Chapter 3 - Day Out

Shawn and Pru drove together to the University to enroll together. They were both taking the same course – Business Administration major in Economics. Since they were arranged to get married, it was expected that Pru would soon help in the management of the Kingsley Group of Companies. So, both grandpas’ agreed to enroll them together in the same course and University - the Southern Regal University. 

The most prestigious University in all the four regions, in fact, the whole country. Even families from Back East, Out West and Up North work their hardest to have their kids accepted and enrolled. As graduating from this university meant a good future and prestige for their children, thus it can assure to be able to land a good-paying job. But the standard of acceptance is very high even for wealthy families Up North. Thus, some resort in studying abroad after being rejected. Every year, the university also sponsor 100 scholars from Out West and Down South - a working and lower class community, respectively. But they'd have to be the brightest among the rest and pass a lot of strenuous tests. Being a scholar have lots of perks: High-end dormitory-hotel like living, 50,000/month allowance, e-scooter to easily get around the university, yearly out-of-the country vacation for their whole family every summer, and opportunity to get into exchange-student programs anywhere university in the world. All this to make sure they are motivated and focused on their studies without worry.

As Pru and Shawn were walking towards the main building, they can see Eunice and Suzette waiting for them by the entrance as they are all block mates.

“Pruuuuuuu! You look chic and fresh!” Suzette, Pru’s best friend, called out while running towards her to give her a hug.

“All thanks to the Kingsley’s!” Pru pointed to Shawn while in Suzette’s embrace

“I’m sorry again about grandpa turner. Are you okay now?”  

“Yup Suzi, thanks. I’m all better now especially that we’ve honored his request. I’ve got nothing to worry about” Pru smiled while looking at Shawn who smiled at her too

Not long after, Eunice came running towards Shawn almost knocking him down with her embrace “Shawn! What took you so long and why are with her?” Glaring at Pru

“Relax girl!” Pru laughed “My enrollment money is with him. So, after this, we’ll go separate ways. Alright?” Then Pru and Suzi walked away arm and arm and chatting excitedly towards the enrollment floor.

Shawn and Eunice stayed.

“Eunice, why did you frown at Pru? I thought you said last night you were okay? Are we gonna have a problem?” Shawn asked with an irritated look on his face.

“I know what I said!” Eunice snapped then retreated to a defeated posture “It’s just that seeing you with your “WIFE” and discussing it suddenly felt like 2 different things now. Like reality and theory. I just need more time to get used to it I guess.”

Shawn showed sympathy to Eunice and gave her a tight embrace “okay I understand. Just don’t take it out on Pru. She’s just like us. A victim of circumstance.” He kissed Eunice’s forehead then held her hand to lead her inside the building.

“Do you love her?” Eunice blurted out looking like a lost kitten.

He stopped, faced her and smiled at her reaction “As a friend or a sister, yes. Romantically, no. You are my girlfriend Eunice. Stop worrying.” He gave her a passionate kiss to appease her which seemed to work as Eunice’s nerves calmed down, letting out a soft moan. Shawn seemed to be pleased as a smile curled up on the corner of his lips as he let go, leaving Eunice breathless.

“Come on, let’s finish this so we can go to that new amusement park out west!” Shawn pulled Eunice who is still in a daze.

Though Shawn reassured her, it wasn’t enough for her. She has set in her heart to guard and make sure Pru won’t be able to make a wedge between them. Ever since she knew about the pact, she wished that eventually in time their families would fore go it. So, for now, she just needs to persevere as Shawn’s girlfriend and protect what’s hers.

“Why haven’t you registered Pru as a Kingsley?” Suzi asked Shawn as they walked out the main building after enrollment.

Shawn swiftly gazed at Pru before answering “We swayed Grandpa Kingsley to register it tomorrow after enrollment to avoid any gossip in the school grounds. We’re both kind of not ready for that kind of attention.” Gesturing to him and Pru.

“So technically you aren’t married yet?” Eunice’s eyes lit up enthusiastically

Suzi’s eyes rolled up and Pru chuckled at her reaction. Then Shawn answered her with an apologetic face “Well, technically until today yes, but all the paper works are now at the city hall. And tomorrow they’ll register it 1st thing. I’m sorry babe.” Eunice felt defeated but she has got to endure and Shawn gave another gentle kiss on her lips.

“Okay lovebirds.” Pru said while shaking off the awkwardness of the two’s PDA “We’ll go ahead now. Text me of your plan going home so I’ll know what to say to grandpa.” Addressing Shawn. Then Suzi and Pru left.

“Likewise.” Shawn acknowledged. Then looking at Eunice who was wearing an annoyed face while facing Pru’s direction. Shawn sighed “Come on! Let’s have fun!”

While eating ice-cream in a restaurant inside the mall, Suzi had a mischievous look on her face while staring at Pru.

“What?! Is there anything on my face?” Pru finally exclaimed

“Well, nothing…” Suzi giggled “I’m just curious y’know. Now that you’re staying at the Kingsley estate and sharing the same bed… have you...”

“Oh my goodness! NO!” Pru rolled her eyes feeling aghast. Suzi frowned “Besides, both our families agreed that we are only allowed to conceive after graduation. So, sorry to disappoint you. NO.” She snickered at Suzi

“But conceiving and practicing to conceive are still 2 different things…” Suzi naughtily suggested

“Suzi eeew! Our relationship is not like that at all. We’re like brothers and sisters even though we are married on paper. Besides, the guy has a girlfriend already and Eunice is totally obsessed with Shawn.” Pru was irritated and smiling at the same time

“Fine! I’m just kinda disappointed you have no juicy news for me.” Suzi sighed defeatedly

“Well, what about you? How was your summer romance with that boy you met online?”

Suzi waved her hand shooing away the topic “Ancient history. Next!”

“You change boyfriends like you change t-shirts. Unbelievable.” Pru stared at Suzi amused. Suzi shrugged and flipped her black flowy hair whilst continuing to eat her ice cream.

Suzi was the epitome of a supermodel. Tall, tan, beautiful and graceful. Her gray eyes looked like there were diamonds planted on them. Her natural ebony hair had soft curls at the bottom that flowed like a still river. Wherever they go, people stared at her and she liked the attention and it got them free entrance to parties that they liked to go to. It’s also worthy to mention that her family was ultra rich. Not as rich as the Kingsley’s but still rich nonetheless.  However, it never got to her head and never made Pru feel like she’s less of her. They were the best friends since preschool. Pru, Shawn and Her. But when Pru’s parents transferred her to another Highschool due to work relocation, Suzi followed and until now they are inseparable, through thick and thin. Suzi was Pru’s Maid of Honor during their wedding.

“So what are we doing next?” Suzi asked as she wiped her mouth with a tissue

“Help me look around for a part time job.” Pru declared

“Why? What for? You’re married to the Kingsley’s! You don’t need to work? Don’t they give you money?” Suzi asked surprised and a bit concerned

“They do, but I don’t want to abuse their kindness. I don’t want to be a leech. They’re already treating me well and bought me these clothes and paying my tuition. I still want to earn my allowance for the things I want on my own. Also, I’m saving the allowances given by grandpa for the future.” Pru sighed remembering the Divorce agreement between her and Shawn but decided to keep it a secret from Suzi for now.

“Alright. I’ll support you all the way. But if there’s anything you need you know” Suzi pointing to herself proudly “No questions asked.”

“I know I know.” Pru chuckled “Come on! So we can still watch a movie. My treat!”

“Well, lead the way m’lady let’s not make the movie houses wait!”

Meanwhile, at the amusement park out West. Shawn and Eunice just got off the roller coaster ride. Eunice walked unstably and her shoulder length blonde hair was all a mess. Beads of sweat were all over her forehead and her petite and slender figure was limp. “Send me home Shawn.” She muttered under her breath.

Shawn looked at her amused but concerned as well “Are you okay? This is just our 3rd ride and you want to go home? This place is huge! we still got the whole day!” Gesturing to the whole park

Eunice waved her hand at Shawn dismissingly while her other arm was clenched to her stomach “I don’t feel too well after that ride. I feel like I’m gonna pass out” her usual rosy lips was pale as a paper.

Shawn suddenly felt alarmed and agreed to take Eunice home down South where all the influential and rich families reside. While driving he was glancing at Eunice who fell asleep on the passenger seat and felt sorry for forcing her to ride the coaster even though she declined many times. He held her hand and continued to drive until they reached the De Clare’s villa.

Eunice was still passed out when he carried her to her room and the maids immediately tended to her. Seeing that he is no longer needed there. He said goodbye to Eunice’s parents and went back to his car.