Fourteen: Gastonburry Open House

The room was filled with visitors just like her, some came with their parents, some in groups of friends. She was there with Landon to listen to Professor Aaron Dover who was giving an introduction to prospective students on University life. He emphasized how independent learning would hold the key to success on any field the students choose.

He gave presentation on how the syllabus looked like, the credits that they needed to take in order to achieve the most with the least time spent in the faculty. He gave inputs on how to manage time for students who would consider taking up a part time job while studying in the University, and other life advice that they needed to hear before entering the higher education.

"Ask yourself this ... if you never have to worry about money ... what is the one thing that you would do in your life, for free? I hope the answer is what you have chosen to study here in UOG. But if you haven't got the answer to that, I hope you will soon find out while you study here in UOG. Because that should be the priority in your life, to find something that you love so that you'll never have to work a day in your life ... I wish you good luck and I'll see you in September." Professor Aaron Dover closed his presentation and everyone gave him a round of applause.

Charlene took a moment to reflect on his closing statement, deep inside she knew what she wanted to do in her life, the problem was she was never given the liberty to choose for herself. She had been dwelling on the idea of film making, she had been interested in it for some time. To be a lawyer was never her passion, but of her father's and she was not in a position to negotiate.

Landon introduced her to some of the Professors of the law major and also from other faculties. He also took her to the Dean's office to be acquainted to the Dean who was a good friend of his father, and apparently she knew Charlene's father as well. Dean Gayle Anderson was welcoming of her, she also gave her assurance that admitting her to UOG was a very good decision that her father had made. She was confident that Charlene was going to do well there, considering how good her grades were at school. Charlene was surprised that her dad had gone out of his way to get her grades from school and submitted it along with admission process. It was something out of the ordinary. They left the campus soon after.

Gastonburry roads were wide and paved, trees were planted on the side of the roads with precession. Road signs, street lights were all aligned, the town looked so neat almost like a toy city. Empty fields can be seen scattered between buildings. Housings were located in specific areas where you have to enter through a security check and cameras.

Everyone travels by car or a shuttle bus that takes them from one point to another, the bus ride were scheduled which was convenient for students who needed to get to their classes on time. The town has two large malls and a few small ones, an area for the night life, a golf course and of course, a country club. The Gastonburry library was surrounded by cafés and shops where people hang out during the day. It was a quiet modern town, built for upper class students. In every popular areas, expensive cars were parked on the side of the roads. Young people gathered to be seen, a kind of life that's far different from a small country town like Bluebridge.

Landon drove a black Porsche 911 convertible, one of the coolest cars at the time. In Gastonburry, they always drive with the roof down except for when the ladies didn't want to mess their hair from all the wind. Charlene didn't mind, she never rode on such a cute care like that, she tied her hair in a ponytail and put on sunglasses to shield her eyes from the bright sun.

He put his hand on her knee, "You look good in those," he complimented her.

"Thanks."

When he didn't took his hand away and started to caress her leg instead, she lifted his hand and put it on his lap. He glanced at her noticing the gesture, "I'm sorry, was I too forward?" he asked as he turned the clutches to go faster.

"I think it was inappropriate, a gentleman should always keep their hands to themselves," she said coolly.

He had a naughty smile on his face, "I hate to break it to you ... I may not be able to live up to your definition of a gentleman, I like to touch and feel the things I like."

She was appalled that he had referred her as a 'thing' but she chose not to snap at him and looked away.

"Can I ask you something? Is there a guy in the picture? I mean ... are you seeing someone?" she fell silent for a few seconds.

"As a matter of fact ... there is, I have a boyfriend," she already felt like she was betraying Tommy for not telling him about Landon, she might as well told Landon about him.

"Is it the guy you went sneaking out with on the night of your birthday?" she looked at him and wondered how he had known about it. He laughed, "I saw you when you got home at 4 A.M. ... so I'm guessing your parents don't know about him, huh?" his tone of voice was mocking her.

"And they shall never find out, especially from you," she warned him.

He pressed his thumb to his index finger and made a gesture across his lips, he turned the car to a crowded area, it was an avenue of cafes and restaurants.

He pulled his car on a reserved parking spot, turned off the engine. He turned to her and asked, "You know that your dad wants us to marry one day, right?" he was done playing cat and mouse with her.

"He never mentioned it, no," she pretended.

"He didn't say it explicitly, but he practically gave me a free pass to take you anywhere and do anything ... after all, you'll be living at my house starting next year," he said it with full blown confidence.

"Do anything? Just because my dad asked you to take me out and guide me around, doesn't mean you can 'do anything' with me ... don't you think I have a say on that?" she was annoyed with his impudent illation.

"I didn't mean it that way, I mean ... I'm sorry if I came on too strong, it's just that ... I think your dad want's us to hit it off, and I don't mind that at all," he winked at her. His apology sounded delusive, he had hit more than three red flags in one single conversation in that car ride. She wasn't comfortable with it, she wanted the conversation to be over.

"Well, I'm not marrying anyone anytime soon, I just want to have lunch 'cause I'm hungry, can we just do that?"

He bit her lower lip while still gazing at her, he nodded softly, "Yes, absolutely."