The bus stopped in the academy's parking lot and Amara immediately grabbed her bag. She could see her dad's Ferrari from the window. She was already on the aisle when she bent down to address Elijah.

"One week," she said, not hiding the threat in her voice, and trudged to the exit.

Amara didn't want to talk to Primo yet and spending time with her dad was the best way to forget their fight. She slid in the shotgun seat. "Hi, Dad! Miss me?"

"We all do, princess."

She kissed his cheek and put on the seatbelt. "Why did you pick me up though? Aren't you busy?"

"I am. But Aiken wanted to eat outside so I left work early and Thomas got your message just in time," he explained. "They're waiting for us."

"What? So, you're gonna leave me if I didn't text Gramps?"

Her dad chuckled. "We didn't know when you were coming. And frankly, I thought you're gonna hang out with that boy."

Amara sighed as she remembered Primo again. "You don't really like him, do you, Dad?"

"I'm your father, princess. I believe no boy would be good enough for you." Castor Luciano stepped on the gas as he resumed talking. "But... I admit that Primo has some... few great qualities."

She gaped at her dad. "Seriously?"

"No. Forget I said that."

Amara leaned against the window as she smiled at her father's words. "We had a misunderstanding. I hate him right now."

"What happened?"

"He... he didn't listen to me. I hate it. He's so annoying." Amara was pouting now. Her dad really brought out her bratty side.

"Is it important that he listened to you?" the older man asked. "You two are best friends but at the end of the day, it's his life. And your role is to be there for him even if he makes bad decisions."

Amara shut her eyes close. "But I'm only looking out for him!"

"You can do that without being a bitch to him."

Amara chuckled at how ironic it was for her dad to come to Primo's defense. "So, when Mom makes bad decisions you just let her be?"

"Of course not. I fight her on it but in the end, it's her choice. Your mom did learn from all her mistakes," he answered. "You're still young, princess. There are people you'll meet that you want to either stay or leave. You just gotta figure out where Primo falls between those two."

"I know."

"But also remember princess, we all have our breaking point. If you reached yours, there's no harm in leaving."

She grinned at her dad. "Dad, what happened? You sound so wise."

He chuckled in reply.

✘✘

"Lunch and shopping?"

Amara straightened her tie as the girls exited their Chemistry class. "Sorry. I think I'm gonna go practice."

Isla nodded in understanding and turned to Natasha. "How about you, girl?"

"No, I have a lunch date with Primo," she replied, grabbing her bag.

Amara excused herself and entered the music room. Only freshman had music classes that it was easy to reserve three hours for herself. The academy had three music rooms but her favorite was where the grand piano was next to a wide glass window. It reminded her of the one she had at home.

She played the violin for an hour and a half before she took a rest. Amara was satisfied with her performance. Bach's Chaconne. Partita No. 2 was a little difficult but she enjoyed all the emotions she could pour into it. And it's an unaccompanied work. She didn't have to go to the trouble of finding someone who would play the piano for her.

Although, she was considering Saint-Saëns too.

She sat on the grand piano as she massaged her neck. She stretched her fingers and felt the smooth surface of the piano keys. Damn.

It was so beautiful.

Amara admired all types of classical music. But for some reason, the piano had a special place in her heart. Maybe because of Primo.

She began playing Tristesse.

She hadn't reached her breaking point yet. Amara still liked Primo the most and that wouldn't change soon.

But she couldn't help but punish him for going against what he truly felt. She had been eyeing Elijah the past three days but he kept dodging her. Amara hated how scattered things were and how she couldn't do anything about it. The decision wasn't in her hands.

And the last thing she wanted to do was hurt Primo with her version of the truth.

She gritted her teeth as her playing got angrier. Fingers striking harshly at the keys. "Fuck."

"I take it that was for me," Primo commented as he stepped inside the spacious room.

Amara took a deep breath as he strutted in. He was in his varsity jacket, icy-blue eyes, and messy hair. "Don't you have practice?"

"It's been four days, Amara."

She lifted a brow. "And you care?"

Primo hid his hands in his pockets as his jaw clenched. "Why wouldn't I care?"

Amara rolled her eyes. She turned her head and focused on the window. Students were frolicking around the academy's garden. "You can leave now."

Fuck. She knew she should forgive him but the words weren't just forming.

"Amara, please..."

"Did she cry?" she asked instead.

"Ama... princess... I'm sorry." His voice was nearer now.

Amara bit her lip in anger. She faced him as he kneeled on her side. He reached for her hand and clutched it tight. "I'm truly fucking sorry for being a disappointment. I promise I'll do everything to be the person you expect me to be."

"You'll just learn to love her then?" Amara's stormy irises locked with his endearing blues. "You'll do that?"

"I will! I can do that!"

Her disappointment smashed through her like a bullet train. Amara licked her lips as she smiled. "Okay."

"Oh, god. Thank you." He sat next to her and hugged her for a second.

Amara tried her best to be happy for him. But it was fucking difficult. Primo would get hurt if he continued with the path he chose.

And all she could do was watch.

It didn't sound right.

"I'll go to practice. We're okay, right?" Primo nudged her shoulder with a small smile.

"Of course. Good luck," she replied.

She waited until Primo disappeared to settle her wild thoughts. Her fingers itch. Amara wanted to destroy something, anything. She didn't want to watch.

No, she wouldn't do that.

Because she was Amara Luciano.

And she gets things done.

✘✘

last update before the holidays! first arc is finished hehe

hope we all have a merry Christmas despite the pandemic. <3