As my eyes slowly opened, the gentle morning light bathed an unfamiliar yet welcoming hotel room at the foot of majestic Mount Seraph.
A moment of bewilderment filled the air before reality hit-I found myself on a study tour with classmates, surrounded by the awe-inspiring landscapes of Mount Seraph.
The agenda for the day: a hike to the peak. However, my enthusiasm had waned.
Instead of being there, I yearned for the simple joy of watching the sunrise with my mom, Chashica Simkims-Chas, as she preferred-on the rooftop of our home in the charming town of Everwood or sharing quiet moments in our beautiful gazebo.
We have explored numerous places in the heart of Evergreen Country, but the allure of international adventures after my next birthday lingered in my mind.
At fifteen, yearning for glacial eyes like Mom's, I found myself less thrilled about the upcoming mountain trek.
Setting aside my musings, I rose from bed and headed to the attached bathroom to freshen up.
I looked at the mirror that reflected my shoulder-length blonde hair, a cascade of sun-kissed strands reminiscent of Mom's, and hazel eyes that failed to capture the allure of her glacial gaze.
A moment of discontent flashed as I brushed my teeth, gazing at my reflection.
"Enough missing Mom, Claire," I whispered to myself, attempting to shake off the longing. But I couldn't help it-I missed her. Chas isn't just my mother; she is my best friend and a sweet presence in my life.
As my thoughts drifted off to who knows where, it suddenly dawned on me that today is the 24th of December, Mom's birthday. I am crushed-I can't believe I forgot her birthday. It slipped my mind like an elusive breeze.
In a hurry, I freshened up and changed into a simple black shirt and jeans. Then, I rushed towards our English teacher, Ms. Erika, a slightly tanned woman with long black hair, standing approximately 4.9 feet tall.
Her short stature, cute round face, and soft voice made her appear like a student. She wore black-framed glasses over her brown-colored eyes to seem more mature.
"Teacher, I need to go back. Today is Mom's birthday, and it just slipped my mind. I really need to go home. Please, teacher." Breathless, I finished and took a deep breath, attempting to calm my racing heartbeat.
Ms. Erika kindly replied, "Um, slow down, Ms. Simkims. Sure, if you want, you can go. However, have you thought about how you're going to return, Ms. Simkims?"
I nodded quickly. "Yes, ma'am. I will call Uncle John, my driver, to pick me up." Ms. Erika nodded and gave me the okay signal.
Overjoyed, I thanked her repeatedly and rushed back to my room to pick up my phone. I eagerly called Uncle John, asking him to pick me up discreetly for a surprise visit to Mom.
As I hastily packed and exited the room to inform my roommate, I collided with someone. Smelling the all-too-familiar lavender perfume, I could only curse my bad luck.
Trying to distance myself from my ex-best friend, now worst enemy, Aria Smith, I failed as she trapped me in her arms, holding me tightly.
I couldn't help but notice how soft and comfortable she was to hug.
"Come on, Claire, don't start daydreaming now. You must never imagine anything positive with Aria Smith." I warned myself to focus.
Without looking at her, I muttered, "What are you doing, Aria? Let go of me."
With a devious chuckle, she replied, "Why, Claire, it was you who leaped into my arms first. Why should I let go of you? I don't have to do anything as per your wish."
YOU ARE READING
"Beneath the Glacial Gaze, Whispers of Lavender Dreams"
Romance"Beneath the Glacial Gaze, Whispers of Lavender Dreams" intricately follows the intertwined lives of fifteen-year-old Claire Simkims and her best friend, Aria Smith, as they navigate the complexities of friendship and family dynamics. Claire grapple...
