Natalie was silent digesting the story.

Steven took out his cellphone and read a text message that took him out of the class. Natalie checked her drawer, picked a few books that she wanted to peruse in the dormitory and left as well.

………………………………………………………………………………..

Three days passed. All other classes begun preparations for the festival except class D and the senior class of Trevor Tommy.

Though she wrote her name to Steve, she was not called for any rehearsals. For some reasons, it stroke her that nothing was done. Especially because someone expected a lot from them.

On an evening prep, around 8:00pm, Natalie was seated in her class with her book on her lap and her legs on another seat. She scanned the pages with her tired eyes. The room was silent except for the sound of a choir that leaked from the end of the corridor. She was with Ingrid for a while and then Ingrid left going to sleep in the dormitory. So now she remained by herself in the room.

She checked her watch. 8:15pm. Too early. She thought. If she went back to the dormitory she might not catch any sleep.

She lowered her feet from the chair to the floor right before she smelled a familiar scent.

“Ingrid?”

A voice followed. 

Natalie twisted her head to the entrance and met with Trevor’s gaze. He stood holding the door wearing a black t-shirt and white tracksuit trousers. In the few seconds, she could behold his attractive physique.

“Ooh. Sorry. I thought that I could find Ingrid here.” He was saying.

“Aah ahm..” she nodded then shook her head. “She was here. But then she felt sleepy and went back to the dormitory.”

“Ooh.” He raised an eyebrow. An appealing gesture as Natalie thought. Unlike she expected, Trevor released the door and walked to her. She cleared her throat patting her books and straightening her back on the seat.

He halted in front of her desk and offered a hand. “I think that we’ve not met. My name is Trevor, Trevor Tommy.”

She raised her own her to him. And he shook it, less formerly rest assured.

“Natalie Bradley.”

He released her palm. “So, you are a newcomer in this class?”

She nodded.

“Welcome.”

She gave her best smile. “Thank you.”

“How have you found it so far?”

“Charming. Though, I heard a few stories.”

“It’s all not true.” He said sarcastically.

She giggled.

He in turn occupied the seat that Natalie had her feet. “Steve, my sister… they have their stories.”

“Your cousin?” she repeated.

“Yeah. Ingrid.”

 She nodded, understanding. Not your girlfriend… ok!

“What’s your talent?”

“Me? I want to try out for drama.”

“Did you register your name to Steven?”

“Yes.”

“Have you ever acted before?”

“Once, a long time ago. I’m up for the challenge.”

He grinned. “I like that spirit. You’re confident.”

“Thank you.”

“So, what are you reading?”

“Now?” she glanced at her book and replied him “this geology stuff. Landmarks.”

“There’s a forest behind The Fence. It has many stories.”

She giggled. “The fence?”

“The fence that separates Hamerton from the outside world. The forest beyond it will provide with practical green experience. Flora.”

“Thank you. I would love to visit the place.”

“Sure. We can arrange that with other people who are interested and ask for permission and go there.”

She smiled in agreement.

“Have you read the story? The frog Prince.”

“It’s a…common tale.”

“If you were in the part, which character would you pick?”

She shrugged. Cute. He was thinking. “Any…okay… perhaps the princess. And you?”

“Genie.”

She laughed.

He laughed back.

“Cummon. You can’t play genie. There’s no streak of evil in you.”

“You’ve been misled to esteem me too highly.”

“I think that I’ve known you enough to tell on my own.”

He gave one of his intriguing smiles again. Probably feeling flattered.

She noticed glowing inscriptions on a small badge on his shirt and squinted her eyes to read them mumbling, “President…”

“Ooh, this.” He bent his head to watch it. “President of Hamerton Schools.”

“How many are they?”

He glanced at her. “The Hamerton Schools? I have no idea.”

“So, their governments…they answer to you?”

“I expect to know that in these festivals.”

“I’m sorry that our class is backing out from participating.”

He smiled on one side. “Why don’t you help me?”
“Ooh. How?”

stay tuned to find out..