22

{Sorry for the late UD, online classes preoccupies me}

Paige.

"Make sure that you pick up my package for you and Aiden." Mom reminded me.

"Yes Mom." I placed on my jacket while positioning my phone on my shoulder while pressing it to my ear so that I could talk to Mom. "Aiden and I will pick it up."

After I ended the call, I took a piece of toast and left the dorm room with Aicko and we both headed to Shari's room on the lower floor of the dorm building.

We entered Shari's room and helped her pack her things for Egypt. Aicko and I woke up extra early today although it's a Saturday, to help Shari pack for her trip. She along with Eloise and all the other Royals and selected billionaires are invited to Ram and Nile's main birthday celebration. Aicko was invited as well but she said that she couldn't go since she'll be in charge of the student council while both the President and Vice President are gone.

I settled on the floor of Shari's bedroom and fixed some of her stuff into her suitcase while Aicko was rummaging Shari's closet.

"You should take this." Aicko brought out a green summer dress. "This would make Ram fall head over heels for you!" She laughed.

"Shh!" Shari shushed her. "You might wake my roommate."

"Oops." Aicko lowered her voice.

I chuckled when Shari took the green dress that Aicko pulled out from her closet and inserted it into one of her suitcases. After a while, we finished and the three of us brought Shari's stuff down to the first floor.

We waved when we spotted Eloise coming out of her dorm across our street with guards holding her suitcases and putting them inside a limo.

We rode in Shari's car and we drove to the oval of flags where a private bus will take the students to the airport. Of course Aicko and I will be there to send them off. When we got there, there were already many Royals and Billionaires entering the bus. Shari's Arabian body guard showed up and took her stuff out of the car's trunk and brought it to the bus. Eloise then joined us when she arrived.

"I'm going to miss you both!" Aicko hugged Eloise and Shari. I hugged them too.

"You sure you don't wanna join them?" I asked Aicko.

I'm glad that Aicko would be staying with me but if she's doing this just so that I wouldn't be alone then she should go, coz I certainly wouldn't mind, besides, there are a whole bunch of other commoners that I could join while they're gone.

"Nope." She shook her head. "I've been there so many times, besides my parents are going to be there anyways."

I just nodded. I could understand why commoners like me aren't invited. Because we're commoners, I maybe going to school with them but we're still totally different, and I also know that commoner guests aren't allowed in the Egyptian palace but it was nice of Ram for inviting me yesterday.

I scanned the oval, I spotted Bellona, Khrysie and their group of friends, each wearing designer clothes and sun glasses even if the sun isn't out yet. Each of them had bodyguards behind them holding their luggage.

Soon all of them were called to enter the bus.

"Take care!" I hugged Eloise and Shari once again."

"I'll say hi to the bus driver." Aicko laughed.

Seriously? She's even friends with the bus driver?

I watched Eloise and Shari walk towards the bus with guards of their own behind them, Aicko tagged along to greet the bus driver. I'm going to miss not having those two around. I sighed and decided to head back inside the car.

I turned around and gasped when I hit a hard chest.

"Easy there Puppy." Blake said in a husky tone.

I looked up to him. His hair was still wet from the shower, he wore a black hoodie and pants, I looked to his side and found a suitcase. I almost forgot that he's leaving too.

"Whatever." I crossed my arms and took a step back to give us space. The bus personal did a second call.

He turned to me. "We'll be leaving now."

"Obviously." I rolled my eyes.

"Aren't you're gonna miss me?" He chuckled. "I'll be gone for a week."

I forgot that I'm not going to see all these people for an entire week, a while ago I felt ok but now it just felt sad. "I'm gonna miss Shari and Eloise."

"Not me?" He asked. What a feeler this one is.

I shook my head. "Nope." I tried to hide my smile at his reaction.

"Well I'm going to miss you." He inserted his hands into his pocket.

I felt my cheeks heat up. How am I going to answer that?

"Miss pissing you off!" He laughed.

My eyebrows furrowed. I was about to stomp on his foot when the Bus personel announced the third and final call.

"Anyways." Blake held onto the handle of his suitcase again. "I'll see you soon Puppy." He said before walking towards the bus.

I watched him walk towards the bus and as guards took his luggage and as he entered. I spotted Aicko chit chatting with the bus driver who seemed like her pal. I beckoned her to come back and she nodded.

I continued to walk towards the car when my eyes widened when I spotted Kile, walking in a dark blue jacket and shades. Body guards walked behind him.

"Safe trip." I smiled to him as we walked past each other. He gave me a small smile but I couldn't see his eyes since he was wearing shades. Just like the rest, he walked towards the gigantic bus and I entered the car. Aicko followed and together we watched as the bus drove away and out of the campus.

I sighed when the bus went out of sight. I hint of sadness crept inside me, but I didn't know why.

Aicko and I drove back to our dorm.

"I'll order breakfast." Aicko said the second we entered our dorm room.

I nodded and headed to the kitchen to make myself some hot chocolate, afterwards I threw myself on the couch overlooking the window giving me a view to the busy morning streets of the square.

It's going to be a long week.

Aicko sat on the other couch and scrolled through her phone. I did an Indian sit on the couch and held my mug with my both hands while sipping on my drink.

"Oh my gosh!" Aicko exclaimed.

My eyes widened when I almost fell off my seat because of her sudden excitement. She laughed at me.

"You won't believe this!" She showed me her phone. "The school scheduled the Christmas ball!" She squealed.

I got her phone and read the news posted by the school's journalism club. She was right, the school's annual Christmas ball was already scheduled, below it's schedule marks Christmas vacation meaning I can finally go home to Mom.

"Amazing right?" Aicko jumped on the couch excitedly. "We're so lucky that we didn't go with them to Egypt, we now have a lot of time to get our dresses ready."

"Uhm." I've experienced homecoming nights at my old school, but somehow this Christmas event with emphasis to the ball seemed different, elegant, and expensive.

"Is everyone required to join?" I asked.

Aicko crossed her arms. "Of course."

"I might not have the budget." I told her the truth. "Is it okay if I don't participate in that event?"

"Of course not!" Aicko frowned. "It's definitely required so you're coming." She said as if there wasn't anything that I could do about it.

"Then is it okay if I were a summer dress to the ball?" I raised my brow at her. "All my dresses are summer dresses lest you forgot."

"Oh Paige." Aicko sat beside me and clung her arm on mine. "You can't go to a ball in a summer dress."

"Then that's exactly why I couldn't go."

I frowned when Aicko laughed.

"I have a great designer for my dress." Aicko smiled. "I should ask her to make you one as well."

I sighed. Looks like there's nothing I could do but to agree.

________________________

"Hurry Peggy!" Aiden called.

"Ok ok." I ran out of the dorm doors and rushed into Aiden's car. I opened the door to the shot gun seat and entered.

"You took so long." Aiden stirred the wheel and we drove out into the square.

I rolled my eyes and fixed my wet hair. I just took a bath and I changed into my outside clothes in a hurry. Aiden and I need to get to the Campus post office to get the package that Mom sent us this morning.

"Hey don't be in a bad mood." He laughed. "The day's just started."

"Whatever." I crossed my arms. "Why didn't you join the trip to Egypt?" I questioned.

"There's no need to."

"Why?" I raised my brow.

"Ram and I aren't close." He explained. "Besides, my Dad's there so I'm not needed anymore."

I just nodded.. Aiden parked Ice, his car in the parking lot of the post office. I got off and went inside with Aiden behind me.

When we entered, I realized that there were a few commoners in line waiting to claim their packages. They say that only commoners use the post office since the Royals and Elite have messengers and personal maids to deliver their packages to their dorm rooms.

Some of the commoners waved at Aiden. I gave them a small smile and took a seat beside Aiden. The other commoners started a conversation with Aiden and I kept quiet while I just stared at the wall. I find it ironic that I'm a commoner myself and at the same time, I'm not familiar with the commoners in campus, Aiden on the other hand seems close with them. Maybe I should hang out with them more?

"Ms. Bennet?" The post office lady called.

"Here." I stood up and approached her. She gave me a warm smile and brought out a box. I recognized the box immediately, because of it's color and design. I knew it was Mom's right away.

"From Concord Massachusetts." The lady said before handing it to me. She made me sign a paper and I did.

My eyes lit up when I found a small note on the top of the box with Mom's handwritting. I read it and my smile went away.

To: Aiden and Paige

With Love,

Mom.

Wait aren't I her only daughter?

"Is that it?" Aiden appeared beside me. He peeked at the note but I moved the box away.

"That's all." The lady smiled.

I nodded. "Thank you."

"Hey let me see the letter." Aiden insisted.

I glared at him but he took the box. Together we left the post office and entered his car again.

He handed it back to me when we entered the car.

I lay it on my lap.

"What did Mom send us?" He teased. He must've read the letter.

I rolled my eyes jokingly. "She must've written your name by mistake."

"Ouch" Aiden held his chest acting hurt.

I laughed and opened the box. My eyes lit up when I smelled the fresh aroma of Mom's homemade cookies. There were two large jars inside.

"Here." I handed Aiden one of it. I know that Mom made one for us each.

Aiden helped me bring some of my stuff to my dorm and then he left for band practice.

____________

"The school looks so lonely." Aicko said as we walked the halls of the school.

She was right, it was Monday morning and the school halls all look quiet, almost everyone left for Egypt which explains the campus' emptiness. Although there are some students, Royals and Billionaires from other year levels, the school just doesn't look the same.

I had music today for my first session and so did Aicko. We arrived early for class so we took our seats and chit chatted a little.

"How about Ethan? He's American and his dad owns the Soc-"

"I'm not interested." I cut her off.

"How bout Travis? He's a duke of Sw-"

"No." I repeated.

She's becoming too persistent in finding me a date for the Christmas ball. The news of the ball spread throughout the school making everyone start finding their personal designers and a date. And here she is giving me a list of boys she knows who can candidate as my date for the ball.

"Candidate no.3, Hunter Bolton, he's a squire from Excalibur and we're friends, he's nice, very handsome and a funny. What do you think?" She showed me a picture of him.

I lazily looked up but didn't take much attention to the picture. "Nope." I said lazily.

"C'mon he's one of Excalibur's best Marksmen." She tried to stick the phone closer to my face for me to see it better. "He's also a sniper." She added.

"I said No." I emphasized the no making Aicko keep her phone, finally giving up on her candidates.

"You're hopeless." She sighed.

I laughed.

"I don't know if you purposely don't want a partner to the ball or-" Her eyes suddenly widened and gave me teasing look. "Or you actually have someone in mind."

My eyes widened. Why do suddenly feel angry that she suggested that but at the same time, why do I feel like she's right?

"Of course not." I said firmly making her giggle.

"Oh Paige." She leaned her back on the seat. "Lying doesn't suit you."

My eyes widened when she suddenly moved closer to me.

"Who is it that you like?" She said excitedly while lending me her ear expecting me to whisper it to her.

"What are you talking about?" I frowned and moved away from her. "I don't like anyone."

She eyed me.

"I'm serious." I stomped my foot.

"Hmm." She rubbed the bottom of her chin while thinking. "Maybe you do like someone, you just don't know it yet." She smirked at me.

"Stop it." I glared at her.

"Hey." She placed her both hands up. "I wasn't yet mentioning the name, why so defensive?"

"I'm serious." I crossed my arms.

"Then why aren't you interested in finding you a date to the ball?" She arched an eyebrow. "My candidates are all handsome."

I kept silent. Somehow Aicko's right. Why do I refuse? Is it because I'm really not interested? Is it because I don't like them? Or is it because I do have someone in mind?

"Stop pretending, I know you like-"

"I'll go with Ethan." I cut her off.

Her eyes widened. "What?" She blinked unbelievably.

"I said I'll go with Ethan." I honestly don't remember how he looks like, I just remember his name.

"To the ball?" Aicko asked excitedly. Looks like she's finally getting my point.

"No." I shook my head. "On a date."

Aicko looked at me as if she couldn't believe what she's hearing. I frowned when she touched my nose.

"Are you really Paige?" She asked.

"Cut it out!" I frowned.

"Ooh." She took her hand back. "You are Paige." She laughed then suddenly covered her mouth with a hand. "Wait you want a date with Ethan?!" She exclaimed.

"Shh!" I shushed her and nodded. "I'll prove to you that I don't like anyone." At the moment. "And I want to get to know him before we go together for the ball." I added.

What am I saying?!

She nodded excitedly. "I'll text him immediately." She took out her phone and typed. I nodded and leaned on my chair, when our music instructor entered.

What am I getting myself into?!

_________________

The day went by in a flash. Aicko said that her designer will be visiting this evening to take our measurements and to discuss about our dresses so we had to be at our dorm early this evening. Technically my classes finished around 3 but since Aicko's class finishes at 5, I decided to just walk home. I miss walking, all we ever do now is ride cars or such. Walking used to be my routine, and I'll be doing it again.

I tied my blonde hair in a messy bun and fixed my blazer as I walked out the school and into the rode going to elite square. Since most of the student's are gone, the streets aren't that crowded. I walked peacefully, admiring the clouds and the fresh breeze. After a while, Elite Square came into sight.

Since Aicko wouldn't be at the dorm, I decided to take a stroll down the square for afternoon food trip. I spotted some commoners such as myself walking around with their commoner friends, only then did I realize that I don't really have a commoner friend. I should get to know them more.

My eyes lit up when I spotted Aiden coming out from a café sipping on some milk tea. Just like me, he was still in his uniform, he was focused on his phone so I crept on to him slowly.

"Hey!" I surprised him and reached for his milktea and took a large sip on it.

His eyes widened by surprise but he became even more surprised when he realized that I was already sipping on his drink.

I laughed at his expression when he found his drink half empty.

"Peggy!" He complained while looking at his drink. "I just bought it."

I laughed and stuck out my tongue at him. I bought some fries in a nearby store and we sat down on a bench. I shared some of my fries to him, because I'm such a good friend.

"So." I munched on my fries. "Do you have a date to the ball yet?"

"Uh." He eyed me. "Not yet."

"Perfect." I smiled. "You should ask your crush to be your date to the ball, now that most of the male royalties and elite are gone." I clapped my hands. "Now's your chance."

"I don't know." He shrugged. "She might already have a date by now."

"C'mon." I rolled my eyes. "Stop being such a scardy cat and ask her, you'll never know."

He raised a brow at me and leaned his back on the bench. "Fine I will."

"Good." I smiled and went back to munching my fries.

"Do you have a date to the ball yet?" He asked.

"Yeah." I nodded. "Aicko found me one."

"Cool." Aiden sipped on his half finished milk tea.

"And we're going on a date." I said with disgust. I can't believe I asked Aicko to set me up a date with a guy I hardly even know.

My eyes widened when Aiden choked on his drink. I laughed and patted his back.

"Why are you so shocked?" I frowned. "Does it sound so unbelievable that I'm going on a date?" I asked.

He coughed and hit his chest with his fist and shook his head.

"See, even I have a date so that means you should get one too."

He silently nodded and sipped again on his drink.

I crossed my arms and ranted about my confusing emotions and my weird actions. Aiden just like the guy he is, listened.

____________________

"Yes Mom, I'm going to take lots and lots of pictures then send them to you." I assured Mom, she's being dramatic that she couldn't be there for the Christmas ball.

After our call, I jumped in bed and pulled the comforter over my lower body. Aicko's designer came a while ago and took our measurements, Aicko even helped me think of a design for my dress. I sighed and stretched my body.

I was about to sleep when I heard my phone buzz.

"Ugh!" I rubbed my eyes irritatedly.

I moved to my side table and opened my phone. I raised my eyebrow when I saw a notification.

My brows furrowed when I read it.

From: Jerk

How's the puppy?

I rolled my eyes and replied.

To: Jerk

Tell the Jerk that the puppy's ok

I laughed at how hilarious our conversation is.

I raised my eyebrow when he just seened my text and didn't reply. And just like that, my fingers moved by themselves.

To: Jerk

When are you guys coming back?

I immediately regret asking that question.

From: Jerk

Wow the puppy misses me.

I frowned.

To: Jerk

I meant all of you.

From: Jerk

Saturday.

To: Jerk

Oh, the Christmas ball was scheduled btw.

From: Jerk

So?

To: Jerk

Nothing, I just thought that you should know.

From: Jerk

I don't care about the ball

I rolled my eyes.

To: Jerk

I never asked

I yawned and typed on my screen.

To:Jerk

whatever. I'm sleepy, tell the Jerk that I'm going to sleep.

From: Jerk

Tell the puppy sweet dreams.

I seened the message and placed my phone on silent mode, then I rested my head on my pillow and I went to sleep. Peacefully.

_______________________

"I scheduled your date later." Aicko reminded me. "Ethan said that he'll meet you at the square after school."

I nodded as we ate our lunch. Today's Wednesday and the news of the Christmas ball's spreading like wildfire, news reporters from out of the campus are peeking through the walls to get news, while almost everyone's worrying about their dresses and dates.

"I hope your date goes well." Aicko said before taking a bite on her spring rolls. "He's a nice guy."

I gave her a small smile. Based on what Aicko said, Ethan is an American business heir if I'm not mistaken and he's in her class section. I don't have any classes with him in it so basically were not that close.

After class, Aicko and I went straight to our dorm and she picked out a dress for me. Apparently, this is my first date in my entire stay here, but why am I not excited about it?

"Choose." Aicko showed me two dresses.

"Anything." I answered plainly and checked my watch. I just want to get this whole thing done. "You sure I can't just wear a sweater?"

Aicko frowned and shook her head. "This is a date missy, you might've forgotten."

I ended up wearing a cute yellow dress and I tied my hair in a low ponytail, because of Aicko, I went to the salon and they fixed my stubborn hair now, it's calm but it still has it's curls which makes me satisfied.

I had a matching yellow pouch and sandals.

"Ooh I hope he becomes your date to the ball." Aicko squealed as we walked down to the ground floor of the dorm.

"I'll get to know him first." I said lazily.

The both of us walked through the lobby. "There he is!" Aicko pointed to the door.

I turned to the door and found a guy, he looked cute and I could see his biceps through his t-shirt but he just doesn't click.

Aicko waved as we approached him. "Ethan!" She smiled bringing me along.The guy smiled at us then eyed me, I gave him a forced smile.

"Ethan this is Paige." Aicko introduced.

"Hello." He smiled. His smile was cute but I didn't feel.

I smiled back. "Hi."

Aicko clasped her hands. "I'll leave you two together." I was about to stop her from leaving but she walked away leaving me with Ethan.

"Uhm." He scratched the back of his neck. "You wanna eat somewhere?"

"Sure." I nodded and I followed him to the parking lot and into his car. I took a step in.I sat in the shotgun seat and he sat on the driver's and he started driving through the busy streets of the square.

I frowned when I realized how foreign the scent of his car seemed. It just didn't feel right.

"Where do you want to eat?" He asked shyly.

"Anywhere." I didn't want to seem picky.

We ended up entering a fancy restaurant in the square, we entered and took seats. He's okay to be with, he seemed pretty nice but I just felt different with him. Maybe coz I'm used to being with someone else.

We ordered our food and he tried to strike a conversation with me so I went along with him. We started to get to know each other but I kept stealing glances on my watch for the time. He's a nice guy indeed so I felt bad for not feeling anything for him or by the fact that he bores me.

"So you like reading and baking?" He asked.

I nodded and took a sip on my drink.

"That's nice." He said.

As our conversation prolonged I realized how much he agreed to everything I said. Before I thought it'd be nice to have a person who agrees with everything you say but somehow, I felt like I didn't want it.

"Do you want us to go to the library now?" He asked. I knew he would ask something like that since we've been talking about books. I'm sure I would've agreed but I just wasn't having it this time.

"Uh I actually have an emergency." I gave an awkward smile and stood up. "I have to go now."

"Well let me take you back to your dorm." He stood up as well.

I nodded and followed him to his car. I felt guilty for not sounding interested but what can I do if I'm not in the mood for it?

He parked his car infront of our dorm and he followed me down and walked me to the dorm's main door.

"Thanks for tonight." I smiled. "Bye."

I was about to leave when he said something.

"Uhm are you going to be my date for Christmas ball?" He asked shyly.

I knew my answer.

"Uhm actually, I figured that maybe I'm not the one you should go with." I gave him an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry."

He looked taken aback. "Is that so?" Sadness was plstered on his face.

"I'm sorry." I looked down. "I just have someone else in mind." I told him the truth.

He nodded and gave me a smile. "It's ok I understand."

"Thankyou." I smiled back. "I'll be going now."

He nodded.

I turned my back on him, my eyes widened when I my foot suddenly twisted and I tripped. I expected to hit the floor when I suddenly fell on Ethan's chest. My eyes widened when I felt my lips touch the side of his cheek. Shit!

"Oh God!" I moved away from him immediately. "I'm so sorry."

"Are you okay?" He helped me gain posture not minding my apology. I was about to apologize again when something caught my eye.

My eyes widened at the sight of him. I blinked several times to make sure it was true. There behind him was Blake. His face was a glowering mask of anger and his eyes...starring at me coldly.

"Blake." I can't believe he's here.

I felt my insides shatter when he turned around and walked away.

"What's wrong?" Ethan asked.

"Nothing." I moved away from him. "Please excuse me."

I didn't wait for Ethan to answer. I walked past him to get to Blake but he was already in his car and before I knew it, he drove away.

My insides pierced like thorns as I watched his car drive away.

So many questions went inside my head, but they all lead to one.

Why is he here?

I sighed hopelessly. I was about to walk back inside when I noticed a piece of paper that fell from his pocket a while ago. I opened it and I smelled it, it was a scented paper that smelled like roses. I read it and my jaw dropped.

Would you go to the ball with me?

_____________________________

quite a short chapter. The next one will be pretty long hehe.

Drop down your assumptions, I'm curious hahaha:))