"Aurélia, we need to stop," Isaiah's voice was laced with restraint, his words a gentle whisper against her skin. "We're both getting lost in the moment, and I don't want to take advantage of you when you're not thinking clearly." A soft, tender smile spread across his face. "To be honest, I'm not always the kind of guy who puts someone else's needs before my own, but with you, Aurélia, everything feels different. You're the kind of girl who makes me want to be better, to do things right." His eyes locked onto hers, filled with sincerity. "When the time is right, I want our moment to be one we'll both treasure forever."
Aurélia's eyes brimmed with tears as she gazed at Isaiah, her heart overflowing with emotion. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Thank you for seeing me, for valuing me when I feel like I've been invisible for so long." Her words dissolved into a heartfelt plea. "Please don't let me go. I feel like I've found something real with you something worth holding onto."
Isaiah's fingers tenderly brushed against her cheek, his touch sending shivers down her spine. He leaned in, his lips grazing her skin in a soft, whispery kiss. The gentle touch seemed to convey a promise, a promise of love, care, and protection.
"Maybe I should drive you home," Isaiah suggested, trying to sound responsible. Aurélia smiled sweetly and rested her head against the window, already dozing off. Isaiah chuckled and started the engine, carefully driving her home while she snored softly.
They cruised through the night, Aurélia's phone buzzed insistently. Her mom was calling. Isaiah hesitated for a moment before answering, trying to sound suave."Hello?"
"Hello, Aurélia!" her mom chimed in, oblivious to the fact that it wasn't her daughter on the other end.
Isaiah rushed to clarify, "Hey, Mrs.Thompson? It's Isaiah, Aurélia's friend. I'm driving her home right now. She's, uh, had a bit too much to drink." He winced, expecting a lecture.
There was a pause on the other end of the line, followed by a tentative "O-okay... thanks for bringing her home." Before Isaiah could breathe a sigh of relief, she added, "You're not... you know... taking advantage of her, are you?"
Isaiah's face turned bright red as he stammered, "N-no, ma'am! I swear, I'm being a perfect gentleman!" He glanced at Aurélia who was still snoring away, and muttered under his breath, "Mostly."
Mrs.Thompson seemed to accept this, and the conversation ended abruptly with a hasty goodbye. Isaiah let out a deep sigh, feeling like he'd just survived a mini-inte rrogation. He shook his head, laughing nervously. "Note to self: never answer your girlfriend's phone again."
Isaiah pulled up to Aurélia's house, he gently shook her awake. "Hey, we're here," he whispered. Aurélia groggily opened her eyes, looking around in confusion. Isaiah helped her out of the car and walked her to the front door, where Mrs. Thompson was waiting with a mix of concern and curiosity.
When Isaiah introduced himself, Mrs. Thompson's eyes widened in surprise. "You're Isaiah Blackwood? As in, Eddington Blackwood's son?" Isaiah nodded and Mrs. Thompson's expression turned to calculation. "Well, well, well. The Blackwood name certainly opens doors, doesn't it?" she said, flattery.
They stepped inside but Mrs.Thompson's questions came rapid fire, probing into Isaiah's family, his father's business dealings, and his own future plans. Isaiah fielded them with a mix of humor and diplomacy, all while trying to support Aurélia, who was still wobbly from her drinks. At one point, Aurélia stumbled and leaned heavily on Isaiah, causing Mrs.Thompson to raise an eyebrow.
"I think she's had a bit too much fun tonight, hasn't she?" she said, her voice disapproval. Isaiah chuckled and replied,"Just a bit. But don't worry, I've got her." Mrs. Thompson's gaze lingered on him, a calculating glint in her eye, as if sizing him up for potential benefits of being connected to the Blackwood family.
As they stood in the foyer, Aurélia's Mom began to pry, "So, you two are...?" But before she could finish, Aurélia cut in, her words slurred but defensive, "We're just friends, Mom. That's all." Her mom raised an eyebrow, skepticism written across her face. "Friends?" "Of course, what else could we be? Husband and wife?" Aurélia replied defensively.
Her mom chuckled knowingly, shaking her head. "Alright, sweetie, you're clearly intoxicated. Thank you, Isaiah, for bringing her home safely. I'll take care of her now. And she'll have to explain everything to me tomorrow." With that, she ushered Isaiah out the door, leaving Aurélia to stumble towards her bedroom.
The next morning, Aurélia woke up with a pounding headache and a foggy memory. As she slowly pieced together the events of the previous night, her emotions seesawed between embarrassment and happiness. She recalled snippets of conversation with Isaiah, the way he'd looked at her, and the gentle way he'd touched her face. A soft smile spread across her lips as she realized she'd spent half of the night with the one person who made her feel truly seen. Despite the hangover, her heart felt light.
Aurélia freshened up, slipping into a sleek black jumpsuit and pulling her hair back into a ponytail. With a light touch of makeup, she was ready to take on the day at Oakwood college. As she said goodbye to her mom and little brother, her mom's words stopped her in her tracks. "Wait, Aurélia, someone's been waiting for you outside." "Hmm, Mom, I'm guessing it's Isaiah my friend, isn't it? Don't be so uptight, Mom." Her mom's response was laced with a knowing smile. "I don't think it's his this time, sweetie. You've got a lot of admirers who can't take their eyes off you. It's your charm, darling."
Aurélia rolled her eyes good naturedly. "Mom, stop it. Okay, bye, take care, guys!" She waved and headed to the door. She stepped outside, her eyes scanning the area, her gaze landed on Asher standing beside his car, looking handsome and a bit anxious. Aurélia's face lit up with a smile as she walked towards him.
"Hey, Asher! What brings you to my neighborhood?" she asked, her voice bubbly and friendly. Asher's gaze locked onto hers, his voice stumbling slightly as he replied, "Well, we didn't get to spend the day together last time, and I was really missing you. You just took off, and I didn't hear back from you. I was worried something was wrong."
Aurélia's expression softened, touched by his concern. "I'm so sorry, Asher. I had a lot on my mind, but don't worry, I'll make it up to you, I promise." Asher's face relaxed into a gentle smile as he opened the car door for her. "Let's get going, then. We don't want to be late for the lectures." They drove off to Oakwood University, Aurélia felt comfortable being with Asher.