Chapter 5
Mirabella’s laugh was a rare bloom of gentleness on her usually frosty face. She tenderly smoothed the wisps of silver hair at her grandmother’s temples, her voice softening like one might use to coax a child to sleep. “I’ve sorted out all the transfer paperwork. It’s time for me to head out. You’ve got to take good care of yourself. Remember to take your meds on time, okay? Once I’m settled back in the city, I’ll come by for a visit. Deal?”
Catherine felt the soothing touch on her cheek and struggled to swallow, her throat parched. After a moment, she grasped Mirabella’s hand in her own. “Alright, I’ll do as you say, my dear,”
“Good,” Mirabella said, nodding in satisfaction.
Mandy, who had been standing by, felt a pang of jealousy. She had talked herself hoarse, trying to persuade her mother to come back to the city with her without success. Yet here was this brat, uttering just a few words, and her grandmother acquiesced? She had clearly underestimated Mirabella’s ability to charm and cajole!
Just then, the wail of an ambulance siren announced its arrival outside. Soon after, thanks to Mandy’s insistent demands, the paramedics carried Catherine to the ambulance. Before leaving for the hospital, Mandy did not forget to give Mirabella a few parting shots, warning her to make herself scarce.
Once Mandy had departed, Mirabella ascended the stairs to her room and pulled out a suitcase from under the bed, already packed and ready. Even without today’s drama courtesy of Mandy, Mirabella would have left soon anyway.
In the months since she had transformed from Mirabelle to Mirabella, she had stayed not only because she was concerned about Catherine’s health but also because she was in the middle of her junior year of high school. So, she had made a deal with her biological parents. Once the semester ended, she would transfer schools for her senior year. Mirabella drew a letter from an old desk drawer, dusted off the edges with her slender fingers, and slipped it into her backpack.
Dragging her suitcase, Mirabella had just closed the gate when a car honked nearby. She looked up, squinting at the sleek black sedan that was making the noise. Despite its modest Volkswagen badge, the car’s lines were cool and slick–a subtle flamboyance under its low–profile exterior.
A figure emerged from the car, a black baseball cap on his head. He leaned casually against the door, watching. Mirabella approach.
Mirabella arched an eyebrow, a hint of nonchalance on her elegant face. As she drew near, her lips curled into a half–smile. “Have you been waiting for me?”
The man crossed his arms, his chiseled chin tilting upward as he gave Mirabella a once–over. His gaze finally rested on her suitcase with a teasing tone. “What’s this? Did you get kicked to the curb?”
Mirabella shot him a glance. “Eavesdropping isn’t very gentlemanly, you know.”
James chuckled lightly. “Did you forget our houses are only separated by a half–wall?
“So what’s your point, neighbor boy? You’re loitering here just to mock your lifesaver?” Mirabella quipped, her arms folded, a playful smirk on her lips.
After nearly a year of knowing her, James had transitioned from grinding his teeth in annoyance to acceptance of Mirabella’s refusal to call him by his name, insisting on ‘neighbor boy‘ instead. Of course, he was also privy to some of the melodrama of Mirabella’s life.
“What’s your plan now?” James asked, his eyebrows lifting. Under the brim of his cap, his features were striking. especially those dark eyes. They were like a night sky full of stars.
He paused, then added, “Of course, if you’re out of options, my door’s open for you… temporarily.”
Mirabella gave him a sidelong look and a silent ‘tsk‘ in her heart before placing her suitcase squarely in front of him. “How about this? I’ll give you a chance to repay your debt.”
