FRESH START

THE five-day recognition passes had gone fast. Shari went back to the training camp to continue her schooling. She was inspired to return because of Levi. Since that night of the celebration, their relationship had been smooth, albeit with no label at the moment.

Levi had always visited their farmhouse in the last few days to send flowers and talk to her father. But because of his busy schedule, he couldn't stay long. Shari was not that impressed because he might change if they became official. Having experienced being cheated on made it hard for her to trust a man again.

Somehow, Shari could not deny that she missed being with him. But impossible to spend their time together because she'd be free only after graduation. Hopefully, her case would be dismissed by then, and dating Levi would not be a problem.

She was not bothered by her pending case these days. The Cheng Shipping Lines had lain low in harassing her. Shari was glad. Maybe they knew that she'd not do something stupid to harm them. Perhaps they were convinced she'd shut her mouth forever, which she'd really do for her own safety.

Shari had chatted with Pamela upon returning. But she couldn't find the courage to tell her about Levi. However, she seemed to have an idea about it.

"I have seen Levi congratulating you on our recognition day. Is there something I don't know about between you and him?" Pamela asked one time while they were in the room for their academics.

Shari's eyes widened. "I thought you'll not ask."

"I'm just waiting for you to tell me. But I couldn't wait for the suspense." She cleared her throat and murmured, "Is he hitting on you?"

Shari gave her a warning look. She glanced at the whiteboard with their instructor discussing gun safety before facing Pamela again.

"He asked me to be his girl." Her lips curved up and formed a mischievous smile.

"Holy shit—"

"Laxamana! Ford! Be quiet!" the instructor's voice reverberated.

Shari and Pamela got up and immediately apologized. They resumed chatting when the instructor got out.

"How the hell did it happen?" Pamela couldn't wait to know. She had been aware of Renzo's cheating and advised her to look for another man because her ex-boyfriend didn't deserve her.

"I don't know either. I'm not rushing things, Pam. I'll date him when I'm ready. Probably after graduation." Shari shrugged and closed her notes.

Pamela pinched her arm. "He is a good catch. Why are you acting hard to get? You're single!"

"Ouch!" She looked at her swollen forearm. "I know he is. But I'm still young, and I date to marry."

"Oh, come on! You should enjoy your life to the fullest. Levi is drop-dead gorgeous and a lady magnet. You'd regret it if he changed his mind." Pamela urged her more.

She rolled her eyes. "As if I care. I value loyalty, Pam. And right now, I'd like to focus on my career. I want to be a badass catching these bad guys!"

Pamela shook her head. "You're still a kid, really. You don't know how the real world works. Having a badge doesn't mean you'll always be in action. What if you're stuck at a desk doing paperwork? Worse, you die in a shoot-out? Did it ever occur to your mind?"

"We'll see." She heaved a sigh. Pamela had a point and was aware of it from the start.

The class was dismissed at lunchtime. Shari and Pamela went to the mess hall to eat. But they were astounded to see a familiar figure strolling towards them.

It was Levi in his blue uniform. Grinning widely as if he was stoked.

"Sir!" They both saluted.

"Carry on." Levi nodded.

Shari felt Pamela's elbow in her stomach. But she held her chin up and pretended not to notice.

"I came here to submit a few documents." Levi looked at Shari, who couldn't meet his eyes. The truth was, he only dropped by as an excuse to see Shari. He could let his junior run this errand for him if he wanted to.

Levi gently tapped Shari's shoulder before leaving. And he couldn't hide the smile on his face that even Allen teased him for it.

"Do you think what I think? He just came here to see you. If I hadn't seen it in my own eyes, I wouldn't believe that he likes you. Now I know why he's extra strict with you before." Pamela giggled.

"Don't mind him. He's still our senior. We can't disrespect him here." They proceeded to eat despite Pamela not getting enough of the idea of Levi and Shari dating.

During the two months duration of their academics, it became Levi's habit to check on Shari in the training camp from time to time. However, he'd do it discreetly. Shari had been good at following the rules and ensuring she excelled in every exam.

And when they were given passes, Levi would visit her home to hang out with her family. Especially since her parents started to like him, urging her to make their relationship official.

DAYS quickly passed until graduation came at last. Everyone gathered again on the same grandstand for their graduation rites. This time, they wore their police uniforms pinned with their respective badges.

They'd be downloaded to their assigned precinct the next day. Levi asked if she wanted to be transferred to the same office as him, but she declined. Shari didn't want them to work together as much as possible because they'd be a subject of ridicule. She tried to keep their budding relationship as private as possible.

And after the graduation rites, Shari did not expect to see Renzo again. He talked with her parents first. Luckily, Sage didn't see him. Or else her brother would have done something stupid. He acknowledged Levi's presence, and the latter gave way for them to talk.

"What are you doing here?" Shari asked casually. She guided him a few meters away from her family, and they had settled in a shade of a huge Mahogany tree.

"I came here to see you for the last time. I couldn't find the courage to talk with you after the incident. I know it's a bit late, but I want you to know I'm sorry." Renzo looked down.

"The damage has been done, Renzo. You know what I've been through that time, but you chose to hurt me. Of all the people I trust, I can't believe you're the one who'd betray me. I'll understand if you were honest. I'm willing to give way."

"I know you are dating Hirsch now—"

"I'm not dating Levi! We're friends and thanks to him. He helped me get through the hell you've caused." Shari was getting emotional. She had moved on, but there were things she had to say so that they'd get a proper closure and start with their lives again.

"I am really sorry, Sha. I do. I hope you can still forgive me."

"Only time will tell, Renzo. Excuse me." She lightly arched her head and went back to her family.

Levi extended her arm to hold her hand, making sure Renzo had seen it. It was his subtle way of telling him to back off. Shari belonged to him now. And he'd do everything to make her happy.