I cross my arms. “I said no.”
Asher grins, strumming lazily. “I’ll just play until you give up then.”
“You’re just wasting your time.”
“I’ve got all day, Cinderella.”
“Don’t you have, like, homework or something to do?”
“Nah” He shrugs. “I’m rich. I pay people for that.”
I gasp. “You don’t!”
He smirks. “I don’t. But you believed it.”
“You’re unbelievable.” I spat, glaring at him.
“Thank you,” he says, starting another note.
I sigh, defeated. “Fine. One song. Just one.”
He nods.
I take a deep breath and hum a tune, quiet at first, then louder. He freezes mid–chord. “Whoa.”
“What?” I stopped.
“You actually sound really good.”
I frown. “You say that like you’re shocked.”
“Because I am,” he admits, laughing. “I thought you
would
go meow meow.”
“Oh shut up”
He leans against the piano, smirking. “So what…”
“Master Asher! Miss Aria! Lunch is ready!” A voice cut in from outside the door, cutting him off.
I exhale in relief. “Saved by the bell.”
He grins. “Tiny Bell is saved by the bell.”
I groan again. “That nickname needs to die.”
“Never.”
We walk back toward the dining room, the smell of roasted chicken filling the air.
Helen sits elegantly at the head, “You two were in the studio?”
“Yes,” Asher says, plopping down. “She can sing.”
I nearly choke. “I cannot!”
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Helen’s eyes widened. “Really? Oh, how wonderful! We’ll have to get you vocal lessons.”
“No!” I panic. “I mean–it was nothing. Just humming.”
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“My daughter is so humble and talented.” Helen gushed. “You know, I’ve always wanted a daughter with a nice voice.”
“Yup” Asher nods, “with enough training, she could even be a musician.”
“Oh my, I’ll need to introduce her to Mark. I have a new talent for him.” She smiled
Asher grins at me. “See? You’re doomed now.”
I glare at him across the table.
He stabs a piece of chicken. “You’ll thank me later when you’re famous.”
Helen chuckles softly. “You two remind me of Robert and me when we first met.”
“Wait, you used to argue like this too?” I ask.
She smiles. “Oh, constantly. Though, I always won.”
“Obviously,” Asher mutters.
Helen smiles “Aria, dear, what do you think about what you want to be?”
I freeze, my fork halfway to my mouth. “What… I want to be?”
“Yes,” she says, sipping her tea. “We haven’t properly discussed school arrangements for you.”
“Oh,” I say slowly, lowering the fork. “Right. School.”
“Yeah,” she continues, “We’ve contacted a few schools including Asher’s school and we’ve decided you’ll need to take a placement test first.”
“Placement test?” I repeat. “Like… math and stuff?”
“Among other subjects, yes. Once we see your scores, we’ll know which grade level suits
you best.”
“Right,” I said
Helen sighed. “Aria, I recommend you attend Asher’s school though, he’ll be able to assist you.
“Basically be your babysitter,” Asher smirked.
I glance between them, then sigh. “Fine.”
Helen smiles, clearly relieved. “Good choice, dear. The placement test will be held tomorrow morning. I’ll have Kayla help you prepare.”
“Tomorrow?!” I nearly choke on my croissant. “That’s, like… too soon!”
“It’s best to get it done quickly,” she says gently. “Don’t worry’s just to see where you’re comfortable academically.”
*****
“Wow,” I gasped as I stepped out of Asher’s car. “This doesn’t even look like a school,” I mutter.
“Relax,” Asher said lazily, chewing gum. “It’s not that pretty.”
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“Easy for you to say,” I mumble, clutching my bag. “You already go here.”
“Sure, Tiny Bell.”
“Stop calling me-”
“Yo, I’ll be back in a sec. Just wait here.” He interrupts, waving at group of boys.
“What? No! You’re supposed to take me to the office!”
“Relax, just follow the big sign that says ‘Administration. Even you can’t miss it.”
He shouted, half running, his blazer swinging over his shoulder
“Where is the big sign… and he’s gone.” I sighed
It’s been more than five minutes and I still can’t find a sign that says ‘Administ
There’s a North Wing, a Student Lounge, Meditation Garden and a lot more sign boards but no administration.
Just ask someone,‘ my subconscious said.
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I looked around, spotting a guy standing by a vending machine. He looks tall with broad shoulders and perfectly messy hair. ‘Okay, Aria. You can do this. Just ask for directions. Don’t be awkward. Don’t say something stupid.’
I gulped and straightened my shoulders. “Hey, excuse me- woah” I gasped as he looked up.
His face is… wow. Like, unfairly beautiful. pale skin, sharp jawline, emerald eyes. He blinks slowly, staring at me.
“Uh… hi… um, my Tina. Uhm de
you know where the placement” I stuttered.
“It around…” he suddenly swayed, holding his tummy.
“Are you okay?” I furrowed my brows, stepping forward.
He opens his mouth–And
“OH MY GOD-!” I gasped as he vomited on me.
It happens in slow motion. Warm liquid splatters across my face trailing down my top.
A
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
