PAST
Mike hastily got dressed, throwing on his school uniform and stuffing his books into his bag. The summer break had come to an end, and the return to school loomed over him. While most students dreaded the end of the vacation, Mike's apprehension ran deeper – it wasn't the school itself that bothered him but the specter of his recent breakup with Leslie.
Leslie and Mike had been best friends since childhood. The dynamics of their relationship shifted when Leslie confessed her feelings for him last year. Though Mike didn't reciprocate those feelings, he decided to give the relationship a chance. They had been a couple for a year until just last week when Mike decided to end it. Leslie had been persistent in reaching out, flooding his phone with texts and calls, but Mike had been ignoring her attempts.
Now, as the new school year began, Mike knew he would have to face Leslie. The thought of the inevitable confrontation weighed heavily on him. Grabbing his bag, he left his room, navigating the familiar terrain of his home. His big sister was breastfeeding her baby on the couch, engrossed in TV, while his mother was busy in the kitchen.
Mike glanced around, searching for his little sister, his usual companion on the way to school.
"She's already left," Mike's big sister informed him, sensing the tension in his demeanor.
Mike's mother emerged from the kitchen, handing him a thermos flask. "Here's your breakfast. You have money on you, so just manage with that," she said, her words carrying the familiar weight of a household where everyone was too occupied to spare much attention for one another. Mike placed the thermos flask in his bag and rushed out, checking his watch and realizing he would be late if he didn't hurry.
Running down the street, he hoped to make it to school on time. In his haste, he neglected to check the road before crossing and narrowly avoided a collision with an approaching car. The vehicle screeched to a halt just inches away, and Mike, shocked, fell back onto the road. As his life flashed before his eyes, he felt a surge of relief when the car door opened.
To his surprise, a gorgeous girl stepped out, resembling an angel or perhaps a goddess. Mike stared at her in shock, captivated by her presence.
"Hi. Are you okay?" the girl asked in a soft tone, her beautiful brown eyes filled with concern. The unexpected encounter left Mike momentarily speechless, struck not just by the near miss but by the appearance of this enigmatic girl who seemed to have stepped into his life in the most unexpected way.
---
The boy continued to stare at Lily, seemingly lost in the moment. Concerned, Lily stepped forward, extending a reassuring touch. However, before she could make contact, the boy snapped back to reality, quickly getting up and laughing at his own lapse. "I'm fine, thank you," he said hurriedly, nerves evident in his voice. The unexpected encounter with such a beautiful girl left him flustered, especially considering the luxurious car she had emerged from.
Lily, still worried, pressed on, "Are you sure? Where are you heading? I'll drop you off."
"I'm going to Haven Prep. You're probably not heading there, so—" Mike began but was promptly cut off by Lily.
"Au contraire, I'm heading there. It's my first day. Let me give you a ride," Lily suggested with a warm smile.
"There's no need. You don't have to be so nice to me. I was the one who ran to the road without looking," Mike insisted.
Lily smiled softly, her determination evident. "I insist. Please, it would make me feel better."
With Lily's persistence, Mike found it hard to refuse, and he nodded in agreement.
The driver opened the backseat door for Lily, and she gracefully entered. However, before Mike could follow suit, the driver promptly shut the door to the backseat and gestured towards the passenger seat. It was clear – the driver intended for Mike to sit in the front, away from Lily. Mike couldn't blame him; Lily's beauty and kindness were striking, and he felt an innate hesitation to taint her presence.
Mike complied, taking a seat in the passenger side. As he settled in, he marveled at the car's beautiful white interior. It was the most luxurious vehicle he had ever been in. Glancing at the backseat, Lily seemed to effortlessly fit into the opulent surroundings, making him the only element that stood out. The driver took his place, and the car smoothly glided in the direction of the school.
---
The school day had just begun, and Rose and Jane, two friends filled with the excitement of a new year, entered the bustling premises. Laughter filled the air as they chatted about the seemingly short summer vacation.
"Summer break felt so short," Rose remarked, expressing a sentiment shared by many students.
"I know, right. Anyway, have you heard from Leslie?" Jane inquired, referencing their friend who seemed to have gone silent.
"We hung out a lot during the vacation, but since last week, I haven't heard from her," Rose answered, mirroring Jane's concern. "I also tried texting her, but she didn't reply."
Jane's worry deepened. "Could something have happened to her?"
Their conversation took an unexpected turn as a luxurious Rolls Royce Phantom glided into the school premises. Rose, struck by awe, exclaimed, "Woah, did you see that?"
Excitement filled Jane's eyes. "Do you think we could take a few selfies by the car?"
Rose, however, hesitated, cautioning, "Rich people don't like people like us hovering around their property."
As the driver opened the backseat door, Rose and Jane watched in anticipation. Lily emerged, a vision of beauty that left them stunned. Jane gasped, "Woah. Who is that?"
"I'm not sure, but she looks stuck up," Rose remarked, her judgment fueled by a mix of awe and envy.
Their surprise deepened when they saw Mike, someone they knew to be facing financial struggles, stepping out of the same luxurious car. Confusion clouded their thoughts. Why was Mike, a friend from less privileged circumstances, getting out of a car that exuded wealth? Their confusion turned into disapproval as they witnessed Mike, usually reserved, engaging in conversation with Lily, acting shy and nervous.
Jane frowned, observing the interaction. "Mike is Leslie's boyfriend. How can he just casually flirt with some other girl? Is it because she's rich?"
The two girls, protective of their friend Leslie, exchanged glances, their disapproval intensifying. They found it difficult to fathom why Mike would seemingly betray Leslie, and Lily became the target of their judgment. The assumption that Lily must be a seductive vixen who had entrapped someone else's boyfriend began to form in their minds.
---
The morning sun cast a gentle glow as Lily Caldwell stepped out of the luxurious Rolls Royce Phantom. Mike, still slightly flustered from their unexpected encounter, followed suit. Lily, with a soft smile gracing her features, turned to Mike and asked, "I'm Lily Caldwell, and you are?"
Mike, caught in the enchantment of her smile, blushed as he introduced himself. "I'm Michael Anderson."
At that moment, the name Caldwell triggered a realization for Mike. The Caldwell family was not just rich; they were trillions rich. The weight of that revelation settled on him, casting a shadow over his initial enthusiasm. He couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment, resigning himself to the belief that someone of Lily's stature would never entertain the idea of dating someone from less privileged circumstances like him.
Lily, unaware of the internal turmoil in Mike's thoughts, continued the conversation with genuine curiosity. "Can you show me around the school later and maybe help me find where I'm supposed to be?"
Mike's smile didn't waver as he nodded in agreement. Though he understood the inherent divide, the opportunity to spend time with Lily was too enticing to pass up. The thought of not being able to be with her romantically saddened him, but he decided to cherish any chance to be in her company.
As the two began walking away, deep in conversation, the driver approached Lily. "Miss, I'll drop off your lunch later," he informed her.
Lily acknowledged with a nod, and she followed Mike as they strolled through the school grounds. In their little bubble, they remained oblivious to the two girls, Rose and Jane, who were watching them with disapproving glares. The unspoken judgment hung in the air as Lily and Mike continued their journey, navigating the twists and turns of the school campus.