One day Caitlin was sitting in the classroom on her own. It was a time to go to the field but she chose to remain in class studying. The classroom door opened and Erin walked in.

She arrived at Caitlin’s desk. “What are you doing?”

“Reading as you can see?” Caitlin replied hardly waving her glance off her books. She was close to cramming a principle and felt her friend’s visit as a distraction.

Erin however, pulled a chair and sat in front of her. “I came with a question.” She begun.

“Yeah?” Caitlin said raising her chin to face Erin.

“Is a turtle a reptile, an arthropod or an amphibian?”

“Why do you ask that? Does it have characteristics of all those?”

“It has a shell like an arthropod, scales that could make it both a reptile and an amphibian…lays eggs, cold blooded-”

“It’s an amphibian.” A voice interrupted them from a person who just walked in.

They all turned to the entrance. It was Trevor. Trevor Tommy.

The girls stared at him for a moment as he walked closer to their desk. Probably with Erin it was casual but Caitlin skipped a heartbeat.

Trevor. Trevor Tommy. He had grown up. Surely. He was taller, more handsome. His face, more masculine now was more attractive. His athletic body, pale skin color and well, tantalizing gaze without forgetting his deep voice could melt down the confidence of any woman.

Caitlin took in a deep breath to suppress the lustful feelings and waited till he greeted.

“Caitlin Brooks.” He reckoned offering a hand to her. “It has been what? Two years?”

She nodded and shook the hand.

He turned to Erin. “How are you Erin?”

“I’m okay. Any problem?” Erin said.

“No. I heard that my friend is here and so here am I to greet her.” He paused “However, we are required in the office. Now”

“Which office?” She asked immediately.

“Our office.”

“Wow you guys have an office?” Caitlin asked trying to be a more part of their conversation.

“Yes.” He replied shortly.

“But, why am I needed there? I’m not an MP.”

“I don’t know either.” He replied. “When I told one of my colleagues that I was coming here, he asked me that I should fetch you.”

Erin shook her head with slight disgust. She then rose and left hastily.

Trevor shrugged and turned back to Caitlin as he occupied Erin’s seat. “So how’s your family?” he begun.

“Fine.”

“When did you join here?”

“Last week.”

“Your brother?”

“He’s okay.” She waved her head to one side and added “in the primary section.”

“What’s his name again?” He asked furrowing his brown eyebrows. He had deep brown hair color, short and suiting him.

“Ralph.”

“Ooh good. We parted when I moved here. I used to see your dad...”

“Here?”

“No. London. He was with my father.”

“Yes. He came to England.”

“Dad said that you left because of some… family problems?”

“Yeah.” She sighed looking down. “Mom died.”

“What!” he exclaimed although in a low voice. He was very astonished. More because he had no idea. Roughly he imagined what his friend must have gone through. “I’m very sorry Caitlin. I really am. Dad did not tell me that.”

“I understand.” She nodded

There was a short silence.

“So… you are a president now.” She said changing the subject.

“Yes.” He show her a badge that was on his waistcoat. It was adorned with golden and italic inscription

PRESIDENT OF HAMERTON STUDENTS

“Nice.” She said.

Just then some students walked in the room and strolled to where the two sat.

“Trevor… we can see you with the newcomer…” they teased.

“Shut up Derek.” Trevor warned. “I’ve known Caitlin before.”

“Really?” one of them, with long hair tied back questioned. He laughed with his group and they abandoned the couple.

“Okay. I’ll see you later.” He said rising.

“Which grade are you now?” she asked, raising her head to eye him.

“Well. I’m passed your level. Senior high. I’m close to doing my A level and leave you here. In two years.”

She nodded and he left.

He had changed, physically but not personally. He was still a humble and charming person. Despite his status, he still engaged with friends and probably that’s why he was elected President of Hamerton.

For a second, Caitlin missed her friend, Natalie. The two were friends since childhood. They in fact grew up as next door neighbors.

“Natalie…” she whispered.

She packed her things and put them in her desk drawer and left the room. She emerged into the corridor, passed it and took a lift to the computer room in floor 16 of the building. It was a large room with many computer desks. A teacher occupied one desk at the end of the room. Caitlin waved at him,  picked a desk and sat.

She connected to the open wifi network of the campus and opened a browser to login to her email account. She typed an email, sent it to Natalie and signed out. She remained thinking about what she wrote while still seated behind the computer.

The quietness in the room helped especially when the teacher walked out leaving her on her own.

She found herself lost in a trance, recalling her moments with Caitlin. The water sprays, pillow fights, boyfriend texts the…

“We cannot complete our mission in this academic year.”

The room echoed

Caitlin sat up straight. Her eyes widened with shock as she stared at her computer. Numbers count down like a recording. It was the same for all computers in the room.

“Yes.” Another voice sounded. “This is the last year of term of office for us. We cannot accomplish all that in one year.”

Caitlin gulped.

“That means, in the elections, some of our people must remain along with new others. Amongst, we have chosen you Erin.” The first voice said.

“What?” Caitlin whispered, amazed. The recording likely came the office which Erin had gone to but, who would leak their seemingly evil discussion in the computer room?”

“I’m not going to be among you people and you can’t force me.” Erin sounded

“You’re endangering yourself Erin. Don’t choose the road that Vivienne took."

Vivienne? accomplishments? what is all this? stay tuned to find out..