"Oxford University?" Incredulous, I asked seeing the brochure with Kim.

Final exams were on its way and we fjlled application forms to universities of our choice. The school made sure each of us met with the school counselor to guide with life discussion making as they called it.

"Oxford?" Vicki was also surprised, "I thought you were going to that art school all your family members went to."

"So did I", Brie reapplied her lip gloss.

"What's up Kim?" I asked. Someone passing by hit my shoulder. He apologized and walked away.

She sighed, "I don't want to take over the family heirloom. I was never a fan of pottery. I want to be a Lawyer. I want to live by my own choices and not by the one laid down for me since the day I was born. I want to be free."

Vicki hugged her. "It's ok. We are here for you."

"Hey, at least when I need a Lawyer for my fashion business I know who to call on." Vicki winked.

We all laughed. We found ourselves in the S spot. This particular part of the school is for socializing. Some people don't seem to get that. I eyed some bullies at a corner.

"What about you Vicki? What university are you applying for?" I asked

"École de mode Madame Vee..... Madame Vee Fashion School."

"That's absolutely perfect for you. What about you Brie?"

"I'm going to a business school. That's all I know. I'm still trying to pick out the perfect school for me."

"Okay. Makes sense." I bobbed my head looking at other groups of students.

"What about you Anna? Aren't you applying?"

"I don't know, I don't think so."

When they asked why, I could only shake my head. I don't think I would be able to. I'm so stupid. I keep depending on the fact that I would get divorced soon. Reminding myself over and over and be with Henry.

I've totally lost focus on what I wanted before I got married to Nolan. I took off my shoes. I will never get used to these heeled shoes. I'd rather stick with flats.

"Nolan." Kim yelled waving. I raised​ my head and saw him approaching us. For the first time in forever, Aubrey isn't at his arm. My heart danced at the thought. That's weird.

"Hey, what are you guys doing here?"

"We should be asking you that." Vicki retorted.

Nolan glanced at me, he shrugged in reply. "Just you know, walking around."

"Huh." Vicki looked between us. I shrugged​ at her quizzical expression. It's not like I know why he is here alone with us.

"So have you guys picked out universities of your choice?"

"Yeah, kinda." I answered, "I'm so not looking forward to the upcoming exams."

"Obviously," He rolled his eyes making the others laugh.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You are a lazy girl," Kim answered.

I glared at her.

"That's pretty obvious." Brie added.

"Oh come on Brian, the truth is bitter," Nolan grinned.

"You know about that?" Brie laughed holding her stomach.

I waved him off. "Go away Nolan. Isn't your girlfriend around to hang from your arm?"

"Aubrey isn't around. She went for another competition." He said nonchalantly. He sat beside me, "what have you been eating?"

"Biscuits, why?"

He wiped my mouth. Embarrassed, I pushed him away.

"Baby." He ran his hand through his blonde hair. His phone rang. He looked at it and sighed, "I'll see you guys around" he got up, "Oh, and Anna try not to drool on yourself." Hiss eyes danced as he walked away.

Furious, I grabbed my shoe and threw it at him. Everyone gasped. He stopped in his tracks. People fished out their phones.

Oops. Okay, so I overreacted.

Nolan turned around glaring at me. It's just a little dirty stain on an immaculate white shirt. My heart rose to my throat as he walked to me. He is so going to kill me. I love you world, goodbye.

He blocked out the light as he shadow covered me. I chuckled nervously. "Nolan, I'm so sorry."

He bent over and carried me bridal style.

Oh my God!

I don't whether to be relieved or shocked.

At least he didn't bury you alive Anna, be glad.

"Nolan put me down." I pat his shoulder. He was visibly angry and his eyes strangely were full of mischief.

"Put me down." I yelled hitting him repeatedly.

He stopped walking, "As you wish, Princess."

I felt myself in the air before crashing. Cold water splashed around, soaking me. I gasped horrified. He dumped in me in the fountain.

And he was laughing. My frustration melted as the sight of his face. I found myself laughing hysterically.

My friends brought out their phones, taking pictures of us.

"Get me out of here." I yelled my hands flailing.

Nolan stretched​ his arm out. I grabbed​ it and splashed hi face with water laughing. He pouted pushing me in the water.

"Hey stop it. Okay, now really help me out"

"But I like you like this" Nolan smirked. He helped me out holding me close to him. The sudden closeness had my heart racing. My face flushed.

"Thanks."

He pushed my wet hair out of my face. The guards brought us towels and a new uniform for me.

"The two of you are crazy." Brie said, furiously rubbing my hair with the towel. We are in the school clinic.

"And funny." Kim added watching the video she had recorded of us for the nth time. She started coughing hard. Vicki handed her water as she rubbed her back.

"Better?" I asked.

"Yeah thanks."

Drake and Darrell strolled in. "Dude?"

"Dude" Nolan shrugged.

"Dude!" They shook their heads.

"Say 'dude' on more time and I will murder all the three of you!" Vicki yelled.

They shut up taking us all in.

"Hey, you look better today." drake said to Kim.

"Yeah thanks for the other day." she smiled

Other day? What other day? I made a  a mental note to ask her what it was.

Brie brushed my hair back and used the hair drier to blow it. She practically carries it around.

"Hey, aren't we supposed to have that conference now?" Brie suddenly asked.

"Oh yeah." Kim put her phone in her small purse, "We should go"

They all left leaving Nolan and I. We were waiting for the nurse who was to check us for flu and stuff.

Nolan burst into laughter.

"What?"

"I still can't believe I did that."

"Me too. You are usually so nonchalant and stone faced, I never knew you had this side of you."

"There are many things you don't know"

"I want to." I stared at his smiling face. I wouldn't mind seeing this side of him a little while longer.

"Are you sure?"

I nodded "I've met Mr no nonsense, Mr I don't care, Mr arrogant, Mr picky, Mr cook, Mr cool and now Mr fun."

He threw his back laughing, "You are so silly"

I pouted, "But it's true. Why do you act the way you do sometimes?"

His smile died a little. "It is expected of me."

"Living your life according to others expectations. That's locking yourself from who you are."

"And you know who I am?"

"These past few days I learned you are curious, you love to learn, you laugh, you are happy and you care about people."

We stared at each other longer than necessary. We leaned towards each other. Nervous, I paused. I shouldn't do this to Henry. Nolan pulled me against him and kissed me.

That type of kiss that makes you want to have more, that speaks more than you would ever say, that makes your heart dance. That's what I felt.

I ran my hand through his hair as we broke apart. A part of me want to understand what just happened, the other just wants to go with the flow.

I pressed my lips against his again not wanting the feelings that course through to end.

"Ahem." Someone cleared their throat. We tore away from each other.

Oh come on. I was having fun kissing him.

The nurse had a small smile on her face. She checked our temperatures and ran other tests.
When it was over, she sent us out. Once outside, reality slapped me. What just happened? I fucking kissed Nolan. Well technically he kissed me first, anf then I kissed him. Oh shut it. It doesn't matter who did it. You kissed each other.

Awkwardness filled the air. Nolan opened his mouth perhaps to talk about the kiss. I shook my head. I don't want to hear what he has to say. If I do, I might not like what I hear.

Studying for exam is hard. Especially when lots of people expect you to pass. Nolan was going through some documents.

"Huh Anna?"

I was shocked. We haven't spoken a word to each other since the kiss earlier today.

"Yes?" I raised my head to look at him.

"These taxes are what you pay on this community?"

I nodded when I saw the papers he showed me.

"This is ridiculously high. Don't you protest or something?"

I snorted, "That's what we pay. The minister has been extorting us. We've reported it reportedly but no one answers. The powers that be control a lot in the outskirts of Lilaria. We haven't been quiet, it's just you guys never listen to us."

Shock ran through his face as he looked through the papers again.
"This is how it's been for years, Nolan. People give up." My shoulders shrugged.

He got lost in thought.

"Anna please come help me." My mom called.

I ran out of my room to the kitchen.

"Please help me pack all those boxes inside."

I helped in doing other chores. Soon, my parents went to bed. I laid on the couch in the living room, legs akimbo.

"Aren't you going to bed?" Vic asked

"I am. My room just seems far away."

He gave me a sour look and went back to watching the movie on the t.v. screen.

I dragged my feet to my room and opened the door to the shock of my life.

Nolan was naked. He was bent over about to wear his boxer.

His eyes went wide with horror.

I froze in my steps at the door. A silent scream threatening to explode from my lungs.

"GET OUT!"

That was all it took for me to run out. My eyes have just seen what it can't unsee. My heart pounded hard, my ears rang.

"Hey what's wrong?" Vic asked worried

I began to hyperventilate.

"Hey calm down. What happened to you?"

I shook my head. My eyes need thorough washing. I paced around like a dummy searching for water. In the kitchen, I turned on the tap. The water ran down the sink with a loud hush. I bent over, cupped my hands under the tap and poured the water on my face.

Goosebumps appeared all over as I shuddered. I turned off the tap and entered the living room.

This memory is forever etched in my brain.

I don't think I would ever be able to go into that room. Hell, I don't think I would look at Nolan the same way again.

I shuddered again at the thought. Nolan came out. I couldn't look at him. I don't know whether he is furious or I don't know. He is definitely mad at me.

"You guys, what's going on?" Vic asked again.

"Nothing." Nolan answered.

"Fine. I'm outta here. You guys are weird."

"Uh Vic, can I come sleep with you?" I asked

"Of course. Not. Good night." He walked out.

So the two of us stood in the living room not moving a muscle.

"Nolan, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude on your privacy." I said keeping my head down.

When he didn't answer, I raised my head up. Nolan appeared to be flustered and of course angry.

"Please don't be mad at me." I begged.

"You could have knocked."

"How was I supposed to know?"

"You still could have knocked."

"It's my room. Why are you even angry? I'm the one who lost my eye virginity."

"This is not a joking matter Anna."

"I already apologized, Nolan."

He opened his mouth to say something, "Nevermind. Good night". He walked back to the room.

I waited an hour or two before I went into the room. And this time I knocked before going in.
Nolan was asleep on his side. I climbed into bed making the bed creak.

"I'm really sorry, Nolan. I didn't mean to do it." I whispered almost crying. My chest hurt at the thought of him ignoring me all over again. I just had to mess things up when it was going just fine.

"I'm sorry." I said once more before drifting to sleep.