Romance: The Campus Player: A College Romance

by Caroline Lake

  Finally, he rolled off her.

  “Are you okay?” he asked again. Janet nodded.

  “Who would’ve thought?” Janet joked. Ethan laughed before pulling her closer. She drifted off to sleep in his arms.

  Chapter 7 – The Massacre that Lies Ahead

  When Janet entered the university the next day, she felt like people were staring at her even more than usual. But none of them said anything. The girls who normally didn’t miss a chance to bully her stayed clear of her path. Janet was even more surprised when Kan came up to her and asked that she come with him.

  “Where?” she said suspiciously.

  “Ethan’s calling you to Café rooftop,” Kan said, looking at her curiously. Café rooftop was where all the selected rich people of the university hung out and most other people weren’t welcomed there.

  “Why?” Janet asked.

  “He didn’t tell me why,” Kan said.

  “I’m not coming.”

  “Please come,” Kan insisted. “Or he’ll throw one of his tantrums.”

  Janet rolled her eyes. “Wouldn’t want that, would we?”

  Kan laughed and offered her his arm which Janet took. They began to walk.

  “So Janet,” Kan begun. “I’ve heard you work at The Four Stars.”

  Janet gave him an exasperated look to which he shook his head hurriedly. “Oh no, I’m not making fun of you or anything. Sorry about all that you had to hear. I was genuinely curious.”

  Janet sighed. “Yes, I work there.”

  “Must be nice,” Kan continued. “To- to you know serve people and—”

  “Not really,” Janet cut across him, amused.

  “You won’t have to hear those girls again. Ethan forbade them from saying anything to you.”

  Janet nodded slowly.

  When they reached the common room, Janet received more than several curious stares as she entered arm in arm with Kan. He led her to a couch at the corner of the room where Ethan sat with George and Jih.

  “Why did you call me here?” Janet demanded.

  “Stop whining please and sit down.”

  Janet sat reluctantly.

  “Don’t worry, Janet,” George said. “You’re doing us all a favor by being here. He’s been in such a terrible mood since morning. He instantly perked up when we suggested that he should call you here.”

  Ethan hit him while George and Kan roared with laughter. Jih only smiled, ever so mysterious.

  “What’s she doing here?” someone shrieked across the room. It was Michelle, with her finger pointed at Janet. “Ethan, is she bothering you?”

  “The only person bothering me is you, Michelle,” Ethan called back, sounding bored. Michelle was now getting to her feet and making her way over to them.

  “What’s going on?” she demanded.

  “It’s Ethan’s latest order to leave the girl alone,” someone called across the room. “Haven’t you heard, Michelle?”

  “What?” said Michelle. “But she- she defied you!”

  “I’m not some god. She can defy me if she wishes.” Ethan said. “Now if you want to create a racquet, please leave. I like my peace and quiet.”

  Michelle looked at Janet incredulously but eventually, she went back to where she sat with a group of her friends. Her eyes never left their sofa for too long.

  Janet sighed as George and Kan broke the awkwardness with a joke. She spent most of her time chatting with them. Ethan didn’t say much and he did not want to admit it but his mood had improved hugely since Janet entered the room.

  Slowly, the café emptied and Janet was so absorbed in her conversation with George that she did not notice the two of them and Ethan were the only ones left. It was only when George got up to leave that she noticed the fact and pointed it out. When she was left alone with Ethan, they did not speak anything. Flashes of the night before ran through both their heads.

  Ethan broke the silence first.

  “My parents will be back in town this weekend,” he said. “There’s going to be a huge welcome celebration because my dad’s campaign is starting. Would you like to come?”

  Janet considered it for a moment. “I’m not sure,” she replied, finally.

  “Why?”

  “I won’t fit in there.”

  “You’ll be with me,” he said simply.

  “Are you asking me on a date?” Janet asked.

  “I’m not sure. I just want you around.”

  The truth was Ethan didn’t want to ask her out, not just yet. He wanted her around. He wanted to get to know her. But ask her on a date? No.

  Janet didn’t fail to note this but she stayed quiet. They agreed to set up a time for them to meet later in the week. Ethan insisted on dropping her home today. When he opened the car door for her, she received many shocked stares from on lookers, especially the girls. Janet fidgeted uncomfortably. She wondered how this looked to the rest of the campus. They didn’t know about the intimate moments she had shared with Ethan. To them, it must only look plain weird.

  When he pulled outside her apartment and walked her to the door, he pecked her on the cheek before kissing her goodbye. When his lips left hers, Janet felt a strange emptiness.

  Perhaps she was growing too attached to Ethan.

  Chapter 8 – A Cinderella Story

  Is this what Cinderella felt like?

  Janet Price stared at herself in the huge mirror outside the ballroom. She didn’t recognize her reflection; it was of someone too grand to be her. Nel had dressed her up for the day. When Ethan had sent her the dress, she had outright rejected it; it was too expensive and she wouldn’t accept it as a gift from anyone. She had told the man who brought it (which could only be his driver considering the fact he was driving Ethan’s car) to take it back. The man had refused, saying that Ethan had known she wouldn’t accept it and he had been told not to leave until she accepted it. Janet had rolled her eyes and taken the box but she hadn’t so much as touched it. Later in the day. George and Kan came to visit her and begged her to accompany them to Ethan’s house. Janet refused but when they said Nel was waiting, she grudgingly agreed.

  Janet looked at her reflection again. Her dress was pale blue silk with matching heels. Nel had tied up her hair into a lose bun and sprinkled in with blue glitter. Nel’s stylist had done her makeup. When they were up in Nel’s room, they were joined by two of Nel’s friends who were co staring with her in their new TV series. They had greeted Janet politely but didn’t pay much attention to her otherwise. Nel had ushered her downstairs as soon as she was done but she had to run ahead to take care of something and so Janet stood outside the door to the hall, staring at herself.

  I must be Cinderella then.

  She heard footsteps behind her and saw Jih approaching her. She had never had a real conversation with him and so hesitated but he spoke up first.

  “Nervous?” he asked.

  “A bit,” Janet admitted.

  She noted how good looking he was up close with his hair falling into his grey eyes.

  “Shall we?” he said, holding out his arm for her. She was surprised but didn’t say anything as she took his arm. They entered the ball room together and as expected, its grandeur took her aback. It was set in a huge hall adorned with grand chandeliers and lights. The huge, thick pillars were covered in fairy lights giving it a dreamy glow. Closed banquets stood to all corners of the hall for dinner time.

  As Janet looked around, she noticed everyone she knew from university was present including Michelle and her cronies. Other rich kids were present as well, some with their families. They didn’t pay much attention to Janet probably because she was unrecognizable. As she walked up close, recognition dawned on a few people as they stared at her and whispered to their friends. Janet Price was never found at such elite functions. In fact, she was just a plain old serving girl. A few people were dancing in the middle of the hall. As Janet and Jih drew closer, she saw that leading the dance was Ethan with a blonde haired, tall
girl who was dressed in emerald green. They synchronized perfectly as their feet moved together yet Ethan did not look at her. The girl was beaming and smiling, looking lovely. Ethan looked straight ahead. Jih glanced at Janet whose expression had remained neutral throughout the observation.

  “Don’t worry about it,” he advised her.

  “I’m not,” she answered.

  “That’s Fiona Evans. Ethan’s parents want them to get together to strengthen their political and business ties with the Evans.”

  “I see.”

  “Yeah but Ethan doesn’t want that.”

  Janet was saved from responding with the arrival of Kan and George who broke the tension with their jokes as usual for which Janet was grateful. She had been growing fond of the two of them and their easy going attitude to all and every situation. Ethan did not get to join them courtesy of his parents who wanted to introduce him to all their new friends and to reintroduce them to all their old friends. Ethan was polite enough and chatted with everyone but he longed to join Janet and the others. He had noticed when Janet entered arm in arm with Jih; he was glad she didn’t have to enter alone, aware of how uncomfortable that might make her.

  Janet was wandering to the tea stand when she felt a pair of strong arms close around her back and pull her into a little nook by the side of the room. The nook was a huge one but still inconspicuous and hid them both easily. Janet knew the feel of his arms and his scent too well to be surprised. He turned her around and pressed a kiss to her lips which she reciprocated enthusiastically.

  “Mmm,” he said against her lips. “You look pretty today, serving girl. A nice change.” The words were interrupted by light pecks. Janet only shook her head at that, knowing it was his attempt at a compliment.

  “You don’t look bad yourself,” she told him.

  “Come on, I want you to meet my parents.”

  “What?” Janet was shocked, not expecting to be introduced to the Reeds.

  “I want you to meet my parents,” he repeated as if explaining something to a five-year-old.

  “I get that,” she snapped. “But- why?”

  “They’ve met all my friends,” he shrugged pulling her along. They had to wait for his mother to excuse herself from some guests that she mingled with before she turned her attention to her son. She was just above average height and good looking with long, black hair like Ethan’s. Her smile was good natured but calculated and her eyes were gentle but observant. She smiled at Janet as she shook her hand and looked at Ethan inquisitively.

  “This is my friend, Janet Price,” Ethan said. Janet didn’t fail to notice the “friend” part but she didn’t comment.

  “Nice to meet you, Janet,” Mrs. Reed said. “Price, hmm, never heard of that.” Janet realized Ethan’s mother thought she was from one of the known families of Georgia.

  “Janet is just a friend, mother,” Ethan told her. It was his way of telling his mother that Janet wasn’t one of the rich children but a friend. Understanding dawned on his mother and she smiled at them both, quickly changing the subject. Janet shifted uncomfortably as Ethan and she talked about some family stuff. Eventually, Ethan led her away, his hand on her elbow. She saw Michelle throw her an angry look as she passed her.

  This was going to be a long night.

  Chapter 9 – Confrontations

  Janet was in the library, trying to focus on her work when she was interrupted by a group of girls, led by Michelle.

  “Hey serving girl,” a voice said. The voice was low, at the library accepted level.

  Janet stared down at her notes, determined not to respond.

  “There’s no Ethan here to protect you,” said another voice.

  “And what kind of spell have you put on him anyway, witch?”

  “Yeah, it’s either a spell or he just feels sorry for you. Don’t flatter yourself, serving girl.”

  Janet sighed and looked up. Michelle and her cronies were sneering at her.

  “You’re right. I did put a spell. Would you like me to teach you?” Janet replied sweetly.

  “You insolent little—” Michelle made to lunge at her but her friend held her back. Janet stood up.

  “Michelle, I’m really sorry that Ethan doesn’t want to sleep with you but it’s not my fault or my business. You can go settle this with him if you want.”

  “You bitch!” Michelle shrieked, now struggling against her friend to reach Janet.

  “Michelle, leave her alone,” a quiet voice said behind Janet. She turned to find Ethan standing there, hands in his pockets and a solemn expression on his face.

  “How could you?” Michelle shrieked at him. People were beginning to stare now and the librarian was making her way to their table. “How could you choose her? This- this plain stupid serving girl! What has happened to your standards, Ethan?”

  “Is it still considered wrong to tell girls to shut the fuck up?” Ethan asked no one in particular.

  Michelle looked like she was going to cry.

  “What is all this?” the librarian said, trying to sound stern but keeping her voice hushed at the same time. “Where have your manners gone? I want you all out of the library. Now!”

  Michelle was teary eyed now as her friends escorted her out. The librarian looked at Ethan who still stood at the same spot but did not say any more. She left the two alone. Janet said down and resumed staring at her notes.

  “Janet—” Ethan begun but Janet shook her head.

  “I don’t want to talk about it,” she said simply. “Leave me, Ethan. I’m studying.”

  For a moment, it seemed like he was about to protest but then he stood up. He was gone a moment later.

  Hours later, as Janet exited the library she was greeted by George and Kan. Janet smiled, happy to see them.

  “Hello, serving girl,” George said jokingly. Janet rolled her eyes. “How dare you steal Ethan away from us!”

  “So you’ve heard of what happened at the library then?” Janet asked as they walked on either sides of her.

  “Ethan told us. And word gets around fast here. There were others in the library and I think everyone knows at this point.”

  “Are you angry at Ethan?” Kan asked. “He kept going on about how he stood up for you but you told him to leave.”

  “I was working,” said Janet in a would be casual voice.

  “Is that all?” Kan asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Is that really all?” George said.

  “Yes.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.”

  “Is there anything you want to talk about?”

  “No.”

  They had stopped walking and now she glared up at both of them as they continued their investigation. Her arms were folded and her expression was defiant. Then she sighed and unfolded her arms.

  “Maybe there is something…” she trailed away, doubtfully.

  “We thought so,” Kan said. “Let’s go over to my place.”

  “Another mansion? No, thanks. Let’s go to The Four Stars. I have work anyway.”

  “Work doesn’t start until 3 hours from now.”

  “Alright, let’s go to your house but then you’re dropping me to work.”

  “As you command, serving girl,” Kan said.

  Janet wasn’t even surprised at the extravagance anymore. It was something she was used to by now. She had grown used to the insane amount of money and luxuries these kids had.

  When they were seated in Kan’s living room and a servant had brought them tons of food, Kan begun to speak.

  “So tell us, why are you angry at dear old Ethan?”

  Janet was unsure of how to answer. She was also unsure of how much they knew about their relationship. When she conveyed these concerns, George laughed.

  “We know all about your relationship,” he said winking.

  Janet rolled her eyes. “Of course, Ethan would tell them,” she muttered to herself.

  “I’m not angry at Ethan,”
she started. “I just- he’s just so- confusing? He’s still afraid to admit we’re more than friends. It’s frustrating. He introduces me as his “friend”. I mean does he sleep with all his friends?” Janet blushed as she said that.

  “Well, we wouldn’t put it past Ethan…” Kan joked.

  “I’m serious.”

  “Ethan is just scared of commitment because he has never actually been serious with anyone,” George explained. “He does like you. He really does. And maybe he will come to terms with the fact that you’re not just an ordinary friend. But he has commitment issues, Janet. I don’t even know if it’s my place to tell you this. Plus, his family would go berserk if they find out he’s dating someone from the- from a different class. And trust me, the way Ethan ruins people’s lives isn’t even close to the way his parents can ruin someone’s life if they think that someone is coming between their plans for Ethan.”

  “So this is for my sake?” Janet said annoyed.

  “Partly, yes. It’s complicated. Look at it from Ethan’s point of view.”

  “I don’t understand. Please explain.”

  “You’re a rich kid with loads of expectations from your parents. Your dad wants you to join politics in his footsteps but your mom thinks it’s too dangerous for you to do so considering you’ve had near death experiences already because of your father’s enemies. Your mother wants you to inherit her business and your parents frequently bicker over which one is better for you. Alongside, they expect you to grow up to be a rich, well-mannered boy who knows how to run a business and be a politician too. You’ve never had a functional relationship and one day you meet a girl who you might actually like. But everyone thinks it’s wrong to be with her. And you grew up surrounded by what your parents wish for you and what is expected from a young man of your class and status. So you want to be with her but you don’t want to let your parents down either. You’ve also seen how your parents can easily manipulate events in their favor without any regard for other people’s lives or well-being. So you’re scared for the girl’s future as well.”