Heather watched as Grandma Ellie's car disappeared down the road, gripping the diamond necklace still hanging delicately around her neck. She exhaled deeply, unsure of what to feel. Between Ellie's forgetfulness, which she suspected was a sickness, and Adonis, who called Ellie "Grandma," Heather was confused. She rubbed the cool pendant with her thumb, trying to ground herself. Nothing made sense, yet the moment felt significant. She stayed rooted in place, her hands brushing the necklace absentmindedly, even as the six accompanying cars followed Ellie's lead, fading from view, leaving Heather standing there alone.
Heather adjusted her sunglasses before glancing around, making sure no one recognizes her. She didn't want anyone recognizing her, especially now she's popular. She headed to her car parked outside the cemetery and gift shop. Marcus sat waiting in the driver's seat, as he watched the road.
Heather slid into the passenger seat, quietly shutting the door. Marcus glanced back at her in the rearview mirror. "Everything okay?"
Heather nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Yeah."
"Are we heading to Alex's school now?"
Heather nodded.
Marcus started the car, pulling out smoothly from the curb. Heather leaned back. She hadn't seen Alex in a few weeks, her busy schedule on set had kept her occupied. Picking him up today felt special, like reclaiming a part of her normal life. She had thought about taking him to visit her mother's grave, the same one she'd just come from, but she hadn't actually done it yet. Someday, she thought. Maybe soon.
Her mind, however, wasn't ready to rest. Adonis lingered in her thoughts. There was something about him that intrigued her, pulling her in despite her better judgment. He screamed danger, like everything that had to do with Caius, but still, she couldn't ignore the pull. But she had also promised herself to stay away from Caius's world. He was good-looking, she admitted begrudgingly. Her lips pressed together tightly as she shook her head to stop the thoughts from spiraling. Don't go there, she told herself firmly.
Heather's peaceful reverie was abruptly shattered by the blaring sound of a horn. Her head snapped up as Marcus slammed the brakes. Her seatbelt caught her, stopping her from hitting the dashboard, but the abrupt force made her neck snap forward painfully. Her sunglasses flew off, landing on the floor. Heather winced, her hand flying to her neck to rub away the discomfort.
"What in the world..." Marcus's voice roared as he jumped out of the car. Heather's head turned sharply toward the commotion, her neck protesting the movement. Outside her window, she saw a car speeding away, its tires screeching as it rounded the corner.
Heather rubbed her neck, her discomfort mingling with confusion and fear. She craned her neck to see the fleeing vehicle. "XZB-7491" she muttered instinctively, her eyes catching the numbers and committing them to memory. It had become a habit, staring at suspicious vehicles and memorizing plate numbers, it made her feel safer, especially now.
Marcus stormed back toward the car. "That idiot nearly caused an accident! They saw me pulling into the school gate but still tried to cut through. If I hadn't hit the brakes…" He shook his head, his anger visible in every movement.
Heather placed a calming hand on his shoulder. "Let's keep going," she said softly, though her own unease hadn't settled.
Marcus hesitated, his chest rising and falling as he took a deep breath, trying to cool his temper. He muttered under his breath but nodded, climbing back into the car. Heather followed, her eyes lingering briefly on the line of cars waiting behind them. Something about the fleeing car had felt… odd. Maybe it was nothing, the driver was in an emergency situation, or maybe the careless driver was in a rush. Heather couldn't shake the feeling that it was more than that.
Marcus pulled into the school parking lot, easing the car into one of the spaces. Heather's neck still ached, and she gingerly massaged the sore area as she stepped out. She turned her head slowly, hoping to relieve the discomfort, but it clung stubbornly. She let out a steadying breath, pushing the pain aside as she focused on Alex. He was what mattered now.
Heather walked toward the school entrance, her heels clicking softly against the asphalt. But something felt off. Alex wasn't there. He always waited for her at the entrance, his eyes lighting up the moment he spotted her. Heather frowned slightly, her pace slowing as her concern grew. Maybe he wasn't expecting her today, given how long it had been since she last picked him up. She shook off her nerves and stepped inside.
The receptionist greeted her warmly. Heather blinked, momentarily distracted by the woman's tattoo peeking out from her sleeve. She couldn't help but wonder why the school allowed such visible tattoos, it seemed unprofessional to her, but she quickly pushed the thought aside.