What the heck is happening to me?
Tonight was truly magical, more special than I ever could’ve dreamed. So, why am I so sad?
Perhaps because it was only temporary. A glimpse into another world that I’m not a real part of. My last name may hold weight in their universe, but as long as I’m Cirella Matthews, I’m no one who matters to them.
They’re Dean and Asher Kensington, for God’s sake. I imagine the expectations they live with in regard to everything in their life likely includes who they are allowed to seriously date.
They’re basically American royalty, and typically, princes marry princesses.
Princess. I can practically hear their nickname for me, whispered into my ear.
But without the mask, I’m not a princess or someone they would likely give the time of day. I don’t think everyone gets their happily ever after.
I’m just glad I had a night to remember them by. Adrianna will never be able to take that from me, no matter how hard she may try.
It’s beautiful outside today. Slightly cloudy, but the sun is shining bright. It makes the campus feel alive.
Clearly, the birds love the hedges that line the walkways, many chirping and flying by as I head toward one of the quads to sketch for a bit after class.
I’m hoping I have time this afternoon to run to the fabric store and see if they have anything on clearance I might like.
A perk of being forced by my stepmother to work for the Kensingtons is the salary. On top of paying for their staff’s tuition, they pay us very well. But it’s not like they can’t afford it.
For my three part-time shifts this week, I’ll have earned around a little over a thousand dollars. Most of which I keep stashed away, just in case. But a small portion I put toward my work.
The large, enclosed gazebo at the center of the quad takes my breath away because for a split second, my vision fails me, replacing reality with the Kensingtons’ gazebo from this past weekend.
But I blink it away and continue on, tucking myself away inside the gazebo. The school's transformed the interior to have four private study stalls, separated by a divider that sits in the middle of the space.
Two of the stalls are taken, but I walk around and find an empty one. Vines are growing over the gap, and I have to duck beneath small leaves when I walk inside, settling into the stool and table.
Natural light shines through the vines and small gaps in the structure. I’ve used these a few times this semester already. It’s my favorite spot to be, even more so after my other recent gazebo experience.
Lifting my bag onto the table, I pull out my sketchbook and pencils. I need to finalize my concept for the collection for Fashion Illustration class It’s not due for another week or so, but I want to ensure it’s perfect.
My mind slowly drifts away when my pencil hits the paper. This is my happy place. No matter where I am physically, I’m home when I’m sketching, sewing, crafting. It’s like my soul comes alive.
A few minutes go by without my realizing it, and I fully become aware of what I’ve been drawing—masks, specifically Asher’s and Dean’s.
My heart skips a beat. It doesn’t matter how or what I feel for them right now. It can’t ever happen. Forsomany reasons.
For one, I’m technically their soon-to-be stepsister.
For two, Adrianna would burn my parents’ house down if she found out.
And three, I can’t datebothof them. Right? Right! I can’t even date one of them, let alone pursue both brothers.
You have to forget about them, Cirella.
But the universe seems to have another idea because the sound of Asher’s voice behind me sends a shiver up my spine. He’s outside of the gazebo, just to my left.
I immediately remind myself that it wouldn’t matter if he saw me because it’s not like I’m wearing my mask or my extensions. I’m just plain ol’ Cirella right now.
And he’s not alone. Dean mutters something, and the depth of his voice steals my air.
Knowing I can’t be with them doesn’t ease the pain of that truth.
I haven’t been able to make out a word they guy have said, but Asher’s next sentence rings loudly in my ears, and my heart stops.
