Thorns of White Rose

Chapter 19 - The Tension

Chapter 19

Aubrey was never an early bird, so I praised her a lot when she woke up early on a Saturday to prepare for the outreach. She had all her OOTDs prepared last night, and our baggages are packed. Her guards are waiting in the parking lot to drive them to school and fly with them to Bohol. Her parents are quite strict to her, and I also got used to her bodyguards following her around.

“Please try to act not so spoiled there, okay, Aubrey? We are going to meet families who just lost their homes and means of income due to typhoon. Let’s act accordingly.” I told her when we got in the car and she started complaining why the flight is too early.

“I understand. I’m giving you all the permission to nag me when I start acting like a btch, okay? I always try to act properly, but sometimes I slip so please remind me. I also don’t want to make other people feel bad because of my attitude.” That’s one thing I like about her. She has a big heart.

There was no traffic so we arrived early in school. I can already see several cars in the parking.

“Sir Kale! Good morning.” My heart raced when I heard the name Aubrey mentioned. I looked behind us and saw that tall guy towering behind us. I didn’t hear his footsteps.

“Good morning, ladies.” Even in the dark, I can see him scanning me from head to toe. Aubrey really has to be some kind of innocent to not notice the tension between us. It’s been going on for a week.

I am wearing a skirt and long sleeve while carrying my laptop bag. I saw someone behind Kale looking like his secretary or some colleagues.

Kale walked with us as his secretary or guard carried his luggages. He looks even dashing in the morning. He has that charm that I cannot explain.

Kale is obviously busy. He took several calls while in the waiting area. He didn’t say a word to me, but his gazes from time to time told me that this outreach is not going to be peaceful.

I had to leave Aubrey from where we were sitting together because I came as a volunteer. We checked the attendance and contacted the 3 participants who haven’t arrived yet. They are on the way but given that it’s already late, they agreed to meet in the airport.

There was no order to the vans that we need to take. Aubrey sticks to me on the whole duration of traveling to the airport and boarding. Her guards are taking the same flight but their seats are somewhere far from us.

Aubrey and I were looking for our seats when she stopped at isle 34. My heart skipped when I saw who’s already sitting by the window seat.

“C-can we change seats?” I murmured to Aubrey. My seat is at the middle.

“I have claustrophobia so I’m not really comfortable sitting in tight spaces. Sorry, Laury!” We cannot remain standing for long because we’re blocking some passengers who are still looking for their seats.

Of all seats in that plane, why do I have to be sitting here beside Kale?! He gave us a look and smile as we took our seat beside him. His expensive perfume dominating my space. I just need to act normal and not think anything about that night.

“Did you have breakfast?” I didn’t look at him when he asked that.

“No. We don’t usually take breakfast.” I asked. Aubrey was surprised with how cold I answered. She tried to save me, but I don’t really give a damn on what impressions I give to this guy. I just want to turn him off.

“It’s too early to eat anything, Sir Kale. But this is also a short flight so if we get hungry we can grab something in the airport or stores nearby. Have you taken your breakfast?” She really tried to be nice.

“Yes I’m done. Thanks for checking, Ms. Aubrey.” His voice was loathing and I can feel that he was looking at me while saying that.

“It’s still way too early. I’ll sleep for now. Just wake me up when we’re about to land, okay?” Aubrey didn’t wait for my answer as she laid her head on my shoulder. I tried to adjust her position so she would be comfortable but it wasn’t long before she straightened her back and made her self comfortable by resting her back at the backrest. She had her airpods and a jacket covering her legs.

The plane is preparing for departure, so the loud annoying noise is heard in the entire place.

“Having so much fan volunteering for this event huh? I see you’re really famous among the varsities and freshmen.” I held my breath when Kale quietly said it. I carefully looked at Aubrey who seems to have fallen asleep already.

“Don’t say anything weird.” I murmured turning to him. He’s looking at me with those serious eyes and lips pursed in one straight line.

“We agreed to do whatever each other wants. So have you been enjoying the attention? Feeding their eyes early in the morning with your… rule-violating short skirt.” M jaw dropped. The plane took off and held on to the armchair. My hands are clenching there, I need to suppress my emotions because we are surrounded by students and school staffs right now.

“Sir Kale, we can talk about this in private. I am asking nicely… to not say anything related to private matters between us.” The look in his eyes didn’t change. He seems ready for war.

“Well, I am asking as your professor. I can report you to the Disciplinary Board for continuously violating dress code in Stallion. You can answer my other question privately. I’m dying to know if you enjoy the attention from those young boys.” I cannot breath when he started using his normal speaking voice. If Aubrey has no airpods, she would hear everything he’s saying.

I withdrew from the eye contact. None of this is safe for my soul. I am still down for him. I am taken back to that night when he made me feel heaven. I don’t understand why of all men, it has to be my professor who makes me feel this way.

“Let’s end the conversation this instant. Yes, I enjoy their attention. I want to do it again because I love being showered with praises from cute boys. I hope that answers your question. You can report me too to the Disciplinary Board, I’ll just take the violation notice and not do it again.” I answered bravely earning a sardonic laugh from him. I feel his face getting closer to mine. The flight attendant who’s checking the seatbelt saw our situation for sure.

“I love that you are not holding back, Laurian. Go have fun with these boys during the outreach. We’ll see how this ends.” I gave a quick glance at his lips but what tI noticed was his jaw clenching. I moved my face away from him. I pretended to be busy with my phone although there is really nothing to check as there is no internet.

We haven’t even landed but I feel like I am already losing to him. I should not be intimidated. I will do my thing and avoid him as much as I can.

We landed at around 9:30 AM. We collected our luggages and headed to the waiting area of airport. We did a round of headcount then we had to travel through van from airport to the hotel.

The weather is nice. I have a good feeing that this event will turn out alright.