Chapter 5 CHAPTER
JULIE'S POINT OF VIEW
My phone started buzzing before my alarm could ring. I reached for the phone while groaning and rubbing my eyes. The message appeared on the screen which read "Your application has been approved. Interview scheduled for today." Interview scheduled for today.”
A grin spread across my face. I had been waiting for this!
I woke up by stretching my body before getting out of bed. The day required proper appearance because I wanted this job. I wanted this job. Working with children seemed like the perfect career choice to me. Their boundless energy combined with their authentic nature and their ability to find happiness in everyday moments made them truly special to me.
A pillow struck my face right before I entered the bathroom.
“Hurry up, Julie! I’m running late for class!” Christian's voice boomed through every room of the house.
I pulled the pillow from my face while staring at my brother. “Are you insane? Who does that?!”
He smirked. You won't perish from this so hurry up. Your life expectancy surpasses ours by a significant margin.”
I gave him a dismissive look when he started teasing me. Christian's behavior was both annoying and protective in the way that typical Christians behave. Since a boy proposed to me during my primary school days I became his lifelong project. After turning down the guy I became the most hated person among all the girls at school. Christian took it upon himself to prevent me from dating anyone else since that day.
Sometimes, it was sweet. Other times, it was exhausting.
I quickly put on my clothes before hurrying to finish dressing. A pair of jeans with a Tshirt appeared to be the perfect choice because they offered both professionalism and comfort. A Juncasa Academy interview requires no formal attire.
The sight of our rusty truck outside made me shake my head when I stepped out. The vehicle's continued operation defied all logic. Christian dedicated seven days to repair the vehicle. His love for cars surpassed all others.
“Get in. And don’t judge my masterpiece.” He smirked.
I got into the seat and secured my seatbelt. The truck started with a few coughs before it stabilized into a smooth operation.
Do you think this vehicle will survive until we reach our destination?
Christian shot me a glare. “Trust in my skills, woman.”
We drove for a while before making multiple turns which turned into additional turns after that.
“Christian…” I hesitated.
“Don’t say it.”
The truck has already driven by this street five times.
“It’s your phone’s fault! The GPS system fails to display the precise location."
I burst into laughter. “Excuses, excuses! You really suck at directions.”
“Oh, shut up. Get out.” He rolled his eyes.
I quickly descended from the vehicle while readjusting my backpack. “Wish me luck!”
Christian showed his determination by raising his fist for a bump. He said "Rock it Julie!"
I returned his wave before walking through the ironwrought gate of Juncasa Academy.
ARRIVING AT JUNCASA ACADEMY
I entered the building and immediately came to a complete halt.
The place was stunning.
The entrance hall featured grand walls with ornate golden accents while maple trees lined the walkways and pavement paths crisscrossed the mowed lawns.
The building did not resemble any typical educational facility. This felt like a palace.
I took a deep breath before adjusting my bag. My expectations pointed toward a basic comfortable school building instead of this lavish mansion. The high costs of tuition made this school accessible only to parents with money.
The security guard led me toward the main office building. When I got to the reflecting pool I noticed someone walking down the staircase.
My vision became hazy as everything around me started to fade.
THE STRANGER
The person descending the staircase possessed qualities that distinguished him from regular individuals.
His presence carried an undeniable force which combined with his commanding and dominant energy to make my legs feel weak. His deliberate movements resembled those of a royal monarch descending from his royal seat.
His presence felt like an overwhelming power which crushed down upon me although I had never met him before.
What is this feeling?
I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t move. My entire body experienced a complete immobilization. I experienced the exact same paralyzing fear that had struck me during my time in Midnight Grove.
The man paused at the base of the staircase. Our eyes connected for the first time when he turned his face toward me.
A sudden electric shock traveled from my spine to my entire body.
Grey eyes. Deep, stormy, and piercing.
I gasped. Everything around me vanished.
He appeared before me without warning. The nearness of this man caused my body to experience an intense electrical reaction.
My panic reached a peak when I took a step backward.
My haste led to a disastrous collision with a pillar.
“Ahh!” I winced, rubbing my back.
The stranger lowered his body while maintaining eye contact with me. “Are you okay?” His voice carried a deep rich quality which felt painfully smooth to my ears.
I couldn’t answer.
He reached out to help me up.
When his skin made contact with mine a powerful spark flashed between us.
A spark ignited.
It wasn’t normal. It wasn’t just static electricity. It was real. Burning. Intense.
I pulled my hand back as if I had received an electric shock.
The man’s brows furrowed. He had felt it too.
A TERRIBLE EXCUSE
“I—I’m sorry. I need to leave because I feel unwell." My voice wobbled.
He didn’t look convinced. His head made a slight movement as he smiled.
“It’s okay. We still have time to adapt to this experience.”
My heart stopped.
What did he mean? Get used to what?
My eyes revealed my distraction. His strong jawline and perfect cheekbones with broad shoulders and smooth dark hair caught my attention in a way I should not have noticed.
My hand automatically reached out to touch his hair before I could stop myself.
I touched it.
The instant I touched his hair he made a deep purring sound.
My brain shortcircuited.
Wait. What?!
Only animals purr.
My fingers became paralyzed while they remained trapped in his luxurious black hair.
The man stiffened. His gaze darkened.
Oh no.
I pulled my hand away from his hair so quickly that it became a moment of complete embarrassment.
I spoke in a rush "I didn't intend to touch his hair like that." I stammered. Your hair seemed soft to me so I reached out to touch it. I've always had dogs and I was about to touch your hair but I didn't mean to think you were a dog.
His expression darkened.
Oh my God. Shut up, Julie.
I used to gently stroke my friend's head when they needed sleep assistance.
Why am I still talking?!
His brows twitched. His eyes revealed an unreadable emotion.
I panicked. “I—I’m seriously sorry! I didn’t mean to be weird!”
The man didn’t say a word.
I made such a quick bow that I almost stumbled forward.
I have come for a job interview. I need you to keep me employed before I begin my first day at work!
The space between us grew longer and longer without any words being exchanged.
I kept my eyes squeezed shut. I wanted to disappear.
And then—
“Papa!”
A small voice echoed through the hallway.
I froze.
The little child sprinted toward the man while holding onto his leg.
My head shot up.
PAPA?!
I stared at him, wideeyed.
Wait. What is happening?!
Was this man—my potential boss? A parent? Or something else entirely?
And most importantly...
I experienced a strong sense of familiarity toward this man although I couldn't explain why.