"Road to 4th year!" Aicko exclaimed.

I gave her a high five. She was right. I entered Eres at my 3rd year of college and the school year's ending meaning, 4th year is just around the corner and when we become 4th years then it'll be a matter of 1 more year till we graduate and start with our careers.

"When we graduate, My parents would immediately make me take a seat in our company." Aicko said. "How bout you?"

I'm in the school's library with Aicko, Shari, and Eloise. They all are on a break with fixing their valentine's fair booths so we all decided to have a chat at the cool airconditioned library.

"For sure, they'd make me take on my duties." Eloise sighed. "And I guess I'll just watch my sister go up the steps and take her place as Queen of France." She sipped on her glass of water

Shari laughed. "My parents will for sure make me the CEO of our company." She placed down her glass. "I mean I've got the company's biggest shares next to my parents."

I just kept quiet, it must be happy to be like them, not afraid about what life holds once they graduate, they've got their whole life planned out, some says that it's a bad thing but I for one would wish my life was planned out than having a life not sure if I'd be a success or not.

I frowned when I realized what I was thinking. No I will be successful. I thought to myself. I'm claiming it.

"How bout you Paige?" They turned to me. "What's your plans after you graduate?"

I suddenly fell silent.

When they noticed my lack of answer Aicko asked again.

"What course do you plan on taking next school year?"

I knew why we were having this conversation, it's because we will soon be moving up to fourth year and when that happens, the royals will be separated from the rich who are aspiring businessmen and all the other college courses. We will all soon be focusing on our main courses and it'll be my choice onto what course would I take. I need to think this through.

"You could go to medicine, law, engineering, architecture." Eloise counted the options on her hand. "It wouldn't really matter what course, they all have it here."

"Or you could take business and be with Shari and I." Aicko suggested. "Most of us in our year batch are taking business. " Aicko turned to Eloise. "Well except for the royals and the other few who have different ambitions."

Eloise sighed. "Next year will be a lot different from this one."

I knew what she meant. This year, I've gotten used to being around both the royals, the rich, and the commoners just like myself. Next year, although I'd still see them at the cafeteria or the school hallways, we wouldn't be taking classes together anymore. Those who wants to be doctors and other courses have their own classes, the businessmen who are majority of my classmates will be together, and the royals will have their own classes.

"So what do you think Paige?" Shari asked this time. "You really don't have anything in mind?"

"Actually." A smile formed on my lips. "I think I should take business."

All my friends smiled.

"Good choice." Aicko nodded.

"Yeah." Eloise agreed. "95% of the business students here at Eres become successful businessmen and women, both the born rich and the commoners.

That made my inside feel easy. Suddenly I became so sure about my life's next step. "What about the 5%?" I got curious.

"Oh, those are the ones who failed in grades." Shari answered. "You might forget that Eres is also strict in grades, the school is living up to it's title, as the world's number one school of producing the world's future leaders and most successful men and billionaires the world has."

"And if your grades don't live up to the school's standard, then you're out." Eloise added.

"Oh yeah." I nodded. "I forgot about that part." Good thing grades aren't a problem for me, I'm an achiever and I'm living that up.

After a whole day of assisting my friends with each of their club's booths, I decided to go back to my dorm early to cook dinner for Aicko and I, for sure she'd be exhausted when she gets back later, today everyone's going all out with their booths since Valentine's week starts tomorrow.

I decided to take a walk home instead of waiting for someone to drive me to the dorm, since Blake has football practice and the rest are busy with their booths, I'd just walk to the square and get some exercise.

When I got to the dorm, I immediately changed into my loose clothes and I fixed my hair into a bun before I pulled out my unfinished school work. I needed to finish this before Valentine's week starts because I'd be too preoccupied by then. When I finished my school work, I pulled out my phone and dialed Mom.

It's been a while since I last talked to her, I've been too busy to call her these past few weeks and so has she. I placed the phone back in my pocket when she didn't pick up. She's probably still at work, I'll just try to call her again later.

_________________________

The day went by and the Valentine's week started. I got shocked at how all the clubs went all out to put up their booths. There were lights here and there, since the booths were for everyone, the school opened it's gates to the other schools for them to also enjoy.

There was even a huge wall where people would write letters for their crushes anonymously. I found it quite romantic and cute.

"You should try the marriage booth." Aicko advertised her club's booth as we strolled through the fair. "I could give you a VIP pass." She chuckled.

"VIP pass?" I laughed. "Is that even necessary?"

"You'll see."

When we got closer to the marriage booth, I knew what she meant. A lot of people were in line.

"Wow." I eyed the bunch of people, some were from our school and the others were unfamiliar, probably from other schools. "People sure like to get married."

"They really like signing up pairs." Shari chuckled. "I feel bad for the pairs they sign up, they'd be blindfolded and pulled by force into the marriage booth and boom they're getting married."

"Oh so that's how it goes." I laughed. "I guess the paired victims hate the tent."

"Well actually the girls love the tent." Aicko said. "Most of them enter the tent just to see Kile."

"What?" I laughed, I almost forgot that he's the priest.

The whole fair is splendid even if it's just the first day, there were amusement rides from a certain club. I waved at Aiden when I spotted him with his booth which also had a long line. Students from other schools would have their mouths dropped whenever they'd see a Royal and A rich student, I laughed when I saw Aiden surrounded by a bunch of girls from different schools. I spotted some squires from Excalibur, looks like even them came to join the fair, some Knights were also on the look out, I even saw Nile walking with two Knights behind her. Well of course safety is still a must for this school.

My mouth watered when I saw many students walk around with corndogs, cotton candy and other snacks. I turned to the girls. "If I go missing, you'll know where to find me."

The both laughed. After some more strolls in the fair, they both took shifts at their booths. Eloise was still at her booth so I strolled alone. During the fair, We Eresians weren't required to wear uniforms, but we still needed to wear our nameplates. Since I had my bronze nameplate on, people from different schools would stop by and ask me about Eres and others would say that I was so lucky. Of course I stopped by to be polite but when I had enough, I hid my nameplate in my pocket and walked to the food stands. Finally!

I got a box of popcorn and watched as many students walked by. I found it funny, until now I still haven't seen Blake.

I started strolling again with my popcorn when I suddenly spotted Ram as he was walking through the crowd keeping his head low with a hood on. Probably to avoid the attention. One thing I know is, he's pretty famous even beyond the campus walls.

I stopped walking when he was in front of me. He probably thought that he could use this as a disguise but sorry, it doesn't work on me.

I went to his back and tapped on his shoulder. "Hey."

I got shocked when he jumped the second I tapped him. He then turned his head slightly.

"Oh thank God it's just you Paige." He sighed in relief.

"Why?" I asked.

"Nothing." He chuckled.

I was about to ask why he was hiding when I suddenly remembered to ask about Blake.

"Uhm have you seen Blake around?" I asked. "Coz I haven't seen him the whole morning."

"Oh." He laughed. "Sorry, that's my fault."

My brows scrunched. "Why?"

He made me come closer for him to whisper and I did as he said.

"I signed him and Kile for jail-booth." Ram laughed.

Before I could react someone called.

"Ram!" two voices shouted in unison.

I turned to where the voices came from. A few feet in front of us, Blake and Kile were standing both in hoodies and shorts but my eyes went to their hands and I burst out laughing.

Kile's left hand was handcuffed to Blake's right one. And now here they are stuck together.

"Uh-oh gotta run." Ram wore his hood back on. "Bye Paige." He laughed and made a run for it.

Blake and Kile looked furious. They made their way through the crowd to get to Ram that both of them didn't notice me. I just laughed and walked on.

I suddenly got a text from Aicko.

From: Aicko

Kile's missing in action, and we don't have a priest.

I laughed.

To: Aicko

Big problem.

From: Aicko

And guess what.

To: Aicko

What?

From: Aicko

They made me the priest.

I laughed again.

The valentine's week went on. I soon got together with Blake and we did fun activities together, I also went on the amusement rides with the girls and I had dinner with Blake, we'd also enjoy the Valentine themed square at the end of the day. It was fun.

The week went by quickly till Friday came. It marked the last day of the fair and Valentines day.

"Wake up sleepy head!" I heard Aicko's voice.

I opened my eyes and groaned. "I'm still tired." I complained. Well because we all stayed up late last night at the fair.

"I am too but our makeup artists are here." Aicko tapped my back.

My eyes suddenly opened when I remembered. It's the soiree tonight. I immediately sat up.

"What time is it?"

Aicko laughed. "It's 1 in the afternoon."

"Oh shit." I scrambled out of bed and into my bathroom.

"And Happy Valentines!" She called.

"Happy Valentines!" I called back before entering the bathroom. Why did I sleep in? It's already 1 and the Soiree's at 6. I took a bath and afterwards wore a loose shirt and went to the kitchen to have brunch. The living room was set up for Aicko's makeup stylists. They were already working on Aicko. I brushed my teeth after I ate and sat on the couch while they applied make up on Aicko.

I suddenly noticed a big bouquet of flowers in the dining table. It wasn't there last time. "Who are these from?" I asked.

"Oh they're mine." Aicko answered.

I smirked at her from the mirror. Guess she's getting progress with her fling.

"Oh by the way, Eloise told me she got a love letter." Aicko eyed me from the mirror. "From you know." She chuckled.

I just laughed. It's so cute that Eloise got a letter from her squire boyfriend. Aicko and I just couldn't say it out loud since of course, it's forbidden.

Seeing all the gifts my friends have. I opened my phone to see if Blake sent me anything.

From: Blake

Happy Valentines.

That was all. My brows scrunched but I still replied.

To: Blake

Happy Valentines day.

I waited for him to seen it but he didn't so I just kept my phone.

When Aicko finished I waited for the stylists to pick up and leave but they didn't.

"It's your turn." Aicko tapped me.

I frowned. "What?"

Aicko rolled her eyes. "Make up."

My brows scrunched. "No thanks I think I-"

Before I could finish my sentence the two makeup stylists pulled me towards the vanity and before I knew it they were starting to apply some makeup on me.

"Please just keep it light." I pleaded as they started holding weird appliances. Makeup tools I think.

I just kept my eyes closed, and I kept squirming in my seat because makeup really makes me feel uncomfortable.

I then faced the mirror in front of me. I came face to face with my light brown eyes.

"Dear." The makeup artist said as she started taking my hair out of the bun. "Have you ever thought about being a model?" She asked.

I frowned. "Uh never."

"Well your light brown eyes and blonde hair does give you that effect, not all coz you just don't flaunt it."

I didn't know how to answer that question so I just smiled.

"Would you like to iron your hair?" The other stylist asked.

My eyes suddenly widened. "Wait why? What's wrong with my hair?"

"A bit puffy for me." The stylist said. "Lets iron it straight."

"Wait no." I squirmed in my seat. "I like my hair just the way it is."

I frowned when both the stylists laughed. "Ok ma'am."

Thank God.

When the stylists finished, I checked the time, it was already 3 in the afternoon. Aicko and I changed into our dresses for the soiree. I had an orange sleeveless gown which I didn't pick, while Aicko had a black elegant backless dress with a slit on it. Good thing mine didn't have a slit.

My dress had straps, too bad it didn't have sleeves, I was planning on wearing a jacket but Aicko was right, it'd be ugly.

The stylists styled my hair in a low bun and I wore the earings Aicko got me. Aicko had her hair down and curled. We both looked elegant. The only feeling that didn't sit right with me was that Blake still hasn't contacted me yet.

"Maybe he's busy." Aicko said. She must've noticed me eyeing the phone.

"Yeah." I kept the phone in my purse. "Maybe he is."

At 4:30 Aicko and I left the dormitory building, before we left I kept Blake's valentines gift in my purse and Aicko and I went straight to Shari's room. She also was elegantly dressed. Afterwards we met up with Eloise and We took pictures at the photogenic parts of the square. Soon Nile, Diana, and Isabel came and they too took pictures with us.

After a while of picturing the sun went down and it was soon time for us to head to the Soiree's venue which was in the campus' ballroom located beside the school.

Almost all of them had dates so they were going to ride with their dates to the venue, I had a date, I just don't know where he is.

Suddenly, a familiar black car came into view and drove into the parking lot.

"Look who's here." Aicko nudged me.

I'm just glad that he's still alive. I waved bye to the girls and walked towards where his car was parked.

He got out of his car, he was wearing a black tuxedo and black slacks which really matched his black hair. "Hey." kissed me on my cheek.

"Hi."

He opened the shotgun seat for me. I was about to sit down but my eyes widened once the car door opened.

There on the seat was a bouquet of chocolate roses, and a velvet box.

"Wow." I laughed and picked up the bouquet. "Chocolate roses?"

"I know you're not a fan of flowers." He said.

"How'd you know about that?" I raised my brow.

He chuckled. "I just do."

My eyes diverted to the velvet box. "What's this?" I was about to reach for it when he stopped me. He looked nervous. I noticed as sweat rolled down his forehead.

"What's wrong?" I was curious.

He sighed. "Here." He gave me the box.

"You're acting weird." I opened the box, my eyes widened when a sweet aroma greeted me as I opened it's lid, when it was fully opened, I stared in awe at the blueberry cheesecake in front of me.

"Happy Valentines." Blake smiled.

I turned to him in awe. "You made this?"

"Took us all morning." Ram suddenly appeared behind us.

Blake turned to him and frowned.

"Don't mind me, don't mind me." He placed his hands up in the air. "I'm just minding my own business." He turned to me. "You look good by the way." He winked at me before entering his gold sports car which was beside Blake's, then he drove away.

I looked back at Blake. "No wonder I couldn't contact you?"

He nodded. "Sorry, mixing was really a challenge." He eyed the cake. "Sorry the icing isn't that good, and the-"

"Blake." I stopped him. "I love it, thankyou." I tiptoed to kiss him on the cheek. No one's ever baked a cake for me before, it was always the other way around.

I laughed. "I never knew that one day you'd actually bake."

"Only for you." He answered.

I felt my cheeks heat up. Anyways, I reached inside my pouch and pulled out a small box. "This is for you." I handed him the box. "Happy Valentines day."

He took the box and opened it, revealing a silver pen with his initials engraved to it.

"One day, you'll become the CEO of your family's business." I took the pen out of the box and placed it in his hand. "I hope that you'll make the right choices and get to sign contracts with this pen when that time comes." I smiled at him. "Hopefully this pen would remind you that I'll always be here for you, every step of the way." I smiled at him.

I was taken by surprise when he suddenly leaned towards me and kissed me. "Thankyou." He said.