Chapter 11: Chapter 11

Chapter 11 60%

Fiona caught a break-she snagged a ride just minutes after leaving. It was pushing nine o’clock when she got back to Summerlyn Garden. Fresh from a quick shower and changed into cozy clothes, Fiona poured a glass of red and plopped down by the huge windows. The night view of Jerraloth was killer. especially on the weekends. Lights everywhere and the city streets were filled with bustle and hustle-it was a show. She took a sip and shot a text to Sebastian on WhatsApp. [Happy Weekend]). Simple, but messaging was key to staying on someone’s radar. Done texting, Fiond sent some voice messages to Sean and Bridget short and sweet. Then she plopped her laptop on her knees and called up another number.

The call picked up fast. “Hello,” this super chill voice said.

Fiona softened up. “Hey, it’s me, Ficha.

“Oh, Fiona sweetie,” came the warm reply, “Heard you’re in Jerraloth now. When you hitting up Paellan? Decided on taking my job yet?

“Actually, Ms. Harris, that’s why I’m calling. The Harrells got me a spot at Blueden Girl’s School, so I’m heading there instead-won’t make it to Paellan.”

“They did what? Sneaky bunch. But go show them who’s boss, okay? Blueden Girl’s School’s reputation is on the line,” Evelina Harris sounded worried. She was the principal of Blueden Girl’s School but wasn’t in charge for a few years. She had an awesome connection with Fiona’s grandma, Bridget. She always wanted Fiona to run the place, but Fiona wasn’t into it.

While Fiona was reassuring her, her phone buzzed-unknown caller. She hesitated, and then sent it to voicemail. Gotta admit, Fiona was antsy, thinking, “I should have added Sebastian’s digits, right? No way that was him… right?”

*Fiona, Blueden Girl’s School’s got this fancy ceremony and party coming up. The who’s who of business and arts will be there. Don’t miss out “Il see,” Fiona said, ready to call it a night, “Thanks, and take it easy, Ms. Harris.” She ditched the laptop, praying the call wasn’t Sebastian. But when she checked the missed number, it had this déjà vu vibe. She dug through her missed calls; maybe she’d only saved Sebastian’s number on WhatsApp, not her contacts. Oops. Fiona smacked her forehead for spacing out and opened WhatsApp. And there they were, texts from Sebastian, Moneybags: [What, no sincerity?]

Ten minutes later, Sebastian’s texts popped up again. Mr. Moneybags: [You ignored my call again?]

Mr. Moneybags: [Who’s got your attention right now?]

Mr. Moneybags: [Seriously, Fiona, twice you blow me off? That’s a first.]

Fiona stared at Sebastian’s messages, a knot forming in her stomach. Blowing off a big fish like Sebastian twice was like tossing her lifeline overboard. Why did she have to be such a klutz? She chugged the rest of her wine, shut her eyes, and took a couple of deep breaths. After making triple sure she added Sebastian’s number to her contacts, she called him back. No matter what, she wasn’t gonna lose this safety net. Plus, she had some digging to do about the rumors swirling around him-it could lead to another win for her. The phone rang so long Fiona thought it would go to voicemail, but then finally, “Hey, Sebastian,” she greeted with forced cheer and sticky sweetness.

From his balcony view of the opposite lighted room, Sebastian responded with a casual, “Hmm.”

Sensing his imitation, Fiona lost her confidence. “Look, I didn’t mean to before… I got all jittery when you called and hit the wrong button by mistake. Forgive a newble like me, will ya?” She’d never tell him she hadn’t saved his number or that she’d hung up because she was already on a call.

Sebastian gave a knowing chuckle. “Took you that long to figure it out? Who had you that distracted?”

It was no use lying to him, Fiona played the honesty card. “It was my mentor, my respected elder who’s really looked out for me. She’s the one behind all my manners and stuff. She wanted me to join Blyden Girl’s School. I wasn’t into it before, but after talking to the Harrells, I said yes. I was just filling her “And that made you change your mind?”

18:19 Mon, 3 Jun @

Chapter 11 60%

“Nothing better to do,” Fiona shrugged off, “At my age, having too much free time gets boring fast.” Fiona was sharp and way younger than Sebastian only 19 to his 30-but their first meeting had somehow made her age invisible.

Sebastian went quiet, something about her sounded too.. youthful. He frowned, deep in thought.

Meanwhile, Fiona, clueless about his reaction, had her gears churning. “There’s this big shindig at Blueden Girl’s School soon-opening ceremony stuff, Heard about it?”

“You involved somehow?”

“Me? As if. I’m not officially a student… yet.”

“You want me there?”

Sebastian’s question took her aback. “Well, yeah. Charlotte’s crew will be there, and they’d never mess with me if you show.”

Sebastian know that if anyone was the messer, it was Fiona. His laughter was genuine. “I’ll see if I’m free.”

Somehow, they chatted another ten minutes before hanging up. She wondered, ‘Who said Sebastian was unreachable and quiet? Dude is downright friendly Fiona was stoked-having his backing was huge. She dove back into work with gusto, hammering away at her laptop. Skipping the boring stuff, she zeroed in on Dexter’s birthday. Dexter tried to nickel and dime her, keen on keeping his wallet Eat. Well, Fiona wouldn’t let him off the ho ok that “easily. No way she’d let the Harrells-her least favorite charity-swipe a single cent.

Sunrise the next day, Fiona’s day started with a ring from Macy. “School’s tomorrow. You’re in the same class as Alexa. Meet her at the gates at 8:30AM; she’ll show you around. And Fiona,” Macy’s voice got all serious, “do not bully her.”

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