When I wake up the next morning, my first thought is that I could really use another twelve hours of sleep. My second thought is that I'm not nearly ready to deal with another day at Silver Ridge High.
But skipping isn't an option, so I opt for my go-to "baddie" look, but with a twist. I slip into a fitted, high-waisted leather skirt that hugs my curves and hits just above the knee, striking the perfect balance between edgy and sophisticated. Paired with it is a sleek, black, long-sleeved crop top that shows just the right amount of skin, with bold, metallic detailing across the chest that makes a statement without saying a word.
I layer on a cropped moto jacket, the kind that cinches at the waist and has enough zippers and buckles to let everyone know I mean business. For footwear, I choose my knee-high leather boots with chunky heels that not only add height but also scream confidence with every step.
To complete the look, I apply a sharp winged eyeliner that makes my piercing blue eyes pop even more, and a swipe of matte red lipstick for that extra touch of fierceness. My hair is left loose, cascading in effortless waves around my shoulders, giving the whole outfit an almost rebellious elegance.
When I glance in the mirror, I see a girl who's ready to take on the world—unapologetic, fierce, and absolutely not in the mood to be messed with.
"Okay, Heaven," I mutter to myself. "You've got this."
---
When I pull into the parking lot at school, I instinctively glance over at Klaus's car. Thankfully, it's empty. No Klaus leaning against the door with that smug grin. No unreadable stares. Just an ordinary parking lot with ordinary cars.
"Okay," I mutter to myself as I grab my bag and step out of the car. "Maybe today will be different."
Emerald and Esmeralda were waiting for me near the entrance. Emerald's bright and bubbly smile lights up the entire area, while Esmeralda stands beside her, arms crossed, looking like she'd rather be anywhere else. They're total opposites—Emerald practically bouncing on her feet with excitement, and Esmeralda... well, let's just say she's giving off major Wednesday Addams vibes with her cold stare and cutting wit.
Emerald waves me over with a grin that could rival the sun. "Morning, Heaven! Ready for another exciting day?"
I make my way to them, hoping some of Emerald's boundless energy will rub off on me. "Exciting isn't the word I'd use."
Esmeralda raises an eyebrow, her voice deadpan. "You survived Day One. That makes you practically invincible now. Or maybe just lucky."
I smirk. "Right. Because nothing says invincible like being stared at all day."
Emerald laughs and throws an arm around my shoulders as we walk inside. "You're fine. Besides, with an outfit like that, who's going to mess with you? You look like you could take over the world."
---
The morning passes relatively uneventfully. I manage to navigate through classes without too much drama, although the whispers haven't entirely stopped. At least the staring has toned down... slightly.
When lunchtime rolls around, I brace myself for another round of cafeteria madness. But when we walk through the doors, the room feels a little less tense than it did yesterday. People still glance in my direction, but it's less of a shock now. Maybe Emerald was right—people are already starting to move on.
We grab our food and head toward our usual table in the back, and I can't help but feel a small sense of relief. Maybe today will actually be normal.
That is, until Klaus walks in.
The energy in the cafeteria shifts the moment he steps through the doors. Conversations lower to a murmur, and heads turn in his direction. I try not to look, but it's impossible to ignore his presence. He strides across the room like he owns the place, his gaze sweeping over the tables before finally landing on me.
I quickly look away, pretending to be fascinated by my sandwich. But I can still feel him watching me, like a shadow I can't shake. There's something about him—something I can't quite figure out—that makes my heart beat faster, and not in a good way.
"Well, this just got interesting," Emerald says with a grin, nudging me.
I roll my eyes. "Can we pretend he doesn't exist for five minutes?"
Esmeralda smirks, her tone dry as ever. "I'm afraid that's not an option. Klaus doesn't do invisibility."
"No kidding," I mutter.
Klaus sits at the table directly across from ours, still watching me with that same unreadable expression. Kayla and her minions are with him, but I barely notice them. All I can focus on is Klaus, and the way he seems to be studying me like I'm some kind of puzzle he's trying to solve.
I hate puzzles.
"Okay, I'll bite," I say, leaning in toward Emerald and Esmeralda. "What's his deal? Why does he keep staring at me like that?"
Emerald glances over at Klaus, then shrugs. "Who knows? Klaus doesn't really let people in. He's... complicated."
"Yeah, you mentioned that yesterday," I say. "But that doesn't really explain anything."
Esmeralda sighs, her voice tinged with sarcasm. "Klaus is like a Rubik's cube. Messy, twisted, and not worth the effort unless you're into frustration."
I frown. "And what does he want with me?"
Esmeralda gives me a pointed look. "That's the million-dollar question, isn't it?"
---
After lunch, I try to shake off the uneasy feeling that Klaus is playing some kind of game with me, but it lingers in the back of my mind throughout the rest of the day. Every time I pass him in the hallway, I catch him watching me—never saying anything, just... observing. It's unnerving, to say the least.
By the time the final bell rings, I'm more than ready to get out of there. I rush out of the building, eager to escape the suffocating atmosphere of Silver Ridge High. But as I head toward my car, I see him again.
Klaus is leaning against his car, his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes locked on me. For a moment, I consider turning around and going the long way to avoid him, but then I remind myself that I'm not about to let him intimidate me. I'm Heaven Astrid Holden, and I don't back down from anyone.
I march straight toward my car, determined to ignore him. But of course, Klaus isn't about to let that happen.
"Hey, Heaven," he calls out as I approach.
I pause, glancing over at him. "What do you want, Klaus?"
He shrugs, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Just curious."
"About what?"
He pushes off the car and takes a step closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "About you."
I narrow my eyes. "Well, stop. I'm not a science experiment."
Klaus chuckles, the sound low and infuriatingly smooth. "I never said you were."
I cross my arms over my chest, trying to keep my voice steady. "Then what is this? Why do you keep staring at me?"
Klaus tilts his head, his smirk fading slightly. "Maybe I'm trying to figure you out."
"There's nothing to figure out," I snap, feeling a surge of frustration. "I'm just... me."
"Exactly," he says, his voice softening. "And that's what makes you interesting."
I blink, taken aback by his words. Interesting? Is that what this is about? Some kind of twisted fascination?
"Well, find someone else to be interested in," I say, turning away. "I'm not playing this game with you."
Before he can say anything else, I get into my car and slam the door shut. My heart is pounding in my chest, and I hate how rattled I feel. Klaus is getting under my skin, and I don't like it. Not one bit.
As I drive away, I try to push him out of my mind. But his words echo in my head, refusing to be silenced.
"Maybe I'm trying to figure you out."
---
Back at home, I throw myself onto my bed and stare up at the ceiling. I can't stop thinking about Klaus, and it's driving me crazy. What does he want from me? Why can't he just leave me alone?
I close my eyes, trying to force the thoughts away. But no matter how hard I try, I can't shake the feeling that Klaus isn't done with me yet.
And worse, I'm not sure if I'm done with him either.