Chapter 4

"Ah, so both of you already knew each other?" Ms. Bianca said surprised and somewhat gleefully.

"Should I skip the introduction then?" With a light smile, she continues.

"Very well, just let's continue now, Archie... this is Seth, our most famous and handsome basketball team captain...and do you know that our school got the 1st rank in every match at the most? thanks to him and, of course, the team's hard work,k, if I could say." Ms. Bianca proudly explained while teasing him. Meanwhile, Seth just smiled awkwardly.

"And Seth, this is Archie, she is the one who suggested the outside charity as part of the social program in our school for this year's school fair event. She is also our school champion in the Dutch language competition. Some students might not be too familiar with this. Yeah perhaps because they don't interest in such things."

Ms. Bianca sighed over what she had just said and seemed disappointed.

"However...that's why we choose only the talented students to handle this year school's fair."

"We'll be working together as a team, alongside potentially 4 or 5 other members depending on how the recruitment goes. Before that, as our first step, soon we'll be visiting the child foundation the charity is run for in the question."

"All the teachers and I already have some list of places as well as the names list of other team members, and once all have been completed, we will distribute them by the end of the week. So I guess we will have the next final meeting this Friday."

"Thus far that'll be all we have to prepare for. Even so, for the next plan, we'll be discussing the basketball game charity."

"Now...Are there any questions about this? Archie, or Seth? She asked kindly, making sure we were able to follow."

"Archie?"

"No, Thank you, I have no questions, Ms. Bianca."

"And you, Seth?"

"The same goes for me; everything has been crystal clear, Ms.Bianca..."

"Alright, so we can wrap this up for today...see you guys around again, and directly go back home, okay!" she said firmly.

"Yes...then I'll be taking my leave, Miss," I said while giving a polite bow.

Seth got up as well and shared the same sentiment, then followed behind me towards the exit.

We both left the teacher's room after saying goodbyes. I'm heading towards my classroom to pick up my bag, then walking to the bus stop near the school gate.

As I looked at my watch, which the time approached 5 in the afternoon, I started growing impatiently waiting for the bus to arrive. My gaze accidentally fell on a black jet color expensive car, heading out of the parking area then stopped in front of me. The window rolled down, and inside sat Seth, looking at me, and said.

"Hey! Are you waiting for a pickup? If not, I can drive you back home." He offered.

"Oh... it's okay, no worries, and thank you...the bus will arrive soon. My house is quite far from here. I wouldn't want to trouble you." I politely rejected it while waving no.

But he suddenly opened the door and got out of his car, walked towards me.

"Where do you live? I don't mind to..."

"Hmm, it's in the North Avenue area," I interrupted and looked at him, feeling slightly cornered by the offer.

But the bus came just in time, and so I told him.

"Ah, The bus is here, I have to go...Take care..."

As I said while entering the bus and once again waving goodbye.

He looked at me, going away before he could say another word.

*****

I sat on the bus, lost in my thoughts about what had just happened. It's not every day that the most popular guy in school offers to drive you home, especially when you've only just met.

Ms. Bianca was right about Seth—he's not only the basketball team captain but also a real heartthrob.

On top of that, he's indeed a handsome figure. Tall, well-built, with a strong, well-defined face, and a deep voice. It's no wonder so many are vying for his attention and so popular with everyone.

I'm more focused on my studies and keeping my personal life separate from school. I don't have the time or interest to get caught up in all the drama and attention that comes with popularity. My goal is to make my parents proud by excelling in my studies and eventually making a positive impact on the world.

While my friends and classmates often talk about romance and dating, I prefer to stay focused on my ambitions. I want to follow in my parents' charitable footsteps and help those in need. That's what truly matters to me.

When my mother inquired about my interest in potential romantic encounters, my response was simple and direct.

"Mom, I just want to study."

"This has been my mindset for as long as I can remember."

"If I ever need advice or support, I'll reach out, but for now, I'm just going to keep working hard to achieve my goals."

And then my mother will lock her lips again. She stood still, looked at me, and tried to find something on my face that would help her to change my mind. Or so I thought.

The conversation about this always got the same result. Though my father and even my brother, who always called us every day, couldn't change my mind.

I guess they all worried about my future.

But still, I just want to study.

The bus stopped near my neighborhood. And as usual, there's a car parked not far away from the bus stop. A neat, middle-aged guy in his 40th came out of the car and stood waiting for me.

I took a little run towards him before he opened the door.

Then he said, "Oh Don't run, miss. Be careful, Please. There are many cars and motorbikes around. Even if we already carefully, still there is always danger every time"

His persistently reminding me. But I know he was kind enough to say that.

While i sat inside the comfy car and taking my sweet iced tea-which as usual already prepared before- Mr.Watt continue to speak.

"Miss...actually The Madam told me to pick you up at school because you will get home late,but...when you suddenly call the nanny just to wait at the bus stop, so then i..."

He stopped at the words tried to explain and somehow asked for my helped.

"I know, it's fine Mr.Watt. I'll of course talk to my mom about this", i replied with smile.

Hmmph, yeah. Even though I always said to my parents that I would take the bus to school, they still got me the extra services after I came back from it.

And again as usually, i always not followed their ordered, and made my nanny as well as my driver into their worries.