RULE 1: You’re to remain with me or any supervisory team member such as your lecturers or your seniors at all times. RULE 2: You’re not allowed to leave your room without permission. RULE 3: No fighting allowed. You’re here to represent your school. Do so with your best. RULE 4: Engagement with other... I frowned as I read each line. What was this? Some prison rule book? The seniors didn’t have as many rules as I did. In fact, the had none except to not get lost. I pouted as I realised that I was going to be treated like a child. I looked at the rest of the team consisting of three females, out of which one was a senior lecturer and two guys asides Jared, one of which was also a lecturer.Dr. Ramon, the man who’d almost caught me at Jared’s place. Alyssa rubbed my shoulders as we stood in front of the school, waiting for the school bus to properly park in front of the admin building. “You’ll be fine.” I scowled. “I better be. Look at this!” I waved the paper in front of her and

Kyle cleared his throat. “Studying for the presentation.” He raised my laptop up, but his eyes narrowed on his second arm dangerously close to my leg, leaving me confused. ‘What was his problem?’ I thought to myself, remaining in my position and not saying a word. “I see.” Kyle was completely oblivious to Jared’s change in demeanour because he was usually hard edged, but when you got to know him, you’d know that was a storm brewing behind his amber coloured eyes. “Well, carry on. Don’t stop on my account.” His voice, slightly edgy. That was it? I’d expected him to say something. ‘What? Something like that’s my woman, keep your hands off her? She’s mine? Oh, please. I can’t believe you’re still this delusional. He doesn’t want you.’ My mind could be so harsh sometimes, but it was somewhat a wake-up call. “Where were we?” I patted Kyle’s thigh and turned my back to Jared. It took a few seconds before I heard his retreating steps, but during that time, I felt naked. Like he saw mor

The whispers from the audience caused by unrest didn’t fail to be noticed by the judges. I looked up and regretted it almost immediately. Someone was running across the hall with something in hand and stopped at the feet of the judges’ table. There were people looking at me, and I just wanted to run out of the hall. Instead, I remained glued to my seat, my eyes on the floor. I wasn’t sure when another person mounted the podium, but the moment the person started speaking, my head snapped up. Jared and Professor Alma, who were furiously whispering to each other, also stopped to watch. It was a judge. The one who’d been the first to give a standing ovation. “For over 30 years that I have judged paper contests, I’ve never met someone worthy of the John Nemsen and Scholar award. We stopped making it ever since the contests became trivial.” The man pushed up his glasses and looked straight ahead, almost as if he was looking at me. “However, today, there is a school worthy of that award

It felt like I was taking two steps at a time even though I’d initially wanted to not go. Even the darks clouds gathering couldn't stop me.Jared’s house loomed in front of me as I raised my hand to knock, but the door opened, like he’d been expecting me.I swallowed as I took one look at him. I could act tough all I wanted, but standing right in front of him, within touching distance, had shivers run down my spine.He opened the door wider to let me in. The house still felt familiar to me. Like I could almost walk around with my eyes closed. “Would you like to eat something?” He asked as I stood by the side and pulled the hood of my hoodie down. “Jared, I came here to talk, nothing more.” Lies, lies, lies but he didn’t need to know that. I saw him cringe but he said nothing as he found somewhere to seat. Somewhere with a little distance from me.“I...” Jared opened his mouth and closed it but no words came out. He was speechless? It was almost amusing to watch.“What?” His brows

Till the next day, I stayed naked under the sheets with Jared. He wouldn’t even let me go to pee, not until I threatened to leak all over him and even then, he just seemed nasty about it.“That’s very concerning.” I yelled at him after breaking free from his hold. His chuckle had me smiling though.Even I could tell I was glowing by the time I got back to my room.I was supposed to be at the Dean’s office by 10am sharp, looking well dressed too. I was suddenly curious about the last clause. What was going on?As I approached Alyssa’s office, she pulled me into a tight hug, making it difficult for me to breathe. I tapped her back continuously until she let me go.“I missed y... oh my! You’re glowing.” She whisper-yelled the last part out, briefly looking at her surroundings and then back at me. “What did you...” She trailed off and her eyes widened suddenly on realisation. She quickly pulled a chair closer and asked me to sit.“Tell me everything.”“Not right now, I need to see the De