Thorns of White Rose

Chapter 2 - Elegance

Stallion is raising the bar high at least for me. I am surprised they also host events where students can socialize and expand their network. There's this event called Seniors' Night which is a formal party for senior high students.

"I've been looking forward to this night. How do I look?" Aubrey's eyes were sparkling when she turned around in front of me. Wearing a knee-length cocktail dress, she's ready to slay the red carpet tonight.

"You don't look like 17. Really stunning." She giggled.

I chose a black fitted dress. It's at least four inches above the knee. The V cut at the back made it so comfortable. I liked this dress when we were shopping and I thought it's pretty nice for me so I can breathe later. I haven't had a gasp of how exactly rich people here are, but maybe tonight they'll show.

Aubrey's driver reminded us that he will just be in the parking lot, and we should just text him when the party is over. My friend did not seem to care, she's way too excited for tonight.

Lights were screaming glamour from the walkway to the event hall. I am not surprised by the red carpet. I heard the school chairman himself will be present in the event. Aubrey and I took pictures together. She wanted to take solo pictures as well, and she kept telling me how I'm stealing the spotlight.

"Seriously, girl! All eyes here are on you." I flipped my curly hair, she's making it awkward. Now, I just want to tie my hair.

"Want to get some food?" I asked. Before anything, I think it's good to eat first.

"Later. I think we're a little too early, so few people." She kept looking around as if trying to find someone. Well, whoever she's trying to find, it will be really difficult as the hall is pretty large.

Just ten minutes after we arrived, people started to double in that hall. The chairman looks like he's in early 30's. That kind of person can already lead an institution as successful as this - a true inspiration.

"I think we can just go separate ways from here. Are you looking for your team?" I meant the cheerleading team. Her eyes glowed as if she saw something. I followed the direction where she's looking at.

"Isn't Sir Kale really hot?" I rolled my eyes. There's nothing special about the man.

"Did you hear what I--"

"No, let's sit with our blockmates. You'll give men impression that you're lonely if you sit by yourself. You can make friends here." But I am not interested.

My goal is to live as quietly as I can. I don't want to complicate my life by getting attached to anyone. But when Aubrey pulled me to the table where our blockmates are sitting, I had no choice but to sit with them.

A quick glance around, and then I smiled. There's this one guy that I'm sure doesn't belong to our class. Maybe he's a companion or boyfriend of one of my blockmates.

I saw Kale Alejandro, the professor that Aubrey is so crazy about, approaching our table. He's holding a glass of alcohol and he's wearing a smile. I immediately got up and told them that I'm starving so I'll go get some food.

It's really hard to watch how Aubrey is drooling for him.

I also saw the unfamiliar man got up from his seat and looked at me.

"I'm starving too." The people around our table looked at him. He's wearing braces, and his dimples are really cute. I nodded and started walking away. From my peripheral view, I saw him following me.

"It's my first time to see you. Brynne Carlos." His sincere smile was affectionate. I took his hand for a handshake and replied.

"Laurian Savedra. I'm a transferee and also a scholar." He gripped my hand just tight enough for a sincere handshake.

"Nice to meet you. I had no doubt when I looked into you a while ago that you're intelligent." Now, that's the level of compliment I want to hear.

I shook my head a little, and tried not to laugh. Is he a playboy?

"It's nice to meet you, Brynne."

He assisted me while getting food. Everything about him looks expensive, his suit, watch, hair, perfume and the way he talks. In my few days in Stallion, I noticed that there is a lot of ignorant filthy rich people here, but he's different.

Brynne is careful when talking, it's obvious how he's careful in choosing words. I want to describe him as a cute gentleman.

He offered to sit in the table for 4 near the buffet.

"It's noisy in our table, we won't be able to enjoy the food." He even pulled the chair for me.

"Thank you. Are you in the same department?" Maybe he's a graduating student.

"Yup. I know everyone in our table." He looked down as if thinking twice if he's going to tell me something. I find that cute again.

"Actually, we are friends. The bond we had during junior high was really strong, and until now we're still hanging out from time to time. You can join from now on." I looked directly into his eyes. Is he really a playboy?

I grabbed my utensils and started eating. I can't sense any awkwardness between us. I feel like we are in the same level, and that gives me a certain level of comfort.

"I don't like a large group of friends. And I don't think we have similar social life." He leaned on the table and watched me eat.

"That would be better. You can show me your world, and I'll show you mine." My heart skipped a beat when he said that. I could not even respond when the spotlight went to our direction.

Brynne stood and looked at the stage before he started walking towards that direction. I didn't hear anything that the emcee was saying. Why did they need Brynne up there?

My jaw dropped when he delivered a speech as a student council president. I had no idea I was sitting with the council head. He is articulate and confident. The way he gestures his hand is very smart too.

I took a deep sigh when he returned to our table.

"Perfect delivery of speech. How long did you practice that?" I asked sarcastically. That's the only way to break the ice.

"I have been forced to attend all types of classes for self-development. So to answer you question, maybe 12 years."

"Good for you." I answered.

"I really hate to say this, but can you feel the sharp eyes of men around? You are the apple of the eye tonight. They must be wondering who's this new girl in the university?" As if one knows everyone in the campus.

"Maybe it's you they're giving an eye. You delivered such a good speech, and maybe stole girls' hearts too." Even the way he laughed was so fine.

"Brynne..." Someone called his name. I didn't bother looking around even that voice is familiar.

"Sir Kale..." Brynne stood and shook hands with the professor.

"I heard from Kid that your parents will be back next week for their anniversary." I barely heard what they were talking about.

"Oh you're with Ms. Savedra. I almost did not recognize you." I gave him a simple smile before looking at Brynne.

"I'll just use the restroom."

"Go ahead. I'll be waiting for you here." He answered.

I gave Kale one final look before walking away from them. I am just not comfortable with him around. He looks a little intimidating, and my guts are telling me not to get involved with him.

But was it just my imagination when I saw his jaw clenched when I excused myself.