Chapter 34 ۵ Him

AUTHOR'S POV

Yara sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the half empty suitcase in front of her. Her hands trembled as she folded another dress and placed it inside, trying not to think about what was happening. Alejandro had told her she was free to leave. He'd said it so coldly, so indifferently, like she was just another chore to cross off his endless list of responsibilities.

She should have been relieved. This was what she'd wanted from the start, wasn't it? To go home, to escape this chaos, this life she'd never asked for. Yet, as she packed, she felt like she was being hollowed out piece by piece.

A soft knock on the door startled her. She looked up to see a maid, standing there with her hands clasped neatly in front of her. Her expression was kind, but there was a tension in her posture.

"Señor Alejandro has requested that you leave tonight" she said gently, her voice low, as if she didn't want to upset her further.

Yara nodded, swallowing hard. "Of course" she whispered. She didn't even try to argue. What would have been the point? He wanted her gone, and staying would only make things worse.

She hesitated for a moment before stepping closer. "If you need help packing-"

"No" Yara interrupted, shaking her head. "I can do it myself...thanks" She nodded and left without another word, the click of the door closing behind her echoing in the silence of the room.

Yara tried to focus on the task in front of her, forcing herself to think about England, about her old life. She pictured herself back in her parents' house, sitting in the kitchen with Jasmine, laughing over something silly. She'd be free to see her friends, to see Heidi.

But no matter how hard she tried, the image wouldn't stick.

Alejandro's face kept flashing in her mind instead. The way he'd looked at her tonight, cold and detached, as if the last few months had meant nothing to him. As if she had meant nothing to him. She wiped at her cheeks, realizing too late that she was crying again. She glanced around the room one last time.

Dragging the suitcase behind her, she made her way downstairs. The house was eerily quiet, the kind of silence that pressed against your chest and made it hard to breathe. When she reached the front door, she stopped, taking a deep, shaky breath.

This is it, she told herself. Just walk out. It's for the best.

But her heart didn't seem to get the message.

"Leaving already?"

The voice froze her in place. Slowly, Yara turned to see Alejandro standing in the shadows near the bottom of the staircase. He looked as composed as ever, his hands tucked into his pockets, but his expression was unreadable. All she could see when she looked at him was his old self, that cold, heartless professor that had ruined everything for her.

She straightened, gripping the handle of her suitcase tightly. "You told me to leave" she said bitterly, trying to keep her voice steady.

He stepped closer, his gaze heavy on her. "I did"

There was a pause, thick with tension.

"If you'd like to go back to university" he said finally, his tone businesslike "I can arrange for your admissions. I'll pay for everything" His offer felt like another slap in the face. She stared at him, the bitterness rising in her chest. "Keep your money" she said sharply. "I don't need anything from you" His jaw tightened, but he didn't respond. The silence stretched between them, a chasm neither seemed willing to cross.

The driver appeared, breaking the tension as he stepped forward to take her suitcase. She let him, her fingers numb as she handed it over.

Alejandro didn't say another word. He just watched as the driver carried her things out to the car. She followed, her heart pounding in her chest. As she reached the door, she hesitated, glancing back at him one last time. He stood there like he wasn't affected by any of this, his expression unreadable, his eyes dark and cold.

"I hate you" she said softly, barely able to get the words out.

He didn't reply. She didn't care if he didn't reply, she just wanted him to know how much she loathed him for everything.

She walked out, the night air hitting her like a slap. The driver opened the car door for her, and she slid inside, biting back the tears that threatened to spill again. As the car pulled away, she forced herself not to look back.

Minutes later, she was stepping onto the private jet that would take her away from Spain, away from Alejandro, and back to the life she thought she wanted. But as the plane took off, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was leaving something behind that she'd never get back.

🎀🎀🎀

The drive from the airport to her parents' house felt surreal. She stared out the window as the taxi wove through familiar streets, places she hadn't seen in what felt like a lifetime. Everything looked the same, but it all felt so distant, like it belonged to someone else's life.

When the car pulled up to the house, her heart raced. She hadn't told them she was coming. For all they knew, she was still at university, living the life they thought she'd been building for herself.

She hesitated for a moment before stepping out, dragging her suitcase up the short path to the front door. Her hand trembled as she knocked. A part of her wanted to turn around, to go anywhere else, but the door swung open before she could second guess herself again.

"Yara?" Her mum's voice was filled with shock, her eyes widening as she took her in. "Oh my God, Yara!" She pulled her into a tight hug before she could even say a word, her arms wrapping around her like a lifeline.

"I thought I'd come visit mum" she whispered, her voice shaky as she hugged her back. Her mum pulled away, her hands on her shoulders as she looked at her. "It's been ages! Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

Before she could answer, a figure appeared in the doorway.

"Um what are you doing here?!" Jasmine shrieked, throwing herself at her.

"Hey, Jas" she said, smiling at her reaction. For a moment the image of Alejandro had left her mind.

"Who's at the-" Her dad's voice came from behind them, and then he appeared, his expression softening when he saw her. "Yara, what a surprise" He wasn't as openly emotional as her mum, but the warmth in his tone said enough. He gave her a quick hug, patting her back before stepping aside to let her in.

The house smelled like home, warm, familiar.

They spent the afternoon catching up or at least, she let them talk while she nodded along, giving vague answers to their questions. Jasmine told her all about her school projects, her mum fussed over how thin she looked, and her dad asked about university, assuming she'd come home for a break.

It wasn't until after dinner, when they were all sitting in the living room, that they finally asked how long she'd be staying.

"Actually...." she began, her hands fidgeting in her lap "I'm going to be here for a while. I've...decided to take a break from university all together"

The room fell silent. Her mum and dad exchanged glances, and Jasmine tilted her head, her curiosity evident.

"A break?" Her mum asked carefully. "Why? Is everything okay?"

She nodded quickly, forcing another smile. "Yeah, everything's fine. It's just...I realised I wasn't doing the right course for me, you know? I needed to step back and figure things out" It was a lie, of course. She couldn't exactly tell them the truth, that her professor had practically forced her to go to Spain, derailing her entire life.

Her mum's brows furrowed, but she didn't push. "I'm just surprised, sweetheart. You seemed so passionate about it before"

"I know" she said softly, staring down at her hands. "But sometimes things change"

Her dad cleared his throat. "Well, as long as you're okay. That's what matters"

"Thanks" she said, grateful he wasn't pressing for more details.

Jasmine, on the other hand, wasn't as subtle. "So what are you going to do now? Are you going to get a job? Or are you just going to live here forever?"

"Jasmine" her mum scolded, but Yara laughed quietly.

"I'm not sure yet" she admitted. "Hopefully I'll get a job, maybe a driving licence" she smirked.

They all nodded, offering words of comfort and support, but she could see the worry in their eyes. She hated lying to them, but what choice did she have? That night, as she lay in her old bed staring at the ceiling, the weight of everything hit her all over again. She was home, back in England, surrounded by the people who loved her.

So why did it still feel like she'd lost everything?

She felt empty. Even with her family surrounding her, their love and comfort filling every corner of the house, there was a hollowness inside Yara that refused to fade. She wanted to feel at peace, to revel in the joy of being back with her parents, her sister, the life she'd once known. But it wasn't there. It was as though a part of her had been left behind, buried somewhere she couldn't reach. Yara sat on the edge of her bed, a tear slipping down her face. This room should've brought her comfort. Instead, it felt foreign.

She thought about what her mum had said at dinner. 'You seemed so passionate about it before' University. Her supposed future. To be completely honest with herself, Yara didn't want to go back. The thought of stepping foot on that campus again filled her with dread. Every lecture hall, every classroom, it would all remind her of him. Professor Alejandro Moreno. The cold, calculating professor who had stolen her peace and somehow....her heart. She closed her eyes, the memories rushing back like an uninvited storm. The first time she'd met him, standing at the front of the classroom with his sharp gaze and clipped words. Yara shook her head, trying to push the memories away, but they clung to her like a second skin. His voice, his presence, the way his cold demeanor had softened.

She hated herself for still thinking about him. He didn't deserve her thoughts. Alejandro had made his decision clear. He didn't want her. Or rather, he did want her, but he hated that he did. His love for her, if it could even be called that, was a curse he wanted to escape. Tears poured out onto her pillow, she felt guilty for even crying. She should be happy, grateful. She had to move on. She was free now, wasn't she? Free to rebuild her life, to start fresh. Then why did it feel like freedom had come at the cost of her soul?

🎀🎀🎀

A few days had passed of Yara finally being home. She was sitting on the couch, scrolling through her phone, when Jasmine plopped down next to her.

"Do you ever move from this spot?" she asked, kicking her legs up onto the armrest and turning to stare at me like Yara like she was some kind of exhibit at a museum. She didn't bother looking up. "Do you ever mind your own business?"

She gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. "Wow. Is that how you talk to your baby sister now? I missed you so much, and this is what I get?" Yara laughed at the fact she still referred to herself as a baby when she was nearly 18.

"Missed me?" She snorted, finally glancing at her. "You mean you missed having someone to annoy"

"That too" she said, grinning. "But seriously, you've been so boring since you got back. You just sit around like a, what's the word? Oh, yeah. A blob"

"Blob?" She raised an eyebrow. "Really? That's the best you could come up with?"

"I'm just saying" she said, tilting her head "you used to have some personality. Now you're all like depressing"

"Well, sorry to disappoint you Jasmine" she said, putting heavy emphasis on her name. "Not all of us have the luxury of being 12 and carefree"

"First of all, I'm seventeen" she shot back, crossing her arms. "Second of all, don't act like you're eighty. You're nineteen and only a few months from being 20. That's, like, practically still a fetus"

Yara couldn't help but laugh, rolling my eyes "alright fine, I apologise" She smirked, clearly pleased with herself. "Seriously, though. What's your deal? You've been back for, like, days, and you haven't even done anything fun. No shopping, no friends over like you use to, nothing"

"I just don't feel like doing any of that" She answered, narrowing her eyes at Jasmine.

"Well you're just boring" she answered, leaning forward to poke Yara's arm, causing her to glare at Jasmine, but she just grinned, completely unbothered.

"Why don't you go bother Mum?" Yara suggested. "Don't you have homework or something?"

"Homework?" She looked at Yara like she'd just suggested she run a marathon. "It's literally Saturday. Who does homework on a Saturday?"

"And besides I'm really not taking opinions from you" Jasmine said, spinning back around to face Yara with a smirk. "You're the one who dropped out of university" Her words hit Yara like a slap.

"Thanks Jasmine that's really kind of you" she spoke sarcastically, feeling sick to the core at her words.

Jasmine's grin faltered as she noticed the change in her expression. "Sorry, that came out funnier in my head" she said, her voice softer now.

"It's all good Jas" Answered Yara, turning back to her phone.

Jasmine hesitated, her confidence replaced by a flicker of guilt "I didn't mean anything by it, Yara. Honestly"

"It's fine" she said quickly, brushing her off before she could say more. "Why don't we watch a movie or something" she suggest, quickly changing the subject.

Jasmine perked up immediately, latching onto the new topic like she'd been waiting for an escape hatch. "A movie? Okay, but I get to pick. None of your weird french stuff"

She gave a confused look. "I don't watch weird French stuff"

"Yeah, sure" she said, rolling her eyes as she grabbed the remote. "Remember that one movie you made me sit through? The one where the french guy stared at a pigeon for, like, twenty minutes? What even was that?"

She giggled "oh yeah....completely forgot about that. If you ask me I'd say it was pretty inspiring" she spoke jokingly.

"Yeah, inspiring me to never waste my time like that " She flopped back on the couch, scrolling through options with exaggerated flair. "We're watching something normal. Like a rom-com. Or maybe action. Ooh, or aliens!"

Yara laughed, shaking her head at Jasmine's dramatic antics. "Fine. Whatever. Just pick something before I change my mind" her words were so familiar. And for a second she heard Alejandro's voice, him telling her to pick a movie before he changes his mind as she lay of his chest. She bit back the ache in her heart.

She finally settled on a classic movie, one we'd seen a million times but never seemed to get tired of. As the opening credits rolled, Jasmine stretched out across the couch, tossing her legs over Yara's like she always did when she was trying to claim space.

"Comfortable?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Very" she said smugly, popping a piece of gum into her mouth. "You're welcome to leave if you're not"

Yara flicked her knee, making her yelp. "Are we forgetting this was my idea"

"Ok fine, don't leave then" she smirked. Yara finally managed to relax on the couch trying to focus on the movie, but it was near impossible when all she could think about every second was him.

🎀🎀🎀

Two months had passed since she'd left Spain, and life had slowly begun to settle into something more familiar, yet still strange. She'd started working at a small café near her house. It wasn't a glamorous job, but for the first time in a long time, she felt like she was doing something for herself.

Most of the time, she worked the morning shift, filling orders and chatting with the regulars. The work wasn't hard, but it was a nice distraction.

But although the café was a distraction, the memories never truly seemed to leave. They crept in at night, when the house was quiet, or when she found herself alone with her thoughts. Sometimes, it was the smallest thing that reminded her of him, a scent someone was wearing at the café, a glance, a sharp, almost too familiar way someone said her name. And just like that, she'd be back in Spain, back in his world.

But then, there was Heidi.

Heidi had been the one person she could talk to throughout all of it. She was the one person who knew everything, all the messy details about Alejandro and what had happened. She'd listened without completely judging her and every time she thought she couldn't hold it together anymore, she'd end up sobbing in Heidi's arms. Heidi'd hold her until the tears stopped, always reminding her that it wasn't her fault, that she shouldn't be crying over him.

One afternoon, as she walked through the front door, she heard the familiar sound of Heidi's laugh coming from the living room. She couldn't help but smile. Jasmine and Heidi had grown a lot closer now too.

"Heidi?" she called out, setting her purse down on the counter.

"Finally, Heidi's been waiting for aaaages for you" said Jasmine. She had promised Heidi she'd go ice skating with her, do something a little more normal, something that would help her forget.

They got to the rink, the chilly air biting at their faces, and she felt a spark of excitement. As soon as they laced up their skates, Heidi grabbed her hand and pulled her onto the ice.

"I'm going to show you how it's done" she teased, gliding effortlessly around her.

She tried to keep up, wobbling at first. "I think I'm going to fall on my face any minute now" she said, her voice tinged with nervous laughter. Heidi giggled, her breath forming little clouds in the cold air. "Don't worry, I'll catch you. But you better not take me down with you girl"

"I'll try not to but I can't make any promises" she teased, grabbing Heidi's hand in an attempt to balance herself. It felt so good to be with her, to forget about everything for just a little while. As they skated in circles, laughing like they used to before everything, the weight on her chest seemed to lighten.

After falling over multiple times, they decided it was time to head out before she broke her neck. As she was taking off her skates, Heidi must have seen the shift in her expression, because she stopped what she was doing and looked over to her, her face soft with concern. "Yara" she said gently "You can't keep carrying this around. You can't keep feeling like shit over what he did"

She looked at Heidi, swallowing the lump in her throat. "I- I'm fine Heidi I swear. I don't feel like shit I promise" she spoke, throwing out a laugh in the hopes that Heidi would believe her.

Heidi stepped closer, pulling her into a hug, her warmth soothing the chill that had started to settle into her bones. "You know I'm always here for you"

She nodded, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. "Thanks" she whispered.

Heidi pulled away, her playful grin returning. "Ok hurry up and put your shoes on, I'm bloody freezing" she giggled, biting back the stinging feeling in her eyes.

We talked all the way back to the train station "Julian Hm?" She teased whilst Yara was talking about the guy that worked at her café.

"Stop Heidi, it's not like that" she spoke clearly embarrassed.......

"Whatever you say Yara"

"But he is cute....." she continued after denying anything, making Heidi giggle even more at her response.

Despite the heaviness still in her chest, she found herself laughing all the way back to the train. For the first time in a long time, she felt like maybe, just maybe, she could find her way back to being herself. Not the version of herself that had been broken by someone else's indifference, but the version of herself before all of that.

And for now, that was enough.

🎀🎀🎀

Around 8 months had passed now since Yara had been back in England, and as time stretched on, she was starting to feel something resembling normal again. She had kept herself busy with work, with her family, and the occasional hangout with Heidi and Max.

The first few months after leaving Alejandro had been nothing short of a battle, her mind constantly circling back to him, replaying every moment, every harsh word, and every fleeting kindness he had shown. But now.....now, things felt different. He wasn't the first thing she thought about when she woke up anymore. She wasn't haunted by his face, his voice, or the image of him standing there, telling her to leave. She had begun to push him into the corner of her mind, far enough away that his shadow no longer loomed over her. Still, there were moments. Small, sharp moments.

"Yara" Julian called out. He had these light brown orbs, these same eyes that intrigued her when she first met him and dark brown hair. At first they barely spoke, but then as time went on they got to know each other. That empty void in her heart finally filled up by his sweet words, his touch, it was everything Alejandro never gave her.

"What are you doing here?" she asked a smile plastered to her face. "I thought you had a day off" he took her hand in his gently and walked her outside, to his car.

"Well it's raining and it wouldn't exactly be nice of me to let my girlfriend catch a cold" she couldn't help but chuckle as he held an umbrella over her head, opening the door for her.

"Well it was raining yesterday and you didn't pick me up" she teased, raising a brow.

"We don't talk about that" he smirked, helping her into the car.

They played music all the way to the drive back to her house, like they usually did.

"Well thanks for the ride, my knight in shining armour, but I really could've walked" she spoke, unbuckling her belt.

"I know...." he spoke, pulling her closer to him "....but I wanted to" he said placing a warm and gentle kiss on her lips. She pulled in deeper, wanting more.

Climbing onto his lap, she felt his hardness press against her, igniting a burning need deep within. Yara wrapped her legs around him, pulling him closer as he opened her buttons one by one, slowly pulling off her shirt.

"You're so damn pretty" he muttered before his mouth found her lips again causing her to arch into him as he brushed his soft, gentle fingers over her aching nipples, tangling her fingers in his hair. "Yes, Julian" she moaned. "More" wanting more from him.

His hand dipped between her legs, as she patiently waited for him to do more, to help give her the release she craved. She gasped lightly as his fingers slid through her wetness. He filled her with a finger, painfully slowly, still so gentle. She rocked against his hand, desperately seeking more friction but he still continued at the same pace, not going harder or faster like Yara wanted. Every time they had sex or even kissed, he was always so gentle, so caring. But Yara didn't want gentle, at least not when he was fucking her. She wanted him to tease her, to be rough, to tangle his hands in her hair, to drill into her whilst wrapping his hand around her neck, to give her the same release Alejandro had always managed to give her but he never did.

"Fuck, does that feel good?" he grunts out against her lips. His raspy voice managed to heighten her pleasure. She could feel herself nearing her orgasm, her walls fluttering around his digit. She lightly threw her head back, letting out a soft moan. She frustratedly nodded her head, annoyed that she still wasn't able to reach her orgasm.

"That's it, baby" he speaks, curling his fingers to hit that spot inside her, making her satisfied. Her orgasm came gently crashing over her "fuck....." she moaned out, her hands still wrapped around his neck. He pulls her in placing a kiss on her lips as she panted. She looked up at him smiling "I should probably go" she spoke, putting on her shirt. He placed a soft kiss on my head before I left, making my heart flutter.

🎀🎀🎀

YARA'S POV

It had been a year. A year since I left.

It was my 20th birthday.

I woke up to the sound of voices from downstairs. Jasmine was laughing obnoxiously, probably trying to annoy my parents on purpose. Max was definitely with them, and I could hear Heidi's laughter too, muffled but unmistakable. I smiled to myself, taking a moment to breathe in the quiet, knowing my day was about to get loud.

After a few minutes of gathering myself, I threw on a simple black dress, something casual but elegant enough for a small gathering.

I walked downstairs, and as soon as I turned the corner into the living room, I was greeted with the chorus of "Surprise!"

I looked around to see a few decorations, a cake with candles, and balloons scattered around the room. My mum and dad stood together, grinning from ear to ear, while Jasmine bounced around the room with her usual energy. Heidi got up from the couch to hug me, Max smiled as he watched my reaction. Julian was there too, standing by the door with a grin and a wrapped gift in hand, he was next to hug me "happy birthday baby" he whispered in my ear, handing me my gift before I could open it or even do anything with it.

Jasmine voice caught me off guard, rushing over to me, giving me a tight hug. "I can't believe you're 20, such a grandma"

I couldn't help but laugh. "I'm only two years older than you Jas" I rolled my eyes.

"Well thanks everyone" I said somewhat awkwardly to everyone in the room.

"Okay why don't we cut the cake, I'm hungry" said my Jasmine.

"How about she opens her presents first" suggested Max handing over his present to me, earning a glare from Jasmine. "Fine" she huffed.

The last present to open was Julian's, it was a pretty bracelet with a delicate charm attached to it. It was simple, elegant, and so pretty.

"It's beautiful Julian" I whispered, reaching up to hug him. He placed him hand on the small of my back making me stomach flutter.

He smiled, his gaze warm. "I thought it'd be something you could wear every day" I smiled at him putting it on.

Jasmine clapped her hands together, drawing everyone's attention back to her. "Alright, enough with the sentimental stuff. Let's eat cake! I don't know about you guys, but I've been eyeing that thing for hours"

We all couldn't help but laugh, stepping up to the table. "I'll even let you blow out the candles, Yara, if you promise not to wish for anything too dramatic"

"I'll keep it simple, promise" I said, stepping toward the cake.

I blew out the candles, feeling the warmth of everyone's presence around me. Everything was perfect, for once everything was perfect.

We spent the rest of the afternoon eating cake, joking around, and celebrating. It felt like a fresh start, a new chapter in my life. But even as I enjoyed the moment, a part of me couldn't shake the feeling that the past was always going to be there, lurking, waiting, and no matter how far I ran, it might just catch up with me eventually.

After everyone left, Julian stayed. He spent the night in my room. He pushed me down on the bed

"You looked so fucking good today in that black dress" he spoke, hovering his lips over me.

"Yeah?" I moaned out as he kissed me passionately, undressing me.

Julian slowly undressed, as he revealed his toned body to me only making me more lustful. He joined me on the bed again, leaning in to capture my lips in a soft, tender kiss. His hands roamed my curves, caressing every inch of exposed skin as he pushed up the hem of my nightgown.

I arched into his touch, wanting more. Julian cupped my breasts, brushing his thumbs over my nipples until they pebbled. Then he lowered his head, taking one into his mouth and swirling his tongue around the sensitive peak. I gasped at the sensation, tangling my fingers in his hair.

He trailed open mouthed kisses across my chest, lavishing attention on my other breast before his hand slid lower. I bucked against his hand, silently begging for more stimulation. But Julian maintained his slow, sensual pace, circling my clit. He slipped a finger inside my tight heat, pumping it slowly as he kissed a path down my stomach.

He settled between my thighs, pushing my knees up and apart. I blushed at the intimate position, but the feeling of his dick on my dripping folds had me arching off the bed. "Oh god" i moaned, fisting the sheets as he thrusted into me, slowly, sensually.

He began to move, setting a slow, sensual pace. He rolled his hips in a steady rhythm, building the pleasure deep within me core. I matched him thrust for thrust, craving more friction but accepting the gentle pace. I could feel an orgasm building, my pussy clenching around his hard cock. Julian maintained his steady rhythm, never speeding up or changing the tempo. When I came, it was with a soft cry of his name, my body shuddering with release.

Julian followed soon after, pulling out and emptying himself outside of me with a hoarse moan. He collapsed on top of me, peppering my face with kisses as we caught ourbreath. In the aftermath, we lay tangled together, basking in the afterglow. Julian traced patterns on my skin, whispering words of love and devotion. I listened, letting the soothing cadence of his voice wash over me.

"I love you Yara" he whispered into my ear. I was convinced I did love him but deep down, I couldn't bring myself to say the words I love you too.

🎀🎀🎀

Finally after months I'd gotten my driving licence, the first thing I did after I got my driving license was grab my keys and practically drag Jasmine out of the house.

"You're coming with me" I announced, barely able to contain my excitement.

Jasmine raised an eyebrow, clearly not as enthusiastic as I was. "Wait, what? You're actually going to drive me around?"

I grinned, bouncing on the balls of my feet. "I'm a licensed driver now. No turning back"

Her face paled slightly. "Uh, I think I'd prefer to stay alive, thank you very much"

I just laughed, the thrill of being behind the wheel already hitting me. "Come on, you're gonna love it. Besides I need someone to take out on a test drive with me" she looked terrified but eventually, she climbed into the passenger seat, buckling up as I slid into the driver's seat, feeling the smooth leather under my hands.

"Are you sure you're ready for this?" she asked, eyeing me with suspicion. "I mean, you just passed your test" the poor girl looked like she was about to throw up.

"Jas, it's not like I'm about to drive us off a cliff" I started the car, letting the engine hum to life, and gently pulled out of the driveway. "Just sit back and relax"

She grabbed the door handle like it was a lifeline. "I am so not bloody relaxing right now"

I couldn't help but laugh as I drove through the familiar streets, making a conscious effort to stay calm and focus on the road.

Jasmine's grip on the door tightened as I took a corner a little sharper than I intended. "Oh my God, Yara! Slow down!"

I chuckled, trying to control my excitement. "I'm going the speed limit. Relax, you're being dramatic"

Her eyes were wide as she looked at me. "I don't know if I can handle this. I feel like I'm in one of those movies where the car just goes careening off the road"

I shot her a look, trying not to smile too much. "You're seriously overreacting. I'm doing great"

She let out a small laugh, though I could tell she wasn't entirely convinced. "Great? You've made three fucking turns and almost hit a bin"

I rolled my eyes, but kept my hands firmly on the wheel, reminding myself to stay focused. "Okay, that was a one time thing. The bin was being dramatic" she rolled her eyes at me. We made our way through a few more blocks, with Jasmine giving commentary every few seconds, like a live GPS voice with a panic button.

"Okay, Yara careful. A red light. Don't, like, accidentally start driving or anything"

I smirked. "I got it, I got it"

And as I came to a stop at the red light, she released the breath she'd clearly been holding. "Thank God"

By the time we got to the park, she was starting to relax, barely, but I was having the time of my life. There was something exhilarating about the freedom of driving, the open road stretching ahead of me, and the fact that I was in control. I had the wheel in my hands, literally and metaphorically. I felt like I could do anything.

When I finally pulled the car into a parking spot, Jasmine immediately unbuckled her seatbelt and threw open the door. "Never again" she muttered under her breath as she got out of the car, but I could see a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

I turned off the engine and got out of the car, looking at her. "You okay?"

She gave me a side eye, her hands still gripping the seat like it was the only thing keeping her from fainting. "No, I'm not okay. But at least I'm alive. I think. Barely"

I laughed, feeling the adrenaline still pumping through my veins. "Don't lie I drive better than dad" she looked at me shocked that I had even said that.

"Even Julian drives better than you"

"Yeah, sure" I rolled my eyes.

We spent the rest of the afternoon at the park.

The ache that once consumed me, the memories that haunted every waking moment, faded into something more distant, almost like a dream I can't quite remember. I've found my way back to the life I used to love before him. I'm not weighed down anymore, not by him, not by the past. I've carved out a place where I can finally be happy, without the memories of him following me. For the first time in what feels like forever, I'm not looking over my shoulder anymore. I'm just living, living a free life far away from him.

A/n

Enjoy! <3 also sorry for any mistakes I sort of wrote this in a rush 😭