Go to School With Audrey

On the morning of June 15, 2018, in the city of Zanica, Zion stirred awake as the first light of dawn slipped through his curtains. He rubbed his eyes, feeling the familiar grogginess of a new day. Today was a school day, and though he usually took his time waking up, he felt an extra spark of energy.

Stretching, he rose from his bed, taking in the soft warmth of the morning sun filtering through his room. With a quick glance at the clock, Zion realized he had just enough time to get ready before heading out.

He moved to gather his things, mentally preparing for the day ahead. His thoughts wandered to Audrey, his new relationship, and the mysteries still lingering in Zanica. With a quick splash of water on his face and a determined look in his eyes, he finished getting ready and slung his bag over his shoulder.

Today felt different somehow, as if something new awaited him just beyond the classroom doors. With one last glance at his room, Zion stepped outside, ready to face the day.

Zion was just about to push off on his bike when he saw the unmistakable glint of a sleek, black car approaching. The luxury sedan rolled to a smooth stop in front of his apartment, its windows reflecting the morning light. His eyes widened in surprise as the door opened, and Audrey stepped out, her presence as radiant as the dawn itself.

She was dressed neatly in her school uniform, but something about the way she moved, with effortless grace and a soft smile, made the moment feel surreal. Zion felt his heart skip a beat, caught off guard by her sudden, unexpected appearance.

"Good morning, Zion," Audrey said softly, her voice carrying warmth that matched her smile. "I thought… maybe we could go to school together today. I didn't want to go alone."

He glanced at her, then at the back seat of his bike, feeling a strange mix of happiness and excitement bubbling within him. "Are you sure?" he asked, a small smile tugging at his lips. "It's not exactly a luxury ride."

Audrey chuckled, shaking her head. "I'd rather ride with you, Zion. The morning feels brighter this way."

With a nod, he steadied his bike, and Audrey gracefully settled onto the seat behind him, her arms gently circling his waist. Zion took a moment to collect himself, savoring the warmth of her presence before he began pedaling.

They glided through the quiet streets together, the early light casting long shadows as the city of Zanica awakened around them. Audrey leaned her head softly against his back, and Zion couldn't help but smile as they shared this fleeting, perfect moment—an unexpected, beautiful start to the day.

Zion and Audrey pedaled through the bustling streets of Zanica, weaving their way through the morning crowd. The city was alive with energy as people hurried to their routines—adults off to work, children heading to school, all moving in a familiar rhythm. Yet, for the two of them, it felt as though they were moving at a gentler pace, immersed in a world of their own.

The sunlight filtered through the trees lining the streets, casting dappled shadows on the pavement. Zion could feel Audrey's presence close behind him, her arms holding him lightly, and it brought a calmness he hadn't felt in a long time. The fresh morning air filled their lungs, carrying with it the subtle scent of blooming flowers from a nearby park and the faint hum of the city awakening.

They exchanged few words, yet each pedal forward felt like a quiet promise shared between them. Zion took in the sights around them—the tall buildings stretching toward the sky, the small shops beginning to open, the familiar faces of people starting their day. There was a kind of beauty in the ordinary, and together, they savored every second of it.

As they neared the school, Zion felt a touch of reluctance, wishing the ride could last a bit longer. This simple journey, shared with Audrey, was more precious than he could have ever imagined—a memory etched softly into the beginning of their day, and, perhaps, into something even more.

Zion and Audrey entered the school grounds, parking the bike side by side in the small row reserved for bicycles. Just as Zion was about to head toward his classroom, he felt a gentle tug on his hand. He turned to see Audrey's fingers intertwined with his, her expression warm yet a little shy.

That small gesture didn't go unnoticed. As they walked through the hallways, hand in hand, whispers and glances followed them like shadows. It seemed the rumors had already spread—a ripple of excitement and curiosity running through the student body. Their classmates, some surprised and others amused, exchanged knowing looks, their voices hushed but unmistakably thrilled.

"Is it true? Zion and Audrey?"

"Wow, never thought I'd see this."

The murmurs floated in the air, drifting along with them as they made their way to class. Yet, for Zion and Audrey, the world around them felt distant and unimportant. Audrey squeezed his hand gently, a subtle reassurance, and Zion found himself smiling, feeling strangely at peace amid the quiet buzz of gossip.

For the first time, he was unconcerned with the whispers or the looks. Walking side by side with Audrey, the only thing that mattered was the warmth of her hand in his—an unspoken bond that no rumor could disrupt.

Zion and Audrey entered the classroom together, their hands drifting apart as they took their seats side by side. The quiet hum of gossip still buzzed faintly around them, but they both acted as if it were nothing more than background noise. Settling into their shared desk, they exchanged a small, knowing smile—a silent agreement to let the rumors pass unheeded.

The classroom filled quickly as other students filed in, casting glances at the two of them before finding their own seats. Despite the curious looks and murmured questions, Zion and Audrey seemed wrapped in their own calm, unbothered by the stares. Zion leaned back, glancing out the window, the morning sunlight spilling in to light up the room.

Audrey, beside him, was focused on her notebook, flipping through pages absentmindedly as if they were waiting for just an ordinary lesson. Yet the soft smile on her face spoke volumes, a quiet happiness that matched Zion's own.

Moments later, the teacher entered, and the classroom hushed. All eyes shifted to the front, leaving the two of them in a pocket of calm within the busy room. They shared a final, brief glance before turning to face forward, side by side, quietly savoring the small thrill of simply being together, in plain sight.

After three long periods and the steady flow of different teachers cycling through the classroom, the bell finally rang, signaling the start of the much-awaited break. The sound echoed through the room, and the students immediately relaxed, the tension of focused learning giving way to chatter and laughter.

Zion stretched his arms, feeling the stiffness in his shoulders ease as he glanced over at Audrey, who was packing away her notes with a small smile. Around them, classmates hurriedly discussed their plans for the break, while some cast curious glances toward the pair, their whispered gossip still swirling in the air.

Audrey turned to Zion with a playful glint in her eyes. "Should we go grab something to eat?"

Zion nodded, happy for the distraction. "Sounds good. Let's go before the cafeteria gets crowded."

Together, they stood up, navigating through the small groups of students lingering by their desks. The buzz of conversation seemed to fade in the background as they made their way out of the classroom side by side, ready to share the break as naturally as they had shared the morning.