A small pained wince escaped her parted lips and she quickly withdrew her fingers from the spot. There was red blooming on her neck already, the jerk had almost crushed her windpipe.Aurora sighed, picking up the wipe and sliding it across her face, it was still nighttime and Mason has been the one to drive her back home. Although, he kept questioning her as to why she wanted to leave early, luckily for her it was almost time to her curfew so she used that as an excuse.Now that she was inside her room, her eyes glued on the tender area on her skin, Aurora felt like crying again. Evan was maniacal and he had to be stopped, whatever he was planning.The slight rapping sound on her door caused her to flinch and she turned towards it, her heart pounding erratically.Aurora wasn't always used to locking her doors but ever since her stepbrother's display, she wasn't going to take the chance again."Miss Aurora?" A familiar voice called from behind although it sounded muffled, "It's me, Ros
"Miss, we've arrived."Her eyes flickered to meet his gaze that were peering at her through the rearview mirror. Aurora looked towards the mirror and sure enough, they were parked right out the front of the steps leading to her house.Aurora puffed out a deep breath and muttered a 'thank-you' before grabbing the door handle and pushing it open. She stepped out, one leg after the other and gently swung the door shut. She tucked her phone into her purse before rushing up the stairs, her heels making a clicking sound with each step she took.She'd been avoiding staying at home ever since Evan got back and so far, she'd succeeded in returning either mid-dinner or when everyone was asleep. Whenever her father asked, she would blame it on the upcoming arts convention. He believed her each time.But today, she seemed to have run out of luck because lounging on one of the couches in the living room was..."Mom?" She sputtered in surprise, blinking in disbelief.Miriam Rochester swiveled to fa
Aurora gave her phone screen a final glance before nodding to herself. She swiped the pack from the shelf and strolled to the counter where a lanky guy wearing glasses twice his size stood, immersed in the video he was watching."Hi, um can you help me with this?" They guy's head snapped upwards, the scowl on his face morphing into shock and then surprise.He made a slight squeaking sound, "Y-You, you're that ballerina girl!"Aurora cocked her head to the side, unimpressed with his gawking. She pushed the packet towards his end, "Can you tell me what this drug is for?" He was still open-mouthed, eyes wide open and his face flushed. Aurora gave him a narrowed-eyed look and he blinked rapidly, shutting his mouth,"I-I'm sorry, let me get a look at that," He swiped the packet from the counter, swinging it back and forth, "Oh, it's a common anti-depressant. Why do you need this?"This made Aurora confused and intrigued so she leaned forward, "Anti-depressant?"The pharmacist bobbed his h
"Wow! This is really good!"Aurora munched on the delicious pasta, relishing in the way the savory meal melted on her taste buds. The moment she had one bite, she knew she was gone. Ryan had an amused expression as he stared at her,"Slow down or you'll choke," He warned with a teasing tone.Aurora simply shook her head, in fairness she couldn't remember the last time she'd eaten pasta. Her mother abhorred the dishes, ranting about how much carb it contained and how it was harmful to her health. So pasta was a no-go for her family, until now."I can't," She mumbled mid-bite, "It's too good."Ryan huffed a laugh, "Well, if you want more there's still some left in the pot." She nodded absentmindedly, too invested in slurping the contents of her plate. She didn't realise how much good of a cook he was, Aurora had expected him to be like the typical guy he portrayed.The kind that lived on takeouts and Chinese food. Ryan Thorne was definitely hiding a lot more underneath those good looks
Professor Julius clapped twice with a satisfied nod, he returned his arm behind his back and tipped his chin forward, a normal fashion that they were used to,"Alright, that's it for today. Don't forget to work on your foot and thigh work," Another nod was thrown in our direction before he walked out of the class.Everyone blew out a breath, some falling to the ground with a tired huff. Natasha was one of them and she currently clutched Aurora's ankle, whining softly,"I don't think I can take Julius' class anymore, why would he keep making us do this dance when everyone knows how difficult it is," The brunette muttered, rolling her feet in an attempt to soothe the muscles.Mason tutted, shaking his head, "I think we should book a spa appointment, I can't feel my legs anymore," He cried out, causing a few heads to turn in their direction.Aurora sighed, eyeing the floor with a tempting gaze. She was spent as well and her entire body begged for respite, Julius was one of the fun profes
"Miss?""Miss?"Aurora's head snapped towards him, their gazes met through the rearview mirror. Calvin had a slight furrow between his brows and his eyes held slight concern."We've arrived, miss," He said softly and she blinked, looking towards the mirror that showcased the front of her house.She released a weary sigh, "Oh, we've gotten home already," Her tone lacked enthusiasm and she shakily picked the strap of her purse.The sight of her house brought a bitter taste to her tongue, she didn't want to get down at all. Her mother was still sick and acting weird, her father constantly tried to strike up conversations with her and Evan was always lurking around the house. So, she'd resorted to staying late in school only returning when it was after dinner. Rosa had been a big help to her, bringing up food and snacks once she retired to her bedroom. It had been successful until today, a quick look at her wristwatch told her that it was still a little to seven."Thank you," She breathe
Aurora dropped down from her car and walked into the building, it was empty. That was a first. A guy who seemed to be setting up, tipped his head in acknowledgement and she returned the gesture, strolling over to the bar area.She slipped onto the bar stool, placing her purse over the counter. Aurora took the time to look around, her eyes caught the boxing ring first and a smile crawled up her lips when she remembered the last time she was here. "Hey, pretty," A voice piped and she shifted to face the newcomer. The brunette bartender that was here the last time greeted chirpily, she was holding what appeared to be a box of drinks.Aurora smiled, "Oh, hi, uhhh-" She scratched her head, trying to remember what her name was.The brunette placed the box down, a rustling noise following her action, "Sandy," She offered, placing two beer bottles atop the counter, "And you're Ryan's girlfriend, right?"She didn't know why but a warm sensation crept to her cheeks and she tried to fight back
Aurora stared at the deep green dress through the mirror with an examining gaze. The bodice was tight fitting and the silk length flowed to the ground seamlessly gathering like a pool around her feet. Her hair was done by her stylist and the lady had chosen an intricate chignon with two curly strands framing her face and finishing the look with decorated sliver pins.She hadn't even heard the door open so she was surprised when she saw her mother standing behind her. Miriam wrapped her arms around Aurora's shoulders and placed her chin on the cervix of her neck."You look ethereal," She whispered, pulling back to place a diamond choker around her neck, "Like a painting."Aurora smiled, her fingers lightly touching the glittering gems that now adorned her collar. She wondered why her mother needed her to be extra preppy tonight, it only Matt's family and by this point, they were literally considered part of them. She would've preferred a simple look but her mother insisted on this."Le