasn’t sure if to sit on any of them afraid I’d dirty them by the invisible dirt on my clothes. I’m wearing clean clothes but who knows?
“Um… Amalia?” I turn around finding a fidgety Florence, who’s not sure what to do or say.
I sigh deeply, wondering what the hell I’m even doing
“Sorry Florence. Some things happened and I needed a place to crash in. Ninnon is away with her parents. I can’t go over to Pierre and Ethan since they’re both guys. You were my last hope… so yeah. Is it alright if I stay over for the weekend? I’ll leave Sunday evening.”
Florence who had been holding an unsure look in her eyes now had stars twinkling in excitement.<
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“Of course Amalia! I’m more than happy to have you here.” She exclaimed in happiness.
Okay. This girl is so adorable I’m gonna adopt her!
What? I can dream, right?
“Shall we go upstairs to my room?” she asks me and I nod. With a final glance at the too-beautiful-to-be-a-room, I follow her upstairs.
“Would your parents be mad? That I came by without notice?” I asked while I was walking beside her. I look to my left and right trying to find a single life form. But the house was eerily silent, apart from the noise of our footsteps.
She shook her head vehemently, her hair plaited in two, moving back and forth.
“My parents had been so upset I hadn’t brought you home yet. They’d be delighted to see you, Amalia.” Florence said excitedly, putting a little skip in her steps.
I never knew she was this cute and adorable. Florence was the same age as me, seventeen, yet she was treated like the little child of our class due to her innocence and timidness.
“Here we are” saying so she opens a cream-colored door and stands aside for me to walk in.
I understand. The princess of the family should have a much extravagant room than the rest of the house. But… what the fuck is this!?
The room was exploded with pink. Frills everywhere! A canopy queen-sized bed stood in the middle adorned with fluffy, lacy pink and white sheets with frills on the edges. Two mini tables stood on either side of the bed holding a pink night lamp in each. A fluffy pink wardrobe stood majestically in the corner. A dresser, flat-screen, dressing table, and all the other necessary stuff were included. Even the floor was entirely carpeted with furry pink. A beautiful pink chandelier adorned the ceiling, the tassel gem-like stones in it glowing in the morning sun which penetrated through the light pink linen curtains of the room.
How can someone live inside so much of pink!? No wonder she’s so timid. Florence is a modern-day living princess.
Then a shocking revelation hit me. What is our school hadn’t been uniform based? Would Florence have come to school every day in a pink outfit!?
I stood horrified at the thought, while Florence bounced in and made herself comfy in a hot pink beanbag which was by the wardrobe.
Now that I notice. She is wearing a baby pink pajama with frilled corners.
“Make yourself comfortable Amalia.” She said sweetly. I managed to give her a watery smile.
Did Theodore know his girlfriend was into so much pink?
I drop my bag on the small couch and awkwardly sit on the bed. Thank heavens it was the submerging type. I’d have sunk deep inside. How embarrassing would that have been!
We sat in silence for a couple of minutes. The clock on the wall made loud ticking noises, I just wanted to take it and throw outside. All the while, Florence had been staring at me in wonder like I was some precious ornament.
The ringing of my phone made me flinch. I knew well who would be calling me at this time.
“Are you going to pick that call?” Florence who now was making way towards me asked as she sat beside me. “Oh… jerk-face? Is it a bully? Maybe you shouldn’t answer.” She finished when she looked at my phone screen and saw the caller ID.
“Nah… it’s just Adrien,” I say with a sigh as I swipe the phone screen and press the phone to my left ear, leaving a shocked Florence who must be thinking I’m a goddess for saving the Vice Presidents name as such.
“Hello?” I say shakily.
“Fuck Mia. Where the hell are you!?” his voice screamed from the other side, making me pull back the phone so I don’t go deaf. Florence flinches and takes a butt step back staring at me.
“Stop yelling. You’re scaring Florence.”
“Who the hell is Florence? Before that, where are you? Are you alright?”
“I’m fine Adrien. I’m at a friend’s. She asked me to come stay over and so I left first thing in the morning.
From the way Adrien sucked in his breath I knew he was holding back another yell. I bet he’s red-faced and seething with anger.
“I’ve been looking all over for you damn it. I make breakfast and come to wake you to find an empty room with your backpack missing. Do you have any idea how worried I’d been? Mia, you can’t just leave like that.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll be back tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? So I’ll be home alone?” there was a pinch of loneliness in his voice which made me to almost grab my bag and run back home. Almost.
“Yeah. I guess. Will you be able to manage?”
“If that’s how it is then I’ll go over to Evan’s,” he said grumpily. I sighed aloud. The line went silent and then Adrien cut it with a “Bye”
It’s not my fault, right? I mean, he kissed me! Okay, it’s not a crime to kiss, but he didn’t even give me a fucking explanation to the first kiss and now he kisses me again?
More importantly, why am I making this such a huge deal, enough to make me run away?
“Is everything alright Amalia?” Florence, who had edged back to me asked laying a hand on mine which was gripping the phone tight. I loosen up and smile at her.
“Everything is fine,” I say with a thumbs up.
Let’s hope everything is fine when I get back home. Adrien wasn’t happy when he cut the line.
“Bunny boo… breakfast is ready” someone yelled from downstairs.
Bunny boo? Who the fuck is that?
“Coming Mama,” Florence called back.
Oh!
“Let’s go, Amalia. A good breakfast is all you need to bring back your smile.” She said as she holds my hand and gently pulls me downstairs.
“Bonjour mama. Bonjour papa.” Florence greeted as we entered the dining room. I’ll leave the details of this magnificent room for later since I’m standing beside Florence uncomfortably waiting for her parent’s reaction.
“Oh my. Whom do we have here?” Florence’s Mom asked with a smile as she placed a plate full of sizzling hot bacon on the polished teak table. My stomach growled as my face flushed in embarrassment. Thankfully no one heard that ugly noise.
Are all French people so friendly and welcoming?
“Um… Morning Mr. and Mrs. Finnigle.”
“Oh, dear. Is this her Bunny boo?” Mrs. Finningle exclaimed excitedly.
Her?
Florence who somehow knew this her nodded excitedly and her Mom quickly wiped her hands on a dishtowel and walked to where I was standing. Even her Dad, who was busy behind the morning paper, looked up adjusting his glasses.
“Amalia Brooke is it? It’s such a wonder to have you in our house, my dear.” Her Mom shook my hand.
“It’s Amelia actually. Thank you for having me. But, how did you know it’s me?” I ask confused but not forgetting the smile.
“Your accent my love. It’s a giveaway. My baby girl is very shy, so of course, the only American she had befriended is you. I just knew it was you.” Her mom kept talking, looking at me then her daughter in admiration. Mr. Finnigle gave me a warm smile as he went back to reading the paper.
“Come come. Have a seat. Let us start eating. Is hot chocolate okay for you my dear? I hope you don’t mind bread and bacon with cheese? We always have a light breakfast. Is there something you would like to eat Amelia honey?”
I felt like I was some kind of royalty the way Mrs. Finnigle was treating me.
“I’m fine with bread and bacon. And yes, hot chocolate sounds fine.” I reply generously.
Florence giggled from beside me. I stare at her and so does her parents.
“You are overwhelming her mama.” She says and giggles once more. Her mom chuckles at her excited self
“Of course. Silly me. Make yourself at home dear. Let me grab you a plate.” And she leaves.
“Are they always like this to every friend who comes for a visit?” I whisper so I wouldn’t be heard by her dad.
“When Theo visits, he’s so afraid to come in front of mama and papa because they treat him like a king. And you are
the only friend who has ever come to visit me.” She finishes with a big smile. I swear if I’d been a guy I’d have pounced on her for her cuteness.
“This isn’t about just a friend.” Her father who had been sitting across us spoke as he folded the paper and left it aside. “You are a special one.”
“I am?” I ask confused.
“You bring out the boldness in our little girl.” He says and I still remain confused. “We shower her with everything thing possible. Clothes, jewelry, love, affection. Yet they are all what we offer to her. She has never in her life asked us for anything. She has always accepted what was given graciously. So one day when she came to us asking for a favor we were beyond happy and of course, surprised.”
“What did she ask for?” I ask curiously.
I bet to date, Theodore.
“To go to America to bring back a dear friend is what she told us.”
What the actual fuck?
I turn to Florence and she doesn’t look uncomfortable. More like she was enjoying the story like a little toddler.
“Her mama and I were torn between happiness and reluctance. We were happy she finally asked for something, yet it was to fly to another country.”
“I’m sorry for all that Mr. Finnigle.” I apologize but he shakes his head with a smile.
“No no, my dear. There is no need for apologies. My wife and I of course refused but then Florence had been so adamant and furious. She even started begging which was more of a shock to us. How could we not accept afterward? This is all because of you my dear. We are not pointing a finger at you but it’s a means of thanking for making our little one stand on her own feet.”
I didn’t know if I was supposed to thank him or apologize once more so I remain silent.
“That’s enough papa. You are making Amalia uncomfortable.” Florence says to her dad.
“I’m so happy her friend’s circle is widening.” Her dad finishes.
“Don’t worry Mr. Finnigle. Florence is a badass girl now who shoves boys aside if they’re being too arrogant and is loved by everyone in our class.” I relate to him earning an identical smile from both daughter and father.
Where I Belong Page 19
