♥ Chapter 6 ♥

08:40 '' City of the Valley. '' Zefinópolis

Elara Sinclair.

''That our mother is a tramp for being with a man who should be in prison.

Ah, if our father finds out, that man will be dead.

'' Then you've done well. '' He looks at me like I'm an idiot. '' Stop being annoying.

'' It's not boring; it's that you say the most obvious thing in the world.

''You're only ten years old, and you're a pest. You've already been expelled from three schools.

''Of course, they talked badly about our mother; what did you want me to do?

Well, he has a point, because if our father knew what they were saying about our mother, they'd be dead.

''Okay, I'm going to the library.

I get up from the sofa and walk to the library, enter and go to the math section. I take the book and go to the sofa, sit down and start reading. The soft light coming through the windows illuminated the pages, creating a calm and serene atmosphere around me. My eyes were fixed on the equations and formulas, while I concentrated intensely on understanding each concept.

As I read, I occasionally frowned, trying to decipher more complicated problems. My fingers traced the pages, turning them carefully as I progressed in my study. The silence of the library was comforting, allowing me to immerse myself completely in the world of mathematics.

From time to time, I would stop for a moment, looking around the library and appreciating the peace the environment provided. But then I would turn my attention back to the book, determined to overcome every challenge I encountered.

Hours passed as I dedicated myself to studying, my desire to master the content driving me forward. Despite the difficulties, I persisted, knowing that each problem solved was an achievement. And finally, after a concentrated effort, I let out a sigh of relief and satisfaction, knowing that I had made progress in my learning.

****
As soon as I heard Axel's voice, I quickly left the library, staring at him.

'' Are you going? '' I said, approaching him.

''Yes, work calls. ''He replied.

I ended up smiling; I can't help myself around him.

'' I see. '' I replied, unable to take my eyes off him.

'' Aren't you supposed to be at college? '' He asked, and I held back the urge to put my head down and smile.

'' There were no classes today, only tomorrow.

'' Ah, yes.

We stared at each other for a moment, and I felt my heart speed up even more. I saw her beautiful face, and I couldn't help myself. I lowered my gaze to her delicious lips.

'' If the princesses have finished their visual flirtation, I'd like to watch my cartoon in peace. '' Orion's idiotic voice snapped us out of our trance.

''We weren't flirting. ''We replied in unison.

'' Yeah, and I'm an alien. '' He grumbled, heading for the kitchen.

'' I'm going. '' He left quickly, leaving me alone.

Orion came back into the living room, and I glared at him.

''Why are you like this?

'' Why don't you just say how you feel? You two like each other; that's quite clear. If even a ten-year-old can see that, just admit it! '' His voice is direct, and his words hit me right in the heart.

"He doesn't like me. "I whisper, trying to ignore the twinge of hope that creeps into my chest.

''Yeah, and I'm the President of the United States. '' Orion's sarcastic reply only increases my frustration.

'' Turn off the sarcasm for a minute.

'' Elara, I'm a child, and yet I can tell you two like each other.

I snort at that.

'' Just keep quiet; don't interfere. '' He rolls his eyes.

''All right.

I let out a sigh.

"Do you want to go to the mall? "I ask, and he looks at me.

''I want to, right, but unfortunately I'm grounded. '' I end up laughing.

"Oh yes, I forgot about that. Nobody told you to get ready.

'' Fuck off...

'' What is it, Orion? '' We looked at our father coming down the stairs.

''Nothing, Dad. ''He says this, looking away.

''You'd better control that little tongue of yours before I rip it out. ''Our father is serious.

'' I'm sorry. '' He says sulkily.

''You're not even supposed to be watching; you're grounded. '' Our father continues, while I watch the scene in silence.

"Mom, let me. "Orion tries to justify himself, but he's still visibly upset.

''As always, Thalia takes it easy on you. Because if it were up to me, I'd put you over my knee and spank you. '' Our father shows his rigidity.

''Dad, go easy on him. You know how Orion is. '' I try to lighten the situation.

'' That's because he's never been slapped. '' Dad doesn't seem to give in.

'' And nor will he. '' Our mother's firm intervention comes from the kitchen. ''Don't you dare lay a hand on him, Dante.

He snorted, clearly irritated.

''As if I could. ''He replied in a harsh tone.

''If you're in a bad mood, get the fuck out of here.

These family arguments were commonplace, but they always made me uncomfortable. I decided to get out of there and study in peace in my room. I climbed the stairs and entered the quiet room, lying down on the bed and seeking a moment of calm after the bustle of the living room.

Indecision hangs over me as I reflect on my feelings for Axel. Should I declare myself to him? Our connection is deep, cultivated over the years we've grown up together. But the fear of ruining our friendship paralyzes me.

I remember that special day when we went out together, laughing and talking like old friends. But inside me, there was a whirlwind of emotions that I didn't dare express. Now, the thought of going to his house, even if it's just to talk, makes my heart beat faster.

I picked up the phone and dialed his number, anxious for his answer.

'' Elara?

Her voice was like music to my ears.

''Hi, I'm sorry to bother you.

''No bother. Is there a problem?

'' Nothing; I just wanted to know if I could come to your house today. It's been a while since we've had time to talk, just the two of us.

My courage almost deserted me when I said those words, but it was too late to turn back.

'' Ah..... Yes.

I was surprised by his positive response.

'' Yes? Can I go?

'' If you're not scared by my dirty house.

His joke makes me laugh, easing the tension a little.

"It won't be a problem, darling.

After a short silence, I realize that I may have been too bold.

'' Axel?

I call out, worried that my sudden courage has frightened him.

'' Ah, you can go.

His consent fills me with joy and nervousness.

'' Sure, I'll see you there then.

'' Bye.

''Bye.

I hang up the phone and suddenly realize what I've just said.

'' Holy shit, I called him darling!!!

I bury my face in the pillow and scream.

I realize I need to pull myself together and get ready to see him. Furthermore, I decide to get ready, carefully choosing my clothes and running to the bathroom with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

****

I go downstairs with my backpack on, wearing a blue dress that swings above my knees.

''Where are you going? ''My father gives me a curious look.

''Isn't it obvious, Dad? She's going on a date. "Orion cracks another one of his infamous jokes.

I roll my eyes at his predictability.

''I'm going to Axel's. ''I reply, staring at my father, who just nods.

''All right, I'll tell your mother. And be careful. "He advises me.

'' Oh, Mom! Elara's going to Axel's to date!!!!

'' Holy shit! '' I growl, annoyed at the lack of privacy.

Orion just smiles sideways, while my father looks away, apparently not caring.

Thanks, Dad.

'' What? To Axel's? '' My mother emerges from the kitchen, her hands dirty with flour.

'' Yes, mom.

'' What time will you be back?

'' Late. '' I reply, heading for the door.

''All right.

I drive to the garage and get my car. I set off towards the house of the love of my life.

Likewise, I hope I don't freak out and end up kissing him.

But it's strange how my parents seem so relaxed about letting me spend the night at Axel's house. Could it be that they trust him so much that they believe he'll never see me as anything more? Could it be that, deep down, they're afraid that he'll see me as just that? Of course not; Axel will never see me as mature enough for him.