Amelia's eyes fluttered open, and she stretched, feeling the softness of her bed and the warmth of the sun peeking through the curtains. Her room was bathed in the warm, golden light of morning, and the sweet scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted from downstairs, mingling with the fragrance of her mom's freshly baked cookies. She yawned, feeling a bit groggy, and tossed off her covers, revealing a tangled mess of blankets and sheets.
After a swift bath, she felt refreshed. The warm water had washed away her sleepiness, and she was now ready to take on the day. She wrapped herself in a plush towel, feeling the softness against her skin, and began to get dressed.
"Good morning, sweetie!" her mother, Mandy, called out from the kitchen. "Come eat something before you head out!" Amelia's stomach growled at the mention of food, and she hastily threw on her school uniform, the crisp fabric rustling as she moved. She rushed downstairs, her feet pounding on the steps, and her backpack bouncing behind her.
Mandy had laid out a hearty breakfast spread, complete with scrambled eggs, toast, and fresh fruit. Amelia's eyes widened at the sight of her favourite breakfast foods.
"Sorry, Mom, I don't have time today," Amelia apologized, grabbing a piece of toast and taking a quick bite. "I'm already running late."
Mandy's expression turned concerned. "Not even a bite? I don't want you going to school on an empty stomach, dear." Amelia smiled briefly and gave her mother a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'll grab something at school, Mom. Don't worry, I'll be fine."
With that, Amelia grabbed her backpack and headed out the door, feeling the cool morning air on her face and the warm sun on her skin. She joined the stream of students flowing into Melody High School, the sound of chatter and laughter filling the air.
As Nathan walked through the hallways, the whispers and gasps followed him. "Oh my gosh, he's so cool!" one girl squealed. Another fanatically exclaimed, "My Nathan is looking so handsome as always!" A nearby classmate rolled her eyes, "He's not your Nathan!" Jake, Nathan's friend, watched the scene unfold with a mixture of amusement and annoyance.
"Don't they have better things to do?" he asked, shaking his head. Nathan shrugged,his expression a mask of indifference. "No idea, Jake. But hey, being a demigod has its perks," he said with a sly smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Jake chuckled and playfully rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, you're a bathtub god or whatever." Nathan laughed, his deep voice rumbling through the hallway. "Hey, someone's got to keep the ladies swooning."
The two friends continued on to their classroom, leaving behind a trail of admiring glances and whispered conversations. As they walked, the sound of their footsteps echoed through the hallway, mingling with the chatter and laughter of the other students.
As Amelia walked into her classroom, her eyes met Nathan's piercing gaze. He was staring at her intently, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. Amelia's cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away, trying to focus on the lesson. But she could sense Nathan's eyes still on her, making her feel increasingly uncomfortable.
Throughout the day, Amelia caught glimpses of Nathan,confident stride, easy smile, the way heads turned when he passed. Every time their eyes met, a flutter stirred in her chest, and she quickly lowered her gaze.
At lunchtime, Amelia joined her friends Sydney and Bella in the cafeteria. They chatted and laughed over their sandwiches, enjoying the warm sunshine streaming through the windows. The sound of their laughter and conversation mingled with the clinking of utensils and the hum of the cafeteria.
Just as they were finishing up, a group of students appeared at their table, carrying balloons and wearing bright smiles. Amelia's eyes widened in surprise as she read the bold, red letters scrawled across the balloons: "Will you be my girlfriend?"
Amelia rolled her eyes, feeling a mix of embarrassment and annoyance. She knew exactly who was behind this grand gesture – Nathan. She had made it clear that she wasn't interested, but he just wouldn't take no for an answer.
Sydney and Bella exchanged amused glances, and Sydney whispered, "Someone's got a crush on you, Amelia!" Bella playfully chimed in, "Yeah, and it's not subtle!" Amelia's cheeks flushed, and she shook her head, laughing. "Shut up, guys! It's just Nathan. But as she turned to face him, her smile faltered. Nathan's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze burning with intensity.