Author POV
"This isn't over". Esther screamed and ran out embarrassed. She is the class queen but someone just slapped her and she couldn't do anything.
She went to the janitors' room and heard footsteps. It was her friends. "You guys saw an ordinary girl slapped me that hard and you couldn't do anything?".She howled.
"We are sorry Esther, we thought you were going to do something". They bowed their heads and she scoffed.
Charlotte left for the rooftop. She looked back and saw Donald.
"What the hell was that for".He inquired and she kept mute.
"So it's true. You couldn't even tell me. I thought we were friends. So you are even feeling insecure around me. Tell me the benefits of friendship if not that we are meant to trust each other". He was totally hurt.
"I defended you because I thought it was a lie plus I can't stand by and let someone abuse my friend but i guess i was wrong". He chimed clearly hurt and made to leave.
Charlotte quickly ran and hugged him. "I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. I didn't know how to tell you. You can't turn your back on me now because I won't be able to bear it". Charlotte said in tears and Donald's heart softened. He turned back and wiped her tears.
"I forgive you already. I was only hurt".
"Really". She looked up.
"Obviously else you will soak my shirt with your tears". He joked and she chuckled.
"Now that I have a nerd as my bestie,I guess you will be my tutor. I'm not the bestie but I'm trying my best". He said truthfully.
"I'm strict when it comes to studying. Are you satisfied with that?".She asked.
"Very satisfied my lady".He said bowing.
They both went to the class which was silent as soon as they entered. Charlotte went to the front of them all.
"Alright guys,since I'm the team leader. Should we meet in the library or what". She demanded.
"Can't we meet in your house". Esther demanded.
"That's a no".She snapped glaring at her.
"Why?".Esther and her friends asked.
"Because you guys especially Esther are having Crush on my brother plus you guys will not focus". She smirked and Esther blushed really hard.
"Please". She drew desperately.
"Come let's talk this out". She signalled to her and she came out hurriedly.
"Who will ever think Esther the bully can crush on a guy". Iris whispered to her friend stunned and she chuckled
"If Jasmine says we should meet in my house then so be it". She said and they all gave her a pleading look to accept.
"On one condition guys". She said,
"What condition?". They asked curiously.
"You have to promise us you gonna focus". She concluded and Charlotte gave her a thumbs up.
"Agreed". They chorused.
"Deal?"
"Deal".They said.
"I guess we are cool then". When should we start?.
"Today". They gave each other their digits.
"Let's meet by four. Will call you guys". Charlotte said. They nodded and left.
****
It was closing time. Charlotte walked Donald to his mom's car. His eyes are blurred again.
"Can you believe it? Alicia grouped me with Lucas. That guy is a real bully. Just pray my bones will still be complete by the time we finish the project". He said and Charlotte grinned.
"I know right". She smiled.
"Good afternoon ma".She greeted Donald mum politely.
She waved him goodbye and left for Alexander's class. She ignored Josh stares and walked up to Alex.
"Can we go now?".
"Sure".
"Who was the guy you were talking to".Alex asked, jealous but trying to hide it.
"Huh?". They were now in the car.
"I know your ears are perfectly working". He replied instead.
"My best friend".
"A guy is your bestfriend?.Why not girls?".
"Because most of them are all over you, they are fake". She scoffed and he chuckled.
"So. Is he your bestfriend or boyfriend". He pressed further and she smiled.
"That's creepy. So you have a boyfriend now". He said scrunching his face.
"I guess you are not as dumb as I think then".She smiled and he scoffed.
"Anyway,we got a project in class and I'm the leader so they are coming over in the evening".
"I'm sure there is gonna be a hot chick there".He said lustfully licking his sexy pink lips.
"Don't even think. You will stay in your room throughout unless you want a problem". She said in a bossy manner.
"Yes ma'am". He said, making Charlotte smile.
They got home."Hi Bella". She beamed.
"Good evening ma'am". She said making Charlotte frowned.
"Mum is around". She moved closer to her.
"Yes". Bella whispered back.
She went upstairs and knocked on Courtney's door. "One minutes please". She said and opened the door.
"Hi mum".
"Hi dear,how was school? "
She sighed tiredly "Can it get any worse? "
"What's wrong?". She asked, showing concern.
"Well,there is this case in school about a girl who is dating a teacher and now the teacher is getting married. The teacher declined ever having a relationship with her. Now the problem is who is telling the fact among them". She yawned.
"What does that have to do with you".
"Yeah...the literature lecturer gave us a project similar to it and she told us she's gonna give the best group Marks plus I'm the group leader".
"Sorry dear, that's campus life for you. I can't advice you because my advice might be wrong"
"It's Alright mom,I have a proposal to make".
"What's that?".
"One of the maids, her name is Bella. She has a sister but a drop out. So I was thinking can she come over?'' I can share my room with her". Charlotte said, looking at the floor. Courtney heaved a sign . She thought for a while.
"But Bella will still remain a maid".
"Yeah..sure".
"Alright dear she can come live with us".
"Really? Oh my God. Thanks mom". She said hugging her tight and Courtney chuckled.
"I can't breathe". Charlotte released her immediately.
"We are the same birthday mate. She's gonna clock fifteen".
"Oh".
"Yeah.. the project we are doing. My team will be around in the evening but seriously I don't like the idea at all". Charlotte frowned and Courtney chuckled.
"You got no choice dear".
****
"Wow! Your house is more magnificent than I thought". Esther beamed. They were now in Charlotte's room.
"Thanks...can we get down to business now?". Charlotte rolled her eyes .
"Such a nerd.. by the way, where is our prince charming?". Esther demanded.
"I thought we had a deal?". Jasmine asked, furrowing her brows.
"Sure project it is".
"So where should we begin". Theodora asked.
"Alright guys, first I need your cooperation. This is my first project and I want our team to be the best. Good luck to us". Almost immediately, Bella walked in bringing a tray filled with homemade cake and juice.
"Welldone guys". She said dropping the tray. Theodora,Esther and Holly scoffed.
"Thanks Bella". Charlotte said.
"Dangerous romance between students and teachers. Do Lecturers still give you this kind of project? Gosh! It sucks. Why don't you try searching for dangerous romance in ancient times?. Those are straight forward". Bella proffered and left.
****
"It's thirty minutes already and we haven't found anything". Dora grumbled, getting discouraged.
"Don't be discouraged guys". Jasmine admonished.
"Let's use another website. How dumb it is listening to a maid". Esther rolled her eyes.
"That was rude. If you were in her shoes, how would you have felt if someon..".
"I think I've seen it. Is this not it?". Charlotte cut Jasmine short showing them.
"Oh! It is". They all said to check it out.
"It was written two thousand years ago. Most of us were one years old". Holly said.
"I ran inside the messy science room and met Mr. Kim on the floor. "Mr.Eun..? Are you okay? Mr. Kim."
"I'm Alright now that I saw you.....". Jasmine read the story and they all cheered Charlotte.
"You are a genius. It's perfect". Holly said.
"Guys didn't you notice anything? This looks like Rachel's love story". Charlotte said, frowning.
"That's not possible. It was written in the year two thousand". They said but gasped when they checked again.
"So does that mean she copied it?". Charlotte asked no one in particular.
"Hi ladies. Can I come in". Alexander said, peeping through Charlotte's door. Theodora,Esther and Holly were drooling already.
"No". Charlotte said.
"Yes". Esther said unconsciously.
"Get out and you Esther, I thought we talked about this already. You are breaking the deal! ". Charlotte said. She pushed Alex out and locked her door and Esther frowned.
"So what's next guys". Theodora asked.
"I and Jasmine will go and ask her if it was copied. Let's just call it a day. Thanks for coming guys". Charlotte said standing up.
"Can't we sleep over?". Esther pouts.
"No way,especially you. Only Jasmine is gonna wait behind". Charlotte saw the three bullies off and went in.
T.B.C.