Diary of a Poor Billionaire

CHAPTER 8: First Day in College

-Erick's POV-

I shook my head, telling Hans not to say anything. I thought it's best to hide it from them yet, especially from Shania.

Hans, who understood what I meant, said to the group, "I'll pay for it, guys. A friend of mine just sent me 25,000 dollars."

"Really?! Oh thank you, Hans," said Shania, whose eyes shone with relief and admiration.

"If not because of you and your friend, we would end up in jail. Unlike someone else who knows nothing but to eat pleasurely and cower when trouble arises," she added and threw me a dirty look.

"You–"

Hans looked sideways at me. As usual, I stood firm to my decisions and shook my head. He seemed to be frustrated by my actions.

"It's okay, Hans. I don't care at all," I said nonchalantly, which made him irritated even further. Nathan and Kevin also seemed to be irritated with the situation, even though they didn't know why Hans was more irritated.

Hans faced the waiter nonetheless and paid the bill. Soon, we exited the restaurant and was about to go home.

"Erick, wait."

I was about to walk away when Hannah stopped me. The other boys looked at us momentarily and left.

"What is it, Hannah?" I asked.

She seemed blushing and guilty when she said, "I'm sorry about earlier. I could not stop Shania earlier. I really couldn't understand why she hates you."

"You don't have to apologize to me. I already get used to Shania's attitude, so no worries at all," I said with reassurance and she looked relieved.

"Anyways, thank you for coming. I really appreciate it. I'll be looking forward to see you again," she said and her eyes were twinkling under the moonlight.

"Yeah, until next time. I should go now or they might leave me," I said and chuckled.

She also bid goodbye and we parted ways.

"Here comes our Romeo. So how's your talk with Juliet?" said Nathan and laughed.

"Shut up. Can we go now?"

While on our way to the apartment, I noticed Hans looking at me curiously and he looked somewhat annoyed. Even though I didn't know him well, I knew why he acted like that and I appreciated it. After all, he's the only one who knew what really happened why we get off the hook earlier. Hearing that Shania kept on insulting me, he was totally frustrated and helpless, knowing that he had to keep his words.

I get out of Kevin's car when we arrived. Before I could make another steps, Hans held my shoulders to signal me to stop.

"You two go on. I have something to buy in a convenience store. Erick, you'll accompany me," said Hans and they just moved on without noticing anything suspicious.

Once we put much distance from the apartment, Hans was still angry and he started scolding me.

"Erick, what the f*ck is wrong with you? Why didn't you let me explain to her who really gave that money? If you didn't help us, she would also suffer the consequences and yet she's still mocking you. If only she's not a woman, I would beat her. You know what? I hate you for letting yourself being looked down. ARRGGHH!!"

I just let him rant to calm him down. It was the first time I saw him like this. He was always calm and silent, but tonight was different.

"Hey, answer me. Why aren't you listening to me?" he sounded annoyed.

"I stand firm to what I said earlier. It's nothing really to bother about."

"But why?"

"I'll tell you why. But you have to keep it a secret."

"Okay. Now spill it."

I took a breath and said, "Shania and I were not just neighbors; we're cousins. I lived under their roof and I worked for them in exchange for my education. So, the reason why I don't want her to know is because they didn't know I have money and they'll never let me off the hook if they did. I already swore I don't want any trouble involving her and my aunt."

"So that's it then," he said with his eyes wide open with shock. "I never thought you're related to her."

"Yeah. So please respect my decision earlier. Also, don't tell anyone about it earlier," I said without thinking too much. I knew I could trust him.

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone," he said. But soon after, he seemed to be befuddled by something.

"So, if Shania knew that you have no money, then where did your money come from? Not to mention you just paid 25,000 dollars in one go," he added. "I am not looking down at you or something, but to be honest mate, you don't look like you have lots of money."

"Yeah, well, it's a long story and I can't just tell you now. Don't worry, I will tell all of you when the right time comes," I said and he seemed disappointed by my response. "Can we go back now?"

With that, we returned back in our apartment. Nathan and Kevin were not asleep yet but they were indulged in their own business. They must be preparing for tomorrow's first day in college. Today's event was so exhausting that I wanted to sleep right away without changing my clothes.

While I propped myself to sleep, my head rest on something bulgy and sturdy on my pillow. I picked it up and I realized it was my diary. I must've had forgotten to keep it yesterday morning when I tried to write something on it.

I flipped open the pages and saw that I had only written one entry on it. I was too emotional yesterday that I decided not to write what happened between me and Irah.

Good thing I kept a diary, as it was the only thing where I can write about my true identity. I can't just tell everyone about it, and my diary became my new best friend. And so, I started writing everything that happened to me, from when I met Miss Tina and my father up until Hannah's birthday.

~~~~~~~~~~

I was awaken when my phone rang suddenly about five in the morning.

"Hello Miss Tina," I spoke groggily. "Why are you calling me at this hour?"

"Oh sorry Young Master," she said. "But I might be busy later, so I want to tell it to you now."

"What is it?" I asked and stiffled a yawn.

"Mr. Lowie wanted to invite you to come at his hotel at five in the afternoon. I would like to know if you're free at that time. I'll notify him if you aren't," she said.

"Just give me his contact so that I will not bother you," I said as a matter-of-fact.

"Okay Young Master, if that's what you want," she replied. "Do you want me to fetch you at that time, Young Master?"

"No, I'm fine. Just send me the address of the hotel."

"Alright. Just call me if you need something. I'll hang up now."

The call ended. I never intended to go back to sleep, so I started preparing myself. According to my study load, my first subject would start at eight.

More than two hours later...

The campus was just a walking distance from the apartment, so we decided to walk only. Upon arriving, the whole premises were already filled with students. Most of them were busy in their own businesses that I had relief no one would notice me.

I reached the Engineering Department and bid goodbye to the three of them. I went straight to the room number indicated in my timetable and chose a seat near the window.

Since it's still too early, the room was empty yet, except for a person who was doodling something on his notepad.

The moment I saw him, I felt like he's a mysterious one. He was introverted and rarely took off his gaze from what he was doing. He was oblivious to his surroundings that he didn't even pay me the slightest attention when I entered.

I have seen many people who acted that way and it was not surprising because I myself was introvert in nature. But most introverts I knew were either nerds or poor students like me who had no confident of socializing with others. But he's an exception. He was neither of the description and he looked like he was born with a silver spoon in mouth. He was simply introvert.

When I was safe to assume he would not look at my direction, I took the chance to scrutinise him. He had a cut on his left eyebrow, that made him looked cool. The aquiline nose he sported had complemented his prominent cheekbone, which appeared to be chiselled into shape by a master craftsman. But the temperament he imposed made him looked less admirable despite his Adonis looks.

"If stares could only kill, I would have gone by now."

I was caught off guard when he said that, making me feel embarrassed. I never thought he was quite astute and caught me staring at him red-handed. He sounded arrogant.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to look at you," I apologised insincerely and looked away.

"Tsk."

I just ignored his annoyance. Soon after, my new block mates gradually filled in the room. As expected, they were not any ordinary students. I could even recognize the person who just entered, which happened to be the son of the mayor of Seattle.

"I wonder why she's looking at you admiringly," the guy earlier said suddenly. I realized he moved to the seat behind me. I looked at the direction he was looking but I found nothing. Was he making a fool of me?

Confused, I looked at him quizzically and raised my eyebrow. He just shrugged off and continued his attention on his notepad. Great! I shouldn't have listen to him.

The room was almost filled completely when the bell rang and soon after, a stern-looking middle aged male professor came in, carrying a folder.

"Welcome to another year at Seattle University. I am Freddie Williams, your instructor in Civil Engineering Orientation..."

He went on with his introduction. I noticed he was someone who should not be messed with. The way he spoke in cold and stern manner was enough to tell it.

Moments later, he scanned the folder he was holding and said, "Oh, we have two scholar here. Where's Erick Miller and Diana Martin? Can you stand up?"

"Pfft. I wonder who they are."

"Great. Another f*cking brains."

Giggles and comments were buzzing in the air, and I hesitated if I have to stand or not. I would feel humiliated if I did, but that would be a form of disrespect if I didn't.

In their eyes, the scholars were someone from low class and didn't belong to their social circle.

I stood up, and as expected, they looked at me with contempt. Another girl took up my lead, while maintaining her head low. I couldn't make out her face because she's a little further, but I could see she was wearing glasses.

"Woo, they're perfectly matched," a girl from the third row suddenly blurted out. It was followed by sniggers and gossips.

"Everyone, shut up. Do you think you're better than them? If you blurt another nonsense, I advise you to get out of my class," said Mr. Freddie sternly. They obediently stopped, but they threw me malicious looks.

"Now, you two, I am hoping greater things from you. I hope you'll not disappoint me," he added, addressing me and Diana. I just nodded and went to sit back.

"Tsk."

What's his problem? The guy earlier seemed annoyed again. For what?

The class went on. For the whole day, I only have two subjects; the other one was Calculus in the afternoon.

The whole day just passed in a blur, having surprisingly endured the contemptuous stares from my classmates. And in those times, I didn't even knew his name. But why would I care? Weird.

At last, the bell rang at 4 o'clock, signifying the end of Calculus class. I took my leave, but before I reached the door, the whole class burst into laughter. I just stood there, looking dumb and confused. What was it this time?

I just left the room and decided to go back to the apartment before I go to Grand Jewel. But before I could make some distance, a cold voice suddenly spoke behind me. I looked back and see the guy again. I realized he was tailing me.

"Wait. You are i***t, really," he said bluntly.

"What did you say? Do I know you?" I said impatiently.

"Tsk."

I wonder if that's his signature; when he said that, you would always tell he's annoyed. And I was starting to get annoyed with it as well.

But instead of answering me, he pulled my shoulders harshly, almost causing me to be tripped. What he did next surprised me. He pulled something on my back, and I realized it was a paper with the words "I'm an i***t" written on it.

"See? I told you you're an i***t," he said menacingly and turned his back on me and left. I was left dumbfounded.

I felt embarrassed and guilty. Who would have thought he helped me get out of embarrassment. But I knew better not to dwell on it again. Even if he helped me, he was still a jerk, and I don't want to think I owe him.

I moved on and went straight to the apartment. Luckily, no one bothered me while I walked along the Lower Mall. When I arrived at the apartment, I could only see Kevin scribbling on his notebook.

"How's your first day, bro?" he greeted me after I settled my stuffs down.

"Nothing remarkable," I said nonchalantly. "Where are the others?"

"They went to the grocery for our supplies. Don't worry, I already included yours on the list," he said.

"You shouldn't bother. I can buy my own, you know."

"It's nothing, bro. Just think of it as my treat," he said smilingly.

"Okay, thank you," I said appreciatively. "By the way, I'll be gone for hours. So don't wait for me. I'm not even sure if I'll be here tonight."

"Where are you going, bro? I can give you a ride," he said hopefully.

"No thanks, bro. But someone will fetch me. I'm just going to visit a friend, anyway," I said. Of course, that was just a lie. I didn't want him to know I would go to the Grand Jewel. This was not the time to expose my identity yet.

"Okay, stay safe then," he said and continued his work. "Just call me if you need something."

"Thank you," I said and changed my clothes. "I'll go now."

I went outside and booked a cab.

I wonder what Mr. Lowie wanted from me. He even have to ask Tina if I had free time. From what Tina said in E. M., Justin Young would surely be punished at that time. Who knows he might ask for apology about what happened at E. M. Whatever it was, I would know it later.

After thirty minutes, I arrived at the Grand Jewel. I was about to step out when the cab driver stopped me.

"Are you sure you'll go in there?" he asked while pointing at the hotel in front of us. I quickly understood what he meant. From his perspective, I was just a poor student who can't afford to book a room in a hotel.

Sigh. I wonder why people would judge easily by his looks. Even though I was already filthy rich, I still had a hard time proving to others that I was not whom they thought. Even a stranger could easily judge me based on my clothes.

Maybe, I would buy more decent clothes tomorrow.

"Yes, what's the problem?" I asked nonchalantly.

"Are you aware what kind of people can only enter in that hotel? You would be surprised that even some celebrities booked a room in there," he said with contempt. I just ignored him and went straight to the entrance.

But just as I was some meters away from the entrance, a group of girls passed by. I could just ignore them, but when I took another step, someone was calling me.