Chapter 74: Chapter 74

Not to forget, she ignored some and did not spend time on them. As she has just an hour and half to finish it up and move to the second subject. She could hear the clock tick at every passing second. Her palms already turned cold and sweaty as she wrote down her answers. She was nervous. Why?

For once, she stopped writing and closed her eyes tightly. She inhaled and exhaled. She did it for three times. Before, she took her pen again and started writing this time, she tuned everything out. Even the man and the clock.

**

“Three minutes to go.” She heard. There was nothing more to write. She opened her answer booklet and started cross-checking everything she wrote. “A minute to go.” She heard again. The man stood before her with hands extended out towards her. She looked up and gently places the paper in his hand. She breathed out deeply and a satisfactory smile curved her lips. To her, she did her best. She really tried. She stood up and shove the chair back a bit. She packed her writing materials and exited the room. As she walked out of the block, the breeze blew by her. She breathed in and shook her head in delight. The was the first examination and the last won't be a problem. Definitely. She looked around and saw that students were really scarce outside. Maybe they were still writing their examination. She thought. She walked around the field and saw Julia under a shade. She must be memorizing as she seemed to be talking to herself. She walked towards her. “Hey, Julia.” She greeted and walked into the place. Julia stopped talking and looked up to see who had interrupted her. She smiled half heartedly when she saw that it was Ellie. “Seems you are preparing that much that you forgot about me.” Ellie said with a slight smile. “Oh, no. Ellie. I was so busy reading. You know, I have this kind of strict parents. I will be severely punished if my grades depreciates.” Julia said. “I am really sorry. I heard about what happened to you. I know I should have come but… I sincerely apologize. Been such a bad friend.” She said with an apology pout. Ellie held her hands and said. “I am not angry with you anyways. Everyone has their business to do.” She formed a tight lipped smile “So tell how it happened?” Julia asked. Ellie sighed and started explaining everything to her.

**An Hour Later**

Jake submitted his answer booklet first and exited the class. Without a second thought, he went straight to the café, hoping that Ellie would be there and after a brief rest, they would go straight to study. But to his utmost disappointment, he looked around but did not find her face. He creased in eyebrows as he breathed out in exasperation.

He could have given her a call, that is if she had a medium of that. He looked around for students to ask if they had seen her but there were no students around. He shook his head and walked towards the grassy field. He saw Julia talking to someone. He smiled because even with her back view he knew it was her. He quickened his steps and got to their place.

“Thankfully, the principal did not expel you.” Julia commented.

“Ellie.” Jake called out. He looked at Julia that was sitting there and smiled a gesture to her. “Hi, Jake.” Julia greeted. Ellie having sniffed his perfume looked up with a bright smile. He sat down next to her that even Ellie had to move away to create enough proximity between them. “So how was it?” He asked, directing the question to Ellie. She beamed a little and answered. “Not really as hard as I thought it would be. And moreover, I studied so it was just simple for me.” Jake smiled and said sternly, “Just because the first is not hard does not mean they would lenient with the second.” She nodded her head in agreement. “Now, let's go have a quick break and get back to studying.” He prodded her and dragged before she could talk. Ellie waved at Julia who would stop watching surprise at how close they’d gotten.

As they entered the library, Ellie knew she had gotten into a big time. They set out the textbooks and started studying. Aria came later to join them.

**

It was getting late and Jake did not want the librarian to come and alert them like the day before. So he told them that they should go outside to read since the library will be locked anytime soon. They sat down under a shade and started out with the marathon study.

Jake’s wristwatch ticked on Nine. Everyone's attention went to it. He narrowed his eyes on it and realized that time had really gone. He looked at them with hope and soon rounded up the subject.

He walked the both of them to their dorm and sauntered tiredly to his dorm. “So how much do these girls you are studying with give you? A night or two?” Jace mocked as Jake slumped on the chair and closed his eyes. Jasper knocked Jace on his head and he winced out. “Ouch, that hurts. Can't I ask anymore?” He snorted. “Jake is back?” Jayson asked as he stood in a pair of baggy joggers and a loose singlet. “Yeah, he is. He must have exhausted himself.” Jeremy responded. “Okay.” He went towards Jake and tapped him gently. “Let’s go to bed.” He urged him. Jake flinched at the touch and looked at Jayson. He slowly stood up and Jayson assisted him to his room.

**

Ellie stepped into her room and saw Elsa, still not sleeping. She walked towards her bed and slept. She definitely does not have the strength to take a bath. “Ellie.” Elsa called out. Ellie turned towards her with *say whatever you wanted to say* facial expression. “I just wanted to ask how your examination was?” She asked. “It was fine.” Ellie said simply and sank into her bed without waiting for Elsa to talk. She laid on the back and gazed at the ceiling. She remembered her time in Crystal's house, how soft the bed was. How she was treated? She chuckled. She sighed as her subconscious mind pushed her examination thought into her head. Tomorrow is another day. She must conquer.

She slowly closed her eyes and slept off.