I Need to Talk to You

Cheska is lowering her head in front of a mirror while her two hands are resting at the sink. Her eyes are closed as she takes deep breaths to calm herself from what happened almost an hour ago.

The incident at the cafeteria may have already passed, the annoyance because of what Alexandra did hasn’t faded even a little.

She thought her life at the university would be finally at peace but who is she kidding?

Now that Lorenzo is out of her problem, another problem has come out of nowhere.

She looked up and took another deep breath. When she’s certain that she has successfully calmed herself, she took off her blazer to clean it.

Remember? Alexandra’s friends threw a tray to her.

She heard random whispers from students as she cleans her blazer. She can hear from the voices and tell from the choice of words how they love what they witnessed at the cafeteria.

All of them have the same reactions, they’re all amazed.

Nothing is amazing about that. That’s what Cheska wanted to tell them but she just remained her silence and continues to mind her own business.

Besides, it looks like they don’t exactly know who made Alexandra fall. It’s a matter of time now until her name will be known by the students. There’s no way they’re not going to satisfy their curiosities.

After a couple of minutes, no one entered the restroom again. She assumes the classes are finally starting and the break is over.

She didn’t bother to rush so she could attend her class on time. There’s no way she’s still going to enter any of it. Her mood for today is totally ruined.

She sighed again, eyes are closed again. The peace she had didn’t even last for long.

Now that Alexandra has come and she did something she shouldn’t have at the cafeteria, there’s no way she would still have a peaceful life. There’s no way Alexandra is going to let her go. She's sure of that after witnessing her monstrous nature.

Is she really destined to be picked on by a Mafia? Of all people…

Her brows furrowed when she heard a couple of knocks from the door. She didn’t even close it so why would someone—

Her eyes have slightly lightened up when the president appeared before her eyes. She instantly removed the frown on her face—the reason why and how she got into a fight with Lorenzo, why and how she got involved with him and his friends.

She doesn’t want to add more fuel to the fire. Getting into a fight with the president should be the last thing on her list. Or else her year would be in hell.

“I brought a new set of girl’s uniform,” he said, showing the paper bag in his right hands. The other hand remained in his pocket.

She went to him and checked the insides of it. He’s not lying when he said it is a full set. She found a metallic gray blazer, white long sleeves polo, and metallic gray grid pleated skirt.

Honestly speaking, she doesn’t need all of it. Perhaps a blazer would be fine since that’s the only part of her uniform that got messed.

“Uhm, thank you…” she looked up. “I’ll pay you tomorrow—”

“There’s no need for that. It’s my peace offering as a president. I failed to do something earlier.”

She can’t deny the fact that she did look for the president’s appearance a while ago just like how he did when she’s in trouble with Lorenzo.

It’s not like she’s expecting to be saved over and over again.

It’s just that…he is the president and he and his student council are in charge of unnecessary commotions whenever the teachers aren’t around.

In fact, that’s one of the reasons why student council officers are existing.

“Just…tell me if you need something more.”

She still hasn’t spoken any word since her thanks. Thinking she’s not going to say anything at all, Cj lowered his head slightly as a sign of goodbye then walked away.

“I need to talk to you.”

He halted and turned to her instantly. There’s a hint of surprise in his eyes. Talk? Why does she want to talk to him? Well, that question will only be answered if he accepts it.

“I’ll be at the student council office. But how about your class?”

“Is it okay if I…cut class? Just for today?” that’s a dumb thing to ask a president. Of course, he will prioritize studies more than personal feelings. “I’m not in the mood after what happened—”

“Sure,” he cut off and turned back. “I understand. I’ll be waiting for you.”

Her eyes blinked as she watches him taking his steps away from her. She was actually expecting him to be inconsiderate and to order her to go back to her class.

But what did he say? He understands?

Presidents in every school are naturally strict. Sure, he’s strict but…he understands his fellow schoolmates as if he’s indeed one of them.

Most of the presidents she knows always think of themselves as different as if they hold more power compare to normal students. They tend to put themselves in a different and special place.

When Cj came back to the office, he found his cousins arguing over something unreasonable. He didn’t bother to ask what their conflict is all about.

When he went in, he instantly scolded all of them for not attending their classes on time. He sure sounded like a father to their ears so they had no chance to counter him or to ask him kindly if they can cut their classes just for this time.

They left the room in fear of being scolded more.

“I still don’t get it!” Sean crossed his arms. “Is he my father? Like my real father?!”

After almost half an hour, Cj heard a couple of knocks. Cheska’s hair isn’t tied up when he saw her at the restroom but now she tied it up in a high ponytail. She’s also wearing the new uniform he gave to her.

That’s a relief. He doesn’t actually know her exact size. He only told Sophia what he thinks hoping it’s not a mistake.

Her eyes roamed around the room. It doesn’t look like an office for students at all.

It almost looks like the room she usually sees in dramas and movies. It’s almost the same as the office of a CEO or perhaps a chairman or a vice-chairman.

Why is she even surprised? Lee University is a school of peculiarities. Of course just like the students, the structure, the schedule, the office of the officers is strange too.

“Where are the other student councils?” that’s the first thing that came out of her mouth before taking a seat on the couch. “Or…are there any?”

“The president and the new vice president are the only ones here. The rest, still about to come.”

That’s confusing. Looks like late enrollment, late attendees, and latecomers are natural in that strange university. The students at Lee University don’t even care if they will be left behind due to their lates—may it be late enrollment or late in classes.

Could it be because they’re smart enough? Is it really only the name they’re after and not the education that the school is offering?

Personally, Cheska sees the education there as exceptional. Their professors are good, really good. She can tell from how they teach that they’re indeed professionals.

She still can’t help to wonder and be confused. There are still some things she finds really weird but gladly she’s getting the hang of it.

“New vice president? Who’s the first?”

“Lorenzo. He dropped the title last year for some reason,” he left his swivel chair and went to a table. “What do you want? Water? Juice? Tea? Coffee?”

“Water is fine…”

And the room fell silent. It’s only the glass clicking and pouring water she can hear. She can’t deny the comfortability that the room is making her feel. Even the couch is so soft and smooth.

If she can only lie down there and rest, she would have done it already. She’s tired.

While silence reigns the room, she went back to Cj’s response to her question.

If Lorenzo was the old vice president, why did he leave that responsibility?

If he really wants to gather more information about the Lees, he should have just stayed right where he is.

What could be that ‘some reason’ means?

She politely accepted the glass Cj lent to her. Thankfully, it’s warm and not cold with ice. She actually prefers warm water to cold ones. Especially now that she’s tired and thirsty.

Warm water is the best choice to ease her feeling and situation.

“Why do you want to talk to me?” Cj sat on the couch in front of her. He leaned back and crossed his legs. His clasped hands are resting on his thighs. “Is it about Alexandra? I apologize on her behalf. You’re not actually the first ones—”

“Not about her,” she cut off. “About Mafias.”