Chapter 9 - First Day High

When they arrived at the university parking lot, several groups of people were in a huddle not far from where they parked. As soon as they got off from Shawn’s car, a familiar tall, muscular and equally attractive guy approached Shawn with a wide smile on his face.

“Shawn! My man!” He aggressively hugged Shawn and Shawn hugged back and then faced Pru and bowed “Greetings, Lady Kingsley!” teasing her acting like a royal herald

“Adam shhhh!!! Shut your pie hole!!!” Pru immediately reacted. Putting a finger on her lips. She had a mini panic because no one knew except their families, Adam, Suzi & Eunice, and some partners & stakeholders of the Kingsley’s about their legal relationship and she was not planning to let anyone know about it any time soon!

“What! I’m just stating a fact!” Adam defensively said while laughing mischievously.

“Don’t blow your top Pru he’s just teasing you” Shawn smiled at her. Pru rolled her eyes punched Adam, which didn’t seem to have any effect on him, then walked away from them.

Shawn then faced Adam “What’ve you been up to! No calls? No emails? Nothing?! I’d even have to make an appointment with you through your dad’s secretary? I’m hurt man!” Shawn acted like he was in pain.

Adam laughed and shrugged “Y’know how it is in family companies’ man. I barely had time to eat and sleep! I don’t even get to take a shower sometimes! And you know dad’s not in good health these past months, so I had to focus and give sound major contributions in the decision making. It’s so hard kissing asses!” he blurted out in frustration “But, thankfully it’s all good now and I was able to make in time to enroll.” Shawn nodded in response. He knew all too well, it was a matter of time before his father and grandfather would let him take the lead. But for now, he would seize and enjoy every free time he’s got.

Adam Lewis is Shawn’s best friend since High School. When Adam was plus sized back then and was being bullied, Shawn would always be there for him to defend him. In time, he also taught Adam to build himself for the better and to fight back. They could even be called as brothers, so naturally he was Shawn’s best man at his and Pru’s wedding.

“Enough about me! How about you? How’s the life of a married man?” Adam suggestively grinned at him

As Shawn was about to answer, Eunice called out to him endearingly “Shawn, baby! You’re so early!” she was giggling with arms opened wide, making tiny runs as she approached them

Shawn smiled at her then looked at Adam while pointing to Eunice “THAT is THE life of THIS married man right here” he said in a pleased tone as he pointed to himself. Then he carried her as she came close into his embrace and gave her a passionate kiss. “Hey baby. I missed you.” And then continued kissing her.

Adam retched at their side “Get a room! First day and your giving me bad vibes already!” he shivered and shook his body with his hands as if there were ants all over him.

Shawn and Eunice broke of their kiss and she teased Adam “You’re just envious cause you got no girl to snuggle.” She giggled then hugged Shawn tightly

“I don’t need a girl to cuddle with if she’s clingy as you!” Adam retorted and Eunice frowned and rolled her eyes but Shawn gave her a reassuring squeeze on her shoulder that made her heart leap with glee.

Adam and Shawn’s phone notified. When they both read the message, their faces looked like they forgot something.

“Oh right!” Adam exclaimed while looking at his phone “Come ‘on Shawn we need to go, the team’s waiting for us. They’d like to huddle remember before we go off to class. Say buh-bye to your doll now” Adam teased Shawn

Adam and Shawn were both on the Soccer Team of their university’s varsity. Shawn was supposed to be the captain but passed the honor to another teammate as he had already a lot on his plate as a Kingsley successor. This was just an excuse, though. In all honesty, he just wanted to give another team mate a chance to get the limelight and practice their leadership skills.

Shawn gave Eunice a quick peck on the lips then he and Adam ran off. Eunice was left alone. She looked like a lost puppy without Shawn. She doesn’t really have any friends at the university as her life only revolved around Shawn. If she’s not pampering herself or studying or helping with her father’s business, then she was with Shawn. She had friends back in High School but lost touch with them when she decided to break her promise to them of going to the same University in the States, instead, she followed Shawn. They were disappointed and hurt by her decision. But, sometimes, they still reach out to her. But she knows that they weren’t as close as they were before.

Thus, here in Southern Regal University, without Shawn, she was mostly on her own. Her bossy and uptight aura naturally didn’t help her much in gaining new friends at all.

However not far from where she was standing, Pru and Suzi saw her by herself. They looked at each other and pitied Eunice. They were both with their other friends from their same block and both decided to invite Eunice over and join them.

Pru walked over to her “Hey, Eunice.” Tipping her head to her then smiling “Come over here and join us then let’s go to class together.”

Eunice wore a hesitant smile and looked at Pru. She sometimes can’t help but feel insecure and angry toward her. But she knows that she’s a nice person and have always been reminded by Shawn that she is just like them – a victim of circumstance.

“O-okay.” Eunice walked with Pru towards the group and they welcomed her. They were all chatting happily about everything and Eunice felt warm in her heart and missed this kind of interaction with other girls. She suddenly felt excited and her heart was in a rush. Unconsciously, a smile swept across her face and she slowly immersed herself into the conversation and didn’t feel any awkwardness at all.

Pru saw the development in her reactions and she was relieved. She then thought to herself ‘Maybe, we can be friends?’

First class of the day, first class of the year. Suzi, Pru and Adam sat together with Pru in the middle. Shawn and Eunice naturally seated together was behind them. The couple were tangled with each other’s embrace and kisses. The whole class were used to them like this as they have been doing so since their freshman year. However, their 3 friends couldn’t help but roll their eyes. Eunice’s muffled moans and Shawn’s grunts filled the room.

“I can’t take this anymore.” Suzi groaned in annoyance “Hey lovebirds!” she turned to face them but regretted it instantly as she saw Eunice grinding against Shawn while kissing into oblivion as if they were the only ones in the room. She turned back at once and just shouted “Can you... just turn it down a notch! Some people are here to actually study!” Suzi then slammed her desk. Pru and Adam laughed at her frustration.

The couple gasped in surprise when they heard the bang on the table. Their faces were red and panting after their physical activity “Shower room after class?” Eunice suggested and Shawn nodded aggressively in agreement.

Suddenly the door opened, and their first professor walked in. The whole Sophomore Business Administration, Major in Economics block had 5 classes spread-out throughout the day evenly and it went by smoothly with a constantly overly PDA couple. Still, they were all excited with how the rest of the year will turn out and the new things they’ll learn and apply to their own family businesses or when some of their blockmates applied for work.

Around the afternoon, it was time to sign up for clubs in the University. The clubs, apart from Academic & Sports, were only open for Sophomores to Seniors. Hence, Sophomores this year are looking forward to getting to finally join one.

As Adam and Shawn were already part of the Soccer team under the Sports club. Pru, Eunice and Suzi were the only ones who haven’t have a club yet. The three young ladies went around the booths in the University's Ring Grounds to choose what would fit their interests best. Pru & Suzi decided that they would choose different clubs until graduation, so they will still have a chance to grow individually.

There were so many clubs to choose from. However, Eunice already had her sights set on one – The Student-Faculty council. Her natural leadership skills can be practiced and honed in this club and can be applied when the time comes that she’ll take over the Pearl Group of Companies. Also, her dad was a part of the Student-Faculty council then, so she won’t be having a hard time getting accepted. “I’ll sign up to that one, see you later girls at the bleachers.” She waved to Pru and Suzi then walked towards the booth.

Pru and Suzi were left glancing over the booths. Suzi let out a frustrated sigh “I don’t know what to choose! They all seem good and interesting!” Pru laughed at her and coaxed her to keep on looking.

“That’s it!” Suzi exclaimed as she pointed the Arts & Culture club “I’ll sign up there! You go on and look for yours! Let’s meet up later, yeah?” She kissed Pru at the cheeks then strutted enthusiastically over to the club’s booth. This was perfect for her as she often hosts Art exhibits and cultural gatherings for their company – Hessonite Corporation – her elegantly & sophisticated curated functions help their company gain contacts from around the world and forge partnership for their similar love for various art & culture.

However, Pru already know what she wanted, since last school year. She just didn’t want to leave Suzi behind when she saw how frustrated and worried Suzi was. After her BFF left her, she turned around and went back to the Green Go Club, an Environmental Club that helps to protect, preserve, nurture and give justice to the natural resources & habitat of animals in and around their country. This was a perfect match for her because she’d always loved being one with nature and surrounded by it. Her father even told her that she has a green thumb, she’d always have the ability to bring to life even dead plants or flowers. Pru would always feel devastated when she learns about deforestation and illegal mining somewhere. Now, she has the opportunity to make a difference, no matter how small or big is, to protect nature and animals. She walked up to the booth and signed herself up with satisfaction and exhilaration building in her heart.

Pru was the last one to sign up but she was the first to arrive at the bleachers. Upon sitting down at the lowest level, she observed that the Uni’s Soccer team are doing drills. So, while waiting, she decided to watch them.

Some of the boys were topless and their god-like chiseled body were so prominent even from afar, “How could men like this exist? Their bodies should be illegal!” she muttered amusedly under her breath.

She was sitting crossed legs and was resting her chin on her palm. Something suddenly caught her eyes, one of the soccer varsity players was walking like a valiant Spartan soldier towards her. Her eyes couldn’t get away from the enjoyable view, her lips curled up into a small smile ‘OMG. What. A. Treat.’ she thought to herself. Then her eyes widened, and mouth dropped open when the guy removed his shirt and suddenly everything seemed to move in slow motion. As sweat dripped from his perfect sculpted body, her heart began to race, breath heavy and heat rising up from within her. Her eyes couldn’t get away from him, not that she wanted to.

The guy who saw her reaction was deeply amused and felt satisfied, a big smile was plastered all over his face. He then stopped right in front of her and she involuntarily slowly sat up straight and look up to him. Her heart beating harder against her chest like a drum. His smile now bigger than before. He then squat down to level his face with her and moved closer. Their faces only a few inches apart. She felt like she was going to faint! She closed her mouth and drew a big gulp.

“Hey Pru, like what you see?” the guy had a naughty grin with his still topless perfect body out in the open for everyone to admire.