After I and Camilla finished our introduction to law class, we headed to the cafeteria for lunch.
As usual, unlike other middle class schools, the cafeteria was very quiet. It was more like a charity gala, where everyone sat gracefully and were speaking in low voices
From what I have noticed during my short time here, everyone behaved like they were being monitored in their every moves. I guess that's what you at all times when you're a representative of top elites in the country.
Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind making my heart skipped a beat.
Julian.
I would see him at the cafeteria.
I had told him during our monotonous conversation last night not to approach me. I hoped he obliged.
I hate the attention.
As we headed to our usual spot at the cafeteria, I kept looking at the front seat Julian and his friends occupied, but I couldn't spot any of them anywhere near.
Noticing my gaze, Camilla sighed. "They don't always seat there. He has a lounge. That's their main spot." She said and I quickly diverted my gaze.
Welp! I guess I got caught!
"You know, I will advise you to truly stay away from Julian. His life is like the Hollywood industry. Too much schemes, fangirls, partying, class war, extinguish hangouts and all."
"If you're close to him, you'd get involved in these stuffs too," She finished off, as we sat down and I laughed it off.
"Come on, we're just friends. He kept insisting so I had no choice, but to agree." I defended and she chuckled.
"That's very funny to hear. No offense, but you're not the type of people Julian befriends. In fact, he befriends no one. That guy is sassy and carries the Gades name with pride." She explained then she leaned in closer, with a bulged eyes.
"That reminds me. You still haven't told me of how you guys became friends. Even though, I hate the Elite 5, I still need it! You know..." Camilla was saying, but a group of girls came to cover our view.
"Hi, new girl. We figured that we'd introduce ourself to you since you've decided to be secluded ever since you resumed," A girl on sleek low-bun said sarcastically and the girls behind her laughed.
Oh no, I guess not everyone is quiet.
"I thought you're done with this petty act Gabriella. Just give up, everyone from J&K is wealthy." Camilla pitched in and my brows etched in confusion.
Gabriella waved her hands then her gaze locked on me and I could notice people around me focused on me too. It seemed like she was about to ask something important.
Was it about Julian? Did my few interactions with him already get me in trouble?
"What's your social class?" She asked and I blinked.
Social class?
Noticing that I didn't get her question, she placed her finger on her nose bridge. The type of expression people give you when you don't know the most basic things.
"I mean what does your family do? Do they own something prestigious like the Whitemore Hotel and Hospitality?" She went on, giggling when she mentioned Raymond family's business.
I bit my lips. I had a feeling that this wouldn't go down well.
"Right. My dad owns a shoe line." I said, smiling to reduce the tension.
"What level is it? Like is it Gucci level? What's the name? Oh gosh! Why are you so slow?" She complained, looking at her neatly manicured hands and this was the first time in my life I felt embarrassed to name "Williams Atelier," my dad's shoe line.
"I told you she's a girl from scholarship!" A minion said from the back, but the leader scowled.
"Shut up! She's not! I made my investigation." She countered and noticing thar my hands on the table were slowly shaking, Camilla stood up.
"Just stop it already Gabriella! This is bullying! I know you're curious, but you're doing it in the wrong way!" Camilla spoke loudly then she inched closer to Gabriella.
"If you say another word, I will report you to the principal for this. Besides it's not anybody's fault that you don't get invited to the cool social gatherings," Camilla said the last part out loudly, and light laughters echoed.
Gabriella scowled at Camilla, but then she marched away with her pack of girls.
And just like that, everyone returned to what they were doing. Like nothing had just happened. Weird.
"Ignore girls like that. They are just desperate belong to the best social circles in order to have access to the latest events, fashion shows, soirée, yacht parties, operas and the likes." Camilla explained taking a sip of her drink and when I sighed, she shrugged.
"This is just the tip of the iceberg. J&K is full of drama. The quiet, cultured student look is a fake exterior, but if you don't mingle with the wrong people, you will only get exposed to this exterior." She added, and I knew exactly what she was subtly warning me about.
After the lunch break, since my next class was an elective— physiology, I wasn't doing it with Camilla. I am sure it was filled with science and business students.
As I entered the classroom, I went to the first empty seat I saw. After what transpired at the cafeteria, I wanted to keep a low profile, though it seemed like no one truly cared.
I was staring at my blank book, feeling all shy when someone cleared their throat and when I looked up, my mouth hung open.
Gabriel. Oh my.
After that day at the courtyard, we haven't really talked much. I only texted him to thank him.
"Hey, Jessica. It's been like a decade. How are you?" He said sarcastically and I chuckled.
"Right and I forgot to invite you to my wedding," I said awkwardly. He didn't laugh, so maybe that came out wrong.
Consequences of hanging out with an introvert.
He gave me a small smile, then he placed his books on his table, and took a seat beside me.
"I am actually surprised to see you in my psychology class. I don't think I have seen you in any other science classes." He said , tilting his head with a curious expression and I shrugged.
"I am an art student. I just take psychology because I like to understand people better. Plus...I love challenging courses." I said, chuckling and he raised a brow, amused.
"Like maths?"
"No. That's tortue." I responded, and we both laughed. It was then the teacher entered so we had to stop talking.
+
It was finally time to head home. Though I am not so excited since a ton of lessons is also waiting for me.
I was waiting in the school compound for my driver, when I noticed Julian on my left throwing a bouquet of flower and an envelop, which he grabbed from him car windshield in the trash can.
"Amazing, the Leonard Decarpeio of J&K," I scoffed, and in the moment, our eyes locked. My hands tensed and my heart skipped a beat.
I could notice the small smile that curved on his lips, and subconsciously I began to move backwards.
I didn't know if it was because some of his friends were around him, or because of how dramatic I experienced J&K to be today, but even I found it weird.
I only stopped moving when I was at the back of a tree. I couldn't even see his reaction. Though I hoped his friend didn't also notice my weirdness.