CHAPTER 2

Alexandra charged forward, leaping onto Eva and sending her phone clattering onto the marble floor. The two girls tumbled to the ground, wrestling for control of the phone. Sarah giggled uncontrollably, enjoying the spectacle.

As they struggled, Alexandra pinned Eva down, her fingers gripping Eva's wrists like a vice. "We can talk this out... just don't call the principal," Alexandra said, her voice calm and promising.

Eva's frustration boiled over, and she rolled her eyes. "Sarah, help me!" But Sarah shook her head, disapproving of Eva's behavior. "Come on, she has a point."

Alexandra quickly sprang up, grabbed the phone, and stepped back from Eva, who glared at her with deadly intensity. "Oh God, she's gonna kill me," Alexandra thought, turning to run.

Eva chased after her, forgetting her ruined makeup and reputation. Unaware, she was being recorded by students in the hallway. Alexandra's legs failed her, and Eva tackled her to the ground. Eva clawed at Alexandra's hair, retrieved her phone, and stood up to face the crowd's laughter and cameras.

Her artificial eyelashes were bent, her hair disheveled, and her white T-shirt stained. Sarah halted at the scene, seeing Eva's humiliation. Tears shone in her eyes as she glanced at Alexandra. "I didn't..." Alexandra began, but Eva ran off, leaving Alexandra standing alone amidst the crowd.

Her heart pounding and her eyes darting around until they met his again. This time, he looked away and strode off in the direction Eva and Sarah had gone.

She hated herself for it.

She thought she could handle the situation but instead, she messed things up as she always does. She messed someone up.

Jacob who was also there had his eyes on Alexandra. She has changed a lot but she clearly won't even recognize him.

As the sunsets, every activities was coming to an end and all the students were leaving for their various dorm rooms.

The next morning, Alexandra woke up, yawned, and stretched. She noticed Sarah still sleeping and smiled. As she heard the sound of running water from the washroom, she got up and quietly approached the door. She opened it a crack and saw Eva brushing her teeth. "Good morning," Alexandra said, but Eva ignored her.

After washing her face, Alexandra tried again. "I'm sorry," she said sincerely. "I'm not apologizing so you can forgive me. I'm apologizing so I can forgive myself." Eva was taken aback, and even Sarah, listening from outside, felt her heartstrings tug.

Eva left the washroom without a word, leaving Alexandra alone.

Later, Damien and Jacob walked to history class. Jacob couldn't stop talking about Alexandra, which bothered Damien. "Could you please stop talking about her?" Damien asked, pushing open the double glass doors to their classroom.

As they entered, Alexandra walked in, captivating everyone's attention. "Whoa..." jaws dropped, and eyes bulged. She seemed elegant, but her excitement faltered when she saw Damien.

"Have a seat," Mr. Lex, the teacher, asked her to take a seat next to Damien, but she tried to avoid it.

"Are you kidding me? Girls would kill just to sit with Damien." Jacob's comments made Mr. Lex urge her to sit down.

"Well, thankfully, I'm not other girls." She fired back.

Reluctantly, Alexandra sat beside Damien.

Throughout the class, they couldn't resist the feeling of wanting to talk. As the bell rang, Alexandra quickly stood up to leave but then, Damien touched her wrist, and emotions washed over them.

"Hey..." he says. She turned around, her hazel eyes peered down at his hold on her hand and withdrew his hand. "You left your book," he said, handing it to her.

"Thanks," she replied, taking the book and turning away. She wanted to stay. She wanted to see his face once more but as much as she wanted that to happen, she couldn't let it happen.

Damien's thoughts were interrupted when Jacob touched his tensed shoulder. "Don't overthink it," Jacob said soothingly, his voice calming Damien's mind. Damien exhaled deeply, releasing his pent-up emotions.

Just then, his phone buzzed. He pulled it out to see a text message from Eva: "Meet me at the dining hall." He sighed, feeling a sense of obligation. With his bag slung over his right shoulder, he left the classroom, heading towards the dining hall to meet Eva.

The college dining hall was a bustling hub of activity, filled with the savory aromas of freshly cooked meals and the hum of lively chatter. Rows of wooden tables and chairs stretched across the spacious room, accompanied by cozy booths and high-top tables for students to gather and socialize. The walls were adorned with vibrant artwork and college memorabilia, adding a pop of color and school spirit to the atmosphere.

A long buffet counter offered a diverse array of cuisine, from juicy burgers and crispy pizza to steaming vegetables and flavorful international dishes. A salad bar overflowed with fresh greens, fruits, and nuts, while a separate station served up warm, gooey desserts. Beverages flowed from a fountain drink machine and a coffee bar, where baristas crafted expert lattes and cappuccinos.

Natural light poured in through large windows, illuminating the bustling scene. The sound system played upbeat background music, and the clinking of dishes and silverware created a soothing melody. Students of all ages and backgrounds mingled, laughing and chatting as they enjoyed their meals and each other's company.

Alexandra sat in the dining hall, surrounded by new friends, including Linda. "There's so much to eat," she exclaimed, digging her fork into a spaghetti omelette. She savored each bite, washing it down with orange fruit juice. The sounds of clinking plates and glass cups filled the air, accompanied by laughter and chatter.

Linda chuckled at Alexandra's enthusiasm for food. Meanwhile, Eva's eyes were fixed on her phone, her expression unchanging until Damien walked in. She shot him a glare, and he apologized for being late as he sat down beside her. Eva's tone turned confrontational, but Damien remained calm, explaining that he was busy.

As their conversation escalated, Alexandra glanced back and saw Damien. She quickly returned her attention to her table, curiosity getting the better of her. "Um, Linda, who is she to him?" she asked, nodding discreetly in their direction.

Linda followed her gaze and sighed. "That's his girlfriend." Her tone implied a complicated situation, leaving Alexandra wondering about the dynamics between Damien and Eva.