Chapter - 8 The beach

Autumn didn't have the time to grief over her break-up because soon she had to prepare for her assignments and mid terms.

As the deadline of the assignments was approaching Christy was always around Autumn so that she could ask Autumn to complete her assignments as well.

Autumn was firm about her decision and didn't helped Christy with her assignments.

Christy was stunned by Autumn's behaviour because she never thought Autumn would ignore her requests.

Autumn avoided meeting with Christy because she knew Christy will try to copy her assignments somehow.

Autumn was always coped up either in library or in her room to study.

Soon the deadline to submit the assignments came. Christy was mad at Autumn for not doing her assignments so she changed her seat and now Autumn was sitting next to another girl. Her name was Hannah Lu. She was a quite girl who only ever focuses on her studies.

Autumn was sad to see Christy behave like this but she knew that a person who uses you for their own benefit is no friend.

The next day after reviewing their assignments the teachers disclosed that Autumn as usual got highest score in her assignments and also revealed the names of the students whose performance declined suddenly. Among the names their was Christy's name as well. Everyone was shocked to hear her name.

"What happened to you, Christy? Earlier you were one of the students whose assignment use to be great... Now suddenly the quality of your work is lowering. Are you not paying attention to your studies?" The teacher said.

"Well... I'm not feeling well these days teacher that's why my assignments were not up to the mark... I'm sorry.." Christy said trying to make excuses.

"You should rest well, these assignments will fetch you some scores so you should pay attention to these as well." The teacher said.

"Yes, teacher." Christy said.

Everyone always had doubtful thoughts about Christy's sudden improvements. Some said it was Autumn who did her assignments and some thought she was copying Autumn's assignment and some thought it was because she was always close to Autumn and that's why she had good luck with her.

After witnessing these whispers Christy became anxious because now mid terms were approaching and Autumn was maintaining her distance from her.

As the school came to an end Autumn went home without Christy and locked herself in her room to study. Christy became more anxious because of this sudden change.

'What should I do now? If she doesn't teach me how will I be able to do good in my mid terms?.... No... No matter what I'm still the only friend she has, she can never abandon me.. I'm sure she'll come crawling back to me... Yes... I don't need to worry... I'll just wait and see how long will you remain arrogant.' Christy thought.

Here Christy was engulfed in her own dreamy world and there Autumn was preparing for her exams.

Soon the mid term approached and Autumn was once again the highest scoring student in the class. Christy's use to be at least among top 10 with Autumn's help but now her position dropped to number 44 in the class of 50 students.

Everyone began to whisper about Christy and rumours began to spread about Autumn and Christy being distant. Everyone was talking about how Christy has fallen out of luck because Autumn is not talking to her.

Christy was enraged to hear the rumours and she believed the rumours that her luck has vanished.

Their hectic days were back to normal as the mid term ended.

"Students, Your mid terms just ended, so we decided to organise a trip to the Rohua beach. We will also be doing camping in the hill behind the beach and a bonfire night with barbecue. Interested students can submit their name and fee." Miss. Gu said.

Everyone began hooting and shouting.

" Miss. How long will be this trip? " A student asked.

" The trip is of around 4 days. You can bring your beach wear and no alcohol is allowed. " Miss. Gu said.

" Yes, Miss... " Everyone shouted.

'It is a beach trip I want to go too... but the sun?..... I need to consult with my doctor first.' Autumn thought.

" Um.. Autumn.. Will you also join the trip? " Hannah asked.

" Umm.. Yes I think so... I'll need to consult with my doctor first." Autumn replied.

Hannah nodded her head.

' Strange... She never talked to me before then why now? Maybe because she is also like me.... We both don't have any friends and we don't talk to anyone. Well, I have Christy but she is also distancing herself from me because I didn't do her assignments.' Autumn thought.

As Autumn was lost in her thoughts Christy approached her.

"Are you going to the beach? I mean not that I'm curious.... Umm.. I'm asking just in case you know!" She said.

' What is she upto now? The mid terms are over, her grades and popularity fell sharply because of me..... Then why is she talking to me... What if she is changed now and wants to mend our friendship?' Autumn thought.

" Well, I need to consult with my doctor because you know my skin is sensitive to the sun." Autumn said.

"Oh... Okay! Then see you around.." She said and left.

Hannah looked at Christy and turned to Autumn.

"Ummm... I shouldn't be saying this but that girl is a bit ummm... Opportunist... I know she is your friend but it seems that way.... I'm sorry if I offended you." Hannah said.

"No, it's fine... You are not the only person who said that." Autumn said.

Everyone began to prepare for the trip and students were allotted their share of task. Some were supposed to bring beverages, some were supposed to bring snacks... Soon it was the D-day.

It was a trip from Friday to Monday.

" Everyone please check your belongings and load them in the bus. Group A will sit in this bus Group B will sit in that bus." Miss Gu said.

Everyone picked their friends and started to occupy the seats. Hannah asked Autumn to sit with her and she agreed.

Christy's group was sitting in the 1st bus so Hannah took Autumn to the 2nd bus.

Christy noticed it and asked Autumn to come sit with her.

"Ummm... You can sit with your friends Christy... I already promised Hannah to sit with her." Autumn said and left.

Everyone was watching as Autumn left. Christy was embarrassed because she was rejected by Autumn.

It was a two hour ride to the Rohua beach.

Everyone jumped out of the bus and went straight to the resort.

4 girls were supposed to be in one room so everyone picked their partners are left for their room.

"Autumn.. No one is going to pick me so, should we stick together?" Hannah asked.

"Yes, sure.. It's not like someone is going to pick me either." Autumn said.

"Are you sure? I mean Christy will want you to stay with her.." She said.

"I don't think so... She have so many friends." Autumn said.

"Let's go then.. The girls who are left out will join our room later." Hannah said.

They left for their room. As they were getting ready to take a nice shower, two girls came to join their room.

"Hello. We were told you have space for 2 girls!" The girls said.

"Oh, yes....we have plenty room for you guys." Autumn said.

"Umm.. My name is Rachel and she is Reena." The girl introduced themselves.

"Oh.. I'm Autumn and this is Hannah." Autumn said.

They began to chatt and became friends quickly. After taking shower they all went downstairs to have lunch.

Christy saw Autumn talking and giggling with those girls.

'What the hell.. Are they trying to curry favour in my absence... No matter what I can't let that happen... If Autumn become friends with them then she will not rely on me..' Christy thought.

Before Christy could call Autumn over her friends said something.

"Christy... You use to tell us how Autumn is always clinging to you. It looks like now she doesn't need you anymore."

"Well, when you were close to Autumn you were really lucky but now it seems that your luck left you as Autumn left."

"That's what I was also thinking... Does that mean the rumours were true after all."

"Yeah.. I guess so... She offered her water bottle to Miss. Gu and she was alive again.... I think the rumours that Autumn can bestow luck to the people around her are true."

"Her boyfriend what was his name... Roy, right? When they were in relationship not only his grades but also his luck improved but the moment the broke up, he went crashing down. I guess we should also start talking to Autumn.."

"Those loosers seem to know what is good for them look how quickly they befriended her.... If I were in their place I would do the same.."

Christy was boiling with rage. Her friends were mocking her and her popularity was going downhill.

'It's all their fault if it weren't for them I wouldn't have to hear these stuff..... No it's all Autumn's fault... She should at least apologise to me for refusing me but she is busy with those bunch of dimwits.' Christy thought.

Autumn and her new friends had a peaceful lunchtime. They went to their room and changed in their beach wear.

Autumn was fully covered with a large brim hat, glasses and an umbrella. She was wearing a one piece full sleeves rash guard and lightweight pants. Although she was completely covered she was still standing out in the crowd. The rash guard she had on was making her beautiful body stand out.

All the girls were wearing their beach wear and running in the water. Autumn was sitting in the shade and watching from afar.

Two boys approached Autumn who was the only one sitting in the shade.

"Hey!" The boy said.

Autumn lifted her head to see who they were. The boys were so handsome. One had black hair and a pair of beautiful green eyes while the other had blonde hair with a pair of brown eyes.

"Autumn?" The boy said.

"Umm... Do you know me?" She said in a confused manner.

"Don't tell me you don't remember who I am?" The boy said.

"Umm.. Sorry but I don't remember." Autumn said.

The other boy was just standing there without uttering a word and he didn't even look at Autumn.

"I'm Harron Su... The one who asked you out." he said.

"Oh.. I remember that... Now." Autumn said.

"What are you doing here?" Harron asked.

"We are here on a school trip... What about you?" She asked.

"We are here for a school trip too... We are staying in the Andrew's Resort." He said.

"Oh.. We are staying in Lay Resort." Autumn said.

"Umm.. Who is this?" Autumn asked.

'He looks somewhat familiar... Where have I seen him?' Autumn thought.

"Oh he is my friend... His name is Enzo." He said.

He turned towards Autumn and said hello.

'She is 'that' girl. The one who helped Sister Sharon. Does she remember me?' Enzo thought.

"Oh.. Hello." Autumn said.

' If I'm not wrong he is Miss.Gu's brother. So he is from Amina high. ' Autumn thought.

' Does she not remember me? By the looks of it she genuinely look uninterested in me...' Enzo thought.

"What are you doing over here? Don't you wanna go and have fun in the water?" Harron asked.

"Oh.. That.. My skin is sensitive to the sun.. So... My doctor suggested me to avoid getting in contact with the direct rays of sun.. I would rather just stay here and watch from afar." Autumn said with a bitter smile.

"Oh... That's correct.... Should we keep you company?" Harron asked.

"You don't have to.... I mean you should spend your time with your friends... I enjoy my own company..." Autumn said.

"We can keep you company... Don't feel burdened because it's us who is asking for it not you..." Enzo said suddenly.

Autumn was a bit shocked to see him speak to her.. She thought he didn't remember her.

"Well, Okay then." Autumn said with a smile.