Chapter 8 - Game Night

The whole Kingsley family congregated in the game room. A soft but lively soundtrack was playing from the phonograph. There were several finger foods, hors d' oeuvres in a banquet table, juice keg and wines for their informal dinner. The start of the game was initiated with a loud gong by Sam the butler.

“Let the games begin!” He announced excitedly “Since last month the winner was Mister, he will be the one to choose the game you all will be playing.” He then gestured Donovan to declare his choice

“Let’s all play the charades!” he laughed heartily “I’ve had Sam prepare slips of things we would have to guess. He is the only one who knows what are written on them. 4 rounds all in all. The couple with the most guessed rounds, wins!” Then he faced Grandpa “hahaha Dad! It seems like you are at a disadvantage! You don’t have a partner!”

Grandpa Kingsley sneered at Donovan and whispered something to Sam. At once he left and when he came back, he was accompanied by an elderly but overtly excited lady.

“Nana Linda!” They all exclaimed then groaned. She was the head chef at the estate. But she is also an expert at charades. Thus, was chosen by Grandpa Kingsley.

“Hah! Who’s laughing now?” Grandpa Kingsley retorted satisfactorily and offered his arm to Nana Linda to link arm in arm.

“I’m gonna crush you, young’uns!” Exclaimed Nana Linda with a hearty laugh

Everyone was amused with her enthusiasm.

All the while, Pru and Shawn were standing opposite far away from each other. Since she arrived, Shawn has been trying his best to catch her and talk with her. But, all she’s done was avoid him at every turn.

“What are you two doing so far away from each other?” Aera demanded “Shawn, go over to your wife as you’ll naturally be partners for this game.”

Shawn walked slowly towards Pru with his hands in pocket with wary expression while eyeing her. “Hey.” He said as he came close to her.

Pru just tipped her head in response without even looking at him.

Shawn feels really tested now with the cold shoulder she’s giving him. ‘So, you really wanna play this game, Pru?’ He grinned as he thought to himself formulating a plan.

“Let’s begin drawing lots to who will go first!” Grandpa shouted and signaled to Sam. He immediately brought out a small black box. Inside are small colored gems. Each of different color: red, green, and blue. Whoever gets green will be the first, then blue second and red last.

The men in the tandems were the one who picked and hid them first in their palms.

“On three!” Sam declared “1… 2… 3!” the 3 men simultaneously opened their palms to reveal the gems in their hands for all to see.

Grandpa Kingsley & Nana Linda were 1st, followed by Mister Donovan and Madame Aera, then Shawn and Pru were last.

Pru let out a sigh of relief at the results as she was not really that eager to interact with Shawn yet.

“Alright, Master, Take your pl –“Sam stopped in mid-sentence, as all the other participants gasped at the sight. Aera held her chest and delight were in her eyes. Nana Linda covered here mouth with two hands in gasp. All eyes were now on Shawn and Pru.

The scene that made them all stop in their tracks was this: the moment the lots were revealed. Shawn walked behind Pru and ran his big hands around her petite waist, enveloping her in a warm embrace. She was so startled by the action that she was frozen and her expression stunned. Shawn then gently swept the hair away from her ear and place his chin on her shoulder.

Pru’s heart was beating so fast that she couldn’t breathe. She felt like she was gonna pass out. Then a warm breath filled her ears “I’m sorry, Pru.” Shawn’s gentle whisper made her face grow red and whole body warm. She tried to resist but his embrace became tighter. “Please forgive me, I shouldn’t have raised my voice at you.”

 “O-o-okay.” was all that she could say, while she trembled at the unknown sensation she’s experiencing throughout her body. Her mind feels intoxicated the moment he spoke so close to her ears. At that, Shawn gave a victorious smile and immediately let go of her.

Pru had a hard time composing herself again. As she feels so muddled with Shawn’s embrace. Seeing this, he pulled up a chair and gently tugged Pru to sit down. He was certainly amused.

Everyone was so pleased with the intimate scene they just witnessed. Aery was clapping happily, and her heart was overflowed with joy. Grandpa Kingsley gave a smile and nod of approval to Shawn.

“Can we… continue now?” Donovan winked to tease the couple and Shawn gestured to go ahead while shaking his head with a shy smile on his face.

The whole game progressed smoothly. Everyone enjoyed each other’s company and had fun being loud and carefree. It was their only time that they can themselves let go of and be carefree without the worry of judgmental and prying eyes of anyone outside of the Kingsley's.  The night concluded with Grandpa Kingsley and Nana Linda winning the game - obviously.

Pru and Shawn also slowly became comfortable with each other again, like nothing happened at all. They were in last place as Pru was so bad at pantomiming the items.

As each said their goodnights with each other, they went their separate ways to their bedrooms.

Whilst Donovan and Aera was walking to their bedroom arm in arm, Aera looked at her husband with a funny look in her eyes “Do you think that Shawn and Pru are…” giving him a ‘you-know-it’ eye.

“Darling, you’re too curious!” Donovan laughed heartily “let the children be!” he tapped Aera’s nose gently and they walked on happily.

Inside Shawn and Pru’s bedroom, Shawn immediately stood in front of Pru stopping her from taking another step. “I’m really sorry. That was wrong of me and I admit was such jerk for shouting and treating you that way. I acknowledge that you have your own freedom in making decisions for yourself.” He sighed “It’s just that, please, think about us too?” he finally said with sad tone and a pleading look on his eyes.

Pru was silent for a moment while looking down in thought, she sighed then finally returned Shawn’s gaze “I’m… I’m sorry for being stubborn too. This is all new to me and before I really never needed to think about any social impact with my family if I want to take on a part time job!” She snickered, making Shawn smile too and the atmosphere instantly became light.

“I understand. It’s okay. Baby steps.” Shawn extended his arms for a hug “Friends again?”

“Who said we’re not friends anymore, stupid” She grinned and punched his chest then gave him a hug “Yup, Friends.” A satisfactory smile was seen on both faces as they stayed that way for a while.

The next day Pru and Shawn were both excited for their first day of Sophomore year that they both woke up really early to prepare. The whole bedroom had a cheery mood whilst each do their thing then Shawn blasted on an upbeat soundtrack from his playlist on his phone that's connected to a Bluetooth speaker.

Pru had a hard time choosing an outfit as she didn’t want to stand out but also, she didn’t want too look shabby. In the end, she just chose a maroon v neck sleeveless top that flowed freely at the bottom, dark blue jeans, high suede brown boots, and then she threw on a baby pink blazer with mid length sleeves. She looked at herself in the full-length mirror and gave a satisfied nod. She then tied her hair into a high ponytail.

As for Shawn, he wore jeans, a white long-sleeved polo then topped it with a maroon cashmere sweater and wore a black leather oxford shoe.

They went out of their respective walk-ins at the same time and were surprised but then equally pleased with the other looked and they smiled at each other realizing they were matching colors.

“Ready?” Shawn asked as he walked closer her.

“Ready!” Pru responded and they both grabbed their bags and headed out to the main dining hall.

The Kingsley family had a hearty breakfast. After, Pru went to the receiving hall of the estate to wait for Shawn then called her parents “Mom! Dad! First day today!” she gleefully announced

Wanda, her mom put on her on speaker so that both the parents can hear her “We know! And we’re very happy and proud of you! Are you going together with Shawn?”

“Yep! You got my schedule for this semester, right? Just give me a call for anything. I miss you both!”

Shawn then walked up behind and said, “Let’s go! Hi Mom, Dad Turner!” he shouted through the phone’s mic and tapped her back then walked out the door.

“Don’t be nervous, Pru honey, and just do your best! Make lots of friends! We love you Bye!” Dexter, her dad, excitedly said “Alright, go now, you don’t want to be late!” at that her parents hung up the phone before she could even say anything

She gasped in disbelief and then snickered shaking her head while looking at her phone. Pru then walked out and sat at the passenger side of Shawn’s luxury Tesla.

“I don’t think I’d ever get used to how your car opens. It’s just so bizarre!” Pru protested

“Heeeey, watch your words. Tessie will get upset” Shawn then caressed the steering wheel and said in an endearing tone “Don’t listen to her Tessie, baby. She’s just jealous cause you’re exquisite.”

Pru rolled her eyes “Whatever” then gave a sarcastic smile to Shawn.

Shawn also did the same then drove away from the estate, “Class sched?”

“Check.” Pru reported she was a girl scout while checking both their bags

“Phone & Charger?”

“Check”

“Notebooks and Pens?”

“Check”

“Wallet with money?”

Pru smiled and shook her head and got out their wallets “Check”

“Laptop?”

“Check”

“Bracelets?”

“Check” They both said in unison and lifted their arm with their bracelets on

“Alright! Southern Regal University, here we come! Wooooooh!” Shawn shouted with exhilaration and Pru cheered on with him.