Rival?

ᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴛ ᴅᴀʏ

The results of the finals came out. I didn't fail but I didn't pass as well. I was very disappointed. My friends were not even worried they failed. They didn't seem disappointed or anything of that sort.

"How come you guys are so relaxed?" I asked them. They kept quiet as if processing what I just asked. "We have other things to worry about" Sarah spoke in a serious tone. I looked at the others but they just avoided the question.

I went home in the evening still thinking about what to do with these results. Its not like someone really cared--those who really cared are not with me anymore. Uncle Michael didn't come back home after we had another fight.

"Uncle Michael I don't want you to be controlling my life" I spat the words. "I don't think I should be calling you uncle after what you did before and today. Today you crossed all your limits" I said in one breath. Tears threatened to fall but I quickly controlled it.

       "You can't just tell people that they can't come anywhere near me especially boys. Why? What's wrong with having friends? I'm a student and I interact with other students. So how can you just announce that without telling me that too on the tv." I couldn't believe what he did and why he did.

         "Who are you? Why should I be telling you everything that I do? Don't forget I'm your guardian and I can do whatever I want, so be a good niece and listen to whatever I say."He said without remorse. "Besides you have no other family other than me." He scoffed. "I'm warning you if I see any boy near you, I won't think twice before wiping his and his family's existence and I'm not joking." He spat the words like it was something normal.

I told him not to show me his face anymore and I won't be calling him uncle. He promised to leave but not before reminding me of his warning. He left but left some guards for "protection".

Never saw him again but did his responsibilities as a guardian. I sat down on my bed with the newspaper on my hand but not reading it.

I decided to go for higher education after seeing an article in the newspaper.

"Lydia can you call Michael and tell him that I want to talk to him" I asked the maid. She was an old woman in her late 50s, wrinkled pale face face and was the head of the maids and often talked and updated Michael about me. "You mean your uncle dear" she asked with a low tone. "Call me when you get to talk to him, I'll be in my room" I said abruptly and left the maid quarters.

I talked to him and told him about my higher education. He just replied with an 'okay' and hung up. Later that night Lydia came in my room and gave me some papers to sign. "Your uncle sent these for you to sign" she sadly said and left.

I went through the papers and found out that he already chose a university for me and wanted me to sign but how could he do that without consulting me.

I was already angry with him for his past doings and now he made me despise him. I tried talking to him about it but he refused to pick up the phone and didn't reply to the emails I sent him.

Today is my first day of university. The most prestigious university in the country--The University of California. Mike and Sarah were elated to know about my decision. Theo was slightly upset that he couldn't come to the university with me. They said they'll be picking me up from the university everyday.

Everything was going well, the semester was ending and I was preparing for my exams. I spent the whole of this semester adjusting here and of course the guys came every day to pick me up and we had our little fun. Lia and Theo were always bickering but I didn't complain.

"Bella Cowell" that's how it read in the notice board. I didn't even put my name in the nomination box but how come my name was on the school captain's nomination list. I told my friends about it. "Maybe a student or a teacher recommended you after seeing your excellent conduct" Mike said. "Besides you'll be a great leader" Lia added "That I'm not sure about" I said in annoyance. How could someone do that without consulting me. First my uncle and now this mysterious person "ughhh" frustration was an understatement.

"Lucas" he said stretching his hand for a handshake. "Huh? I asked in confusion. I looked behind me to see if he was really talking to me.

" I'm Lucas Connor, I'm your rival, Bella". He said and shook my hand longer than it should be. He left without another word. I looked at him trying to remember if I have seen him before but thought against it as I slowly lost sight of him...