Chapter 11: Morning Light
Julian Hayes woke naturally at six in the morning. His internal clock was precise no matter how late he'd stayed up the night before.
Pale dawn light filtered through the old sycamore tree outside the window, tinting the room in soft yellow as dust particles swirled in the beams.
Rubbing his bleary eyes, Julian felt the autumn chill pressing against the warmth of his blankets. Bracing himself, he climbed out of bed and headed to the bathroom to wash up.
The aged mirror with its web of cracks reflected his freshly splashed face—handsome and refined, but clearly pale and gaunt from years of skimping on proper meals.
After brushing his teeth, he dressed quickly, grabbed his backpack, and stuffed a couple of packaged bread rolls into his pocket.
Mornings didn't leave time for waiting in line at the local spots, and the bread was cheap, quick, and filling. It had become his standard solution for breakfast.
A handful of students in Riverside High uniforms and office workers with briefcases waited at the bus stop. Julian joined them, listening to the mix of traffic noise and conversation while cyclists and joggers passed by.
The bus pulled up exactly on schedule, doors opening with a familiar chime.
He boarded, tapped his transit pass, and squeezed into the packed car filled with morning commuters and fellow students. Every inch of standing room was taken. Julian gripped the overhead strap, steadying himself as the bus moved forward. Through the heavily scratched windows, the usual convenience store and fast-food joints along the route soon disappeared behind them.
He swayed with the bumps, jostled deeper into the crowd as people got on and off. Suddenly, his foot came down on someone else's.
A spotless white sneaker now bore a dusty mark. The girl in school uniform looked up at him, her large eyes flashing with a mix of irritation and reluctant acceptance.
"Julian, that's the fifth time this month you've stepped on my shoes. You doing this on purpose? Are my feet really that soft you've gotten hooked on it?"
"Sorry about that, Hannah," Julian said, scratching his head awkwardly. "I swear it was an accident. Someone pushed me and I didn't see... Want to step on mine to make us even?"
They took the same bus route every morning for school, so their paths crossed often. And Julian had a habit of... accidentally stepping on Hannah Reeves' shoes.
She was the type who valued cleanliness. Her uniform, pants, and sneakers were always immaculate, matching the fresh, pure beauty of her fair face.
"Whatever. I'm not going to make a big deal out of it." Hannah's voice softened as she teased him. "So where's your school beauty girlfriend this morning? Did Margaret finally get tired of you?"
"Margaret and I aren't on the same route. You've never seen her on this bus either, right?" Julian explained. "Don't tell me you buy into all those wild rumors too. Just because she gave me a water bottle once, everyone acts like it's some grand romance novel."
"I was only joking. Most people are just messing around. Margaret doesn't even talk to guys normally."
"Still, those rumors are pretty rude. I don't care much, but it's not fair to her."
Hannah let the subject drop, her gaze settling on his face. She noticed the faint shadows under his eyes. "Too pumped up from winning the game last night to sleep? Those dark circles make it look like you're wearing makeup."
"Insomnia. I'm dead tired but I couldn't fall asleep. Maybe I miss the sound of the French teacher's lectures. I knock out so easily in her class."
"You should call her tonight then and ask for a special lesson," Hannah joked, giving the bottom of his shoe a light kick. "Though she'd probably think you were pranking her. Or you could call me. Beg a little and I might read you something to help you drift off."
"Bedtime stories?" The words slipped out.
"Bedtime stories?" Hannah repeated, her tone turning more intent.
"Never mind. Margaret was just kidding around with that too."
"But I'm serious. Call me and actually ask nicely, and I'd think about it."
Hannah continued the lighthearted teasing, her outgoing personality shining through in a way that felt completely different from Margaret's more reserved nature. "Hannah's nighttime tutoring sessions aren't for the average person."
"Makes me feel special."
"Interested now?"
"No."
His firm refusal surprised her. Hannah turned away with a huff, her ponytail swinging sharply and brushing across his face.
"Suit yourself."
The familiar route eventually reached their stop. The entrance to Riverside High came into view, with clusters of students hurrying through the gates.
The bus stopped a short distance away. Hannah exited first. Julian waited for the other passengers to clear out before stepping off.
She was waiting for him on the sidewalk. As he approached, Julian reached into his pocket only to find it empty.
"What's up? Lose something?"
"Yeah... my breakfast."
He glanced back at the departing bus, realizing the bread rolls were gone for good.
"Next time get a jacket with actual pockets that zip."
Hannah tugged his sleeve and held out a small white plastic bag. Inside were two warm sausage biscuits.
Julian hesitated, not taking it right away. He rubbed his hand against his pant leg, reluctant to accept something for nothing.
"I already ate. My mom kept forcing extras on me... If you don't take them, they'll just go bad anyway." She caught his hand and pressed the bag into his palm.
Her fingers felt cool and silky against his skin, sending an unexpected spark through him that left him slightly off balance.
A light blush touched Hannah's cheeks as she shifted her weight from foot to foot. "If it really bothers you that much, you can pay me back sometime. Up to you."
"Thanks."
Julian accepted and pulled out one of the biscuits, still warm. He took a bite. The meat filling was perfectly balanced, rich juices releasing with each chew. It tasted genuinely good—something he hadn't enjoyed in a long while. He was always so strict with his spending that a decent breakfast had become a distant memory.
"Let's go. We don't have much time left. Can't be late."
"Mm," Julian replied through a mouthful, eating without much elegance, words muffled.
More students flooded toward the school entrance. Hannah's friends passed them in small groups, exchanging greetings and laughing about bus stories or last night's shows. A few nodded good morning to Julian as well.
He slowed his steps to give the girls space, finishing the breakfast Hannah had given him while they chatted. Near the main building, the group split off to their different classes.
Hannah was alone again. She glanced back and saw Julian had finished eating and was now drinking from his water bottle.
He suddenly choked, water spraying out and soaking the front of his shirt. Coughing, he fumbled to close the bottle and wiped at the mess with a napkin, looking thoroughly embarrassed.
Hannah smiled sweetly, amusement clear in her eyes with a touch of mockery—but there was something else there too.
This guy... he's really such a dork.
She turned and walked into the noisy classroom.