Page 40 of Ghost Ribbon

Chapter 12 - Marco

I woke up earlier than usual, showered quickly, ran a comb through my curls until they looked somewhat presentable, and slipped into my clothes. A part of me was genuinely excited. I missed going to the Academy.

I grabbed my backpack, double-checked that my notebooks were inside, and headed downstairs. The smell of fresh toast greeted me. Mom was already at the kitchen table, sipping from her mug, while Dad flipped through the newspaper with a relaxed smile.

“Morning,” I said softly, sliding into my seat and reaching for a slice of toast.

Mom’s eyes lit up. “Morning, sweetheart.”

Dad lowered the paper, his expression teasing as he looked between Mom and me. “So, your mom has been telling me you have a boyfriend now? Some nice young man who came over for dinner the other night?”

I nearly choked on my bite of toast, heat rushing straight to my cheeks. “Dad…” I mumbled, glancing down at my plate.

Mom laughed softly, reaching over to pat my hand. “He was very polite, honey. Charming, even. He made a good impression.”

Dad chuckled, folding the newspaper neatly. “Hey, I’m not complaining. As long as he treats you right and doesn’t keep you out too late. We remember what it was like at your age.” He winked at Mom, who blushed a little herself, and they shared one of those fond looks that always made me feel lucky.

“It’s not… like that,” I protested gently.

Mom squeezed my hand again. “We’re proud of you, Marco.”

Dad nodded in agreement, ruffling my hair lightly as I finished my breakfast. “Listen to your mother. And if this ‘boyfriend’ gives you any trouble, you let me know. I may be getting older, but I can still give a good talk.”

I smiled. “Thanks, both of you. I’ll be fine. Really.” The conversation stayed light as we chatted about Mom’s garden plans. We hadn’t let her work in it lately. She loved gardening, but now that she had weekly treatments, she had to take it easier.

Eventually, I stood, slinging my backpack over one shoulder. “I should get going.”

Mom stood too, pulling me into a tight hug. “Have a good day, sweetheart. We love you.”

“Love you too,” I murmured, hugging her back before waving to Dad. I stepped toward the front door and stepped out into the morning sunlight, pulling it shut behind me. My eyes scanned the street automatically, and then widened in shock. There, parked right at the curb in front of our house, was Alexei’s sleek black car. He leaned against it casually, arms crossed, those intense eyes already locked on me.

My breath caught. I quickly pulled the door closed the rest of the way, hoping my parents hadn’t glanced out the window, and rushed down the short path toward him, backpack bouncing against my shoulder.

“What are you doing here?” I asked as I stopped a few feet away, cheeks already warming again.

“You told me if I accepted your offer, you wouldn’t come to my house anymore!” I whispered urgently, glancing back at the front door to make sure it stayed closed.

Alexei leaned against his car, one eyebrow arching as his eyes traced over me. “Did I? I don’t remember saying that, little star. And even if I did, I’m not in your house. I’m in front of it. Technicalities matter, don’t they?”

I let out a frustrated breath, hugging my backpack strap tighter. “Why are you here? This isn’t what we agreed on.”

He pushed off the car, closing the distance between us. “I came to drive you to school. Simple as that.”

“That’s… that isn’t necessary. Really. I appreciate the thought, but I’ve managed just fine on my own. The bus stop is right around the corner, and—”

“I’m not asking for your opinion,” he cut in, stepping even closer so I had to tilt my head up to meet his gaze.

I swallowed hard, my gentle nature warring with the stubborn spark of independence I was desperately trying to hold onto. “I can take the bus, Alexei. You don’t have to drive all the way here just for me. It’s out of your way, and my parents could come out any second.”

“Should I pay you, then? Hmm?” His eyes gleamed with seriousness. “Name your price. I’ll make it worth your while so you’ll let me drive you without all this adorable resistance.”

“Pay me?” I echoed, eyes widening as the blush deepened to a burning crimson. I took a small step back, but he matched it effortlessly. “Pay me for what? No — you can’t just throw money at me every time you want me to do something. That isn’t how this works. I’m not… I’m not something you buy.”

“Then what do you want?” he pressed, crowding me gently against the side of the car now. “Should I give you a kiss?”

“I don’t want anything!” I insisted softly, though my voice trembled just a little.

“Get in the car, Marco. Or I’ll make you.”