PHILLIPS ACADEMY: THREE HEIRS ONE HEART

One, two, three. Steps that I need to pass the gates of the Phillips Academy of Arts. It is the first day of school. My goal to become a filmmaker finally starts now. I have to admit. It is pretty scary how much display of privilege I see from every freshman I see within the school grounds. It is clear that I won’t fit in – well, I don’t really want to. I got accepted into this academy because of a scholarship grant my father got me. I’m going to finish my degree for him and all his sacrifices. I have no time faking myself, competing with the likes of these rich kids. A group of senior students – school interns are at the gates, welcoming and helping every freshman who needs them. Speaking of help, my hands are now getting sore because of the huge bags I’m carrying. I’m going to find the dormitory and check my room. Oh, I wish my new roommate would at least be normal. One school intern in particular got my eyes, and so other girls tried to get his attention. He’s wearing a plain shirt with ‘student intern’ in it and wears tight jeans. He’s tall, blonde, fair skinned, has piercing blue eyes, he has got great proportions. Not going to sugar coat, he’s pretty hot. Anyway! I have to go. After taking a few steps away from the entrance, suddenly, there were loud footsteps from behind, coming towards me. A tall shadow devoured mine in broad daylight. I feel a presence so strong that it attracts the attention of those around me. It’s him. His voice so gentle, asked me, “Hey miss. Do you need any help?” I turned around and saw the sight of a man so captivating I almost wanted to punch myself to calm down. His pecs, toned arms, and sweet smell; In addition, his aura that screams royalty. How am I going to respond properly? I’m currently freezing. “Uhm. Are you okay, miss? Let me help you.” He added with a perfect smile to make me more unresponsive – can’t he see I’m so stuck right now? Not to mention, his teeth are seemingly brighter than my future. “I. I can manage,” I stuttered. “Trust me, I know what self-deception looks like. Plus, your hands look in pain lifting those bags. So please, let me help you,” he said. Oh my God! Is he an empath? Anyway, he immediately grabbed my bags. I felt his hands touch mine. Oh my God, stop! I’m here to achieve my dreams, not to marry this man. First academy crush was added to the list. Looks like it would be my side job to find more guys like him in this place. Things are going smoothly, lol. I feel sorry for those girls staring at us. It’s me! I win! You lose! Just kidding. While walking to find the dorm, I could not help but take multiple glimpses of this fine chivalrous man. I don’t know if he’s nice because he’s trying to impress those around him, or because he’s actually a genuinely good person – Honestly, I don’t even care, as long as he’s attractive. What am I going to name our future babies? Shush! Oh my god! He caught me staring at his pecs. Why is he smiling? “I’m Alvin, by the way. 21. And who are you?” He said while we exchanged eye contact. I feel like he’s looking into my soul. Please look deeper. Lol! “I’m Gayle. Gayle Riley. 18. Uhm, thank you for your kindness,” I said as I awkwardly smiled at him. “No big deal. It’s my job as your senior to guide you,” he said, and then winked. Good Lord! If this man doesn’t stop, I don’t even care if people are looking; I’m going to make out with him right here, right now. “You’re pretty popular, Mr. Alvin. I can tell by the number of people staring at us.” “I was not really comfortable at first, but I eventually got used to it. Popularity isn’t really my thing, but thanks to my dad, a lot of people know who I am.” “I don’t think it’s that. I think it’s because you are…Uhm…You are really attractive. I’m sure you hear that a lot.” I said to him, he then giggled. “Thank you for the compliment.” He simply said with his perfect smile still in place. Wait. Why is his dad related to his popularity? I’m thinking of asking him but I think we’re already near the women’s dormitory. By the looks of it, the dormitory has many floors. With open windows, girls staring down at us; some with their phones taking photos and filming him; others uncontrollably shrieking due to the sight of the fine man next to me; and a few others who are madly staring at me like a bunch of jealous kids. Alvin smiled and waved at them. Most of them started acting like a pack of wolves desperate for some delicious meat – I mean, who would blame them? My room number is 8, located on the first floor. Alvin continues to accompany me. Why is he so nice? We reached room 8, the door had already opened. He’s still standing behind me as we were welcomed by the sight of a girl looking so shocked at us. Wait, is she my roommate? I’m pretty sure she’s mesmerized by Alvin’s charm. Alvin entered the room and dropped my bags. The girl kept looking at him, standing in place, not moving. Like I said earlier, I can’t blame her. With a smile on his face, he took a few steps, went to the door, nodded at the girl, turned around and he said to me, “Nice meeting you, Gayle. I’ll be on my way.” “Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Alvin.” “Drop the formality, just call me Alvin. See you around.” Sigh. This man is really something else. Why is he so nice? Moreover, now that he’s leaving, I have to deal with this girl in my room. After I turned around, the girl started shrieking, “You cannot believe how lucky you are!” She added, “Do you even know who that man is?” It seems that my wish to get a sane roommate already won’t happen. I can tell by the looks of it. I replied to her, “He’s Alvin. That’s what he told me.” She then looked so disappointed and further shocked. What is this girl trying to prove? “He’s not just any Alvin!’ She exclaimed. “He’s Alvin Phillips! One of the three heirs of Mr. Ben Phillips, super-rich entrepreneur, the owner of the Academy.” She sighed and continued, “girl? Don’t tell me, you don’t even know the history of this place you’re at?” “Uhm…Of course I’ve heard about Mr. Ben Phillips and his credentials, but I’m not really interested in his personal life.” I still can’t process what I just heard from this girl! You mean to tell me that Alvin is an heir!? Not just by anyone, but by the owner of the Academy? Why does he act like a normal student earlier? Oh wait!? That’s the reason why he said he’s popular because of his dad! I feel so stupid! Shush! I have got to commend his display of humility though. He said to me earlier that popularity isn’t his thing. Maybe he liked the feeling of being treated like a normal person. Oh my, that man is really something else. On the flip side of things, I’ve got to watch out now. I’m sure a lot of people saw me earlier with him. Wait! Why am I overthinking? “Uhm. Girl. You’re zoning out. Are you okay? I know it’s a lot to take in. I won’t blame you,” she said to me, then I slowly snapped back in reality. “You said to me, he’s one of the three heirs…You mean…there’s two more of them?” “Yes, Girl!” She said while smiling sweetly as if she wasn’t acting so aggressively just moments ago. She added, “I will tell you more about them after you fix your stuff. I’m Jenna Collins, by the way. 18 years old.” “I’m Gayle Riley, the same age.” I was shocked at how fast she jumped towards me and gave me a tight hug. “Welcome roomie! I think we’re going to be really good friends!” She said so enthusiastically while I tried to detach myself from her cuddling. I pretty much implied earlier that I’m only here in this academy for my dreams. It’s not that I hate people for anything, I’m just not the type to initiate socializing. That’s the exact reason why I never made any friends growing up; it was all me and my father. My father taught me many things, including looking at the bright side of things; he told me that it’s okay to be alone as I will be the only constant person in my life; lastly, it’s okay to let my guard down sometimes. I think he meant I needed more people in my life. As annoying as it is to admit, after meeting the nice man, Alvin, and this loud roommate of mine, Jenna, I think it’s time for me to explore. May the soul of my father guide me. Phillips Academy of Arts. Here I go! -TO BE CONTINUED-