Chapter Thirteen

Eliora's POV

Orders of steaks and vegetables added with glass of velvet wine were placed on our table and we started eating delicately.

"Thank you so much, Jenny" I said.

"For what?" Jennifer asked anxiously.

"For spending time with me and taking care of me" I said nervously.

"What are friends for?" Jennifer smiled and I nod.

"Thank you" I said.

"When do you plan on inviting me to your Romeo and Juliet play?" Jennifer asked and I gaze at her in astonishment.

"Surprised?" Jennifer asked mockingly and I shook my head.

"I thought things like this won't interest you" I said.

"Who said so?" Jennifer frowned.

"I'm sorry" I pleaded with a pause.

"But... How did you know?" I asked anxiously.

"It's all over the news.... And I'll sit so far from you" Jennifer's mood sadden.

"What do you mean?" I ask, confused.

"Your university is using this play to raise fund and of course to get a seat, one must pay... And I'll have to seat so far from the stage" Jennifer explained briefly.

"I'm sorry dear. I thought it was only for the students" I assumed.

"Why will they hire Director Robert A. if it were to be something internal?" Jennifer asked cryptically.

"I see some sense in it" I nodded.

"So have you gotten a reservation?" I asked.

"About to" I continue eating delicately while Jennifer surf her phone attentively.

Jennifer cleared the bills and we left the restaurant heading for home.

At the estate, I saw Mr. Desmond discussing with a lady in his terrace, his apartment was facing ours so we saw ourselves.

"Hello Desmond" I greeted politely.

"Beautiful Eliora" Mr. Desmond greeted with smile on his face but at the sight of Jennifer, he sighed.

"I see you're flowing with your new neighbor" Mr. Desmond commented.

"That's how it looks like" I teased.

Jennifer didn't have time for our petty talk thus she storm into her apartment.

"Getting a new lady, huh" I asked jokingly.

"Not really. She's my colleague at work place" Mr. Desmond explained and I laugh.

"I was only kidding" I mocked and Mr. Desmond stared at me annoyingly, I didn't care as I rushed into my apartment.

The lady must be asking about me... I guessed.

Weeks ran by and our final examination came nearer, the next day was the day I'll be presenting Romeo and Juliet play on stage. Director Robert and Mr. Wilson had final words with us and encouraged us to focus and let our emotion take over the play.

"My seat number is 205"

"I'll be cheering you from the back"

"Good luck and lot of loves"

I read the text from Jennifer again and again with smile on my face as another text pops in.

"Hey babe"

"I'm sitting on seat 100"

"My eyes are on you"

"Love you"

It was from Nathan, I smiled as I couldn't believe I was starting to have people that care about me... deeply.

"Let's do this ... Juliet." A soft flirtatious voice said from beside me and I turned, it was Jack and I smiled.

"Sure... Romeo" I played along.

The loud speakers started making sound as Mr. Wilson introduced the drama and welcome the guests, the intro music started and our coordinators made us to prepare faster for the play.

It was an hour and twenty minutes play full of emotions mixed with sorrow, heartbreak and ...name it? The music made everything so real, the audience were crying and laughing at every scene that needed it.

For the first time in my life, I chased fear farther away from me and focused. It was the last scene and to make everything real, Director Robert said I and Jack need to kiss... I mean kiss!

After Jack planted a hot deep kiss on my lips, the audience roared in applauds and lauds, we bowed and leave the stage.

"5.7 million view"

"The university had 20 million dollars fund and few investment in one day"

"The drama was a blast!"

This was the discussion that trended on campus, I was not only happy that I became popular but because Dean Hardin and Mr. Wilson didn't go back on their deal as I got A in almost all my C courses.

"Congratulations babe!"

"You're really a great actress" Jennifer lauds at me and I smiled.

"Thanks for your support babe" I said.

We were in my kitchen eating cornflakes cereal with milk, I had my last examination coming up this Friday.

"You're almost a graduate babe" Jennifer reminded.

"I can't wait" I smiled.

"After you last paper, I'll take you to a club" Jennifer said.

"A club? Is that the surprise?" I asked anxiously.

"Not at all. You need to have fun".

"It's the end of book in your life" Jennifer said and we laughed hardly.

"True. I can't wait to stop reading botanical names and all of it" I added.

"How about your parents? Will they make it to your graduation?" Jennifer asked anxiously and for some reason, my mood changed.

My parents... It's been ages and I haven't heard from them. Have they really abandoned me? Will I be able to forgive them after these few years of struggling alone? Do they miss me? Am I still needed in their lives?

"Eliora!"

"Eliora!" Jennifer snapped me out of my thought and I smile in pretense.

"I hope they won't miss it" I said.

"Okay. I will leave you now" Jennifer said.

"Going somewhere?" I asked anxiously.

"Yeah. I have a date with my hubby and so you know, we fixed a date for our marriage!" Jennifer said happily.

"Woah! How could you forget to tell me this? It's a great news and I can't wait to be your maid of honor" I teased.

"Of course you would be" Jennifer smiled.

"Congratulations bitch. I told you he love you.... Right?" I reminded boastfully.

"Yes. I trust you... Fortune teller" Jennifer teased and I laugh.

"Alright. You can go ahead now" I said.

"Take care" Jennifer rushed out of my apartment and I exhaled deeply.

"She's lucky" I muttered with mixed feelings.

I'm supposed to be happy for my best friend's success... Why do I feel .. unhappy?

I used the night to read and do some research for my examination the next day, I went offline and focused on my books.

Wearing a black jean trouser, white camisole and a jean jacket, an ash hair warmer and my handbag, I walk into the lecture hall. My course mates were already burying themselves on their notebooks and phones, I walked to my seat quietly when Nathan approached me.

"Hey".

"Hi".

"How are you?" Nathan asked.

"I'm good" I smiled.

"Can we meet after our exams?" Nathan asked anxiously.

"Sure" I nodded.

The examination papers were shared among everyone and we started writing in silence as the lecturers and invigilator walk around the hall in search of those doing any kind of malpractice.

I was the fifth to submit my examination paper and after that, I went to the volley ball court to wait for Nathan. The cool breeze from the tall trees flushes on my face and I felt cold.

I can't believe I'm graduating without the help of any of my family members, I paid my academic bills, house rent... I didn't look unto my parents for support.

I'm finally matured but I'll need to start looking for a job else I won't be able to clear my final debt, I sighed but my smile remain unbreakable. I stared at the young freshers playing volley ball, they were on yellow and blue.

They have no problem... I guessed.

"Did I keep you waiting?" Someone asked from behind.

"Nathan" I didn't turn as I knew it was him, his voice has gotten a place in my ears... not my heart.

"How did you know I'll be here?" I asked as he takes his eat beside me on the bench.

"I guessed" Nathan pauses.

"Four years feels like four days" Nathan said sadly staring at the blank blue sky.

"Well... the four days have plenty of memories that we will never forget" I said.

"What do you plan on doing next?" Nathan asked anxiously.

"Look for a job... What else?" I asked cryptically.

"Marry me" Nathan said bluntly and I stared at him, shocked.

"Marry... You?" I stuttered.

"Eliora... I love you since I met you... this two months we have spent together means so much to me and I would not want to let you go away. Marry me and let's spend our days together... Forever" Nathan said impulsively.

I remained speechless, I lost words... I mean I didn't know what to say, how I should reply... I was clueless.

"Nathan you see" I started but he cut me off.

"Take your time to think about it... Liora" Nathan said softly.

"I'm sorry Nathan... As time went by, I realized I have no romantic feelings for you. We should just stay as friends or forget it" I said sadly and Nathan cleared his throat.

"You love Jack instead?" Nathan ask annoyingly.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"He kissed you on stage and you fell in love right? I mean, that's what all ladies dream of doing... Falling in love at first kiss" Nathan said bluntly and I angrily slapped him.

"What do you take me for? A fool?" I asked angrily.

Really? Am I like that? Falling in love with a stage guy because of a kiss? Really!

"I never knew you were this annoying" I snorted and left the court while he fall back on the bench.

Drive by Spencer Sutherland plays from the big speakers in the club as I and Jennifer cheered and gulp the tequila.

"I'm happy for you babe".

"Congratulations" Jennifer filled our glasses again and we gulped down.

"How about a dance?" Jennifer suggested.

"I can't dance" I said.

"I'll teach you" Jennifer insisted.

"Sure" we gulp our drink and walk down to the dance floor and the music increased in volume as we started dancing on the stage happily and roughly.

I didn't watch my step, I flung my hair sideways with my waist bent dancing up and down, I laughed and cheer with Jennifer and the music interlude our voice, the club was in full swing... It was weekend.

Becoming a drunk graduate without any family support... Isn't that something to celebrate about? Forget about your sorrow and party!