The Desire Play

Amy’s POV

“Amelia Harper, if you want to eat breakfast, wake up this instant!” my mother’s sharp voice pierced through the silence, echoing from downstairs.

I groaned, burying my face deeper into my pillow. It was still early—well, maybe not really, but it felt like it.

Today was the first day of my senior year. Excitement buzzed somewhere at the back of my mind, but my body felt glued to the bed, weighed down by sheer laziness.

With a defeated sigh, I rolled off the mattress and dragged myself to the bathroom. The cool tiles sent a shiver up my spine as I stepped in. I took a quick shower, letting the warm water chase away my drowsiness, then slipped into my go-to outfit—ripped skinny jeans and a hoodie. Simple, effortless, and comfortable.

Grabbing my phone and bag, I made my way downstairs, only to be met with a thick tension lingering in the air like an incoming storm.

I instantly knew. Mom’s mood was on the darker side of the spectrum today.

At the dining table, my dad sat peeling potatoes, still dressed in his work uniform. It was an odd sight—an officer of the law reduced to kitchen duty.

I bit my lip to hold back a laugh. Catching my amused expression, Dad met my gaze and quickly pressed a finger to his lips, signaling me to stay quiet. I smirked but nodded, lowering myself into the chair beside him.

“So, what’s the crime this time? What did you do?” I whispered, just loud enough for him to hear.

“I bought your sister a new video game.” He muttered under his breath.

I arched an eyebrow. “Wow, Dad. Such a scandal. I hope you’re ready to serve a life sentence.” My voice dripped with sarcasm as I smirked.

He sighed, shaking his head. We both knew this meant one thing—Mom was going to be on his case for at least a month.

It was the same old routine. My dad had a bad habit of spoiling my older sister, Bethany—Beth for short—with video games and computer-related junk, feeding her obsession with technology.

The irony? Beth was twenty-four. Yet Dad still treated her like she was twelve.

Mom, on the other hand, was beyond fed up. She wanted Beth to step into the real world, get a job, and actually do something with her life.

“Hey, lovely lady. Good morning.” I greeted Mom as I walked into the kitchen.

She turned, giving me a small smile before placing a plate of breakfast in front of me. “Good morning, sweetheart. Eat up.”

Behind me, Dad cleared his throat. “Darling, can I get breakfast now? I’m getting late,” he asked, his voice holding the slightest hint of hesitation.

Mom slowly turned to him, her eyes narrowing. Then, without a word, she handed him a plate—with half an omelet.

I nearly choked on my food, biting down on a laugh.

Dad blinked at his plate. “Uh...where’s the other half?”

Mom crossed her arms. “You should be grateful I’m giving you this much. If you don’t want it, give it back.”

I shook my head, amused. “Okay, guys. Carry on with your domestic war. I’m going to school. Love you both.” I pressed quick kisses to their cheeks before making a swift escape.

Mom’s voice followed me out the door. “Remember to come back on time!”

I walked down the street, inhaling the crisp morning air. The familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee from my favorite café drifted toward me, instantly drawing me in.

“Hey, Olivia,” I greeted as I stepped inside.

Behind the counter, Olivia—the barista and practically my caffeine dealer—grinned at me. “Hey, Amy! Here’s your usual caffè mocha.”

I took the cup gratefully, the warmth seeping into my fingers. “You’re a lifesaver, girl. Thanks!”

I hurried out, checking my phone. My eyes widened.

Twenty missed calls.

Ciara and Asher.

My two favorite idiots.

Ciara was the perfect blend of beauty and brains. She aced her studies effortlessly, which, combined with her sweet nature, made her pretty popular.

Asher, on the other hand... he was a different case. An absolute clown. His biggest priority in life? His looks. He didn’t have a girlfriend—not for lack of trying. There wasn’t a single pretty girl he hadn’t confessed to.

Yeah, he was a walking disaster.

We’d been friends since kindergarten. Somehow, despite our differences, we stuck together.

And right now, they were probably losing their minds waiting for me.

I picked up my pace—only to come to an abrupt halt when I crashed into something.

Or rather, someone.

“Oh, f*ck!”

I gasped, looking down. My coffee—my precious, life-saving coffee—was now a tragic puddle on the ground.

“Oh my God. No, no, no!” I whined, mourning my loss.

A man stepped out of the car I’d collided with. “Hey, kid, are you okay?”

I snapped my head up. “Kid, my foot! Are you blind?” I practically shouted.

He raised his hands in defense. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

But I wasn’t listening. My eyes were still fixed on the ground. RIP, my dear caffè mocha. You will be missed.

The man hesitated. “Are you really okay?”

I slowly looked up, narrowing my eyes. “Why did you do that, you jerk? That coffee was the best part of my morning! And now, thanks to you, my one moment of happiness has been reduced to a coffee stain on the road! You—you—!” I pointed at him, struggling to find an insult worthy enough. “You absolute menace to society!”

He blinked. “Miss, please. Don’t use bad words. I’ll pay for it, okay?” He pulled out his wallet.

I scoffed. “Huh! I don’t want your fking money, you jerk! I should just sue you for this.”

A random bystander snickered. “You can’t sue someone over coffee.”

I shot him a glare. “Do you even know who my dad is, huh? He will beat your ass!” I huffed before remembering—I had school.

I turned back to the car guy. “You’re lucky I’m letting you off. But if I see you again, I swear I’ll rip your throat off,” I whispered in a loud growl. I shot him one last glare before taking off.

By some miracle, I made it on time.

“Hey, Amy! Where were you?” Ciara asked, leaning against her locker.

“Ugh, don’t ask. Some idiot ruined my morning.” I muttered, grabbing my books.

“My girl, you’re finally here! I missed you!” Asher whined, appearing beside me.

“Yeah, whatever, idiot.”

We made it to class. The second I sat down, exhaustion hit me like a truck.

I dropped my head onto the desk. “Wake me up when this nightmare is over.”

Ciara nudged me. “Did you hear? Our music teacher got replaced.”

“Huh?”

“Apparently, the new teacher is dangerously handsome.”

I barely reacted. “Uh-huh.”

And then—I fell asleep.

Until someone shook me awake.

“Amy! Wake up!” Asher whispered urgently.

I groggily sat up—only to lock eyes with the new teacher.

My body went rigid.

It was him.

“You!”

“You!”

We both squealed at the same time.