"I just want to finish this school so I know I can be free from this man I call my father he's been nothing but cruel to me ever since my mum left him for another man but it wasn't entirely her fault, my dad in question has always been a drunkard spending our money on drinks and debts he brought upon himself … But every day I tend to ask myself why my mum didn't take me along, I don't think I'll be able to forgive her for leaving me behind, it's been frustrating living with my dad for 5 years now"
Luciana said as she recalled all the injuries inflicted on her by her dad since she was 10 up till date whilst she's 21, her mum left her when she was 16
"Luciana? Luciana? Lucia!"
"Oh hey?"
"Hey?? Luciana? Are you lost in thought again or are you planning another escape plan like you normally that doesn't ever work out no matter how much you try?"
"Kayla, what am I doing wrong I just want to live my best life, but my dad isn't making it easy for me, I work so hard, working out 2 jobs to pay for my tuition and trying my best not to break down in school it's just too much to process all at the same time "
"What do you mean by two Jobs haven't I told you, you should quite that job at the bar it's not safe not especially by that time you close for the day "
"I know it's not, but I need the money"
"Ok I understand, and I knew you were going to say this, so I don't want to bother convincing you, just be safe and if anything comes up, I'm just one call away "
"Yeah, I heard you"
"Not just heard you remember that! you hear me.
"Yea I did, now let's get to class, shall we?"
We both headed for class, it's past 9am we're late already, I had a project to present, I'm already 30 minutes late
Entering the hall everyone's eyes settled on me as I walked in, I wondered why, I soon figured out why after they all murmured
"BOOOOO!"
"Luciana why are you late for this class you had something to present didn't you?"
"Yes sir "I stuttered
"Well, you won't be presenting today"
"I'm sorry sir I won't be late next time; don't be mad at me I can still make my presentation today "
"You're not the reason why you can't do your presentation today, we have a very important transfer student coming in today in about 5 minutes leave the doorway, you're blocking the entrance "
"I'm sorry sir "
"Enough with your sorry just move it "
I was about going to my seat when I heard a deep raspy voice from behind
-I shifted suddenly, unaware of how close I was standing close to him, my heel caught slightly against the floor as I tried to step back, the moment breaking just enough for embarrassment to rush in –
"I_" I swallowed, then tried again, my voice betraying me with stutter
"I'm sorry, I didn't …I didn't see you there "she gestured vaguely behind her, cheeks warm as she forced herself to straighten … I should have been paying attention I'm sorry
-For a second, he just watched her admiring how clumsy she was -
*Then he spoke*
-His voice low – smooth – unhurried – with a rough edge that suggested cigarettes, late nights, and authority. Not loud, never loud. The kind of voice that didn't need to be. It wrapped around the space between them, settling into her skin like a slow burn –
"No problem "he said softly
-His lips curved, not quite a smile -more like a smirk. His green eyes never left hers-
"it's not your fault "he continued tone steady, almost gentle … I didn't let you know I was behind you "
-The words were simple but the way he said it made my stomach flip, as of been behind her had been a deliberate choice, as is he'd been there longer than she realized. His voice dipped just slightly on the last word, rich and controlled, carrying something unspoken beneath it – patience, restraint …" what an interesting guy" I murmured to myself
"Luciana! Luci!"
I turned to see my friend gesturing me to come take a seat and stop staring, I looked like a lost puppy I picked up the remaining self-respect I had left and made my way to my seat because I know it was pretty obvious, I was drooling over him
"Luci? You were practically drooling over him, I know he's good looking but get a grip of yourself"
"Was it that obvious?
"Oh, it was girl!"
"Remind me earlier next time to get a grip of myself"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Ok class this is our new transfer student from …"
"I rather not say"
"Ok as you wish, can you maybe give a little introduction to the class about who you are…"
"…My name is Raphael, 28 years old, height 6'5…"
"Ok class you all should treat Raphael kindly and probably show him around if he needs assistance… Mr. Raphael during your first week who would you like to assist you around school?"
-All the girls were already raising their hands high above their heads to be picked but I stayed quite because I had no chance been chosen so there's really no need of been among the pick me girls-
"She's the one sir"
"Who?"
"The girl who bumped into me at the doorway, I don't know her name"
"Luciana?"
"Yes, sir she's the one"
*************************************
"Luciana! He's talking about you, go up there"
"Me?"
"Yes you."
-I calmly walked up to the lecturer, but I was legit scared thinking this could be a prank or something, standing in front of the whole class I was terrified, but I had to ask him one more time –
"Are you sure it's me you want to choose? what about Mary or Linda"
"No, its you Luciana "he said softly
Oh no I exclaimed as everywhere got dark … I fainted.