Sip 15

The party that is supposed to be lively comes to silence as the confrontation with Cadmium and Jackies gets heated up. Those who knew their temper of the Senior Jackies are quiet and did not dare to speak of any, meanwhile knowing the only grandson and the successor of Austen Group got them tongue -tied, who would be so dumb to clash with someone who is from an influential family? 

"I'll just leave no need to fuss over it." Cana was the first to break the intense gaze between the two men.

"Tsk… This woman, it was all your fault now leaving without any apology?" He still has a lot to say even though it was already clear who is the rude one and should be apologetic.

"You still haven't answered my question, Senior Jackies, I think you owe us an explanation." His grip on Cana's wrist is tight and he is not letting go any moment so CAna cannot escape yet.

"Cadmium, I know you are from an influential family but this matter is between me and that commoner girl so you should not bother and I have no obligation to answer you." 

"Hey that's a bit low, stop it Jackies." One of his classmates started to calm him down to settle this matter.

"So what does it have with her status as a commoner? 'What if she is not from a rich family?" He continues to defend Cana, "My father taught me to respect women and never to belittle someone's status. Those commoners you are humiliating are the one who spend money on your family business, without them you won't enjoy your current prestige." It was an earful of a sermon and most of the students who are in there understand most of the logic that Cadmium is trying to imply.

"Enough, let's say both sides are at fault, just don't be a bit pushover next time the freshman must have been flustered as well." One of the students added to the confrontation told the two to let go.

"Sh*t! Why do I have to let go of this rude b**ch!?" He threw his cap and stepped on it, it was a way he would release the pent up anger that he had been holding up since earlier.

Cana on the other hand looked at him in contempt, she wanted to talk back against it, however it will not be good since the rest are senior students of her major which she will surely ask for help in the future.

"If I have offended you somehow I apologize." She let down first.

"No don't ---" Cadmium tried to stop her but she pulled her wrist from his grip before she spoke again.

"I should have been more honest that I am uncomfortable with your actions Senior Jackies so you would have been more mindful of the situation. I'll just leave since I really plan to go early. I hope the rest of you enjoy the welcome party and thank you for inviting me!" It was a fast speech not letting anyone interrupt her then she escaped the room.

Cadmium on the other hand is still stunned and looks at the hand he used to hold her, "Come here Austen you just arrived so you better have some food and drink. Forget about earlier." THe rest of the students, especially the third years try to cheer up the atmosphere and continue to where they all left off.

"I just forgot something, I'll be back." he excused himself and ran after Cana, as he went out he bumped into another person and just bowed a little to apologize as he rushed.

"Oh Andrei is here!"

"Hey isn't that Austen? Where is he going?"

"Well the thing is, there is some girl trouble with Jackies and he stands up for the girl."

"That's a first! Who's the gal?"

"It's a freshman, I think, Canada or Callaly I'm not sure."

"Man, you're bad at names, girls will kill you for sure." and the rest of them laugh and enjoy the evening.

Meanwhile…

"Hello, I just got out of the room, are you still there?" She talks on the phone as she walks down the stairs. 

"Wait!" Someone called from above and Cana looked up.

"Just a minute, I'll be down there." and she ended the call, soon Cadmium caught up to her.

"I forgot to thank you earlier, I am grateful, I am don't more trouble so I left in a hurry."

"That's not it, it's fine," he replied.

"Then I'll go…" 

"Your name!" He stopped her again.

"Tell me your name please." His eyes pleading as his life is on the line.

She was hesitant but still, answered back, "Canary… Lienne."

"I…" he looked about to cry, until he spoke, "I'm Cadmium Austen, I am in the same major… If we see each other on campus, can I greet you?"

It was something a normal acquaintance will surely do but he is actually asking for permission.

"Sure, why not?" She shrugged.

"That's nice to hear." For the first, the serious looking face smiled at her in a relaxed manner, earlier he had a stern look but right now it is no longer the case.

"Then I have to go now."

"Can I drive you home? It's late already."

"No it's okay, I called to pick me up." 

"I see… Then take care." he is a bit disappointed but hearing that someone has to drive her home is a relief. Cana without looking back proceeded and exited the building.

At the stairs a pair of eyes had been watching them and heard the whole conversation misinterpreting everything.

The night was cold and she waited at the front building, until a car parked in front of her and the window slid down. "Did you wait long?"

"No I did not, you're just in time!" She happily opened the car door and fastened the seatbelt at the passenger's seat. Samuel reached out to her cheeks and warmed it with his hands.

"How was your welcome party?" He smiled at the face he had been longing to see.

"It's fine, just food and drinks." 

"Really? Did you meet new friends?" He continues to ask while his eyes are on the road.

"Well, I'm with a classmate, and we sit on a separate table with the rest. Then there is that one annoying second year student, he just barged on our table and kept talking nonsense."

"Oh, there were still rude people like that?"

"I almost fought with him, luckily the other student stopped it."

"Did you get hurt?" A hint of worry can be heard from his voice.

"Of course not, I was trained by my brothers to talk back and self defense, so I'm all fine!" They both laugh at her remarks, slowly Cana felt a warm hand holding hers.

"You are driving, it's dangerous."

"I just want to hold your hand, I feel pathetic not being able to protect you at that time." He insisted.

"Don't worry, I know you care for me better than others!" She felt so happy just hearing those words and then she leaned her head to his shoulders.

"That's dangerous, I'm driving." Samuel refutes while smiling.