Campus Empress

CHAPTER 17

When I entered the classroom coming from the principal’s office with a blank face, everybody was looking at me. But as soon as I took my seat, Ms. Moore continue discussing the lesson. My mind recalled the heated conversation at the principal’s office, a competitor— this is why I am chosen as the Campus Empress.

I felt my phone vibrated on my pocket so I pulled it. It was a message from Alquette.

“Meet me at the library during break time.”

I wonder why she wants to meet me. Glancing where she sits, I saw her listening to Ms. Moore, taking down notes. Maybe she’s going to tell me what’s going on because it is really crazy. Whatever it is, I want to know it. I should really know what’s going on.

“Hey Charise, I’m going to the library.” I said to her when we’re outside. She’s holding her stomach. I saw her gulped in the sight of food.

“Okay,” she simply replied still looking at the food.

“I’m going now.”

“Yes. I’m really hungry, I need sandwiches!” she blurted and run to the cafeteria. She’s always hungry.

When I reached the library, I searched where the history books are. Glancing every table to locate Alquette. I saw her sitting alone, wearing glasses while reading a book. I grab a history book when I found the shelves. Slowly, I approached her, not making a sound. I put the book on the table which made her look up to me. I smiled and took a sit.

I began opening the book, turning it in a page with an interesting context.

“What are you reading?” I asked her and started reading the book.

“A classic novel. Yours?”

“An interesting history book. Do you like history?” I plainly replied, starting our conversation.

“Yes, and I know some,” she indicated.

“Mind sharing it to me?”

“I don’t really know how to describe it though, it was first time in history.” I rolled my eyes in my mind. Yes, it’s obvious! And I want to know why!

“I see. And why?” I said, questioning her.

“That is a mystery to me. I happen to not know the reason. Maybe you know it?” she retorted and raise her head to look at me.

“In the field of business, first times happen if there’s a new product ready for launching, or a new competitor.” I said meeting her eyes.

She’s examining me. She never did that during the first week of school. I should be terrified, but my parents taught me to expect anything like this from every person and so I learned how to deal with it.

“A competitor. It’s not an enough reason,” she hummed, getting back to reading. She’s trying to get information from me.

“I thought so too. There should be a bigger reason though, what do you think?”

I remember what my mother said when she’s driving me. She said it is beneficial for me being the Campus Empress if I will know the mission. Maybe she’s the one who did it. She undoubtedly can do it.

I made it sure to make my face expressionless, I won’t risk showing to Alquette what’s on my mind.

“You know there’s a girl who was forbidden to love in this academy. And she was referred as ‘the empress’. Every student calls her that although she wasn’t announced as one.” She said and it made me stop from reading my book. Forbidden, it was the story Charise told me!

“She must be very kind to be addressed as that.” I reacted, still keeping my composure.

“She is actually the governor’s daughter. Her family governs the town properly, making it prosperous.” she added while fixing her glasses.

I nodded in response.

“They own the academy right?” I closed my book to look at her.

“Yes.”

“What’s the girl’s name?” I asked, this girl may have something to do with the mission.

“Primrose Roberts. And it was 16 years ago.” She informed me. I made to sure to lock the information in my mind.

“Turns out, it is no legend but history.” And history has different sides which a researcher must know to be able to look at the whole picture.

“A mysterious history they call a legend.” Alquette emphasized the word mysterious.

“Well, thank you for telling me a piece of the history.” I smiled and stand to return the book back to its shelf. So did she.

I was disappointed she doesn’t know any information about me being the Campus Empress. She just said that there was once a girl called ‘empress’ in this academy. I still can’t connect the dots. One thing I was sure is my mother put me in trouble making me the Campus Empress.