Chapter 1 - Need a ride?
My name is Caroline Ambrose, living in Lad Vegas. I'm 17 years old, senior in high school, and already very successful at a young age. Thanks to my dad, William Ambrose, the most famous and rich business man in state of Nevada. My life is about impress my parents all the time. They are so successful in life. All of their dreams came true. My mom, Susanne is a famous hairdresser, doing celebrities hair as well, she's the best in town. And here i am, still in high school, soon graduating, and i have no idea who i want to be. I love art and reading books, spending time in library, or being at my favorite cafe shop, and studying or reading there...or just being captivated by my crush, Atlas Sinclair. I don't know anything about him, only that he's working there as a barista. Being kind but distant with his costumers. He's so mysterious, but i want to explore all of his secrets.
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- Caroline, are you ready, darling? — My dad calls out to me, while i'm in my bedroom, getting ready for school.
- Just five minutes, dad. — I answer softly, knowing i might will be late, but i can't find my favorite cream sundress.
- Hurry up, kiddo, you'll be late from school, and i'll be late from work — He walks away, his footsteps echoing through the hallway.
A few minutes later i found my dress, fixed my hair quickly, and ran downstairs. My parents are chatting about work, like always. I roll my eyes and take a seat at the dining table across my parents, dig into my pancakes.
- Good morning honey, how did you sleep? — My mom asks, dressed fancy, probably having a celebrity as her client.
- Morning mom, i slept alright, what about you? - I say it between two bites, don't even look up from my plate.
- Good, good...but i have to go work now. — She got up from the table, gave a kiss on my forehead and kissed my dad on the lips. - Take care, i'll be home like at 6 pm. — After saying that, she already walked out of the house, and left with her white Bentley car.
I finished my breakfast, grabbed my bag and walked out of the house, my dad was already waiting for me inside the black car. I hopped in, sat down on the passenger seat.
- Ready to go, sweetheart? — My dad asked with a warm smile on his face, glancing at me.
- Yeah, let's go — I smile back, and start scrolling through my phone, while he starts the engine.
- I want to talk to you about something. — He say it softly after a few minutes, driving carefully.
- Sure, what's up? — I put my phone down on my thigh, turn my head to look at him.
- Tomorrow night we are invited to a social evening. This is so important to me, you would make me happy with your presence, sweetheart. — He glanced at me with a hopeful smile, while driving carefully at a fast speed, since i'm being late from school.
- Sure, dad. I'll be there, i promise. — I smiled back at him softly, before being on my phone again.
He continued driving silently, we don't even spoke a word, until we arrived. I gave him a hug, and ran inside my school. There was a commotion in the corridor, every student was chatting with each other, and getting ready for their class. My eyes was searching for my best friend, Samantha Parker, but i haven't seen her anywhere. And then someone hugged me from behind. It was her. I immediately turned around in her arms and hugged her back. We are best friends since kindergarten, almost sisters now.
- Sam, there you are, you look so good. — I say it with a small chuckle, letting go off her.
- Thanks, missed me already? — She chuckles as well, we started walking to class.
The school day slowly ended, i had some exams, and i think i made a good work, i had a good time with Samantha too. I'm on my way to the best library in town, running as fast as i can, since it's raining so hard and i don't have an umbrella with me. The sky wearing dark gray colors, the sun is still shining, creating a perfect golden hour, at this afternoon, and even a rainbow appears in the sky....As i arrive to the library i walk inside, saying hi to the kind, old lady, who i met several times before. I walk over to a bookshelf that has my favorite genre, romance. And choose that famous book named "After". I pay for it, and leave the library, now on my way to my favorite cafe shop, running again. Thankfully its only 5 five minutes away.
I got dripping wet, but as i arrive i spot Atlas right away. Making coffee to a costumer, being as handsome as always. As the costumer left i walked over to the counter.
- Hey, can i get a latte? - Looking up at Atlas with a small smile
- Hey, of course. — He start preparing it, smile back. - Btw, i see you there almost everyday. — He say it with his soft, deep voice. Glancing at me, and i blush a bit.
- Yeah, this is my favorite place ever. — I take the coffee from him, our fingers brushing together for a brief moment.
- I'm glad to hear that, have a nice day. — He looks at me with that charming smile, before going to take a break. I sit down to a free table, and start reading the book i just bought.
A few hours has past, the book completely captivated me. And i didn't even noticed it's almost 9 pm. already. I quickly packed my stuff. Atlas' shift ended as well, a girl working instead of him now. I walked out of the cafe, and started walking home, its so late...A few minutes later i notice a bike, riding slowly right next to me, and a man sitting on it, wearing a helmet.
- Hey, princess.
Need a ride
? — He parks the bike next to me. The man has such a familiar voice, sweet and deep, but cold, feels like i heard it, many times before.
- No thanks. I'm good, i'll just walk home. — I started walking, he slowly started rolling after me.
- Girls are so stubborn. — He took off his helmet, and my eyes widen.
Atlas
?! What the fuck?! Since when he can ride a bike?! Before i could say anything he rolled his eyes at me and sharply drove away with his bike. That's just unbelieveable....
By : Katie★
