Paige.

I stepped away from Blake, he just stood there locking his eyes on mine, I scoffed and turned around leaving him there by himself.

I walked out of the school and was greeted by the dark night sky. I continued to walk and stared blankly at the parking lot. What am I going to do now?

I took out my phone to call Aiden but it was lowbat. I could just walk to the dorm, it won't be that far although it's dark.

I turned around and suddenly bumped my head on a man's chest. The man gasped. Suddenly the pain on my forehead seared again. Shit! I forgot all about it.

I looked up to the man and saw Kile, his hair looked fresh from the shower and he was wearing a hoodie. He immediately cupped my face and examined my gauzed forehead. "Watch where you're going." He said in a low voice.

I nodded then he took his hands off my face and placed them in his pockets.

I stepped backward a bit but we both didn't move. "I heard what happened." He didn't look at me and kept his eyes on the ground.

"Uh huh." I looked at him, his face seemed like he wanted to say something but his mouth said otherwise. I peeked at my watch, my eyes widened when I saw the time. 10 o'clock?!

I turned to Kile who was still in his deep thoughts. "I'm going home now." I didn't wait for his answer, I turned my back on him.

"Hey!." He called. 

I turned around to see him starring right at me. 

My eyebrows furrowed. "What?"

" Nevermind"

I scoffed. "whatever." I looked back at my watch, it was getting really late. "Anyways, I've got to go now." I pointed to my direction to the square.

"Where are you going?" Kile raised his eyebrow. "It's already late."

"The dorm obviously, I tried to copy his sarcastic way of talking, but he still was best at it.

He crossed his arms. "You're going to walk to the square?"

"Yes." I rolled my eyes. "Now if you would excuse me I've got to get going."

Before he could say anything else I turned my back on him once again. I heard him enter his car and drove away. The streets were silent and the tree branches rustled in the wind. The warm Californian breeze brushed against my skin.

I continued to walk for a few minutes, the square seemed much farther than I realized.

Suddenly of a revving sound of a car filled the dark streets. A silver car came into view. I took a step to the side to let it pass but I got shocked when it stopped right by my side, the driver rolled down his window.

"Get in." Kile said keeping his eyes on the road.

Did I hear him right? "Huh?"

He rolled his eyes. "Do you want me to leave you here in the dark?"

"Actually-"

"Just get in." he butted in and closed his window.

I had no choice, the square's a few kilometers away, I'd be silly if I'd actually walk going there, and were both going the same direction.

I walked to the shotgun seat and sat inside. Kile's manly scent filled the car.

He didn't glance at me as I entered keeping his eyes on the road.

He held the wheel then looked at me.

I raised my eyebrow "What?"

"Seatbelts."

Wow he values safety typical, I gently wore the leathered seatbelt not trying to break it, this car looks like it costs a fortune.

When I got it on, he started to drive, the veins on his arms were evident as he clutched the stirring wheel as we drove through the silent night.

The temperature in his car was cold so I hugged myself to warm up. Since I was still in my sweater I tried to hide my hands in my loose sleeves.

I didn't say anything, so did Kile, silence was everywhere. Ugh this is so awkward.

He suddenly brought his hand to the controls and turned up the temperature. Thank God.

I stopped hugging myself coz it wasn't that cold anymore, but he still was as cold as ever.

There weren't other cars on the road but the travel to the square seemed longer when there's too much silence.

I tried to just doze of to sleep.

"Why." I stirred up immediately when I heard him talk. "Why did you do it?"

I got confused. "Do what?"

"Why did you stand up for the other student."

"Ned?" I raised my eyebrow.

He nodded. "Even if you knew what Blake would do to you, you still did it anyway."

"Because." I sighed. "If I didn't stand up for him, then who would?"

"That was stupid."

"I know." I chuckled. "But I don't regret it."

He faced me. "Even if Blake almost got you killed today?"

"Because, now I know how strong I can be when I want to."

It felt good saying that.

He looked back at the road and turned the car. I could see the city lights of Elite Square from a distance.

"Is it me or are you starting to talk more lately?" I laughed.

He scoffed but didn't answer. This is probably where our conversation stops.

We reached Elite square, there were a few students still eating in restaurants others were studying in café's. Suddenly Kile's phone rang.

He picked it up. "What? I'm already at the square. I'll give it to you later. I have someone to drop off." His eyebrow's furrowed. "It's none of your business. Fine." He ended the call and turned to me.

"I'll drop by my dorm for a while before I drop you off."

I nodded.

We drove to his dorm, their building was like other buildings only it had a grander touch to it and it was quite smaller, probably because the Rich outnumber the Royals here at Campus.

There was a  dark haired guy waiting at the parking lot. He looked angry. Kile parked his car and rolled down the window.

"Wha-Oh Hi!" his expression instantly changed from a frown to a smile when he saw me. "Who's this?! He eyed Kile and laughed.

I smiled at him.

"I'm just dropping her off."

"Oh." the guy laughed. "The second there I thought she was your girlfriend."

My eyes widened at what he said, Kile glared at him.

"Whoops! Sorry your Highness!" The guy made a peace sign and giggled.

Kile looked annoyed. "Cut it out Dylan."

"Ok, ok your highness as you wish." Dylan teased then faced me. "Hi I'm Dylan, youngest Prince of Greece, his roommate."

"Paige." I smiled.

So he was Kile's roommate, the second there I thought the Royals had rooms of their own.

"Just take this and go." Kile handed Dylan a folder of papers. "I still gotta take her to her dorm."

"Wow, so you're always together?" He eyed us. "Kile doesn't usually-"

"Just go Dylan." Kile cut him off.

"No." I took off my seatbelt. "I could just go and walk, it's just another block away."

Before Kile could hesitate, I opened the door and thanked him, I waved at Dylan who seemed sad to see me leave.

I don't want to be seen too close with Kile, first he's the future king of the country, second he's engaged, it could cause a scandal.

When I got to the dormitory building I saw Aiden waiting outside the main doors holding his phone in his hands.

"Where were you? I've been calling you." He looked up to my forehead. "How are you feeling?"

I smiled at him. "I've never been better."

I said bye to him and went straight to my dorm room, the second I knocked Aicko opened the door and pulled me in.

"Where've you been!?" she was just as angry and worried as Aiden.

"It doesn't matter."

"O my God, I feel like a mother right now." She rubbed her head.

I stood up to the mirror and examined my forehead. It still had a gauze but I'll survive.

"The nurse said that your cut's a bit deep." Aicko went beside me. "Are you going to school tomorrow?"

"Yes, I am."

"But your head." Her eyes widened. And what about Blake, I could report him."

"Don't." I took out my ponytail and let my unevenly cut hair fall down my shoulders. "I'm the one who's gonna teach him a lesson."

_________________

The next day, I walked through the school hallways keeping my head up high. I wore my hair in a high bun and had a skin tone colored band aid that covered the wound on my forehead.

I was expecting to see Blake and his trio around this time but miraculously they weren't around.

I went to my first class for the day. I had a Social Studies.I saw Ram sleeping behind the class, I took my seat, Blake wasn't in his seat behind me.

I was surprised to see myself beside Khrysie. As usual she shot dagger stares at me.

"So Paige, I heard you had quite a scandal yesterday." She eyed my forehead. "Playing the victim are you? Well we all know that Blake's innocent."

I just smiled at her. She isn't going to ruin my day.

She fixed the necktie on her blouse. "I also heard that you're a slut."

My eyes widened. "Excuse me?" I kept my calm.

"That's what you call those girls who get in a car with a man who's engaged."

God I knew it, why do I always get dragged in with these boys messes.

I wanted to explain, but she deserved no explanation, I knew getting in a car with Kile Astley the Prince of the States would be a wrong move, but I didn't have much of an option last night.

I ignored Khrysie and focused on the front, The teacher came inside and taught about how one should greet royal families of each country and the history of countries. It fascinated me.

After a few classes I met up with Aicko and Shari in the hall to the cafeteria. We didn't talk about yesterdays incident anymore.

"Did you pick a sport yet?" Shari asked as we looked for a seat. "Our training starts today."

Shoot I haven't yet decided, I never had time to play sports, I was only used to playing outdoor games with my neighbors and Aiden.

We took a seat to talk first about sports before we got our food.

"I don't yet know." I shrugged my shoulders.

Aicko was working on her Economics essay then she looked up at me. "You should've picked one by now, they're going to ask you to try out later."

"Ugh!" I frustratedly rubbed the sides of my head. And instead pulled out my Math book, I had to study for my next class. "What sports are you two in again?"

"I'm in Volleyball." Aicko then pointed to Shari. "She's in table tennis."

"Oh." I flipped through the pages of my Math book, nothing seemed to sink into my head. I needed a sport.

"Don't stress, you've got till this afternoon." Shari patted my back.

Aicko stood up from her chair. "Lets get some food I can't seem to focus with an empty stomach."

We all stood up and went separate ways to the food stands that we liked.

I smiled at the girl in the food stand and pointed to the Salmon. I was in the mood for seafood today.

"You like the smoked salmon potato cakes, Ma'am?"

Wait is that what it's called?"Yes please."

She smiled and got me a tray, it had a fancy looking desert on one side and I asked for a glass of milk. I forgot to drink milk this morning.

I then walked back to our table. Shari and Aicko were still getting their food. I took out my book so that I could read while waiting for them. I don't want to start without them.

Until something caught my peripheral vision. I looked up and saw Blake walking towards me. The eyes of the other students followed him. I couldn't tell what expression he had on his face.

I straightened my back and crossed my legs. Expect the worst Paige.

When he got to me. I acted like I didn't see him.

He sat infront of me. "Hey!" he snapped his fingers to get my attention.

I still ignored him and pretended to be focused on my book, but I was focused on his movements. I'm not letting him embarrass me today.

The second I saw his fingers touch my food tray. I immediately stood up and flipped my food tray towards him.

Shocked filled his eyes and his emotionless expression turned into an angry one. His uniform was covered with stains from my food. Everyone around us were murmuring again.

"What the hell!" He glared at me as he wiped his vest. "What was that for?!"

I took my bag and my book. "Now you know what it feels like to have food poured onto you." I turned my back at him but stopped and tilted my head a little bit to him. "Feels good doesn't it?" I laughed and walked away leaving him there with his jaw dropped.

I saw Aicko and Shari run towards me as I left the Cafeteria. Everyone's eyes were on me. I don't care.

"What was that?!" Aicko exclaimed. She was sill holding her food tray.

"Oh that?" I unzipped my bag and placed my book back in. "That was just Blake Carlisle.

Shari's eyes widened, she too held her food tray. "You're nuts, what's he going to do to you now!" She shook her head imagining it.

"I wanna see him try." I held my chin higher. "Coz I'll be ready for him."

_________________

It was already afternoon, The three of us road Shari's car this time to the sports fields. I had to pick my sport now.

When I got down from the car I saw the cheerleaders. Khrysie as usual would stop by and glare at me. She had an attitude problem.

Aiden then came walking towards us, his hair was wet and he was wearing a blue jacket and shorts. He must've been training.

"Hey!" He ruffled my head then smiled at Aicko and Shari.

"Finished training this early?" Shari looked up to his wet hair.

"No." He chuckled. "I was swimming."

"Swimming?!" we three said in unison.

He raised hi eyebrow. "Yeah, just for fun." He then turned to me. "What sport are you going to have?"

"I'm still undecided."

His mouth formed an O, he then turned to Shari and Aicko.

They both nodded.

He started to think. "Hey, why don't you join the tennis team? I can teach you some skills."

"You'd do that?" I frowned. "You said before that you didn't want to teach me."

He laughed. "You know I was joking right."

"Then it's settled then." Shari clasped her hands together. "I should get to my team."

"So do I." Aicko agreed.

We all left to different directions, I followed Aiden to the Tennis team. When we got to the Tennis court, Aiden introduced me to his coach.

The coach smiled at me. "What's your name again?"

"Paige Bennet." I smiled back.

"Uh-huh." He checked his clipboard. His eyes suddenly widened.

"But why does it say here that you've already signed up for the track team?"

My jaw dropped. "What?!"

The coach showed me his clipboard, he was right. There was my name enlisted on the track team.

"I didn't even join it." I shook my heaed.

"Well someone must've signed you up." The coach looked at his clipboard again.

Aiden crossed his arms. "But who?"

The answer came to me in a flash. Who else would it be.

"But can she still join our team?" Aiden asked the coach.

"Unfortunately she can't since the sports season has just started, but she can move to our team next school year." The coach faced me, "Sorry kid."

I faked a smile.

The coach placed his clipboard down and held on to his Tennis racket "You should be headed to the track field, they might be looking for you."

Aiden was about to say something when I cut him off.

"Ok sir, thank you."

I started walking out, I heard Aiden jog behind me.

"You're really going to do track?" He crossed his arms.

"I have no choice." Get back to your team. "I should get going."

He nodded and I went on my way to the track field.

It was huge and the girls track team were already practicing.

They all noticed me walking towards them. One of them spoke when I got to them. "Paige right?"

I nodded.

"Welcome to the Track team." Another girl said.

My eyes widened when I saw Eloise having her arms crossed. So she was on the track team, I thought she was a cheerleader.

Our coach whistled and greeted me as well, he discussed about running technics and other stuff related to running. He made us do a warm up and then made us start running.

The track field had a number of lanes so we each formed a line and started jogging. Unlike other sports this was easy, I knew how to run, I'd always run around with my neighbors and Aiden back at home, so this was a piece of cake, I also had high stamina so I don't get tired easily.

While I was jogging I found myself next to Eloise, she had a sleeveless top and leggings partnered with running shoes just like me. She had earphones plugged to her ears.

"Hi!" I greeted her.

She kept her eyes in front. "Greetings."

When the coach whisteled for break, I sat down on one of the benches and drank water, Eloise sat down beside me. She had a bottle of water and gracefully drank from it. These princesses still remember their manners even when their thirsty.

"Why did you pick track?" She said.

Even if it wasn't the first time I heard her talk, I still get fascinated by her French accent.

"I didn't pick it, someone signed me up here."

"Blake." She drank from her bottle again.

I laughed. "is it that obvious?"

She didn't answer and drank again.

"How bout you." I questioned. "Why'd you pick track?"

She pulled out a towel and wiped it on her face removing her sweat. "Because it's the only place where I can run."

Typical, royals have rules of keeping their grace and posture no wonder they'd wanna experience running, I suddenly felt bad for Eloise.

The coach called us again and we had another round of running.

_________________

"I've got some Korean face masks, my friend let me have some," Aicko offered. "We should try it before we sleep."

We were back in the dorm and decided to eat here, I cooked some baked chicken and some rice since Aicko requested. I also tried to teach her to cook coz she never knew how.

"Sounds good." I nodded, then checked the chicken in the oven. It was ready. I took my baking gloves and pulled the chicken out from the oven, I moved it to a plate and brought it to the dining table.

Aicko got the rice from the rice cooker and prepared the table. We took a seat. "Try it." I pointed to the chicken.

Aicko poked her fork to get a piece of it, she blew on it before putting it into her mouth. "Yum!" She gave me a thumbs up.

"Glad you like it." I giggled. By seeing us like this made me miss mom, eating this way used to be my normal life, now I seldom cook my food anymore or even wash the dishes since we always ate out. I missed this.

Aicko and I chatted a bit after that, I washed the dishes while Aicko went to her room to study. When I finished the dishes I also left to my room to study. I worked on my English paper then I did my homework. When I finished I decided to text Mom. I really miss her.

Suddenly the door opened and Aicko came in holding Korean masks on one hand. "Ready?"

I cleared my school things and lay down on the bed, I allowed her to put it on and massage my head. It's been a stressful week. After she did me, It was her turn. She lay down on my bed and I applied the mask on her.

"You're coming with me to meet my Asian friends tomorrow right?"

"Oh yeah." I remembered.

Her eyes roamed around my room. "We should also go room décor shopping your room's still quite plain."

"I like it just the way it is."

"C'mon it's going to be fun."

I raised my eyebrow. "You're pretty good at spending aren't you."

"Trust me." She massaged her face. "If you're rich, you can't help it."

___________________

I woke up late this morning and so did Aicko. I ran to the shower and took a bath, then to my closet and wore my vest uniform, I raced to the kitchen and pulled out some French toast from the toaster. Aicko was pouring some milk on a glass.

"Slept in." She pointed to her eyebags.

I pointed to mine. "Same." Today I didn't anymore need a bandage on my forehead coz it healed instantly thanks to this era's technology.

We road Aicko's car to school and we weren't surprised that we were both late. I had riding class for my first period so Aicko dropped me off at the Riding range before she left for school.

I blew her a kiss when I jumped off, then I walked downhill. The other students were already on their horses. I looked for the instructor but he was nowhere to be found.

My eyes widened when I saw Kile standing on the ground holding Nutmeg's reins at the same time talking to Bellona who was on her jet black horse.

I walked slowly closer to them. When Bellona saw me she then said something to Kile and then left on the back of her horse.

Kile turned to me. "Here." He handed me Nutmeg's reins then climbed on top of his horse Lune.

"Why is she with you?" I wondered.

"Because she felt lonely in the stables."

I patted Nutmeg's mane. "Where's the instructor?"

"He's out of town. He said that I was in charge of you." He suddenly sounded so cold again.

"Oh." Guess I'm stuck with him for a little while longer.

"Get on,"

"You want me to ride with you?" I scrunched my forehead.

He raised an eyebrow. "No, I mean get on your horse."

My face heated with embarrassment. What were you thinking Paige!?

My mouth formed an O, "Ok," I found a stool beside Nutmeg. I climbed it and got on top of Nutmeg.

"You know how to control the direction of the horse right?" He asked.

"Yeah."

"Then follow my lead, were gonna take a walk around the range."

I followed him. From the looks of it, I was getting more stable at this thing.

__________

It was already dismissal time, I was walking through the hallways with Aicko, Shari had debate club.

Eloise suddenly approached me. "We've got track practice every Tuesday and Thursday, same days as the swim team and the football team. I nodded and thanked her.

My eyes widened when I saw Blake at the other end of the hall with Ram and Kile. He was talking to Ram, when he tilted his head a bit he saw me and locked his eyes on mine. He had a habit of doing that.

I pretended I didn't see him. I whispered to Aicko. "Walk a few steps behind me." She did as I said without questioning.

As I passed by bully, he suddenly raised his arm to swat my head, he got shocked when I dodged it. I then blocked my left foot on his walkway making him fall down and trip. "Whoops! Didn't see you there." I hid my giggle. I can't believe I just did that!

His fall was heard in the entire hall, as usual everyone was looking right at us. "Why did you do that!?" He glared at me. "Didn't putting you on the track team teach you a lesson?!"

I raised my eyebrow and crossed my arms. "Well the next time you put a girl on the track team, make sure she doesn't know how to run."

He continued to glare at me.

"How does the floor feel?" I kneeled to his level and held his chin locking my eyes on his. "Now you know what it feels like to be down there. Don't forget it." I stood up and left him there with Aicko trailing behind me.

________________________________

:))