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There’s a cute bookshop across the small, pebble walkway, and I yearn to go browse the shelves, but I don't have much money on me. I've been cut off from everything I once had. Even the money I saved from hours of babysitting, and doing small jobs around the community. Isabella got her hands on it, claiming I had stolen it. At that point I was so broken, I didn’t even bother fighting her.
I finish my treat and toss my garbage away. The weather is pleasant, and I know if I didn't have people looking for me right now, I might have taken my time. It would be nice to enjoy my small break from hell, but I don’t like being watched. It puts me on edge. I should have invited Tempest or one of the guys to come with me. I’m surprised Sister Mary gave me permission to leave the Academy.
I think she knew that I needed a few minutes away.
I hate how a place I once was excited to visit now holds me prisoner. I had the best summers here. Singing with Sister Mary, baking with Sister Maria, and doing paint by numbers with my grandmother. We used to spend hours mixing the colors and never following the number guide.
She was once happy to have me with her. She wasn't ashamed to be related to me. Tears prick my eyes and I take some deep breaths to compose myself. I should get back. I don’t want to take advantage of Sister Mary’s generosity.
I think Bastian would like the bookshop too. I take a few more breaths of the fresh air, then start my walk back. My pace is slower this time. My feet are heavy, fighting me to keep moving forward.
“Chastity, right?” A man stops me on my way back to Holy Cross, and I almost jump out of my skin. I nod and hold a hand to my racing heart.
“Yes, why are you lurking in the shadows? You scared me,” I say, breathless, and he gives me a grin.
“I've been hoping to run into you. Walk with me for a minute.” It's not an offer but a command. I hesitate, but we are out in the open. We have plenty of eyes on us at the moment.
I don't get any danger vibes from him, even though I never got any warning signs fromhimeither. I hesitate but he gives me a warm smile, and I find my feet leading me towards him.
He resembles Levi, so I'm assuming this may be his father. I’ve heard the nuns speak favorably about him, and apparently, he’s one of Holy Cross’ benefactors. I take a deep breath and pray I’m not wrong to follow him.
“You resemble your mother,” he starts, and I stop in the middle of the cobblestone sidewalk.
“You knew my mother?” I question and he nods, then waves to the bench in front of us. I take a seat and he follows, making sure to leave enough space between us so I'm at ease.
“I did. We were friends once. Back when she attended Holy Cross. She was always so sweet and polite to everyone, but she had a temper. I was a witness to it a few times.” I find myself smiling as I think about the woman who raised me for eight years. She was so kind and soft-spoken, the complete opposite to Isabella, my wicked stepmother. It’s hard to imagine my mother losing her temper, as she never did with me.
I never did understand how my father could go from Glenda, the White Witch, to the Wicked Witch. She’s just all around nasty. Never happy and greedy. She would throw a child’s tantrum if someone gave me a moment of attention or affection.
“I loved your mother. I once thought we would get married one day.” He chuckles and shakes his head. “I was sent on a trip, and when I returned, your mother was with your father, and they were engaged. Broke my heart, if I'm honest with you.” He looks off at the trees blowing in the wind as if he's lost in a memory.
“Wait, are you David? She once talked about you.” He blinks and nods.
“I'm losing my manners in my old age, it seems. I never introduced myself. I should probably scold you for talking with a stranger, but I'm no longer fond of punishments. I’ll leave that to my son,” he says with a wink, and my cheeks heat.
Does he know about Levi's punishments? I clear my throat and play with the end of my braid and he laughs. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. You make him happy. I hope he’s treating you well.”
“He really is,” I whisper, my cheeks heating as I smile nervously. I don’t want to go into too many details, as David is Levi’s father.
“I’m glad you have my son to help you navigate the Academy. Go to him whenever you need help. Can you promise me that you will?” David asks.
Biting my lip, I nod. Another promise I need to keep to a Madden.
I let David buy me another tea, and I talk with him for a few minutes longer, but when the sun is starting to set, I know that I must get back.
Hurrying back to campus, no one blinks an eye as I walk through the gates. I head to my room, smiling happily when I see Tempest getting ready to watch a movie with wine.
“As much as I needed my trip into town, I’m really glad to be back,” I confess to her, leaning against the door.
Grinning, she leans against her pillows in bed. “How does wine and a movie in our pjs sound?” Tempest asks.
Sighing happily, I nod. “That all sounds amazing, honestly.”
Changing quickly, I clamber onto Tempest’s bed, as if it’s second nature. We’ve been hanging out so much, either here or in my bed, that it’s not weird anymore.
Turning, Tempest gives me her back so I can cuddle her as we watch our movie. As it plays, I gently stroke the skin revealed just beneath the hem of her shirt. Wondering if the rest of her is this soft, before I can stop myself, I gently kiss her neck and she sighs happily. “Chas, I really like that,” she murmurs quietly.
“Your skin is so soft, I wanted to uhm… keep touching,” I confess softly.
