The professor arrived, and Nathan took off his earphones, pocketing his iPod. When the door opened, the students entered the classroom after the professor. Nathan was the fourth to enter. When he was in, he took in a sight that made him halt in his tracks.
Kayla was sitting at the front of the fourth row, looking interested in the textbook she was reading.
Whoa! Has Kayla been inside all this time?
Nathan exchanged glances with Ashton, who looked just as surprised to see Kayla there. The two then took their usual seats. Kayla only looked up at the professor when he addressed the class to start his lecture.
If she’s gone this far to avoid me, I’m afraid I may have lost her after all.
While Kayla headed to her next class after her previous one ended, a guy she did not know walked up to her. He looked like a student. She stopped, wondering what he wanted.
“Hi,” she said, wary.
“You don’t know me,” the guy said, speaking in a low voice. “But I know you.”
“What’s this? What do you want?”
“I want to help you.”
Kayla blinked in confusion.
“Why would you want to do that?”
“You want Nathan back.”
“Who are you?”
“Well,” said the guy as if pondering how much he was willing to say. “It so happens I’m interested in Amanda Tilley. And your boyfriend stands in my way.”
Kayla thought that over.
“I want to help you keep Nathan. In exchange, I want you to keep him and Amanda apart.”
“What makes you think I’ll help you?”
“Because I’m the only chance you have to take if you wish Nathan to stay with you. You love him, don’t you?”
Kayla sighed, lowering her head.
“Very much.”
She then looked up, her expression quizzical.
“Wait a moment—what do you want with Amanda? How do I know you don’t want to harm her?”
The guy turned flabbergasted at the suggestion.
“Harm her? I love Amanda, I told you. Why would I want to hurt her?”
“Then how come I haven’t heard of you?”
“Sugar, how much do you know about Amanda’s social circle?”
Kayla didn’t answer.
“Yeah, I thought so.”
Kayla still didn’t look convinced.
“Look, I’m one of Amanda’s best friends. I’ve secretly harbored feelings for her for a long time. I want to be with her. It’s just that I haven’t had the courage to reveal my feelings, in fear that I might scare her away. Obviously, Nathan’s complicating matters now. If you agree to make him stay away from Amanda, I’ll help you win him back.”
“How can I do that? I haven’t spoken to him for days. If I go back to him now claiming undying love, he’s going to be suspicious.”
“He won’t. Just do what I tell you.”
Kayla thought about it, and then nodded.
“All right. Tell me what to do.”
When Grecia was least expecting it, Ashton cornered her just as she was about to enter her dorm room.
“Hi, babe,” he said, his hands hidden behind him. His back was to the door.
Grecia’s eyes widened in shock. She then squinted at Ashton in fury.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
“I’m on a crucial mission. It’s called ‘Operation Get Grecia Nichols Back’.”
Grecia rolled her eyes.
“You should go fetch your piggy bank and save your smartass jokes.”
“I’m not the one here that’s joking,” Ashton said, revealing that he had been holding a bouquet of roses behind him. “You’re my dream girl. I’m serious.”
At the sight of the flowers, Grecia’s stern expression softened. She took a whiff of their scent, closing her eyes. Ashton smiled, thinking he had her. Then Grecia looked at him and crossed her arms, her look angry again.
“Nice try. Go find an easier girl to get you laid.”
Grecia made to walk past Ashton, but he grabbed her arm with his free hand. Before she knew what was going on, Ashton kissed her. Grecia struggled, but Ashton managed to hold on to her. She put her arms around him, giving in to the kiss. Ashton barely managed to keep hold of the bouquet of roses.
After what seemed a long time, Ashton and Grecia pulled apart. He looked into her eyes, wondering if he had won this time. Unfortunately, Grecia realized she’d done something wrong and staggered back.
“No,” she said, shaking her head. “If you think you’re going to get me back this easy, you’re mistaken.”
“Come on, Grecia. I haven’t got a freakin’ clue why you suddenly stopped talking to me.”
Grecia laughed, dubious.
“You’re kidding, right? Oh, my God. You guys are all the same.”
“I’m serious. One day, you’re all smiley and doe-eyed, and the next you’re crying bloody murder on me.”
“Don’t look so innocent. You won’t fool me.”
Grecia tried to get past Ashton again.
“You’re not going anywhere until you tell me what I did wrong. I honestly don’t know what offended you.”
“Do you seriously think I’m going to give you a get-out-of-jail-free card so easily? No way.”
“I’m not guilty if I don’t know what I’ve done.”
Grecia balled her fists, growing impatient.
“You’ll just never grow up, Ashton! I can’t be with a guy who’ll go after every bimbo that walks past.”
Ashton looked around randomly, wondering how he was going to convince Grecia that he wanted her.
“I’m willing to change for you.”
“You just don’t, Ashton. I gave you another chance, and you wasted it. You can’t be trusted.”
Ashton lowered his hands, seeming defeated.
“I don’t want to lose you.”
Grecia put her hands on her hips, tapping her foot.
“Goodbye, Ashton.”
“Look, at least think about us, okay? You’re the one woman I must have in my life.”
Ashton handed Grecia the bouquet. She instinctively took hold of it. Before she could reject the flowers, Ashton turned and walked away. Grecia stared after him, feeling a bit of pity.
I love you, Ashton. But I want to make sure you truly are committed to me.
When Nathan was in his bedroom sorting through his homework, his smartphone rang once. He grabbed it from his bedside table and checked it.
Oh, right! Marissa’s birthday is today.
Marissa’s birthday fell a few days before Halloween. Nathan had notifications on his calendar for all his friends’ birthdays, so he never missed them. He’d almost forgotten, what with the situation with Kayla. Luckily, Nathan had already mailed Marissa a gift. He decided to call her.
“Happy birthday!” Nathan greeted as soon as Marissa answered.
“Oh, Nathan. Thank you!”
“Sorry for the late greeting. I—well, these days have been eventful. How are you?”
“I’m fabulous, thanks. I got your present. I loved it!”
“Glad to hear it. Sorry we can’t be there to celebrate with cake.”
“I don’t mind. I’ve barely got enough time as it is.”
“It’s your birthday. You should give yourself some free time.”
Marissa laughed.
“I’ll give myself some free time later tonight. Maybe I’ll have cake with Jonathan.”
“Jonathan?” Nathan asked.
“Yes, he’s Amanda’s fitness trainer. We—we’re sort of friends now.”
“I’ve hardly even met him.”
“He’s a great guy. And very handsome.”
Nathan chuckled, making Marissa laugh again.
“Did you get lots of presents?”
“Definitely. Some of my classmates and teachers also gave me presents. An instructor brought me cake, too.”
“That’s very nice. Be sure to upload
photos. Your friends here want to see.”
“I sure will.”
“Have any of our friends called you?”
“Yes. Claire was the most excited. You’d think it was her who aged another year.”
“She loves you.”
“I know. I love you all, too.”
“Hopefully we’ll see you soon, so we can give you a proper greeting.”
“I look forward to it.”
Nathan paused, wondering if Claire was already planning such a get-together.
“I have to go now, Nathan. I’ve got class in a few. Thanks for the birthday wishes, and your present.”
“Anytime, Marissa. Have a great day.”
“Bye,” Marissa said, and hung up. Nathan went to his desk and switched on his computer. There was nothing he could do about Kayla now, so he might as well get some homework done.
Hilbert walked from a meeting with the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He was negotiating an important grant from his father. Senator Melendez was supporting science and technology at some of the most distinguished universities in the country. Most of them were in the East Coast, Cornell among them.
Hilbert liked having an excuse to be staying in Ithaca. He wanted to visit Amanda at her apartment, perhaps with her favorite flowers or chocolates. Hilbert liked that Amanda was not one of those girls who despised food gifts because it would make them fat. If he had a pet peeve, that was it.
Looking around, Hilbert saw that most of the students were returning to their dorms for the day. The afternoon was the least busy time of day at most colleges. Cornell was definitely one of them.
As Hilbert walked towards the parking lot, he saw a student walking towards him. He recognized the student and stopped, waiting.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Melendez,” the guy said.
“Afternoon, son,” Hilbert said, and then, in a low voice, added, “Have you done what I told you?”
“Yes, sir. I’m working on it. The plan will be executed tomorrow.”
Hilbert frowned.
“Tomorrow? Why?”
“I learned that Amanda and Nathan plan to have a date at night. I thought it would be better to prevent that.”
“You’re right. Very good. That will work.”
The student smiled. Hilbert handed him an envelope, taking care not to be seen doing it.
“If this works, you’ll get more. And remember not to tell anyone about it.”
“I won’t, sir.”
Hilbert laughed.
“Please don’t ‘sir’ me. It makes me feel old.”
“Okay, si—Mr. Melendez.”
“That’s better,” Hilbert said with a nod. “Now, get on your way.”
The student walked back towards where he lived. Hilbert watched him and then looked around before walking to his car.
Hilbert chose to pay Amanda a visit after all. If he wanted to win her over, he couldn’t just rely on other people. He had to do stuff himself. No one won the lottery just by wishing it without buying a lotto ticket.
Moments later, Hilbert was outside Amanda’s door. He knocked on it. There were steps inside, and then the door opened. Kellan peered to see who was calling.
“I want to see Amanda,” Hilbert declared.
“I’m sorry. She’s not here.”
Hilbert had to laugh at the absurdity of that.
“I don’t wear diapers, Hughes. Amanda definitely is in there, or you wouldn’t be here either.”
“She’s with Grayson.”
“Stop insulting my intelligence and—”
“What’s going on?” Amanda asked, peering over Hughes’s shoulder. She saw who it was and frowned. “You.”
“Hi! It’s great to see you, too. Can I come in?”
Amanda pursed her lips, and then she nodded.
“Let him pass, Kellan.”
Reluctantly, Kellan stood aside and retreated to a corner of the room. Hilbert entered and Amanda closed the door, following him to the sofa. They sat down on opposite sides.
“What do you want now, Hilbert? I told you that I don’t want to talk about anything with you except my career.”
“What can I do? I’m too attracted to you. Every day that we’re apart is like an eternity.”
Amanda shook her head.
“You don’t want me to date anyone because you think my fans will like me less. What do you guess people will think when I start dating you? You’re my boss!”
“I don’t give a damn. When there’s love, there’s no reason why we can’t be together.”
“Hilbert, even if you weren’t my boss, I still wouldn’t date you. I…you’re not my type.”
“Your rejection hurts. Can’t you see that I am in love with you?”
“Love is mutual. What you have is an obsession. I’ve told you countless times.”
Hilbert looked around, and then stopped on a photo of Amanda that she had put on her coffee table.
“What can I do to win your heart?”
“If you really want my answer, then…you should think about turning into someone else.”
Hilbert gave Amanda an exasperated look.
“You know that if I could do that, I would.”
Amanda looked at Hilbert, watching his eyes. She didn’t know whether she should believe him or not.
“You have such an iron fist,” Hilbert said, rising up. Amanda did the same. “No one’s going to love you the way I do. I’ll wait for you forever, if I need to.”
Amanda said nothing. She watched Hilbert walk back to the entrance, showing himself off the door. Amanda shot Kellan a quizzical look. He did the facial equivalent of a shrug. Amanda didn’t know what to think.
“Hilbert seems genuine,” she said. “But I don’t know if I can trust him. And I can’t jump ship from Nathan. He’ll think I’m a slut. I better plan our date for tomorrow.”
Tuesday afternoon arrived. Nathan was catching up on schoolwork after returning from his job. He was waiting for Amanda to call him. Nathan had only seen her once that day. He suspected she was planning to surprise him, which felt a little odd. He wanted to surprise her.
As for Kayla, Nathan definitely hadn’t seen a single hair of hers…except in class. That didn’t count much, as he was invisible to her. Nathan had tried to catch Kayla after class, but she always left so quickly that she could well try out for the track team.
When Nathan went to check his smartphone (he’d left it on the coffee table), there was a knock on the door. Nathan went to answer it, leaving his phone where it was. He frowned.
“Hello?” Nathan called, looking out at both sides of the hallway. There was no one. He was about to close the door when he noticed a note on the floor. Nathan picked it up. It was a small piece of paper. He read it.
Let’s give us a chance. Meet me.
Nathan flipped the note over and saw an address. He scanned the area again before getting back inside his apartment and closing the door.
This must be Amanda’s surprise. With Kayla mad at me, who else could this be from? I’d be mad to miss this chance.
Nathan went to the restroom to comb his hair and check for any flaws before meeting Amanda. Then he walked out and grabbed his car keys from a small pegboard he’d hung on the wall. With that, Nathan left the apartment.
The GPS on his smartphone led Nathan to a place near the university. He pulled up on the curb in front of a hotel. His eyebrows furrowed.
Did I get the address right?
Nathan looked at the note. It only had two lines, the sentence and the address. He flipped the card over and saw more writing: the number 512.
Why would Amanda request to meet me at a hotel?
After finding proper parking, Nathan entered the hotel. He walked up to the receptionist.
“Good evening,” Nathan said to the lady, smiling. “Room 512, please.”
“Name?”
“Nathan Ferland.”
The woman typed something into her computer, and then n
odded. She bent down to open a cabinet and grab something from inside it.
“Here’s your key, Mr. Ferland,” said the lady, handing Nathan a brass key. He took it. “Enjoy your stay.”
“Thanks.”
Nathan walked to the elevators. He got into one and then pushed the button for the fifth floor once inside.
About a minute later, Nathan emerged into a narrow hallway. He walked forward, finding himself at another hallway. Nathan checked the numbers on the doors, and turned to the right. The room he was looking for was close down the path.
Facing the door, Nathan wondered whether he should knock. He did it anyway out of courtesy. No one answered.
“Okay,” Nathan said, inserting the key into the lock. The door opened, and he let himself in.
The lights were turned off, leaving the room in semi-darkness. Nathan faced what appeared to be the living room. A blue velvet sofa was in the middle of the room. In front of it was a flat-screen TV.
Nathan’s attention then turned to the rose petals that were lying on the floor, marking a path.
Wait a moment. Would Amanda really do this? We’ve only kissed twice.
Nathan followed the roses behind the sofa and to a door that he assumed led to the bedroom. He stopped at the door and opened it.
The bedroom was also dark. Besides the bed, Nathan noticed a chair propped in the middle of the largest unoccupied area of the room. The trail of rose petals ended at its feet.
Nathan stopped in front of the chair, wondering what it was for. Just then, he felt someone walking towards him. He turned around, finding himself facing Kayla herself. She had walked in from the bathroom.
“Hi, my love.”
Nathan was rendered speechless. Kayla was only wearing a pale, butter-yellow satin nightgown, strapped at the waist by its belt. On her feet, she had red high-heels that looked like Sergio Rossis. Yeah, Nathan was familiar with brands of top women’s shoes. It was the side effect of being best friends with a Don John and a fashion designer.
Kayla stood there, watching Nathan admiring her. He looked up and saw that she’d also worn makeup. Her lips were bright red, and her gray eyes stood out with the light application of black eye shadow.
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