There was no sound in the empty hallway, the silence broken only by my own low heartbeat. There were no shouts of joy, no voices, no life. I tried to convince myself that this was normal, at least somewhat, but deep in my soul, I knew there was something wrong, something terribly wrong.

Walking into the classroom, my suspicions doubled down. 29 students, ironed uniforms, perfect posture, hands crossed precisely at the center of each table. No teacher in sight, surely that couldn't be normal. As I went to the only empty chair, none of them even flinched, didn’t look away from whatever they were staring intently at.

"Hi," I waved at the neat girl who I had sat next to. She flinched, and terror flickered across her dark brown eyes, then she shook her head, terror controlling each movement. She didn’t look away from staring intently ahead. A few minutes later, she passed me a note:

"They're watching, they're always watching."

Huh? Who were they? Why were they watching us? Before I could inquire, the teacher walked in.

High heels, hawk-eyes, stern expression, spectacles perched atop a nose as sharp as knives, she looked as mean and cruel as a Disney villain sealing the fate of all humanity to their bidding.

All the students rose to greet her, *"Good morning, Ms. Agatha Johnson!"* each voice perfectly in harmony, beautiful as a nightingale.

She nodded slightly and went straight to her table, to begin her lesson, no small talk, no 'how-was-your-weekend?', nor any 'we-have-a-new-student-today'. Just her entry and the beginning of the lesson.

"Wait, before I start the lesson, everyone please take out your assignments, I'm coming to collect them." Her voice was stern, with a Brittish accent at the end.

"Your assignment? "She inquired.

"Ms. I didn't know we had an assignment, it's my first day here."

"Nonsense, you have lunch-detention now," Before I could argue, she had gone to the next person. I was astounded at the unfairness of it all, I just got here and got detention for not doing an assignment I knew nothing about?!

I spent the rest of the lesson doing the homework that she had assigned, copying the questions from the piece of paper Elizabeth had written them on. After the lesson was over I handed her the copy. "I knew you were lying, but don't worry you still have that lunch-detention" she said, flashing me a mocking smile.

"Audrey, I know this may come as a shock to you," Ace said, his eyes burning with intensity. "But I'm not who you think I am."

I felt a jolt of surprise, my mind racing with possibilities. What did he mean?

"I'm not just a student at your school," Ace continued. "I'm...I'm the son of Edward and Elizabeth."

My eyes widened in shock. The same Edward and Elizabeth who owned this mansion?

"But why are you telling me when i know they are your parents ?" I asked, feeling a mix of emotions: confusion, doubts.

Ace sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I wanted to protect you, Audrey. From my world, from my family's secrets."

I shook my head, trying to process this new information. "What secrets?"

Ace hesitated, looking around nervously. "Let's just say my family is involved in some...shady dealings. And I don't want you to get hurt."

I felt a chill run down my spine. What had I gotten myself into?

Suddenly, a noise came from behind us. We turned to see Edward and Elizabeth standing in the doorway, their faces stern.

"Ace, we need to talk," Edward said, his voice firm.

Ace nodded, squeezing my hand. "I'll be right back, Audrey. Promise."

And with that, he left me alone in the garden, surrounded by secrets and lies.

Audrey, a farmiliar voice calls my name.

I turn around to meet Jason, my childhood crush, Jay-Jay is that really you in flesh, I ask with tears clouding my eyes.

Your one and only he says before we embraced each other, you came back for me?

it sounded more like a question.

of cause.

Jason, its time Elizabeth says.

Time for what I ask him.

You will find out in due time he says but, I on the other hand decided eavesdropping on their conversation.

You should see the shock on my face tonight,  when I learnt about the blood relationship between Jason and Ace.

No wonder Ace was acting strange all night. He's been replaced as the heir to the family throne and business empire by his older brother Jason, and to make matters worse, he's been engaged to Estella, the school's resident mean girl all along and he never mentioned that part. I can understand why he'd be upset, he was forced to but that's clearly not a good excuse to not inform me about it.

My family thinks it's in my best Interest to be engaged with Jason same day he is announced as the heir to the family throne, not that am complaining.

As I left the Demetriou's mansion with my parents, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.

I was happy to be reunited with Jason, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that I'd somehow betrayed Ace. And what was with the marriage contract? It all felt so sudden and arranged.

I looked at Jason, who was walking beside me, and smiled. I was excited to spend more time with him, but I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for us.

When we got home, I went straight to bed, my mind racing with thoughts of Ace, Jason, and the strange events of the night. I knew I had to talk to Ace, to clear the air and find out what was really going on.

But as I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't shake off the feeling that my life was about to change in ways I couldn't even imagine.

The next day, I went to school, still trying to process everything that had happened the night before. I saw Ace in the hallway, but he ignored me and walked away. I felt a pang of hurt and confusion. What had I done wrong?

I decided to confront him at lunchtime. I found him sitting alone at a table, looking moody and withdrawn.

"Ace, can I talk to you?" I asked, sitting down beside him.

He looked up at me, his eyes cold and distant. "What's there to talk about, Audrey?"

"I don't know what's going on with you, but I feel like you're mad at me," I said, trying to reach out to him.

Ace snorted. "You have no idea what's going on, do you? You're just a pawn in their game."

"What game? What are you talking about?" I asked, feeling frustrated and confused.

Ace stood up, his chair scraping against the floor. "Just forget it, Audrey. You'll find out soon enough."

And with that, he walked away, leaving me feeling more confused and hurt than ever.

There was no sound in the empty hallway, the silence broken only by my own low heartbeat. There were no shouts of joy, no voices, no life. I tried to convince myself that this was normal, at least somewhat, but deep in my soul, I knew there was something wrong, something terribly wrong.

Walking into the classroom, my suspicions doubled down. 29 students, ironed uniforms, perfect posture, hands crossed precisely at the center of each table. No teacher in sight, surely that couldn't be normal. As I went to the only empty chair, none of them even flinched, didn’t look away from whatever they were staring intently at.

"Hi," I waved at the neat girl who I had sat next to. She flinched, and terror flickered across her dark brown eyes, then she shook her head, terror controlling each movement. She didn’t look away from staring intently ahead. A few minutes later, she passed me a note:

"They're watching, they're always watching."

Huh? Who were they? Why were they watching us? Before I could inquire, the teacher walked in.

High heels, hawk-eyes, stern expression, spectacles perched atop a nose as sharp as knives, she looked as mean and cruel as a Disney villain sealing the fate of all humanity to their bidding.

All the students rose to greet her, *"Good morning, Ms. Agatha Johnson!"* each voice perfectly in harmony, beautiful as a nightingale.

She nodded slightly and went straight to her table, to begin her lesson, no small talk, no 'how-was-your-weekend?', nor any 'we-have-a-new-student-today'. Just her entry and the beginning of the lesson.

"Wait, before I start the lesson, everyone please take out your assignments, I'm coming to collect them." Her voice was stern, with a Brittish accent at the end.

"Your assignment? "She inquired.

"Ms. I didn't know we had an assignment, it's my first day here."

"Nonsense, you have lunch-detention now," Before I could argue, she had gone to the next person. I was astounded at the unfairness of it all, I just got here and got detention for not doing an assignment I knew nothing about?!

I spent the rest of the lesson doing the homework that she had assigned, copying the questions from the piece of paper Elizabeth had written them on. After the lesson was over I handed her the copy. "I knew you were lying, but don't worry you still have that lunch-detention" she said, flashing me a mocking smile.

Itsraining outside. Im in my pjs, sitting on my porch of my 2 story messed up house.

i have a cup of warm tea and fresh baked cookies next to me on my blue vintage table. I stare at the damp, grey sky. wondering of my parents will be happy of where i have gotten myself. My new company is booming with buisness, I've helped the mafia catch the wanted, helped the orphanage and even got married. I've completed all the dreams my parents wanted to witness. Oh if they were just here with me. Cheering for me, even in the simplest accomplishments like we used to. Im still thankfull to god of where he got me,

but will my life stay like this, will it get better....or will it just go downhill for me in the future?!

This is the scene where she meets the wolf dressed up as her Grandma:

"You know what I'm going in" Barges in.

"Ahh my darling granddaughter! Come in, come in,"

"Ahh there's an ogre on the chair! Oh wait it's you,

Anyway where are your snacks?"

"There's one in front of me right now."

"Oh waittttt aren't you the wolf I met like 5 minutes ago?"

"Uhh yea?"

"Sooooooo, why'd you come to my house? Do you have a crush on me?"

"First of all, I came here to eat you, second of all this is your grandma's house,"

(Gasp) "Do you have a crush on my grandma?"

"You know what? I'm done with you,"

​​Wolf walks out

The End.

Quotes Of The Day - 03.17.25

"In the quiet moments between heartbeats, I found a love that transcends time, where every glance and whisper ignites a spark that lights up my soul."

Girl Named Toxic - DJ Lee - Toxic Dream Album

Toxicity, girl wants a piece of me

Manipulation, she be pushing my patience

Seductive and shy, never plays nice

Had to look twice, girl got me stressing

Don't be messing around, she'll have you on the ground

Don't know what she really up to

Whats the truth or, dare you mess with her?

You know you're getting burned. Her business is none of your concern

She be using ya, not really into ya, abusing the system and accusing ya

Toxic to the max and I can't relax. I need snack to get me through the day but shortie don't play no games

Enjoy ^_^

••I was afraid to raise my head up… a fear I didn’t know why… but it went away when I saw the sky… to find myself falling up.••••The space was so tight it felt suffocating, as if it were upside down … Pain spread through her body like fire and smoke filling the air. Her vision was blurry, yet she could still make out the figure of a man in front of her, soaked in blood, motionless, showing no signs of life. And the body of a woman, seemingly young, her features obscured by wounds … The pristine white of her dress nowstained a dark crimson color   The blaring of sirens and honking of cars grew louder, intensifying her headache and dizziness, as if she were trapped in a whirlwind. Darkness began closing in from all sides, and those piercing eyes appeared, staring at her. Hands reached out—strangling her, restraining her already bound body. She could feel breaths, whispers like hissing at her ears:«It’s your fault.»«You’re a murderer.»«You should have died instead.»«Cursed witch.»The grip on her neck tightened, suffocating her, her lungs desperate for air as she thrashed in a futile attempt to escape.She gasped awake, filling her lungs with air, drenched in sweat, leaving damp imprints on the bedsheet.It took her a few minutes to catch her breath and grasp what was happening around her.«A dream… no, a nightmare.»She turned her gaze toward the clock.4:30 AM.Really? She had only slept for half an hour!Yes, Eileen’s old and unwelcome friend had returned—insomnia—bringing along its usual gift: nightmares.Since she met Arthur, her nightmares had lessened. She had even managed to sleep for a few hours sometimes.But as Arthur once said, he would be away for a while…It had been three days, maybe more, since their last meeting.And there was still about a week left until their agreed-upon reunion.Arthur had completely vanished, to the point where Eileen started doubting his existence—was he just an illusion? A figment of her imagination?If it weren’t for the kite she had found yesterday, which she believed he had sent either late at night or before dawn, and for his scarf still hanging by the door…Dragging herself to the bathroom, she decided that even though the sun had yet to rise, it was better to get up than to drown in bed and thoughts that led nowhere.For in the absence of the sun, all thoughts turn dark and bleak.Stepping out of the bathroom, she was met with her reflection in the mirror.She had long planned to get rid of it or give it to some random person… Her own image was not something she wanted to see.Perhaps she was simply blind to the truth—that she was beautiful.Exquisitely so, though hidden behind a veil of exhaustion and shadows of sleepless nights.She resembled a weary angel, yet all she could focus on were the dark circles beneath her eyes, the pallor of her skin reminiscent of a vampire’s, and the noticeable frailty of her figure.She finally turned away from her reflection, shifting her attention to the window, where she noticed the paper airplane  resting nearby.A slight smile appeared on her lips and her features softened with relief. She read the words written on it, then carefully folded it, placing it alongside its sisters in the glass box—a habit she had picked up ever since the first kite landed on her floor… and in her heart.After changing her clothes, she put on her coat and scarf—actually, Arthur’s scarf—choosing it over her own.Why?Perhaps because she wanted to feel Arthur’s presence around her after his disappearance?Or maybe because it was warmer?Or maybe… because she missed the owner of that scarf?Who knew… No one, not even Eileen.Or perhaps she did know… but preferred to ignore the feelings that had been stirring within her lately.Feelings for someone who lived next door, whom she knew nothing about, who had suddenly entered her life and changed thousands of things—without even doing anything.The moment she stepped outside, the cold wind kissed her face, prompting her to shove her hands into her pockets and bury her face and nose into the scarf.With her usual slow, unchanging steps, and eyes embracing the sky, she wandered aimlessly before sunrise.She used to never lift her gaze from the ground while walking—at any time, in any place.But now, ever since the first time she gazed at the sky with Arthur… she had fallen in love with that vast expanse.She had grown to adore its star-studded blackness, its blue streaked with white clouds, and the fiery hues of sunset.She cherished its stars, its moon, its sun.She found solace only in contemplating them.And there, on the bridge overlooking the vast sea, she watched the sun rise, casting golden rays that reminded her of someone.She could almost see Arthur’s silhouette watching it with her.«I see you everywhere… What have you done to be so deeply etched in my mind? We barely know each other… And yet, feeling all of this while we’re practically strangers—it’s unsettling…»Arthur had appeared suddenly at the start of December.And now, the month was nearing its end.Yet, he had become an integral part of Eileen’s routine.That in itself was a cause for concern… and fear.What if Eileen grew too attached to him?And in the end, he left—because she had never truly mattered to him in the first place.What if his actions were nothing more than pity for a depressed girl?Or perhaps he just wanted some company during his stay—nothing more.Eileen doubted her place in Arthur’s life… Not just in his, but in everyone’s.She had always been replaceable.She had never been anyone’s number one.That planted within her a perpetual fear of abandonment.And in an attempt to avoid pain, she had become even more withdrawn than before.Then, problems began piling up, one after the other—shaking her confidence, isolating her, fueling self-blame, overthinking, and insomnia…All shaping her into the person she was now.She still believed she didn’t deserve love.That she was a curse to everyone around her.Memories, old events—still shackled to her.For nightmares are merely echoes of memories and experiences we failed to overcome, unable to cast them into the farthest corners of our minds.And so, they return to haunt us… until we face them.---A sudden gust of cold wind snapped her out of her thoughts.Noticing that the sun had already risen, she realized it was time to head to work.ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩAnd so, the days passed for Eileen, as if she had fallen back into her endless loop.The dark thoughts in her mind never ceased—they spoke day and night, at all times, in all places, driving her to the brink of madness.A heavy week crawled by, and the awaited day finally arrived.She dressed well—or at least, she tried to look presentable.Standing beneath the streetlight where she always met Arthur, she counted the minutes and seconds.«He’s late… What if he doesn’t come?»Doubt gnawed at her once more.Why would Arthur leave his friends and family just to wander around with her?With his bright personality and handsome face, she was sure he was quite popular.Meanwhile, Eileen… Well, she didn’t want to start another self-loathing spiral.But honestly, spending time with her would be a waste. She wasn’t fun, nor a great conversationalist, nor did she possess a remarkable personality or beauty…She shut her eyes tightly, covering her ears, as a cacophony of intrusive thoughts and noise swelled in her head.Then—A hand rested on her shoulder.She slowly opened her eyes, looking up to meet his worried blue gaze.«Eileen, is something wrong? Are you okay?»He offered his hand to help her up, and she grasped it.«I’m fine… I just got tired of standing, so I sat down for a bit.»«Good. I’m really sorry for being late… I’ll make it up to you with a meal—my treat.»And as always, in Arthur’s presence, all those thoughts and voices fell silent, granting her a few minutes of peace.She smiled faintly and nodded.As usual, he intertwined their fingers and tucked their hands into his pocket.They exchanged a few glances before walking on, each holding countless questions but they kept it to themselves. —choosing instead to savor the moment.And for a fleeting second, Eileen felt guilty for the dark thoughts she had about Arthur earlier.They continued their walk, silence accompanying them, under the glow of the moon and stars…Hoping for a beautiful night.And a beautiful start to the new year.So what caused Arthur's disappearance? Where will things lead them? And where will their relationship end?

Thanks for reading.

♡With love ♡

Its been about a month since I've seen Summer.

She was no longer my therapist and I'd been permanently transferred over to a lady named Mrs. Davis. She was a kind soul, an older lady that'd been a psychologist for longer than i've been alive.

My current relationship with Frankie was very confusing. We started hanging out more and she practically lived at my house now because of how often she stayed over. We weren't back together officially but I knew that's what she wanted and probably what my dad wanted too.

I wasn't ready to be with her completely but she was a safety net. I knew she would always be there for me and cared about me so it felt right to be loyal to her, but something was stopping me from allowing myself to fully accept us being together.

We haven't had sex since being "back together" and I could tell it was affecting her self esteem. It used to be an important part of our relationship in the past but honestly I couldn't think of doing anything worse. I wasn't in the mood recently and when I was I just felt guilty because images of Summer would flash in my head while I was with her.

It wasn't on purpose, it just kind of happened. When it did, I'd tell her I'm tired or I was in my head too much. She eventually stopped trying to make a move on me and accepted it but not without showing her frustration.

I wanted to tell her it wasn't her fault and she's a gorgeous amazing girl but I knew that would only be enough for a while.

I knew this feeling would go away and I'd get over Summer but I wasn't sure when and it was starting to frustrate me. She was all I thought about everyday. It felt like I could only be distracted from thinking about her for a couple hours before she consumed my thoughts all over again. The only thing that really helped was being around other people and staying busy because when I was alone it only got worse.

So I spent my time running the trail at the park she brought me to. I'd always hope I'd run into her one day but I haven't seen her around.

Today was a Tuesday so I had a session with Mrs. Davis. When she called me in to her office I sat down on the cold leather chair across from her. Since changing counselors, I moved buildings completely and attended a location that was closer to my house. It was supposedly rated as one of the best offices in the region. It had a very minimalistic design with cold interior and modern art.

Mrs. Davis was sweet and almost reminded me of my grandmother. She was very attentive to my tone and body language and because of that it was hard to lie to her.

"Good afternoon Thomas, how are you feeling today?"

"I'm doing okay. How about you?"

"Everyday that I wake up is a good day." She says quoting the words on her green coffee mug. I gave her a warm smile.

"So how are things going with you and your girlfriend Francesca?" I briefed her about Frankie on one of our first sessions but left the detail of Summer out of course.

"Things are okay."

"Define okay."She presses.

"We hang out every day, things are okay."

"You mentioned you two haven't had a sexual relationship since before the breakup, have you had a conversation with her about it?"

"No, I just told her things are different now and I'm not sure I want us to rush into things."

"Is that how you truly feel?"

No. "Yes."

"Hmm." She hummed cocking her head sideways analyzing me thoughtfully. "I think we should talk about your openness with your girlfriend. Do you feel comfortable opening up to her about personal feelings?"

I shrugged not knowing.

"You mentioned she was with you through your mom's death and that was around the time you broke up with her. Do you see yourself allowing that amount of vulnerability to her again?"

"No."

"Why do you think that is?"

"I don't think I can physically allow myself to be completely comfortable with her again, at least not on that level. I can't explain why but I physically can't."

"Is there something she's doing that's making you feel this way?"

"It's not her, she's perfect actually which sucks because I know she deserves better. I just find it hard to fully let my guard down with her."

"Is there anyone in your life that you feel like you can completely let your guard down with?"

I hesitantly nodded thinking about her question.

"What do they do that makes you feel you can trust them that Francesca fails to?"

I shifted in my seat a little bit not prepared for that question. I sat in thought for a moment trying to figure out how to answer.

"They believed in me and understood my pain at a level I don't think Frankie could."

"Who is this person to you?" She looked slightly curious.

"An old friend."

She took a deep breath, letting there be a moment of silence between us. "I think if you truly feel like you can't allow yourself to be open with your girlfriend you might need to rethink if getting back together is what's best for you two." She leaned in closer crossing her legs.

After the session I headed home, on the way back I picked up food from the burger joint because there was never food at home.

"Hey Tommy, you want your regular?" The boy at the front knew me well enough to have my order memorized. "Actually, I'll take a number 7 with extra onions & pickles please."

He put my order in and a few short minutes later I walked out with two bags. I got Frankie's regular order assuming she hasn't eaten either. I told her to meet me at my house after her class so we could study for our final. It was full on winter now and this was our last week of classes before break.

The warm air hit my face once I walked through the front door and took my coat off.

Frankie was in my bed splayed out with a face mask and robe. We've been practically living together for two weeks. She'd shower here, sleep here, study here. The only time she went home was to bring clothes back over or to show her face to her parents reminding them she was alive.

"You got food?" She perked up adjusting her robe. I gave her the bag of food and put mine on the bed. I slid my shirt off in one motion and laid on the bed next to her.

"How was class?" I asked biting into my fries.

"So boring. I cannot wait until break, I think we might go to Jamaica."

"Your family is always traveling, that sounds like a dream."

"You know you're always welcome to come baby, it's all expenses paid." I scrunched my face at the word baby coming out of her mouth.

"I want a bite of your burger." She pouted.

"You won't like it."

"We always get the same thing, why wouldn't I?"

"I got extra onions this time." She cringed.

"Ew. You hate onions, why would you get extra?"

"It's the best part of a good burger."

"No, you said yourself it ruins the flavor."

"I had a change of heart." I concluded finishing my burger. I got up and hopped in the shower washing the day off. I expected her to be in her pajamas and face first in her laptop when I got out but she was still in her robe.

"Everything okay?" I questioned her still laying in the same spot I left her. I walked up to my closet choosing a set of boxers and heard her get off of the bed.

I turned around and she appeared suddenly behind me taking me by surprise. "Can we watch a movie or something I don't feel like studying tonight."

"Sure, you can put something on."

She walked up closer putting her palm on my chest. "We could always do something else." She whispered playing with the knot that held my towel up. I grab her hand before she could undo my towel and intertwine mine into them.

"A movie sounds great." I said softly. She sighed and walked away from me. She grabbed a T shirt from my drawer and dropped her robe to the ground changing in front of me.

That feeling of guilt crept in again and I felt horrible knowing my apathetic state was causing her to feel insecure. I went over to where she was standing and cupped my hands onto her face. She stood still, taken by surprise by my touch but didn't move away.

"I know you're going through a lot but it doesn't even feel like you're even trying to make this work." She said.

"I know." I shook my head. "I want things to work for us."

" I won't wait forever."

She moved away from my hand taking a step back.

"I know."