The weekends melted away in a swift blur, swept up in the whirlwind of Darek’s ceaseless activity. Amid the vibrant colours of a setting sun, he immersed himself in the flurry of tasks, diligently preparing to embrace a new chapter in his life. The promise of school beckoned, a tantalizing blend of academia and artistry that both thrilled and intrigued him.

Amid the hum of anticipation, Darek’s focus was split between his academic pursuits and his creative endeavours. Each day found him engrossed in the meticulous planning of his school journey, coupled with the fine-tuning of arrangements for recording albums and orchestrating photoshoots for his latest magazine feature. Every detail was a crucial brushstroke on the canvas of his life, shaping his identity and aspirations.

In the final moments before dawn broke on this pivotal morning, Darek meticulously inspected his bag, ensuring it held every essential he needed for the day ahead. He was aware that his celebrity status could easily lead to an environment where his needs were met without request, but he preferred to be self-sufficient, a trait cultivated through years of discipline and hard work.

As the sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow on his room, Darek’s mother’s voice carried warmth and curiosity. She stood at the doorway, a supportive smile etched on her face, her presence a comforting embrace of maternal affection. “Are you ready for the first day of your school?” she inquired, her voice soft and tinged with a mixture of excitement and tenderness.

Darek looked up from his bag, the morning light catching the determined gleam in his eyes. A warm smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he met his mother’s gaze. “Yes, Mom,” he replied, his tone resonating with assurance. His hands deftly arranged the contents of his bag in meticulous order, a reflection of the meticulous planning he had invested.

“And please be nice to your friend, dear. Remember, this is for your career. Not only will it affect your modelling career, but it will also help you make connections for yourself when you join the family business.” Dareks mother gently reminded him of the reasons for him joining school again knowing fully well about his quirks, his sensitivities, and his penchant for annoyance over the smallest matters.

He felt a mix of emotions—affection for his mother’s guidance, exasperation at being treated as a child, and a simmering determination to prove himself as an independent adult. His irritation at being treated as a child was palpable, evident in the barely concealed annoyance that laced his response. “Tsk... don’t treat me like a kid, Mom, will you,” he retorted, his tone laden with the weight of his impatience. The urge to assert his independence, to be recognized for the adult he was becoming, was an undercurrent in his words.

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry, honey, please don’t be grumpy. I just wanted to remind you,” Darek’s mother said, her tone soothing, her smile a gentle reassurance.

“Anyways, breakfast is ready. Come down and have it. Your father and brother are waiting for you to join them for breakfast,” she called him for breakfast she made her way downstairs, her footsteps gentle on the wooden staircase. In the kitchen, she prepared lunch for Darek and put it on the table for him.

Even though the school had arranged a cafeteria for the students, Darek prefer homemade food not only for quality and hygienic reasons but also to maintain his figure for his singing and modelling career. He even used to bring homemade food during his photo shooting, recordings and concerts to make sure he eat healthy food to maintain his tip-top figure and stay healthy. This habit of Darek had made many of his colleagues follow his routine after they saw her do that and get inspired to do the same thing.

After slipping into his weathered boots, Darek adjusted the straps, making sure they were snug against his feet. He draped his shoulder over the bannister of the wooden staircase, his fingers tracing the worn edges as he descended. The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting warm patches of golden light on the creaky steps.

Reaching the bottom, Darek’s presence was announced by the soft thuds of his boots against the hardwood floor. “Good morning everyone,” his voice carried, breaking the early morning stillness as he approached the dining table. His tousled hair bore witness to the last remnants of sleep, but his eyes sparkled with newfound energy.

Seated beside his father, Brayan, Darek exchanged a warm smile with him. “Good morning Darek, are you ready to go to school?” Brayan inquired, his eyes showing a mixture of concern and pride.

A nod from Darek accompanied his reply. He poured himself a glass of orange juice, the liquid glistening like morning sunlight as it filled the glass. The clinking of the glass against the tabletop harmonized with the soft sounds of breakfast preparation.

“Did you gather everything you need for school?” Brayan’s voice held a touch of parental worry as he deftly placed a plate of scrambled eggs in front of Darek.

Darek nodded once more, his mouth curving into a half-smile as he took a sip of the refreshing orange juice. The familiar taste seemed to infuse him with a sense of comfort and readiness for the day ahead.

“Need a ride to school, little brother?” Alex’s playful voice floated through the room. Darek turned to see his older brother leaning casually against the doorframe. Darek had grown accustomed to his brother’s teasing; it was all part of their dynamic.

Ignoring the bait, Darek focused on his meal, his fork spearing a portion of the scrambled eggs. He heard his brother’s chuckle but chose to remain engrossed in his breakfast.

Alex’s tone turned more serious as he continued, “Remember, if anyone gives you a hard time at school, just let me know. I’ll swoop in to save the day.” The smirk on Alex’s face was hard to miss. Darek’s eyes rolled in response. Brothers, forever bound by their shared history.

“Alex,” Brayan’s voice held a firm note, a warning against escalating their banter into a full-blown argument. He didn’t want to see Darek first day of school overshadowed by sibling rivalry.

“Alright, alright, I won’t say anything else,” he conceded, a playful glint still dancing in his eyes.

But then, his tone shifted, a gravity settling in his words. “But I am serious, Darek. If something happens at school or if you find yourself in any sort of trouble, don’t hesitate to reach out to me,” he affirmed, his expression earnest and concerned.

A soft chuckle escaped Brayan’s lips, and he leaned back in his chair, his eyes shifting between his two sons. “He’s not as much of a pushover as you might think,” he quipped, an affectionate pride emanating from his voice.

A grin tugged at Mia’s lips as she moved gracefully around the table, serving up stacks of pancakes onto Alex’s plate. “And who could dare bully Darek Marshall, the famous celebrity model in a famous, magazine?” Her tone was lighthearted as she teased, her eyes twinkling as she glanced toward Darek, who was engrossed in eating breakfast but one could see her face get red due to embarrassment.

After finishing breakfast and packing his lunch, Darek kissed his mother on her cheek saying goodbye to her, picked up his belongings and headed for school.