Ms. Chaos Meets Mr. Serious

Haven

I have zero clue what my parents were thinking when they named me HAVEN. They claim I looked like a little piece of heaven dropped straight from the sky when I was a baby. Personally, I think it’s just a unique way to start a conversation, but I’ll take it. Right now, I’m vibrating in my seat. We are officially seniors. Fourth year college students! Just a few more weeks of grinding, a couple more dances with fate, and we are walking across that stage with those diplomas.

I looked over at Estelle, who was currently occupied with a bag of chips. It’s wild to think we’re finishing this journey together. She’s been my shadow, my rock, and my absolute best friend since we were toddlers. Our moms are best friends too, so our bond was basically written in the stars before we could even walk.

My family situation is a bit of a plot twist, though. I have a younger brother named Xenon. We have the same mom, but different dads. My biological father was a total waste of space. He was the kind of guy who chose a bottle over his own daughter every single night. Mom did the smartest thing ever by leaving that loser before they even got married. Honestly, if she hadn’t, I probably would have grown up and forced her to leave him myself.

Then came the man I actually call Papa. He’s Xenon’s dad, and he stepped up in a way my real father never could. He even fixed my papers so my last name would be Cross, just like theirs. It took me a long time to warm up to him because I didn’t know what a real father looked like. But he told me I could call him anything. Tito, big brother, whatever made me comfortable. He’s amazing. He works so hard so Mom can just focus on us, even though she’s more than capable of working too. I really lucked out with him.

A sudden, sharp smack against my desk jolted me so hard my heart nearly leaped out of my chest.

"Son of a bitch!"

The curse echoed through the lecture hall before I could bite it back. My face went hot as a dozen heads turned my way. I immediately flashed a guilty peace sign, offering a sheepish grin to the room. That’s just me. If you scare me, I’m going to swear. It’s a package deal.

"Staring into space again? You were miles away," Estelle teased, leaning in close with a smirk.

I rubbed my ear, trying to get my heart rate under control. "I lost track of time. You totally caught me off guard."

"Is it a requirement to look that gorgeous even when you’re swearing like a sailor?" Sebastian piped up from the seat next to us.

We all broke into a fit of giggles. Sebastian is one of those guys who just knows he’s pretty.

"Why do you feel the need to shout those words when you have such a pretty face?" Jasper chimed in, Sebastian’s brother.

"Your voice is actually giving me a headache," Sebastian snapped at his brother, reaching over to give his arm a hard pinch.

"Ow! Watch the designer gear!" Jasper yelped.

I just shook my head, laughing at them. We met Valerius Blackwood and Sebastian Blackwood last year. They’re the campus royalty, always arriving in expensive cars with private drivers, but underneath the "it-boy" status, they’re just chaotic brothers. We’ve been a solid four-person squad ever since we ended up in the same classes. Estelle is still like a sister to me, even if I am technically two months older.

"Anyway, guys, my birthday is next week. You’re all invited. Your favorite mayor is throwing a massive party," Sebastian announced, throwing his arms out wide.

We cheered and clapped, the excitement in the room instantly doubling.

"A party? Have you even pitched this to our older brother?" Jasper asked, his tone skeptical. "Remember last year? He shut you down so fast it was embarrassing. What makes you think this year is any different?"

Sebastian’s smile faltered into a dramatic, high-fashion pout. He crossed his arms over his chest and slumped.

"You really need to convince him, Bas," Estelle said, crunching on another chip. "We’ve been dying to see your house. You keep us locked out like it’s a secret fortress."

The professor hadn't arrived for the next block yet, so the room was a chaotic mess of students gossiping and laughing. It’s the start of the semester, but the workload is already starting to pile up. I looked at the clock, feeling that familiar itch of restlessness.

"Uhm, excuse me?"

A soft knock at the door dragged our attention away from the birthday drama. A guy stood there, shifting his weight from one foot to the other like he was about to face a firing squad.

"Ah, yes! Are you looking for me? Finally, a fan!" Sebastian joked, leaning back and fluttering his eyelashes at the poor messenger.

Jasper didn't even hesitate. He slapped the back of Sebastian’s head with a meaty thud. "Ignore him. Can we help you with something?"

One of our classmates by the door chimed in too, trying to look helpful, but I caught Sebastian giving her the most hilarious, petty side-eye. I swear, these two are going to be the death of me.

"Someone asked me to give this to Ms. Cross," the guy said.

He reached behind his back and pulled out a grease-stained bag that smelled like absolute heaven. McDonald's. My soul practically left my body.

The entire room erupted into whistles and catcalls. "Oh my god, Haven! Another one?" Kia shouted from across the room. "Your secret admirer has been at this for years. Why won't he just show his face already?"

I felt the heat rush to my cheeks as I stood up, my legs feeling a little like jelly.

"Go on, girl! Get your goods!" Sebastian nudged me, practically shoving me toward the door.

"Get the bag! Get the bag! Get the bag!" the class started chanting in unison.

I rolled my eyes at them, though a smile was tugging at my lips. I walked over to the guy, feeling the weight of everyone’s stares on my back.

"I know you won't tell me who he is," I said, taking the warm bag from him. "But tell him he needs to stop. Or, if he’s really that determined, tell him to bring it himself next time. This is getting embarrassing. But anyway, thank him for me."

The messenger just nodded. "Got it."

He didn't waste a second before disappearing down the hallway. I turned back to the room, the scent of fries acting like a siren song.

"Sharing is caring, people! Dig in!" I announced, holding the bag out.

I’m not the type to hoard a feast while everyone else is hungry. Within seconds, my classmates were swarming like piranhas.

"Haven’t wouldn't be Haven without her daily delivery," Matt laughed, grabbing a handful of fries. She’s been in our circle forever, and she knows the drill.

"Seriously though," Joseph added, leaning against a desk. "We’ve been in the same classes for years, and this guy is still a ghost. Don't you have any clue who it is?"

I popped a fry into my mouth, the salt hitting just right. "Honestly? Not a single lead. It’s been going on since junior high, and he still hasn't made a move."

It’s the truth. My bedroom back home is basically a museum of this guy's affection. Dresses, hoodies, expensive shoes, and teddy bears so big they take up half my bed. I use the bears as backrests while I study.

My parents are just as curious as I am. They’ve actually given me the green light to have a boyfriend, which is hilarious because I’m the one holding back. Papa keeps telling me that as soon as the mystery man shows up, I have to bring him home immediately.

But the truth is, I’ve got a bit of a sharp tongue and a short fuse. I judge guys way too fast. Like that jerk who bumped into me yesterday and didn't even say sorry? Please. Why should I apologize if he won’t? My attitude is a bit of a mess, probably a gift from my biological father. I’ve been swearing since I was a kid, and no matter how many times Mom swatted my lips, the words just kept flying.

Who would actually want to date a girl who cussess like a sailor and has a temper like a firecracker?

The day wound down with the usual mix of chaos and laughter. As the sun started to dip, we began packing our bags.

"Girls! We’re heading out. Stay safe, okay?" Sebastian called out, leaning in to give us both a quick air-kiss on the cheek.

"See you tomorrow! Don't get into too much trouble!" Estelle shouted back.

I was zipping up my bag when my phone started vibrating against the wooden desk. An unknown number.

"Hello?" I answered, tucking the phone against my ear.

"Good afternoon. Is this Haven Cross?"

The voice on the other end was deep, smooth, and completely unfamiliar. It sent a strange little shiver down my spine.

"Speaking," I replied, my pulse picking up speed for no reason at all. "Who is this?"

"You will know when you meet me," the voice on the line purred, smooth as expensive whiskey. "So, can you meet me now? I know your classes just finished."

I froze, the hair on my arms standing up. How did he know my schedule?

"I don't meet strangers," I snapped, my jolly mood souring instantly. I gripped my phone tighter. "Who even are you?"

"My secretary arrived a while ago. He is there to pick you up."

My heart did a violent thud against my ribs. Fear, sharp and cold, spiked through my chest. "I’m not going anywhere with him! You’re being way too pushy, mister. I said no, and I don’t even know you!"

I didn’t care if the few students left in the room were staring. My voice was rising, fueled by a mix of adrenaline and pure annoyance.

"Miss Haven Cross, I’m begging you to meet me today," he said, though he didn't sound like he was begging at all. He sounded like he was issuing a command. "I’ve been waiting for your day to end because we have something vital to discuss."

"Is it more important than my sleep?" I shot back, leaning into my sass to hide the fact that my knees were shaking. "I'm exhausted. It’s the first day of the semester, so do me a favor and stop annoying me."

"Then let's meet tomorrow. Or the next day. Anytime you are free."

I groaned, rubbing my temple. This guy was like a persistent stain. "What do you even want? You're obsessed! I said I don’t want to! I don’t! Do I need to say it in another language? I. Do. Not. Want. To. Okay? Goodby—"

"My secretary and the guards I ordered to fetch you will not leave until you meet me," he interrupted.

My jaw dropped. I clenched my free hand into a fist, my nails biting into my palm. "Then they can rot there for all I care! Screw you!"

I slammed the end call button and exhaled a breath that tasted like fire.

"You're seeing red again," Estelle said, watching me with wide eyes. "Who was that? You look like you’re about to breathe smoke out of your nose."

I chewed on my lip, my mind racing. "Some freak who won't take no for an answer. He wants to meet about something, but for all I know, he’s a kidnapper or a serial killer."

"Come on, ride with me," Estelle suggested, grabbing her bag. "I’m not letting you walk home alone if some creep is stalking you."

I wanted to say yes immediately, but then I remembered his threat. "I don't think we can just walk out. He said he has guards and a secretary waiting at the exit."

"Watch me," she said, her voice firm.

We stepped out of the building and crept toward the campus gates. My breath hitched. Stationed right by the main exit were five men in crisp black uniforms, earplugs tucked into their ears, looking like they stepped straight out of a high-security detail.

"Oh my god," I whispered, ducking behind a pillar. "There are so many of them."

"Should we just talk to them? Tell them to go away?" Estelle hissed.

"What if they just grab me and throw me in a car?" My imagination was running wild, picturing myself in some dark basement.

Then, I spotted a familiar pair walking toward the parking lot. Professor Salazar and Professor Ironwood. A lightbulb went off in my head.

"Follow my lead," I whispered, grabbing Estelle’s hand.

"Where are we going?"

"We’re hitching a ride with the faculty!"

I didn't give her a choice. I hauled her toward the professors.

"Oh, Ms. Cross, Ms. Valeriane! Still here?" Professor Ironwood asked, looking surprised.

I flashed my brightest, most innocent smile, though I kept shooting furtive glances at the men in black. "Heading home, Professor? You guys stay safe on the road! See you!"

I didn't even wait for a reply. I used their presence as a human shield, shielding us from the guards' line of sight as we sprinted toward Estelle’s waiting car. In my frantic dash, I slammed hard into someone’s shoulder.

A guy in a dark hoodie stumbled, and his phone hit the pavement with a sickening crack.

"Oh no, I'm so sorry!" I gasped, pausing for a split second.

"It's okay," the guy said. His voice was low, and he didn't even look up as he reached for the phone.

Guilt twisted in my stomach, but my pulse was screaming at me to move. I scrambled into the backseat of Estelle’s car just as the engine roared to life.

"Hi, Mr. Delfin!" Estelle chirped to her driver, Delfin.

"Why are you two so out of breath?" he asked, chuckling as he pulled out of the driveway.

"Just... playing tag!" I lied, my chest heaving.

As we sped away, I looked out the back window. The guards were standing there, watching our car disappear into the traffic. I finally let out the breath I’d been holding, but my hands wouldn't stop shaking.

Who the hell was that man? How did he get my private number? I keep that thing locked down specifically to avoid creeps and prank callers. If I find out which of my "friends" leaked it, they’re dead.

My mind drifted back to the guy I bumped into. I felt like trash for breaking his phone, but panic does weird things to your brain. I’ll probably never see him again to make it right, and I definitely don't have the cash to fix a screen.

The whole situation was a mess. It was only Monday, and I already felt like I was being hunted. He sounded like a boss, someone used to getting exactly what he wanted. Well, he picked the wrong girl to bully. If he tries this again tomorrow, I'm going to give him a piece of my mind that he’ll never forget.

"You okay?" Estelle asked, resting a hand on my arm.

"I'm fine," I said, though I was still vibrating with leftover adrenaline. "Just annoyed. I hate it when people think they can buy my time."

But deep down, a tiny, annoying part of me was curious. What could be so "important" that it required a small army to deliver the message?