Chapter 2

SERA'S POV:

After a while of taking my anger out on nothing, I stepped out of where I hid. I walked down the hallway hoping to get some snacks. I heard footsteps approaching then I looked up. There he was, walking towards me. Fit and elegant as he had always been.

He flashed a smile at me.

What’s that funny to smile about?

I pressed a smile to my lips too and I met up with him

“You could have just told me you’d be coming late, do you have any idea how long I stood by the window…”

Before I could finish my sentence, he pulled me in for a hug

“It skipped my mind” he said.

I finally heard his voice again. My heart hammered against my chest like it was about to pop out.

“Was that why you walked away when you saw me?” he pulled away

“What’d you want me to do when you were with Anna? Get her off you and make a scene?” I walked past him.

He took my hand and walked along with me

“It’s not exactly how it looked, I couldn’t just walk away from her open arms” he said.

Anna met us on the way alongside her two other friends. Her eyes fell to our hands then to me.

She smiled.

Of course, she did.

“Classes will be starting soon, join us soon” she walked away but behind that smile, I could see that smug look.

I said nothing till she left then Devin tugged at my arm

“Did something happen between you two?” he asked

“Nothing, but something happened between you and I” I said.

His brows creased

“What?”

“She happened between us” I said “You take all her shit without setting boundaries and expect things to remain the same? I’m basically living in hell” I said and walked off on my own.

The Academy had a lot of unexplained social rules somehow made by the students and the instructors dared not interfere.

Crestmont isn’t just any academy, if you had to survive, you had to be a person of influence but I wasn’t even close. Several cases were reported to the instructors but nothing changed. People whose parents contributed to the school had an upper hand in everything that happened in the academy.

I sat where I could watch the athletes run which I snacked. Then I got a call

“Ms. Miller?” a woman called “Are you still getting the apartment?” she asked

“Oh! Of course, is there a problem?” I got up from where I sat

“Just that some people are willing to move in soon”

“I already paid half and I’ll be moving in a few days” I said

“Do that soon or these people won’t be giving up” she hung up.

That apartment was the closest to the academy, I could afford to lose it.

Later on, I changed into my practice costume.

Since the coach was around, I could finally take a break from Anna’s complaints.

“How’s the preparation for the performance going?” the coach asked.

Everyone else looked at Anna, then she stepped forward

“I’m working hard” she said.

The instructor nodded slowly as she gazed around and then her gaze fell on me

“I didn’t think you were the only one competing for the center stage” she said “Sera?”

I looked up to the coach

“I was waiting for you to choose” I said

She let out a soft chuckle

“That’s smart, Sera” she placed her hand on my shoulder “What do you think? Will you take the stage?” she asked

I glanced at Anna behind the coach. Her ugly frown

“I can try” I said

“But coach” Anna stepped forward “I can do it, I did it last year too” she said

She nodded

“I’m not stopping anyone from taking part, I only choose who I think is the best to represent the school” she said “Class dismissed”.

As soon as the coach left, Anna and her friends stood before me

“Step down” she said

“Why?” I replied, unwavering.

“The center stage has always been mine, I am the face of the academy" she said.

I laughed. I didn’t mean to, but it came naturally

“You have your hopes too high, Anna” I said “Work harder, the coach might consider you” I went over to my spot and prepped for the next dance.

I looked around for Devin since we were supposed to meet tonight. The other students of the academy were all camped out at the field, discussing and having drinks like they were in camp. It was a nighttime thing among the students.

I sent Devin a text again, maybe he was busy.

But after waiting for a long time, I left the rooftop. I snuck into the classical musical building which I wasn't supposed to but I did.

A rule; no student is to be found in a club that they do not belong.

I took my steps as light as I could. That night, I had prepared to confess to Devin after holding them in for over ten years. My usual tied up hair was let down and for once, I got rid of my glasses, putting on one of the best dresses I had.

Now, where is he?

I made my way to Devin’s piano class and gently pushed the door open with my letter in my other hand

“Devin?” I whispered then took a few steps in.

I was about to call again when my words got stuck.

Devin?

I stood there, my eyes locked on the scene happening right before me.

Devin and Anna were in the pianists’ classroom, making out?

My hand fell from the door to my side, drawing their attention to me

“Sera” Devin called as his hands left Anna.

I turned to leave immediately

“Sera!” Devin called behind. As soon as I took a turning, I ran off to wherever my legs took me.

I pushed a door open before the tears rolled down my face. Only then did I stop running.

A tear slipped out as I stood in the middle of the changing room.

Devin kissed Anna?

I squeezed the letter to a ball before falling on my knees.

My feelings were hurt, my heart broke at the scene. All my years of being loyal to the one boy I felt safe with only for him to choose another?

I cried till my head started to hurt.

Then- I heard the door open and close. I immediately rushed into the inner room.

I couldn’t tell who was coming in, but I couldn’t be found out anyways.

“What are you doing here?” I heard a male voice. It didn’t sound like Devin.

“Stay out of this” Devin replied.

Someone else was here?

“You know the rules” the other said “Leave before I make a scene” he said.

I heard nothing for a while then I heard footsteps approaching the changing room.

I peeped from the slightly opened door.

I couldn’t see his face but when he pulled off his shirt, I shut the door.

There was silence for a while. Has he left?

“Come out” he said.

Shit!

“Don’t make me repeat myself” he said, his tone unusually calm and threatening.

I stepped out slowly, my head lowered.

I couldn’t meet his gaze

“What are you?” he asked

“Seraphina Miller. Ballet”. The words came out like a whisper.

He stepped closer, still without his shirt

“You” he said.

Me? I looked up to him, it was then I realized who I was talking to.

Those jade green eyes, messy hair and look that could kill.

Damien Vale.

The captain of the basketball team and the academy’s rebel.

I’m doomed.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize where I went into” I said

“So you’re blind?” he shut the locker “Wait…aren’t you the lens girl always around Devin?” he asked

Of course he knew me.

Damien and Devin? Were never in the same sentence. The rivalry, the hatred, the competition was on another level, even the janitor knew.

“Sorry” I said and was about to leave when I reached into my pocket.

My letter! It was gone.

I spun around and saw Damien pick something from the floor.

“Give that back” I said

“This was supposed to be for him, right?” he asked

“Mind your business” I reached for it.

He leaned down to my face, a little to fast

“You’re in my business” he said, his husky voice registered in my head.

“Sera!” I heard Devin’s call again

“What do you think will happen when you’re found out?” he asked, a smirk formed on his lips.

I snatched the letter

“What now? You’re going to tell it to the whole school?” I raised my voice, my eyes reddened.

I was about to leave when he held me by my shoulders, dashed my back against the lockers

“You go nowhere” he said.

I heard the rest of the team walk into the building. Panic consumed me.

Another rule. I cannot be found here unless I am a member or dating one. Which of course I’m not!

I’ll be expelled from the academy if I don’t do something

“Please, let me go” I looked into Damien’s eyes but with that look, he was waiting for my downfall.

The moment the door to the changing room opened, I stood on my toes, pulling Damien in for a kiss.

Sera! You idiot!