"Alright everyone, please settle. I know that you just came back from your winter break, but the midterm exams are coming after next week. So, it's time to review what we have learned previously."

The girls started to sound their protests.

"but sir, we just came back today. Can't we just relax for today?"

"Yes Sir, please… Also, have you heard Serena's songs? Weren't they amazing?"

"Come on, sir, I still haven't even had her autograph yet and I was next in line."

Their teacher shook his head and smiled. The girls groaned, then he started with a quick review of their lessons.

Serena this time was given the chance to look around, then she saw Emily. Remembering what happened that day during the ball, she could not stop her eyes from slitting.

Gizel, who sat beside Serena, noticed her glaring at Emily for a while now. At first, she thought that she was just mistaken. But when she turned to look again, she was sure she was not just seeing things.

"Hey, what did she do to you? Are you finally joining our club?" she said jokingly.

Serena knew that she should not stoop to that level as it was so petty and childish. But she just couldn't help herself. Who told her to kiss her Charlton? Who gave her the right? Why did she even do that? Anyway, the reasons do not matter. All she knew was that she just suddenly hated her.

"I will tell you guys later. But yes, I guess you can count me in." Serena affirmed with a nod. At one point, she will definitely give that Emily a lesson.

--

Their teacher ended their lesson early as the class seemed to be a little absent-minded. He did understand that at this time, it was hard for the students to get back into the routine of studying. Anyway, he turned to smile at Serena. Then he brought out his copy.

Everyone in class suddenly gasped.

"you too Sir!?" a girl said as she laughed.

Their teacher blushed.

"Serena, congratulations for this by the way. My wife is a huge fan. This is embarrassing, but can you also give her your autograph?"

The students all laughed and jeered.

"That is unfair sir! If you want her autograph, you have to line up!" a girl said.

Their teacher can only laugh along. "Sorry, but I have the privilege to go first, if you won't let me then, let's just continue with our lesson."

"No, please sir, you go ahead. I'm right behind you."

After that, their teacher left but not before showering Serena with another round of praises.

When their math teacher, Mr. Sullivan arrived. He was welcomed with the same picture of students lining up to get Serena's autograph. He cleared his throat, and everyone went back to their seats.

--

"Hey Charlton! How was your vacation?" Kylo asked meeting with Charlton on their way to class.

Charlton did not want to reminisce what happened the last two weeks. This Christmas break was the worst he has ever experienced. However, it was not right to take it out on Kylo. So, he just shook his head and said, "fine."

Kylo did not notice his mood and tried to gossip. "By the way, do you know how everyone is talking about your duet with Serena? It's like the biggest thing in school right now. Aren't you afraid what Geoffrey would say?"

Charlton was reminded of Serena again. After he left her Ducal home, he was plagued with anger and devastation. He spent most of his time alone in his room, trying to process what has just happened. He did some introspection and wondered how he could not have foreseen it coming. 

Anyway, he decided that for the best, he would try to limit and even try not to have any contact with her in the future. "Don't remind me. Anyway, I don't need to explain myself to Geoffrey. Serena and I have already broken up."

"Woah, wait. How did that happen? As far as I can remember, you said that you were willing to throw everything away for her. You know? Go Romeo and Juliet!?"

Charlton wanted to laugh with Kylo saying those words comically, but he just can't bring himself to do so. "I guess it was just a phase." He said, trying to salvage some of his manly pride.

"Well, I say, congratulations are in order! Welcome back to the free market. Besides, if you ask me, she was not worth it. Not saying anything against Serena but you know with your familial ties and all, ugh… you get my drift. By the way, who broke up with who?"

"Is that even important?" Charlton asked. Although he hated what Serena did to him, he still held some respect for what used to be their relationship.

"Oh well doesn't matter. But Charlie, I got to say, you two looked magnificent on that photo. You know, the one with the two of you sitting side by side in front of the piano."

Charlton just shook his head as they went inside their class.

--

Like in Serena's case, Charlton's popularity also rose steeply. The second years had mixed gender classes and the girls eyed Charlton like a pack of hungry hyenas.

"Hey Charlie, I guess your level of popularity with the ladies just went up a notch." Kylo observed as he whistled.

Charlton went to sit on his chair. "don't mind them."

Kylo laughed. "YOU are so not over HER."

"I'm trying to move on, but that doesn't mean moving on to the next girl."

"why not? Anyway, does Leonard know?" Kylo asked as saw Leonard entering the class.

"Yes. Don't remind me. I don't want to talk about it." Charlton replied.

Then their teacher entered and started his lecture.

--

Serena went through the day with her mood all bright and shiny. How could she not? Everyone has been praising her all day, and whenever she sees her and Charlton's picture together, it just gave her warm fuzzy feelings. Alright, they have not spoken yet, and they already broke up, but certainly, with the length of time they spent apart, his anger should have already subsided. So, if she were to lower her pride and ask for his forgiveness, he will agree to get back together with her, right?

Anyway, it was almost dismissal. She wondered how he has been these past few weeks. Did he miss her? Was he regretting breaking up with her? Aiyo, she wanted to share her happiness with him.

Serena tired out her brain from thinking of ways to get him alone. Come dismissal, she asked her friends to go ahead. They gave her knowing looks as they left.

--

TBC