Jannie nodded, her gaze steady. "Well, he mentioned that he was a bit worried about your safety, especially with everything that's been going on lately. He thought it would be a good idea for me to keep an eye on things while he's away."
Lily and Sarah exchanged thoughtful looks, digesting this new information. "So, Vaughn asked you to watch over us?" Sarah asked, a hint of skepticism in her voice.
Jannie nodded again, her tone earnest. "Yes, that's right. He trusts me to make sure you're all safe while he's gone."
Eliza felt a mixture of surprise and gratitude at Vaughn's gesture. "That's really thoughtful of him," she remarked, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "We appreciate you looking out for us, Jannie."
Jannie returned her smile, a sense of determination in her eyes. "Of course. I take my responsibilities seriously, and I'll do everything I can to keep you all safe."
Then, her expression softened, and she continued, "But this doesn't change the fact that we're now friends."
Eliza felt a warmth spread through her at Jannie's words. Despite the initial surprise of having someone appointed to watch over them, she found herself appreciating Jannie's sincerity and willingness to connect on a personal level.
"I couldn't agree more," Eliza replied, her smile widening. "It's nice to know that Vaughn trusts you, but it's even better to know that we have a new friend looking out for us."
Lily and Sarah nodded in agreement, echoing Eliza's sentiments. "Absolutely," Lily chimed in. "We're grateful to have you here, Jannie."
Sarah added, "Yeah, it's always great to make new friends, especially ones as dependable as you."
Jannie's smile grew at their words, a genuine warmth shining in her eyes. "Thank you, guys. I'm really glad to be here, and I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you better."
Ivan observed Jake, the guy who had collided with Eliza, from a distance, his presence concealed among the throngs of students moving through the campus. With practiced stealth, he maintained a discreet watch, ensuring that he remained unnoticed as he tracked Jake's movements.
As the day wore on, Ivan kept a vigilant eye on Jake, noting his interactions and behavior with a keen sense of scrutiny. He refrained from approaching him directly, instead opting to maintain a discreet distance while he observed from afar.
Once evening descended and the campus began to empty out, Ivan found a secluded spot where he could send a quick message to Vaughn, updating him on the events of the day. With swift fingers, he typed out a concise summary of the encounter with Jake, detailing his observations and suspicions.
After a moment's hesitation, he hit send, knowing that Vaughn would want to be kept in the loop. Moments later, his phone buzzed with a response from Vaughn, instructing him to continue monitoring the situation and to report back with any further developments and he will be back in city by tomorrow evening.
With a sense of purpose, Ivan tucked his phone away and prepared to settle in for the night, knowing that he had a crucial task ahead of him. As he watched the campus fade into darkness, he remained ever vigilant, his senses attuned to the potential threats lurking in the shadows.
Back in the canteen, the group continued their conversation, unaware of the surveillance and danger that surrounded them. Eliza found herself growing more comfortable with Jannie, appreciating her straightforwardness and the genuine care she showed for their safety.
"Tell us more about yourself, Jannie," Eliza said, curiosity in her eyes. "How did you end up working with Vaughn?"
Jannie smiled, leaning back in her chair. "It's a bit of a long story, but the short version is that I used to work in security. I met Vaughn through some mutual connections, and he offered me a job. I've been with him ever since, helping out with various tasks and making sure things run smoothly."
Lily's eyes widened with interest. "That sounds intense. Do you enjoy it?"
Jannie nodded. "I do. It's challenging, but it's also rewarding. Vaughn's a good boss, and the work keeps me on my toes."
Sarah grinned. "Well, it sounds like we're in good hands."
Eliza nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. Despite the chaos and uncertainty that had come with Vaughn's world, she felt reassured knowing that Jannie was there to help keep them safe.
As the evening wore on, the group eventually decided to head back to their dorms. They said their goodbyes to Jannie, promising to meet up again soon. Eliza, Lily, and Sarah walked back together, their conversation light and filled with laughter.
But as they reached their dorm, Eliza couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. She glanced over her shoulder, half-expecting to see someone watching them from the shadows. She knew that with Vaughn's world came danger, and the feeling of being constantly on edge was something she would have to get used to.
Later that night, as the campus lay silent and the stars twinkled overhead, Ivan remained at his post, his eyes never leaving Jake's last known location
In the darkness, his phone buzzed again. Another message from Vaughn, a simple reminder: "Stay vigilant."
Ivan nodded to himself, a dark glint in his eyes. He would do whatever it took to protect Eliza.
The next day unfolded with the usual rhythm of campus life. Eliza attended her classes as scheduled, moving from one lecture to another with the routine familiarity that comes with being a diligent student. The morning passed uneventfully, her interactions with friends and classmates a welcome distraction from the undercurrent of tension that had marked the previous day.
As the sun began its descent, casting a warm golden hue over the sprawling campus, Eliza headed towards her evening lecture. The corridors were abuzz with chatter, students discussing assignments, weekend plans, and the inevitable approach of final exams.
Midway through the lecture, an announcement crackled over the intercom, instructing all students to gather in the auditorium hall. A murmur of curiosity rippled through the room as everyone began to pack their bags and make their way towards the large, central hall of the college.
Upon entering the auditorium, Eliza, Lily and Sarah joined the throngs of students finding their seats. The hall was a vast space, its high ceilings and rows of chairs designed to accommodate the entire student body. The stage at the front was set with a podium, a few chairs, and a projector screen, hinting at an important announcement. The hum of conversation filled the air as students settled in, speculating about the nature of the gathering.
After a few minutes, the doors at the side of the stage opened, and the dean of the college, accompanied by several professors, walked in. A respectful hush fell over the auditorium as the students stood up to welcome the dignitaries. The dean, a distinguished figure with silver hair and a kind yet authoritative presence, took his place at the podium while the professors arranged themselves in the chairs behind him.
"Good evening, students," the dean began, his voice resonating through the hall with a blend of warmth and gravity. "Thank you for gathering here on such short notice. I appreciate your promptness and cooperation."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "As you are all aware, we are approaching a critical time in our academic calendar. The final exams, which determine a significant part of your academic progress, are just around the corner. Specifically, they will commence in half a month."
A ripple of reaction moved through the students—some nodding in acknowledgment, others exchanging nervous glances. The dean's expression softened slightly as he continued.
"I understand that the prospect of final exams can be daunting. However, I want to remind you all of the importance of this period. These exams are not just a measure of what you've learned in your courses; they are a reflection of your dedication, hard work, and intellectual growth over the semester."
He gestured towards the professors behind him. "Your professors and I are here to support you through this period. We've seen your potential, your struggles, and your triumphs. Now is the time to harness all that you've learned and apply it to the best of your abilities."
The dean stepped back, allowing one of the senior professors to take the podium. Professor Harris, a seasoned educator with a reputation for being both stern and supportive, addressed the students next.
"Good evening, everyone," Professor Harris began. "As the dean mentioned, the final exams are crucial. But let me emphasize this: they are not insurmountable. Each of you has the capability to succeed, and we are here to ensure you have the resources and guidance you need."
He surveyed the room, his gaze steady and reassuring. "Starting tomorrow, we will be offering additional review sessions and study groups. These sessions are designed to help you consolidate your knowledge, clarify any doubts, and practice exam techniques. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities."
Professor Harris continued, his tone now one of encouragement. "Remember, preparation is key. Create a study schedule, balance your time effectively, and don't hesitate to reach out to your professors if you need help. We are committed to your success, but you must also commit to giving your best effort."