Masked Passion : The stranger

I look at the stone monster standing in the middle of the city buildings. Cars drive past behind me, unaware of my presence. The citadel towers above me from the top of a steep hill. It is hidden behind a thick wall, pierced by a massive metal gate. Vauban University.

I take a deep breath. My heart is pounding in my chest, both with fear and excitement. I’m finally entering the big leagues. No more obligations, no more boring homework, no more school rules telling me how to dress or behave, and no more parents breathing down my neck. Freedom. Paradoxical when you think about it, because the fort used to be a prison.

I sling my student bag over my shoulder before climbing the paved path that leads me to my future.

“Hey, Minimoy!”

I freeze. Time stands still. Sitting on the low wall that borders the climb, a boy stares at me. His gaze, as deep brown as mine, pierces me through and through, despite the kindness that oozes from his eyes. The sun illuminates his coppery skin. The wind ruffles his black hair, styled in spikes. His full lips stretch into a charming smile that sends a chill down my spine. I tense up, defensive. The way he watches me locks me in a cage. His expression, filled with pride , keeps me on a leash. Our similar features give him the right to interfere in my daily life, even now, at the beginning of my adult life.

My stomach churns when Kurt stands up to hug me.

“What are you doing here?”

The words almost get stuck between my clenched teeth. I try to hide my emotions behind a grimace.

“Isn’t it obvious? I’m here to cheer on my little sister on her first day of college!”

With that, he ruffles my ebony hair, which I was foolish enough to leave down. I protest firmly, but he doesn’t care, as usual. He just laughs heartily at my rebuff. My anger rises a notch.

I jump when someone springs up in front of me. Obsessed with Kurt’s presence, I didn’t notice the two other boys with him. Yanis, the first one, leans over to kiss me on the cheek. He’s shorter than my brother, but he’s still a good ten centimeters taller than me.

“I’m glad to see you, Mia!” he says cheerfully. “You must be worried, but don’t worry! We’re here for you! You know, our house is even better than when you visited.” We finally decorated the guest room. We’re going to throw some crazy parties! You’ll have to come now that you’re in college! I’ve already thought of some awesome decorations! For Hal...

The chatterbox in action. I roll my eyes, I don’t even have time to get a word in. Despite that, I really like him. His infectious enthusiasm would put me in a good mood, if he weren’t with Kurt. Kurt doesn’t appreciate his friend’s speech very much and cuts him off bluntly:

“Stop talking nonsense, will you? I refuse to let Mia come to the house during a party.”

“But...” Yanis tries, his gray eyes filled with disappointment.

“No way. Mia, don’t go to student parties, understand?”

“Oh! You can let her have a little fun with a tall, blond guy with devastating charm before I can protest.”

Hyacinthe winks at me in greeting. This guy is gorgeous with his slim but muscular body, perfectly shaped thin lips, and ocean-blue eyes.

“Seriously, Hyas,” my brother grumbles, “you know better than anyone how these parties end! It’s nothing but alcohol and sex.”

“What if that’s what I’m looking for?” I want to re ly reply. But, as is too often the case with Kurt, I remain silent. I sigh. Farewell, my dear, barely touched freedom. My enthusiasm dampened, I drag my feet toward them.

“It’s nice of you to come, guys, but I have a lot to do.”

“We know!” exclaims Yanis. “In college, you have to manage everything on your own. You might feel a little lost. Don’t worry, if you need advice, you can call me.” We’re not in the same program, but the administration is always the same. You’ll see, it’s so great to study what you love. It’s different from high school, now you’re going to...

“Shut up, Yanis,” Hyas says with a smirk. “Leave her alone.”

With a quick gesture, Yanis pretends to lock her mouth shut before throwing away the key.

“Don’t worry, Zek and Liam have already done their pre-enrollment,” my brother informs me, trying again to ruffle my hair as if I were a little girl.

This time, I manage to avoid him. Between the wind and his first attempt, I must look like a scarecrow already, thank you very much.

“It’s easier at the Chamber of Commerce high school!” Hyas exclaims. “All the students started together. College is a real mess. First-years on one day, third-years on another. I’m so glad I left! ”

The smile he gives me indicates that he has something on his mind, but I don’t know what.

“On the other hand,” Hyas continues, glancing at his watch, “I can’t stay any longer. Sorry, Minimoy, it was nice to come. I don’t think we see each other enough.”

He hugs me, followed by Yanis, then Kurt.

“We have to go too,” he announces. “If Yanis and I miss the bus to the hospital, we’re dead! Good luck, Minimoy! Zek and Liam have been around since this morning if you need any help. Don’t hesitate to call them, they’ll look after you.”

Oh no... Liam and Zek aren’t going to be watching me, are they? I can already imagine them following me around, reporting my every move to my big brother. A lump forms in my throat. My chest tightens.

The three friends walk away, joking around, unaware of the sword of Damocles they’ve just placed over my head.

Inside me, anger tries to drive out fear. Oppression... Again! With tears in my eyes, I devour the few meters that separate me from the new life I want to create for myself.