It was Felix. Amidst her swirling emotions, Francis couldn't help but stare dreamily at him, her heart fluttering in her chest. She turned her gaze away when he finally took his seat and spoke. "Hey, Francis, what's up with you? Why are you crying?"
Francis bent her head, trying to hide the embarrassment that washed over her like a wave. "It's nothing," she murmured, brushing away the remaining tears that threatened to spill over her cheeks. Felix, who was now sitting directly opposite her, peered at her with a worried expression that tugged at her heartstrings. After a moment, he stood up and moved to sit beside her, closing the distance between them.
Francis instinctively shifted a little, her long hair falling forward to partially obscure her face from his view. Felix let out a soft sigh as he reached out, tucking the hair behind her ear, revealing her flushed cheeks. "What's wrong?" he asked gently, concern etched in his features.
"It's nothing, really," Francis replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "But you're crying," he observed, wiping away the tears that had finally started streaming down her face.
"It's not serious. I just got caught up in some past fears," she admitted, her voice trembling as she sobbed softly. Felix felt a surge of empathy and instinctively patted her back in a comforting gesture, hoping to soothe her distressed heart. He had intended to discuss something important with her and perhaps even ask for her phone number, but given her fragile state, he decided against it for now.
Taking a deep breath to regain her composure, Francis wiped her tears away and managed to flash a reassuring smile at Felix, signaling that she was okay. The bell rang, signaling the end of break and the beginning of extracurricular activities. "I guess it's time to leave," Felix said, his tone comforting. "Take care of yourself, and try not to think too much about it. Just take it easy, okay?"
"Yeah, thanks," Francis replied softly as she stood up, ready to make her way to her next destination. Felix followed her with his gaze, feeling a mix of concern and admiration as they parted ways to join their respective club groups.
Francis pushed open the door to the music lab, revealing the cool, inviting space filled with various instruments, all meticulously arranged. As usual, she found herself alone. Walking over to the grand piano that sat elegantly in the corner, she took a moment to collect her thoughts. The piano awaited her touch, its polished keys gleaming under the soft lighting. As she sat down, she inhaled deeply and began playing a melody, letting the music whisk her away from the confines of her troubled thoughts.
Time slipped away unnoticed until it was finally time to go home. Sighing, Francis thought about Lily. I shouldn't have reacted that way, she mused, but it wasn't entirely my fault. I was hurt too. She murmured to herself as she navigated the school hallways leading to the main entrance. To her relief, she spotted her mom's car pulling up just in time.
"Francis! Francis!" Lily called out from behind, her voice echoing down the corridor. Quickly, Francis quickened her pace, sliding into the car and slamming the door shut without a backward glance.
"HEY SIS!" her siblings chimed in unison, their bright smiles at odds with her mood.
"Hi," Francis replied tersely, her voice cold and distant.
"Here we go again, always moody," Josh remarked, rolling his eyes.
"Francis!" Lily interjected, her tone a bit sharper.
"Mom, please can we just go?" Francis snapped, her irritation bubbling to the surface.
"Why? But your friend needs your attention. Are you really going to leave without answering her?"
"Mom! Just move the damn car," Francis shot back, her anger flaring.
Lily, who was standing close to the car, felt a pang of guilt wash over her. Beatrice, noticing the rising tension, shot Lily a sympathetic glance. "I don't know what's going on, but just give her some time. Everything will be fine," she suggested gently.
Lily nodded, though her smile was dry and uncertain as she exchanged glances with Beatrice. Josh and Rebecca waved at Lily as Beatrice turned the key in the ignition, the engine roaring to life as they sped off down the road.
Lily exhaled deeply, frustration etched on her face as she watched the car drive away, feeling helpless.
"What was that all about?" Beatrice asked, concern threading through her voice as they navigated home.
"It's nothing, Mom," Francis replied sullenly, irritation leaking into her tone.
Beatrice sighed softly, her gaze fixed on the road ahead, troubled by her daughter's refusal to open up over the past few weeks. The rest of the journey home fell into a heavy silence, each person lost in their own thoughts, their minds swirling with questions that remained unspoken.