Thorns of White Rose

Chapter 16 - The Rumor

Turning 18 is special for many. It's like a start of new adventure. It signifies freedom and responsibility. I never celebratef my birthday in the past 10 years. It was my decision to spend my day quietly alone in my room each year. The parents who gave birth to me did not even remember, so it's pointless and pathetic to celebrate it.

But this year is different. Aunt Royce insisted that we should ghrow a party for my special day. It was awkward for me to say thank you when people greeted me on my birthday. But she was so excited and she didn't give me any chance to say no. The preparation was quick. She managed everything l, the reservation of hotel, she chose program coordinators. She wanted to involve me and get my opinion, but I pretended to be busy at school so she ended up doing everything - food tasting, choosing my gown and afterparty dress, the cake and basically the flow of the event.

My involvement was only on the list of guests. There's not many I can invite, few highschool friends from the province and my blockmates now. It's my aunt who knows the entire neighborhood. Not even surprised when she informed me that there will br 200 guests including our neighbors and friends from the church. I really can't imagine how horrible I would look on that night.

"I'm so freaking excited for the weekend! Can't wait to see you in your debut gown." It's Wednesday afternoon and we're just chatting in the room while waiting for the next class. Aubrey is sitting next to me while scrolling through her phone.

"You know I hate celebrating my birthday. I hate being the center of attention." That night is my biggest concern now.

Nate who's sitting in front of us turned around with a big smirk.

"I heard that Brynne will be there too. So you guys are a thing or what?" I don't know where th e rumor came from, but my classmates kept teasing me and Brynne together saying we look cute.

"Stop linking me with him. We're not together." I don't need any man right now. Oh they will just be distractions.

The entire room became quiet when Kale entered the room. He's not the professor we're expecting. We just finished our class with him earlier, and now we should have the Ethics Class. It's supposed to be the last subject for the day. What's Kale doing here again?

"Ms. Galvi has something urgent to attend to this afternoon, so I would take her period to discuss the new lesson. I will not be around on Friday." He's using his cold tone again. Kale has been cold like that for a week now. I am not used to him being like that.

As always, he uses a presentation and in between he would ask questions to make sure that the class can follow the topic. I cannot focus because he's extra aloof now.

What I hate the most is he keeps ignoring me. I raised my hand 3 times during the recitation but he won't look at my way. Or is it just me who feels important? I didn't do anything to him to treat me coldly.

That was the most hellish one hour of my life. He presented a new topic and gave a surprise quiz after. I was really so close to walking out because he's so annoying. He just does what he wants, he's not considerate this time. I got 20/50 because I had the formulas switched.

"All papers in?" He asked while shutting down his macbook. He rolled his sleeves until his elbow and for the first time that day he took a seat on the swivel chair in front. He looks so devilishly handsome.

"Okay, class dismissed." Since it's the last period for the day, my classmates were rushing to get out of there. Aubrey's boyfriend was outside the room so she said goodbye to me before heading out quickly.

I noticed that Kale remained sitting while checking his phone. I'm afraid to aporoach him, but I should tell him anyway that giving surprise quiz like this is inconsiderate.

I waited for the last group of my classmates to get out before I walked to his direction.

"Sir Kale..." His eyes went up from the screen of his phone to me. His scent is all over the space. It's been a while since I had gotten this close to him.

"Yes, Ms. Savedra?" He leaned on the table as he put his phone down.

"Can I request to not give a surprise quiz like this again? Give us time to digest the topic first. This is unfair." I tried to not raise my brow but that's just not possible. I hate him now.

"I see this is the first time you failed my quiz. 20 is not a bad score, and this will roughly affect your overall ranking. Just do well next time." Did he give up on me? He used to talk sweetly when it's jist the two of us.

"I still disagree to your surprise quiz. You seem to be fristrated these days, I feel like you're taking it out on us." He laughed and stood. Now I feel small again. No don't get closer.

"So you noticed..." Now his voice is calmer and quieter. I withdrew myself from the eye contact when he cornered me to the endge of the table.

He's insane for doing this. The doors at the back and front are made of glasses, and anyone passing by outside the room can see through.

"Move."

"So Brynne and you..." I gasped. Even Kale knows about that rumor.

"I-is that why you're acting up all this time?" My voice cracked when his face got closer. I'm out of breath literally.

"Yes. It took you forever to ask. Brynne really?" He sounds disgusted now and I hate him so much for doing this.

"Move now, Sir Kale. People might see."

"Based on your reaction, it seems the rumor is true. Alright..."He took a deep sigh and moved an inch but he's still close enough to drive me crazy. He smells so good.

"You can look forward to more surprise quizzes."

"I didn't know you're this childish!" I exclaimed.

"I'm far more cruel than this, Laurian. Can't believe I lost to someone like..."

"I'm not dating anyone. And I won't ever date you too, Sir Kale. You're too inconsiderate and childish. Now move!"

There was a noticeable change in his eyes from fury to excited. I gulped several times to stop myself from kissing him. He makes me crazy for real.

"You two are not a thing?" His voice is so much softer now.

"I said move, Sir Kale. People will see!!"

He took a step back and turned around. He sighed deeply several times before facing me again.

"I'm okay now with the fact that nothing's going on between you. I also heard he's going to be in your birthday party that I was not invited for. But I have no right to be jealous now, so I'll just wish..."

"How are you even finding things out?! Ugh!! I hate you so much."

"If something happens, just know you can call or text me anytime. I really can't do much right now as your professor. It's frustrating."

Something in my felt relieved that he's acting normal now. His voice is calmer.

"Will you even come of I ask you to save me on that night?" He seemed confused. Of course, how would he understand?

"Nevermind. Next time you have an issue with me, don't make the entire class suffer by giving a surprise quiz. Just tell me directly what's the problem, okay?"

"Can't promise that, Laurian. You do what you want and I'll do my thing. Know that I'm waiting for you to be ready." We both looked at the glass door when it made a noise meaning someone came in.

"Oh there you go! I was looking for you at the lobrary where you always stay." Brynne of all people showed up right at that moment.

"Why are you looking for her?" Kale's question made me feel butterflies in my stomach.

"We're shooting today the promotion video for the Bohol Outreach." I answered.

"I see. I remember now. I'll go with you, I want to see how it will go." I gave him a warning look when he turned to me.

"You're busy, right, Sir Kale?"

He pouted in disappintment before picking up his things on the table.

"I guess I'm busy. I'll watch the video once it comes out. Good luck on your shooting. And by the way Brynne, come to my office tomorrow at 9 AM. Let's have the consultation a day earlier. I have urgent .matter to take care of in Sangapore on Friday."

He must be busy. He will be in Singapore on Friday so most likely he will spend the weekend there. He has all the audacity to tell me to text him anytime ha. I hate him.