GENESIS
"Class was so fun today, wasn't it?" Calista said, her hand stretched wide as we walked toward the car waiting to pick up Daisy and me. Speaking of Daisy, my eyes darted around, searching for her. My heart suddenly started pounding fast until I spotted her near the car, chatting with some girls her age.
I let out a breath I hadn't even realized I was holding.
"…Yeah, you're right. There is something different about her."
I turned back to the girls, but immediately felt five pairs of eyes lock onto me, putting me on the spot. I instinctively touched my chest—my silent way of asking why they were staring so intently.
Stacy moved closer, stepping right in front of me and stopping me mid-step. I caught the driver's eyes shifting toward us, and he straightened up like he sensed something was off.
I looked back at my dance mates. "Yes, Calista, you're right. There's a glow in her eyes. Even during class, she seemed… more jovial."
My brows furrowed. What does jovial mean? Of course, I didn't say that—I didn't want them to think I didn't know. What if they laughed?
"I know we haven't known you long—we just became friends—but you seemed more out of your shell today. You smiled more," Stacy explained, and Calista nodded in agreement.
Oh.
Finally, I understood what they meant. My face flushed.
Today in class, I felt free—like a weight had been lifted off my chest, as if I'd thrown away some poison. Though it was.
All because I'd made up my mind to stand up for myself… even though I knew it wouldn't be easy. Monica and my step brothers still scared me.
Just the thought of them sent a cold chill down my spine.
But now I have Kieran.
He'd protect me, right? I could always ask him for help.
"What are you thinking about?" Stacy's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I looked up at her and just shook my head, smiling.
I couldn't explain it to them, but I hoped my smile would show I was okay.
One of the girls was about to speak when the driver stepped forward.
"We need to leave now, ma'am. The boss is on his way," his deep voice cut through the air.
The girls murmured, "Damn, he's so handsome."
"Tell me about it."
"And who's the boss?"
"Probably that tall, big guy who was with her yesterday?"
I looked at the driver and nodded. He stepped back a little.
I turned to the girls and waved goodbye.
Stacy smiled warmly. "See you at the next class, Genesis. Don't forget to practice—we have to present tomorrow."
I nodded, feeling the warmth of their kindness as they said their goodbyes.
I moved toward the car. Just before I could open the door, the driver swung it open. Daisy climbed in first, still absorbed in her iPad. I took a deep breath and slid into the seat beside her. The seatbelt clicked into place like a small promise of safety.
As the car pulled away, I glanced back at the girls. Their faces blurred through the window, but their smiles stayed clear in my mind.
The streetlights flickered on as the sun dipped below the horizon. Outside, the city seemed calm—peaceful even—but inside me, the battle was just beginning.
I rested my hand gently on my stomach, making a silent vow to protect whatever life might still be growing inside me, no matter what Monica or my stepbrothers wanted.
And this time, I wasn't going to stay silent.
Suddenly, the car slowed and stopped—not at the estate like I expected. Where were we going?
I glanced at Daisy. She was sitting up straight, a bright smile lighting up her face. Then she turned to me, that same innocent smile still there.
"We're going to the café. I'm so happy!"
Café?
Before I could say anything, the door beside me swung open, startling me. I turned just in time to see who was there—my eyes widening.
"Kitten, how was class today?" His warm, familiar voice wrapped around me like a comforting blanket.
I leaned toward him, and before I could react, he grabbed my face and crushed his lips against mine.
"Ewww, stop!" Daisy protested.
But he didn't stop. He sucked on the bottom of my lip, then playfully nipped at it, making me let out a silent gasp. Just as he started again, he pulled away.
"I missed you," he murmured.
Heat rushed to my cheeks. I was sure I looked as red as a tomato. I dropped my gaze to the floor, suddenly shy.
"Ohh, can we go now? I want ice cream," Daisy said eagerly.
Kieran chuckled and lifted me effortlessly by the waist, like I weighed nothing—which, well, I didn't weigh much, but still, his strength never ceased to amaze me. He set me down beside him and then turned to Daisy.
"There's my little princess. How are you?"
He scooped her up, propping her on his hip, and suddenly a deep sadness hit me. A fuzzy, blurry memory flashed behind my eyes.
A girl twirling in the arms of a man. That girl was me, and that man was my father. That day was the day I lost him—and the day I spoke my last words.
I staggered but caught myself, steadying on the car. I felt Kieran's eyes on me, full of concern. I smiled, but his brow furrowed.
He stepped closer. "Are you okay, baby?"
I nodded.
But I wasn't.
If only I could speak—
But they had made sure I couldn't.