Chapter 5

I woke up with a start, my heart pounding in my chest so fast. The vividness of my dream clung to me, and my cheeks burned. “What the hell was that?” I whispered to myself, burying my face in my hands.

My phone vibrated beside me where I left it, bringing me out of my reverie. I checked the time and I sprang up immediately. Past 9, I have to be on the campus by 10am. I overslept. Damn..

I ran into the bathroom, and I heard my phone ringing while brushing. I went back inside to check who was calling me. ‘Dad’ I whispered when I remembered where I was but I had to pick up anyway if I didn't want him knocking on my door by evening.

“Hi Dad.” I tried to sound excited.

“Munchkin, are you just waking up? You have to be in school in less than an hour, and I'm pretty sure you're not dressed”. He scolded.

“Dad, I'm not–” I started to defend myself but he interrupted me.

“You are still sounding groggy, I'm pretty sure my call woke you up.” He sighed. “I think we've always overlooked this, and it's now turning to a problem.”

I sighed, and I can hear my mom whispering to him about letting me go, so I can get ready for school.

“Yes Dad. The earlier I get in the bathroom, the earlier I'll get to the campus.”

“Okay.” He sighed. “Go and get ready. Let me know when you get to school, okay?”

“Okay Dad. I love you.” I blew him a kiss then ended the call.

I rushed into the bathroom to get a quick shower, got dressed, and rushed out of the room but I almost stumbled at the sight in the living room.

Mason is standing by the dining table, shirtless with a pair of joggers hanging low on his waist, his hair still wet from the shower, and sipping coffee. The sight of him made my stomach flip in a way it shouldn't, and I can still feel the ghost of his touch from my dream.

‘This is maddening’. I told myself even though I can't stop ogling. Broad shoulders, muscular arms. Heat travels to my cheeks, and my mind goes blank.

‘Get yourself together, Happiness’. I told myself again. I have never had a shirtless man wandering around in the house when I wake up, so I'm not used to this sight.

Mason shifts his attention to me, a small smile touching his lips. “Good morning.”

Now that he's facing me, the sight is more mouthwatering. His well built body, toned abs, and his joggers hung low on his hips giving me a glimpse of what's underneath. That makes me abruptly look down before I embarrass myself further.

“Good morning.” I replied, my gaze on the floor. Slowly, I returned my eyes back to him, and I found him chuckling. My cheeks heat up even more.

“Do you like pancakes?” He asked, smiling.

“Yeah, I do.” I replied, coming back to my senses.

“Are you hungry? I made some for you when you weren't coming outside. I figured you'd be late if you had to make breakfast now.” He gestured to the plates on the dining table.

I moved closer to the table, and I found a set of mouthwatering breakfast – pancakes, slices of bacon, tomatoes, garlic mushrooms, and poached eggs. My stomach rumbled making me blush in embarrassment and Mason chuckled.

“I guess you are.” He smiled softly at me, and I nodded.

“Thank you.” I returned his smile. “But if I don't leave now, I'll be late.” I told him, and his smile dropped. “I'll eat little.” I showed him my pinky finger, and he shrugged.

Mason takes a seat next to me, and I remembered he still has no shirt on. I automatically tear my gaze off him.

“Right.” He clears his throat, and I looked up at him. “I should have been aware. I don't want to make you uncomfortable…” He falters, and I raise my brows. “Does seeing me like this make you uncomfortable?”

‘I’m not complaining, I just want you to do more with your hands’. I thought.

I shaked my head. “No, not at all. This is your house, you can do anything you want.”

“Really?” He scrutinizes me. “Is that really okay?”

I gave him a questioning look.

“That I don't put my shirt on.”

“Yes it is.” I told him.

We continued eating, and I tried not to think of this moment. I stood up after some time of playing around with the eggs on my plate.

“I'm full. I have to go now, bye” I said standing.

“Bye. Do you know how to get to school from here?” He asked me.

“Uhm. Not really, but I can get a cab from here, right?” I turned to face him.

“I'm not sure. But I can drop you off, if you don't mind.” He offered.

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“Of course. I wouldn't ask if I wasn't sure.”

“Okay then. Thank you.”

He got up and packed the plates to the kitchen then went to his room to change.

The car ride was awkward. The hum of the tires of the car, and the rhythmic click of the turn signals were the only sounds in the car. I fiddled with the hem of my shirt, my gaze fixed on the scenery outside the window. My dream replayed in my head, and I cringed. My fingers tapped nervously against my thigh, a steady rhythm betraying my nervousness.

I finally got the courage to look up at him, and I noticed he was gripping the steering wheel tighter than necessary. “Uhm, you said you would be out by 8am last night.” I stated, sparing him a glance.

“Oh, Yes. Work was postponed, and I remembered you would not be able to go to school by yourself. So I waited back.” He said.

“Oh, okay.” I muttered. “Thank you, I really would not have known my way around.”

“You're welcome.” He replied, and I nodded. He opened his mouth to speak but closed it back. Before I could ask him what he wanted to say, the car had stopped.

“Thank you for the ride.” I told him before opening the door, and he nodded.

“Happiness.” He called as I closed the door.

“Yeah?” I answered.

“Can I pick you up when you're done?” He asked, and I went blank. “It's fine if you don't want me to.” He said, taking my silence as No.

“Oh no, no. That's not it.” I said as I came back to my senses. “Thank you, I'll let you know when I'm done then.” I answered with a smile, and waved before entering the block.

I don't have much to do today as today is my first day. I got my daily schedule, and I reviewed it. I also went through the school’s rules and expectations. I headed to class after that.

We had an orientation about the school system, culture and student's expectations. There was also a question and answer session at the end of the orientation. I went to look for the library since I still had time to kill before Mason would come to pick me up.

The library stood at the edge of the school grounds, a grand building with tall arched windows that invited sunlight to dance across its shelves. Its wooden doors, polished to a gentle sheen, bore the weight of countless hands that had pushed them open over the years. Inside, the air was cool and quiet, a sanctuary from the bustle of the world outside.

Rows upon rows of bookshelves stretched as far as the eyes could see, their content organized with meticulous care. At the heart of the library was the librarian’s desk, a semi-circular counter where a warm, bespectacled woman greeted visitors with a smile.

“Hello! Welcome, I'm Claire. Is this your first time here?” She welcomed me.

“Hi, I'm Happy, and this is my first time here.” I replied looking around.

“Oh, I'm happy too. You'll love it here. Do you have any books in particular you are looking for?”

“My name is Happiness, but you can call me Happy. Not yet, but I know I would love it here.” I told her.

“I'm so sorry, I didn't realize. That's a nice name you have there.” She smiled. “I will leave you to look around then.”

“Thank you.” I walked into the library, and I was amazed. I am definitely going to find it hard coming out of this place.

Stopping all of a sudden, I didn't realize someone was coming behind me, and I tripped on the person's leg causing me to lose my balance and fall.