CHAPTER 11 : VILLAIN WITH MANNERS

Viveria could feel her heart beating so fast! It was a good thing that this time it was not a panic attack for which her heart was thumping. Rather it was the radiant smile of Xavier that had stuck in her brain. Was she falling in love? Is Xavier truly the one?

Suddenly her phone buzzed, pulling her out of her thoughts.

Incoming call : Daniel.....

Picking up the call, Viveria tried to calm down: Hi, Dan, what's up?

Daniel: Dude its 9: 45 am. When are you coming down? Don't want to go to school today?

Dew: Yeah Babe, Common on! We will be late, and then I won't get to find another girl.

Viveria glanced at her own clock and to her horror, she was going to be late! Damn, how long had she been thinking about Xavier?

Viveria quickly dressing up in her denim and tank top. She was in a hurry, but something felt different. She wanted to look good today. But did she have enough time? Viveria decided that she would let her hair lose today and apply a bit of makeup. Well, even if Xavier doesn't notice, she really wanted to look good today. Not for anyone else, but for herself.

Incoming Call : Jackie..

Jackie: Viv, Hurry up Sweetie! Daniel is fuming as we are gonna be late and Dew is just being intolerable with his rubbish charm play. You know this idiot is trying to flirt with me? HELP!!

Viveria quickly wearing her sneakers and locking the door, ran down the stairs as always.

Viveria sitting comfortably at the passengers seat and tightening the seat belt. She gave Daniel an innocent look clearly indicating how sorry she was for making them wait.

To her surprise, Daniel gave her a smile.

Daniel: Something good must have happened to you. You look stunning. Spill it out. What's going on?

Dew: Viv, you look so sexy and pretty today. What's the occasion? Is the audition for Fashion Show today? Shit!!! I forgot to dress up too. You should have reminded me. I won't talk to you Viv.

As Dew started to pout, Jackie pulled his cheeks and hit him hard on the head.

Jackie: So, tell us. What's going on?

Viveria : No Dee, the fashion show audition is tomorrow. Also, you know that I'm not going to participate in it, like ever. There is nothing going on, guys, stop it. I just wanted to look good today. Why are you making it such a big deal?

Daniel: You know, you are a horrible liar, Vive. Now, tell us what you are up to.

Viveria: Well, to be honest I did dress up for myself. But, there is something I wanted to tell you guys before we reach.

As Viveria started to narrate the morning incident. She got mixed reactions.

Jackie: So, now we are friends with that jerk? I don't like him.

Dew: So he did apologize, without a lot of fuss? I think we might give him a chance, what do you think Dan?

Daniel was lost in Viveria. She was happy, she felt at ease and she was actually surprised that Xavier would turn into a new leaf. However, Daniel wasn't sure whether this was a permanent change or just a seasonal coincidence.

Daniel: Well, you already did become friends. So let's just see, what happens.

At Walstrom High School....

An eerily buzz was circulating among the masses in the corridor. Something was up and everybody was talking about it.

As Dew got the information, he came straight to Viveria's locker and brought Daniel with him. Jackie was already beside Viveria, waiting in anticipation about what was going on.

Dew: Guys, listen. Do you know, we have a senior who is going to repeat his year with us and he will be in your class Viv. Apparently he is the eldest son of the Derozio family, which means he is the elder brother of Xavier. You know rumor has it that he failed his exams just so he could be in a neck to neck competition with Xavier. That's some solid sibling rivalry going on there.

Suddenly, Dew felt an unfamiliar hand on his shoulder. Turning around all four of them saw a guy, who was a bit taller than Daniel. He was wearing a black Gucci sweatshirt with a matching pair of turquoise blue denim, probably of H&M. His sneakers of Nike were a deep off white shade and his hand had an expensive rose gold color of Rolex watch. In short if there would be a way to portray the phrase ' I'm casually rich' , this would be it.

Drake: Hello, I'm Drake, Drake Derozio. I am the person whom you were just talking about. And FYI, I don't like people who spread rumors about me. Also, I know who you are, Dew and I also know your friends. I would tell this once and whether you take it as a warning or just an advice, its up to you. I don't care two shits about Xavier and please henceforth do not associate me with him.

Glancing a look at Viveria, Drake realized why this girl looked familiar.

Drake: You are Viveria right, the nerdy, head girl of our school? Well, I just wanted to say that I really liked your guts at the party the other day. Xavier deserved it and finally, I watched a good show with popcorn. So, yeah, well done.

Drake turned around and started to walk away.

Jackie: Is it just me or did you guys feel a weird negative vibe coming from that guy?

Daniel: You girls should better stay away from him. Specially you Vive, I don't want you to fall into any trouble. That guy seems troublesome.

Dew : Yeah, you too Jackie, be aware. He is not a person who is an ally. Okay?

Jackie: Guys, we are not dumb, okay and besides he can't hurt us in school premises. Plus I'm trained in Judo for a reason. ( giving Dew a knowing glance)

Viveria internally ( What has happened between the brothers? Why does Drake hate Xavier so much? Does he want to use me to bring Xavier down?)

At this moment the bell rang and everybody went back to their respective classrooms.

In Viveria's classroom:

The teacher introduced Drake and told everyone to welcome him. Drake just gave a nod and went right to the last seat of the classroom at the back. As he settled down. The teacher had started to make an announcement.

Prof. Raymond: So, as you all know the Interschool Fashion Show is around the corner and I have personally enlisted Viveria from our class as our representative. So I hope all of you can cheer for her and support her.

Viveria who was utterly shocked at this sudden announcement, stood up.

Viveria: Sir, I think there's been a mistake. I'm not into fashion. We have Sophie in our class, she would be the perfect candidate. Why me?

Prof. Raymond: This year I want to make it a point that students must know that fashion is just not about clothes and looks but it is also about integrity and honesty and lots of hard work. According to me, you are a perfect fit as the representative of our class. So if anybody has any doubts, speak up now.

As Viveria begged Sophie with her eyes, so that she protests. Sophie gave her a shrug and a smile. Nobody in the class disliked Viveria. She had always helped everybody with their studies or otherwise and thus was chosen as the class representative.

As nobody raised any objection it was settled that Viveria would be taking part in the Fashion Show, this year.

As Prof. Raymond was about to continue, Drake raised up his hand.

Prof. Raymond : Yes, Mr. Drake?

Drake: How about I take part in the fashion show as the boy representative of our class, sir? Also because every class will have a boy and a girl participating. I think I would be the right candidate. I have knowledge about fashion and I can also help Viveria, if she would like.

Prof. Raymond: Okay, that's settled then. Viveria and Drake will be representing our class for the fashion show auditions.

As Drake gave Viveria a lop sided smile. Viveria could feel that something is wrong. Why was today being so eventful for her? She did not want to team up with Drake. But what choice did she have?

Jackie: Hey, don't worry. Dew will be there also, representing his class. And as far as this weirdo is concerned. I'll keep an eye on him. But honestly Vi, its so cool, that you will take part in the fashion show.

Viveria nodded but she was not happy about it at all.

As the day proceeded and it was time for lunch break, Viveria saw Xavier standing outside her classroom. Xavier signaled her to come out. Viveria really didn't think that Xavier would take their friendship seriously. Guess, she was wrong!

As soon as Viveria went out, Xavier pulled her hand, his eyes were staring right at her.

Xavier: Are you participating with Drake, at the fashion show? Just back out, okay. It's not your cup of tea.

As Viveria registered once again what Xavier was trying to say, she realized that in reality there is no hope for them at all. Releasing her hand from his grip, she calmly looked back at him.

Viveria: I don't have a choice. I have to participate for the fashion show. Also, now, I want to, specially because I know what you think about me.

As Viveria went back to her class, Xavier was frustrated.

Xavier internally (Damn! He didn't mean it that way. He just doesn't want Drake to hurt her. No one knew Drake better than him. However, this time Drake had crossed the line. He wanted a battle with Xavier, well, he shouldn't have included Viveria in it.)

Xavier wanted his friendship with Viveria to last. And he would make sure that it does.

Will he be able to win or will it be the end of their friendship?