Against All Odds

CHAPTER - 4

ELLE

"And it was your boyfriend who picked us up?" Grace exclaimed. We sat in the college cafeteria, enjoying our coffees and sandwiches, recalling about our unforgettable first party. Olivia leaned closer to Grace. "You were so incredibly drunk that I had to call my boyfriend Lucas for help!"

Grace's jaw dropped, her eyes widening. "Wait! You have a boyfriend? Why haven't you mentioned him before?"

"Yeah, Olivia, you little secret keeper! Spill the details." I chimed in.

Olivia blushed, attempting to suppress her giggles. "I know, I know! Luke was my best friend in high school. A few months ago, we realized we had feelings for each other and started dating." She confessed.

"Well, what happened after you called Lucas?" Grace asked eagerly.

"Alright, so Luke drove you and me back to your apartment. Your sister helped you change and settle into bed." Olivia explained. Grace pressed her palm to her forehead, realizing the extent of her intoxicated state the previous night. "I guess, I had a bit too much to drink." She sheepishly admitted.

"It's no worries, we had a great time with you." We chuckled.

"Speaking about the other night, What's the deal between you and Cameron Smith?" Olivia's arms crossed, her face filled with curiosity, as she inquired. I tried to downplay the situation, replying. "Why would you ask that? there's nothing going on between us. I don't even know him."

Grace playfully nudged me and asked. "Are you sure?' Blushing even deeper, I muttered. 'Seriously, you two!"

Olivia, with her eyebrows raised in curiosity, asked. "What was the library moment he mentioned earlier?"

"We bumped into each other in the library and talked for a bit."

Time seemed to pause briefly as Olivia and Grace exchanged surprised glances, their eyes widening in disbelief. Olivia exclaimed. "No way! You actually had a moment with Cameron Smith in the library!" Grace chimed in. "Oh Elle, spill the details! Did he sweep you off with his bad boy charms or what!" I rolled my eyes, exasperated but secretly enjoying the attention.

"Cameron Smith is the last person I'd flirt with."

"And why's that?" He casually leaned against the wall with a mischievous grin on his face. His charismatic charm was difficult to resist. I turn around and see Cameron standing behind me. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as my friends exchanged glances. Trying to maintain my composure, I explained. "Well, it's just you and my brother don't get along well, and your reputation isn't very..."

Cameron chuckled softly. "Trust me, Elle, that doesn't have to come between us." I blushed even more intensely but remained firm.

He leaned closer. "You think my reputation isn't very... enticing, Elle? I'd say it's that very reputation that intrigues you." With a smirk, he walked away in the next second.

"You could cut the tension with a knife, girl." Olivia teased.

"Whatever, guys. I have class now, so I'll see you guys later!" I said, bidding them goodbye.

After saying goodbye, I made my way through the bustling college cafeteria towards my next class, international business. As I entered the class, I quickly located a seat and settled down.

Just as I settled into my assigned seat, Mr. Thompson surprised me by entering the classroom with a stack of papers in his hand. "Good morning students." He greeted us. "There's a surprise for you all today. I would like to gauge the student's understanding about the subject, so all of you are supposed to attend and complete this surprise test paper in the next forty-five minutes." My heart skipped a beat as I realized that I hadn't had the chance to review the subject since high school. However, I decided to give it my best shot, as I didn't have any other options.