Journey to Me

The Beginning of THE END

There was hustle and bustle all over the Withrow University, the entire University was decorated like a bride. Some students were running here and there looking through the last minute preparation of the responsibilities they were given while others were either enjoying their time in the charming and buzzing atmosphere or getting ready for their respective events. Air around the entire University was filled with euphoria, afterall it was the annual Spirits fest. The occasion was of a bigger deal this time as it was also the inaugural function of a new drama club in the university. Stalls of various kinds including food, games, accessories etc were installed by the students for the students, for them to have a fun filled day.

"Do you have any idea where is Jess?" a tall boy asked to one of the girl carrying costumes. The girl halted and turned to face him,"I think she's near the auditorium checking the decor of the stage" she said. "Oh, thanks", saying so the boy started running towards the auditorium. He reaches the auditorium and sees a girl clad in a green off shoulder satin dress reaching her knees giving instructions to someone about the decor. "Jess", he screams frantically running to her.

Jess and everyone around gets startled by the sudden sound of someone screaming a name and turns to the source of voice. "Jesus Paul, you scared me. Why the hell are you screaming out my name here? And why are you running like there's some ghost chasing you?", Jess chides visibly annoyed by the sudden interruption in her work.

"I'm so sorry Jess, I didn't intend to scare you off, but there's a huge crisis. I have no idea what to do, please save me." Paul says in a feeble voice obviously worried and equally scared of Jess. That's the thing about Jess as much as she's fun to be with, she's equally deadly when she's angry.

"Cut the crap Paul, stop beating around the bush and come to the point. I don't have all day for you." Jess says angrily.

"Hmmm, actually.... Jess..." Paul starts to stutter.

"Are you going to say it or want me start bashing you up. Look I'm in no mood for your time pass talks now. I have a lot of errands to run. Either speak up fast or just get out of my sight before I kill you with my bare hands." Jess shouted glaring Paul. Paul shivered seeing her glaring him.

"Ok" he paused and took a deep breath hoping to gather in some courage "Angel fractured her hand, so we have no idea what to do. Everyone is bothered about the play since she is main lead "

"What? How? Is she alright?" Jess asks her brows knitting in genuine worry for Angel.

Paul was surprised that she was worried about Angel being alright or not rather than thinking about the play and that too when she absolutely dislikes Angel. In fact it was Paul who was adamant on having Angel be the main lead of the play as he had a crush on her and wanted make a good impression on her.

"What are you made of Jess? Instead of worrying about the play your worried about the girl you dislike. Like seriously" asks Paul. "That doesn't matter at this point Paul. Our first priority must be if Angel's alright or not, we can find some way out for the play later on" Jess replies.

"Whatever, anyway Angel's fine now. She's taking rest. But what do we do about the play?You know she's the main lead, right." Paul says.

"Alright, we will do something. First let's head to the rehearsal room, discuss with the team and find a way out" Jess says

"Ok. Lets hurry up, the function is gonna start soon, we have very less time" Paul says and both start running towards rehearsal room.

Jessica's POV:

Damn! I shouldn't have worn this stupid stilettos. My feet was already hurting so bad and now running is just making it even more worse. I swear I'm going to have sore feet for days now. To top it all I have this major crisis to deal with right when I'm already having my plate filled with dozens of work to be done.

We entered the rehearsal room to see the entire team sitting there with a sulking expression. I feel terrible now.

"Jess we need to replace Angel, that's the only option we have. But the question is with whom? We can't prepare someone at the last minute to play the role of the main lead" Becca, director of the play spoke.

"Calm down all of you. We will find a way out for sure. Don't worry. All we have to do is think a little harder." I tried encouraging them but truth be told I was freaking out like hell from inside. It wasn't a simple problem but a major crisis. If we can't pull off the play properly it would a be huge downfall for our university.

"Hey! Why don't Jess replace Angel? She already knows the script by heart. In fact she's helped me practice a lot of times when Angel wasn't around" Sam spoke. Sam was the other main lead of the play.

"Amazing Sam, that's a brilliant idea. In fact I always wanted Jess play this role but she was busy with other fest duties. Now that Angel's injured it feels like even fate wants Jess to play this role"Becca chirped all excited.

Everyone's eyes were now fixed on me waiting for an answer. "It's true that I very well know the script and had also practiced with Sam a lot of times in order help him but..." I was cut in the middle by Paul "Look Jess this is the only practical choice we have now. It's next to impossible to get someone ready for this play in such a short span of time. Specially when we are the opening act. So please say yes".

Everyone in the room started chanting please in chorus. Now I'm really stuck, they have left me with no choice." Ok." I said. Everyone started rejoicing now that the problem is solved.

"Jess Principal madam is calling for you. Chief guest's almost here and you need to be there at the entrance to welcome him" a junior who just entered the rehearsal room delivered the message.

"Ok guys I got to go. I'll be back as soon as possible. Till then please be ready" saying that I made my way to the entrance. I see principal madam waving at me to come fast.

I run to her mouthing an apology to her. Reaching her I inform her about the play. Just when she was about to say something to me a black Audi stops infront of the entrance.A man in his late 20's excited the car.

"Welcome Mr. Parks" Principal madam greets him with a smile while handing him a bouquet.

Oh! So he is the Ethan Parks, CEO of the Parks empire.

"Thank you Principal madam" he greets her back in husky voice nonchalantly.

He may be the CEO of the Parks Empire but doesn't he have so much sense that he need to smile back when someone smiles at him. I actually hated the idea of having a businessman be the chief guest of today's program but nevertheless it was management's decision.

"Meet Ms. Jessica Adams, the fest incharge and the mind behind the Drama club" Principal madam introduced me to Mr. Parks. I forward my hand "Welcome Mr. Parks".

He held my hand really tight "Thank you Ms. Adams". I see him smirking at me. He eyes travelling all over my body as if measuring me. The very presence of this man felt really obnoxious to me.

I withdrew my hand "Excuse me, I have few things to deal with. I will take your leave now" saying so I pass a smile to both and move away from there. As I was leaving I could still feel his gaze on me. What a disgusting man. I huff in anger as I return back to the rehearsal room.

"Calm down Jess, you'll have to deal with him just till the end of this function and then you wouldn't have to see his face ever in your life. Just go and concentrate on the play now" with a little pep talk with myself I go to get ready for the play...

This was The Beginning of THE END for Jess.

Precap: Enchanted By You