n

n

nSerena was disappointed to see that all her efforts just received a mere nod from Charlton. 'He didn't seem to appreciate it that much. Oh well, perhaps there's something wrong with his eyes, I saw him using eye-glasses last time.'

n

"What's with that look? Who was that?

" Gizel and Milly were shocked, along with all those who saw what she did earlier.

n

"Oh... hehe... He's my brother's friend. Just greeting him, don't mind me...

" Serena answered trying to look innocent and holding in her own laughter 'Well, soon to be my own boyfriend'

n

"Would you mind introducing me? Never thought that I'll be seeing the most handsome man I've ever laid my eyes on today. Pretty please? If I can get him as my fiancé, my gawd...

" Milly said with a red face.

n

"don't even dream about it, he is mine.

" The girl beside Serena violently reacted.

n

"Peace be with you sis, but seems like he didn't appreciate any of us earlier. But good luck to the both of you.

" Gizel chimed in, not wanting a cat fight to break out.

"By the way Serena, do you know the guy beside him? He's just my type!

" she added.

nSerena just raised her left brow hearing the girl beside her laying claim on what she considered was hers. 'whatever is she deluding herself for? Has she looked in the mirror? Hmpft' However, she still must be a white lotus flower, so she just smiled at the girl then replied to her friend.

n

"The one beside him is Kylo, the 2nd prince of Alighieri. I can introduce you guys to him but he's a rake, don't tell me I didn't warn you.

" Serena replied, choosing not to comment regarding Charlton.

nNot long after, a woman in her mid-30's wearing a form fitting overall with a whistle and a clipboard arrived. Obviously, she was their swimming instructor. She introduced herself as Instructor Michelle Phelps, who hailed from Guiea. Guiea is a kingdom surrounded by the sea, and there, it was imperative for all citizens to learn swimming, whether it be for leisure, or survival. She had dark skin and curly black hair. She was average looking and seems approachable. She told them that this is her first time teaching formally, nonetheless she already had experience teaching young nobles in her country.

nLast year, the swimming club had a male instructor, but due to a certain mishap, and considering that majority of its members were female, the school decided to hire a female instructor.

nMiss Phelps gave an introduction on what they will be learning this year. She said that there is an importance in learning to swim, as although it is a leisure activity that is good for exercise, it is also a necessary survival skill.

nSerena was able to count that there were 19 of them in the club. Of which, 5 were seniors, 6 were 2nd years and 8 were freshmen wherein 5 of them came from her own class.

nMiss Phelps noted that the Senior students have been members of the swimming club since their 1st year. She asked them to do mentorship with the freshmen. However, that task was doomed to fail. Apparently, these students only ever learned to frolic around, dipping at the side of the pool, trying to appear like sirens.

nSerena can only pity Miss Phelps, for she too is a member with only that in mind.

nTheir instructor can only sigh.

n--

nMeanwhile in the fencing club, Charlton felt rather than saw the stares of the other boys, as if thinking that their glares can make him bleed.

nThis was put to stop when their instructor who seems to be in his early 30's together with his two assistants arrived.

n

"Good morning everyone. I am Marcus de Legazpi, your fencing instructor and these are Juanito and Pedro, my assistants. This year, we received 98 names for this club. All boys unsurprisingly. Now, don't think I do not know what is running in your heads. The view from here is indeed spectacular. However, the boat is sinking, and sadly, only 70 can be saved.

"

nWhen he said that, the air in the room suddenly turned cold. This is bad news, for the lot of them.

n

"Mr. Marcus, how will it be decided on who gets to stay? Wouldn't it be unfair if it were to be based on skills with a sword? The reason why most of us joined is to learn...

" Kylo asked for the sake of asking.

n

"So a brave soul now dares to ask and even suggest. What is your name? If not that, then what do you have in mind?

"

n

"I am Kylo Louis, and I suggest that we do it by drawing lots. At least this way, we will all be given a fair chance.

" Kylo replied, feeling Charlton glowering beside him.

n

"That sounds just about right. Alright everyone. Please wait for a moment while my assistants prepare the drawing lot.

"

n

"I do hope that that plan of yours backfire at you.

" Charlton told Kylo in a low voice.

n

"Well, I just wanted fair play. If it were to be based on skill, you will just KO everyone here. Where's the thrill in that? Didn't you say that there's nothing to see here anyway?

" Kylo laughed as he teased him.

n

"Fine, I take it back. Now how do we ensure that we get to stay?

"

n

"Ha! Now I get to see your true colors. You will have to thank me later.

"

n

"Why will I need to thank you? This is your stupid plan.

"

n

"You don't even know what Mr. Marcus had in mind. Anyway, you see Juanito there?

"

n

"what about him?

"

n

"I got dirt on him. He will of course try to curry favor from me.

"

n

"What did he do?

"

n

"He's having an affair with one of the students here in school.

"

n

"Huh? What about it? He's still young and besides, he's just an assistant. Not the instructor.

"

n

"Well, the thing is, the one he is having affair with is a boy.

"

n

"Alright. Let me steer clear from him, thanks for the heads up.

"

n

"Well, that's what friends are for.

"

n--

nThe swimming club was dismissed early since there were only a few of them and it was their first day. Anyways, the girls learned how to do bubbles for the day.

nSerena looked up and saw that the fencing class have not yet been dismissed. While around her, she observed that most of the girls were not yet leaving. All the chaise lounges facing the fencing club were also occupied. Seems like these girls are waiting for the boys to come down later.

n

"Hey Gizel, Milly, I'll go ahead...

" Serena said, planning on catching Charlton, hopefully alone, if not, Kylo should be able to read the mood. It has been five days, when will she get the next chance?

n

"Where are you going? Please wait a second, we'll join you.

" Gizel said, trying to get up from the pool.

n

"No, no need, you two stay there and enjoy the pool. I want to do something...

"

n

"Oh come on Gizel, I'm sure Serena wants to see her prince charming. She wouldn't want us third wheeling on her date. You go girl!

" Milly said cheerfully.

nSerena just smiled at Milly and nodded. 'well, no need to deny the truth.'

n

"Is that so? Hehe, Serena, you naughty girl. Good luck and don't forget to share the juicy details later

" Gizel added as she waved her goodbye.

n--

nTBC

n