My Luna

Chapter 2 - School

Kira woke up early to prepare food for her parents. But she noticed that every time she woke up lately, she felt tired and exhausted.

She had recurring dreams—always different, yet in the same place: the forest. Sometimes she found herself lost in the jungle. Other times, she wandered a vast woodland where she saw creatures that only existed in books. Almost all of her dreams took place there.

Kira stretched her arms to prepare herself for the busy day ahead. She had already planned everything carefully. She wanted things to be organized and well-managed so her part-time jobs wouldn’t be jeopardized.

Kira’s parents worked as warehouse laborers. Their salaries weren’t high, so they always packed lunch to save money. Since they were still paying off their mortgage along with bills and other necessities, they had to work tirelessly to make ends meet.

Because Kira wanted to be less of a burden to them, she resorted to doing part-time jobs.

She knew she was adopted, but she had never felt like one. In fact, her parents loved her deeply.

Still, their family was struggling, and sending her to college would be a challenge. Kira didn’t want to pressure them. She still had time to save money for entrance fees, uniforms, and books. She also planned to take scholarship exams.

There was a student loan program offered by the government, but Kira was hesitant to apply. She didn’t want to spend years paying it back, so she took on any job that could help her save.

“Good morning, Kira.”

“Hi, Dad. Breakfast is ready, and I’m almost done preparing your lunchbox.”

“Thank you, Kitten.”

“You’re welcome. Anyway, Dad, I might come home late tonight. I have a tutorial session after school.”

She couldn’t tell her dad about her other part-time jobs.

“Just always be safe, okay?”

“Yes, Dad. I will.”

“By the way, your birthday is coming soon. Do you have any plans?”

Kira had completely forgotten about her upcoming birthday. “Oh! Uhm, I don’t think I have plans that day, Dad.”

“Good! Then we’ll go out on your birthday, Kitten,” her mom chimed in, overhearing the conversation.

“Mom??”

“I know we’ve been hard on you, not being able to attend to all your needs. We felt bad for all the birthdays we missed. That’s why we want to make it up to you. So—we decided we’ll go on an outing for three days!” Her mom’s voice brimmed with excitement.

Her dad smiled at her too.

“Really?? For real??” She was thrilled. The last time they had gone on an outing was on her thirteenth birthday.

“Yes, Kitten. The tickets are for the three of us. I already booked an inn, and we’ll leave a day before your birthday.”

“Oh my!! You’re not kidding, are you?”

But they assured her it was true.

“Thank you! Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Mom!”

She hugged them tightly. Excitement was already bubbling inside her.

Kira was still in bliss when she arrived at school. But her Science professor had prepared a surprise recitation, so she hurriedly read her notes.

“Kira Skye Holson, stand up.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Tell me, what is physics?” the teacher asked.

“Physics is the study of nature to understand how the universe works and behaves,” she answered confidently.

“That’s correct. Good job. But who is the Father of Physics?”

“It’s Galileo Galilei.” Some of her classmates nodded in agreement.

“Great job, Kira. You studied well. You may sit now.”

She was about to sit, but her classmates pulled her chair away, making her the laughingstock of the class. Annoyed, she kicked their legs in retaliation. The commotion caught the teacher’s attention.

“What’s happening there?”

“Ms. Nova, it’s Kira. They kicked our legs!”

“They started it,” Kira shot back, glaring at them.

“Yes, Kira’s right. They started it,” another student backed her up.

“What? No, that’s not true!”

Others who witnessed the prank condemned their actions too. In the end, the teacher gave them detention.

Most of her classmates were neutral toward Kira. Some bullied her, while others ignored her.

She could stand up for herself, but she hated fighting. She always thought of her parents and didn’t want to disappoint them.

Finally, class ended.

On her way to meet Blake in the pantry, he spotted her walking in.

“Skye!” Blake’s deep voice echoed.

She instantly drew the center of attention—and angry eyes followed her.

If looks could kill, she’d be long gone. But she decided to ignore the hostile stares and kept walking toward him.

She’d been hearing whispers and threats from students lately. She wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but she heard them clearly enough.

“Here, I bought this for you.” He handed her a hamburger and a glass of juice as soon as she sat down across from him.

“Thank you. So—where’s your notebook? How are we supposed to study? You don’t even have your book.”

“Hahaha! Chill, Skye. They’re in my car. Do you really think I can study here? Look around.”

He had a point. The cafeteria was crowded and noisy.

“Let’s go to the library instead.” Kira stood up.

“My things are in my car, Skye. Let’s just go to my house. I’d rather study there.”

“Are you kidding me? You know I can’t go to your house.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll drive you home after.”

“No, thanks. I’m going home. Just find someone else to tutor you.”

“I’ll pay you double. How about… ten thousand dollars?” Blake said just as Kira was about to leave.

She froze. Ten thousand dollars could make a big difference.

“Fine! But this better not be a joke.” She squinted at him.

He chuckled. “Of course not.”

“Okay. Let’s go.” She walked out first, with Blake following behind.

Kira knew Blake was from a wealthy family. He was nineteen, and his parents supposedly lived in Europe. He lived in a mansion with ten helpers. Even teachers and classmates knew this. But what nobody knew was that his family story was a lie.

Kira and Blake had become friends when she helped him with a math assignment. Since then, he had always been by her side—sometimes to annoy her, but mostly to help.

Blake was carefree and friendly, the type who could befriend anyone. He was an all-around package: handsome, wealthy, charismatic, athletic, and kind-hearted. That was why so many girls admired him.

But little did Kira know, Blake had been watching over her since she was young.

“What’s with you lately?” Blake asked as they drove to his place. His car, a Bugatti La Voiture Noire, was extravagantly expensive. Skye had once asked him why he chose their school instead of an elite academy, but he only said he didn’t like elite schools.

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t see you smiling anymore. You look tired. Is something bothering you?” His voice was laced with concern.

“Nothing. Don’t mind me.” Skye turned to the window, avoiding his gaze.

“Did someone hurt you again?” His tone grew serious.

They were approaching a secluded area, driving through a tunnel of trees.

“No, Blake. Why are you so nosy? I can smile if I want to, and if I choose not to, what’s the big deal?”

“It is a big deal, Skye. I hate seeing you like that.”

She stared at him, puzzled.

“Why are you—” Her words were cut off when the car suddenly screeched to a halt.

She nearly slammed into the dashboard, but the seatbelt saved her.

Fear gripped her. She was about to yell, but before she could, Blake pulled her into his arms. She hadn’t even recovered from the shock when she sensed something strange.

His aura had changed in an instant. It unsettled her, but what confused her more was how quickly he had unbuckled to embrace her.

Her heart raced, while his scent stirred a strange new sensation within her.

“Don’t move, Skye,” he whispered, his voice edged with tension.

“What are you doing? Get off me!” She tried to push him, but he was too strong.

“Say nothing. Please.” His voice was sharp, his face buried in the crook of her neck.

Eventually, she stopped resisting and let him hold her. Silence stretched between them—until her hands moved on their own, gently caressing his back. Her touch seemed to conciliate him.