Chapter 51 - 51: Tickling Her Heartstrings
Serena was giddy, happy and excited. She can't wait to share the news with everyone. It's a little shallow, yes, but she feels like she accomplished something. She did review for the exams. Biology though, well she has always been weak in science subjects so getting an 81 is already good enough for her.
She wondered if her friends were still waiting for her as looked at her watch, it's already 4:50. Wow, she didn't notice that her talk with Grace lasted that long. Anyway, Serena picked her pouch as she stood up. She was in such a good mood that she can't stop the tilting of her lips.
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Charlton really wanted to talk to Serena. He just can't take his mind off of her spending time with Geoffrey in the coming days. His heart won't stop racing and his stomach kept on churning. How could he tell her that he doesn't want her to join that student council? Yes, he was proud of her achievement. He was truly happy for her. But…
When dismissal came, Leonard wanted to go congratulate his sister first, but Charlton gave him that pleading look. Taking pity on his friend, Leonard just harrumphed and left. Kylo who saw that patted Charlton's shoulder.
"I didn't know that Leonard also knew. You sure do move fast." He commented.
Charlton chose to ignore that comment. He does find Kylo annoying since the incident. Sometimes, he just wishes to throttle his friend to at least relieve some of his tension from the turmoil he's been going through as of late.
"Anyway, good luck! See you tomorrow." Kylo said as he moved to escape. Well, he was kind of sharp when his little life is in peril. He can already feel the negative aura emitting from Charlton, so he thought that it's time to go.
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"Serena's talk with ma'am Grace is taking quite long. It's been 30 minutes and they're still not done. What could they be talking about?" Gizel wondered aloud.
"Do you think she accepted?" Milly asked. Thinking that her friend must still be considering Charlton's feelings.
"Why should she not? Serena is perfect for the position. Everyone will listen to her." Via answered.
Charlton saw and heard the three girls who were waiting for Serena just beside the stairs. He doesn't have a very good impression on the two because well, they might have been spouting negative things about him behind his back. But at the same time, he also did acknowledge that they were good friends to Serena.
The girls saw Charlton who was approaching them. Since they knew that Serena have already forgiven him, they understood that they have no more say in the matter. But of course, that did not mean that Gizel and Via can't give him the eye.
"Hi… would you mind if I talk to Serena alone?" Charlton asked politely as he gave them his pitiful little smile.
Does he think that that look would make them all agree and just forgive him like that? Hmpft! Well he's kinda correct. Charlton was undeniably handsome even when he looks a little haggard. Gizel who didn't trust her voice just rolled her eyes at him as she gave Via the reign to speak.
Via who was also experiencing that loss of voice didn't speak immediately. They have been rude to him and he was still being kind and polite. She felt a little ashamed of herself.
"Alright Mr. Charlton. We'll go ahead." Milly who was the most normal and had nothing to be ashamed of replied.
"Thank you." Charlton replied as the girls nodded and left.
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When Grace left at 4:45, there were no more students loitering around the halls. Charlton first looked through the windows to observe Serena.
He couldn't stop his own lips from tilting when he saw how pleased she seems. She had that smile on her and her eyes were sparkling. He can already tell that she was giddy with excitement. Her happiness pouring out of her in waves. The selfish part of him that wished to ask her not to accept the offer vanished like thin air. If that position made her that happy then he will support her, 100%. So, when he entered the classroom, he was smiling, showing that he was sincerely happy for her.
"I saw the bulletin board, congratulations! I'm so proud and happy for you." Charlton greeted.
Serena who was still ecstatic couldn't help from smiling back. She was so excited to share the news, and somewhat can't wait to see Charlton's reaction when she tells him that she joined the student council. She wondered if he would beg her not to join. Well, too bad for him, she already agreed.
"Thank you!" Serena replied enthusiastically as she continued, "And you know what? Ma'am Grace told me that I am eligible to be the freshmen's female representative. Don't you think that your girlfriend is awesome?" she unconsciously added the girlfriend part. What can she do? she really loves the boy, besides she's really delighted and she has already forgiven him in her heart. Also, well, she did feel that she kinda betrayed him by accepting the offer without his input.
"So, did you accept the offer?" Charlton infected by her positive feelings excitedly asked. He also noted that she still considers herself as his girlfriend so he was also quite elated.
"Of course! I am so excited!" she replied, trying hard not to start explaining because she wanted to see the jealousy from him. Too bad that she can only be sorely disappointed.
"That's good. I think that joining the student council will be beneficial in the long run. There are a lot of things you can learn there, and well, like Teacher Grace, it might open a wide range of opportunities for you in the future. I'm really proud of you, you know?" Charlton said as he moved to hug her. In truth, there was a huge part of him that is jealous, but he didn't want to show her that. He wanted to support her, not pull her down. It's not her fault that she was capable. Besides, she deserves it. He hasn't met any other girl who was as amazing as Serena.
"You're not angry at all?" Serena couldn't help but ask as she hugged him back.
"Why should I be?" He began as he looked at her, "I'm so proud that my girlfriend is the most beautiful, most remarkable, most amazing, and might I add, the smartest lady of her age. And if you were just to consider my own opinion, then I shamelessly proclaim that she is perfect in every single way."
Serena playfully hit his chest "Don't think that just because you have a sweet mouth that I have already forgiven you." Although she admits, what he said really did tickle her heartstrings.
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TBC