ALEXIS'S POV
The crowd of students that gathered around me immediately I stepped out of the car, was something I could never have imagined. It's been three days since I was officially announced to the world as a new member of DSD. Two days I haven't been to school because we've been busy packing into our new home, one that was bought for us by the crew, this still feels like a dream, a rise from grass to grace. My aunt and her husband have been so over overjoyed by all that's been happening. Diva turned my boring life around to a brighter, better and promising one, I was locked up in my little prison of loneliness before she came and rescued me out. My nine years old life was being to make sense now, I can happily say I'm beginning to experience a better childhood, one that's fun filled and poverty free thanks to the angel that was sent my way.
I've been granted assess to a new life, new home with happy family and new friends that love me (DSD), I have several wardrobes of my own and a palatial room to myself, guards and workers ready to move at my command, my aunt was now free from the expenses of taking care of me, not like she ever complained. Diva really did more than enough, my aunt and her husband got a much more better car than the scrap they were once using. I was no longer a social care student and so I would now be in the same class as the rich kids my grade, I'd be in same class as my best friend Hector. No more bullying from those proud kids, I'd be respected from now on and treated like my status requires. Oh I don't even know how to express the kind of joy I've been feeling since I met Diva. The society now recognises me as the most talented child dancer all thanks to her, Alexis who was never noticed before have now become a center of attraction in a country as big as America. I'd forever thank my stars for the day I met her at my aunt's workplace. She has shown, I mean showered me with so much love and pampering since day one, filling up the emptiness I'd felt since my mom died. From just loving Diva as my idol, it's graduated into something else, she's someone I love and respect so much, she's now like the big sister I never had, taking me places I never thought I'd ever visit.
Black Diva's kind is rare, it's not everyday you come across such kind hearted celebrities, her friends too are so loving, see how they just accepted me a total stranger and made me one of them. I haven't stopped smiling since and neither could aunt Hanna and her husband. I smiled remembering that special bracelet she gifted me, I'd already promised her and I'd definitely keep to my promise, I won't take it off no matter what, it's already my most treasured possession. And it'll remain so.
I smiled as the students hovered around me, indeed when you become famous and rich, people who never once looked at you would suddenly begin to. The girls where chattering and I didn't bother listening to whatever they were saying as I walked to the class, the guards were still around, they've been instructed to keep a close eye on me and protect me when necessary.
I need to find Hector, oh there he is. I spotted him walking to class with his friends.
"Hector!" I called excitedly, skipping to him. He turned around and saw me, he smiled and walked towards me.
"Alex, where have you been? I saw the big news, you really did got in DSD congratulations best, I'm very happy for you. Was that why you didn't come to school this two days?" He asked, "Oh wow, just look at you, it's barely a week and you are already glowing. You look so good in this outfit Best." He gushed as he scrutinize me up and down. I laughed softly.
"Thanks Hector, I promise I'll fill you in later, but then let's get to class." I smiled.
"Class? You'll be in my class now?" I nodded. "Wow this is great. Does this mean you ain't a social care student anymore?" He asked enthusiastically.
"Yeah, and I'm very glad about it." I said.
"Of cause you are. You should be, give me a high-five." I chuckled and we high-fived. "Anyway I was supposed to give you this on your birthday, but it escaped my mind but immediately I remembered, I brought it along today hoping you'd come to school today, and you did. Happy birthday Alexis sorry it's coming late." He smiled and gave me a present. It was a beautiful strawberry coloured butterfly shaped hairpin. From it's look, I can tell it's expensive. Hector's parents are wealthy so he could afford such.
I got a real present from my first friend for my birthday, even when it was past the day, how can I not be happy? I'm overjoyed if you ask me.
"Awwnn, thanks Hector at least you remembered." I smiled gratefully at him.
"You are welcome Alex. You got a present from someone?" He said looking at the bracelet on my wrist. I smiled.
"Yeah, she gave it to me on Saturday."
"She?" He asked confusedly. Hector knew I have no other friend aside him in this school, well had because I don't know what may happen now that my status has changed.
"My Idol, let's get to class," I said looking past his shoulders to the students hurrying into the classrooms, the teacher must be coming.
"I'll tell you all about it later. Come you know I haven't been introduced to the rest of your classmates yet." I said pulling him along.
"Okay,"
DANIEL'S POV
I walked out of the hall with Jay, we just finished writing a test. Jay's been smiling more than ever before since his meeting with Saline on Sunday, and since this week he's been going out with her. Jay overcomed his fears and now he's moving to a much more serious stage of life, he now believes in love. Just watching him and seeing the happiness that radiates from him brings smiles to my face, I'm very proud of the man he's becoming. He stopped flirting around and cutoff connections with all his girls. He said she agreed to give him a chance after many pleas, he even cried, he told me. Ha! I had laughed my ass out that day. They weren't officially in a relationship yet but they'll be soon, he had said.
"I wanna go meet Saline, come with me. I would introduce you guys." He said with a smile.
"You can't be serious," I laughed. First time he's offering to introduce me to a girl, which means this is serious commitment.
"You know I am, besides she's your girl's bestfriend come say hi." He persuaded. I chuckled and walked with him.
Soon we were walking down the hallway of another lecture hall where he said she'll be at, as the students shrieked and squealed, since that's what they are very good at doing especially the girls.
"Oh, there she is." Jay said smilingly, Roe went to the library after his morning test. I followed Jay's eyes and I saw her walking out of the hall with another girl. She turned around and saw us, a pleasant smile broke on her lips. She's cute though, not very much tall and she's slender just as Lisa.
"Jay!" She said smilingly immediately she reached us, her partner went elsewhere. They hugged and he kissed her forehead, resulting in tremendous gasps from the students around, they began to whisper amongst themselves. I chuckled.
"Hey Dan, it's nice to finally meet you." She said smilingly before Jay could even say a word.
"Same here, Jay has said a lot about you." I smiled at her.
"Really? I heard you were once a hard one, good to see you getting normal." She said humorously.
"It's all thanks to your friend, I can live better now." I said, she smiled.
"Well I'd better save myself the stress of introduction since it's obvious you guys already familiarize with each other. Then, we'll leave now Dan, I'll catch you up later." Jay said.
"Alright, but before you go, please Saline do you have any idea where your friend is right now?" I asked her. She smiled.
"Check the botanical gardens, she'll be there." She said.
"Thanks," I smiled at her. "You guys can go now, I'll see you later dude." I smiled at them.
"Alright bro," he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, winked at me and turned her around, they walked away all smiles. Some girls cried in jealousy, I chuckled. They are jobless.
I stared at their retreating figure for a while before turning back and walking away. The jobless students cooed, awwned and shrieked as I walked past them. I need to go find Diva, I haven't seen her this week since I've been busy with school work and business, both mine and dad's.
My hands were tucked in my pockets as usual, while my bag was slung over my shoulders. I suddenly saw that guy I saw with Diva the other day at the cafeteria, he was coming from the opposite direction. I don't know how but our shoulders bumped as we walked past each other. He kinda stared at me before our shoulders bumped and I did well reciprocating. I'm sure he doesn't know I'm his rival yet but then, he will soon. That aside, I need to see my love.
I reached the car park, entered my car and head to the botanical garden.
DIVA'S POV
"Okay there, yes that's it. And this and this, wow you are blooming already." I cooed at one of the flowers as i watered the plants.
I decided to visit the botanical garden today since I wasn't having any test and help Mr Andre water some plants even when it wasn't necessary, as all plants were watered consistently and daily through a specific method. Known as the DIY process, although I stopped it a bit so I could single handedly water some plants. It felt good doing so.
The semester's tests commenced since Monday and we all have been quite busy. Cilia's been on cloud nine since Sunday, she told us all about her encounter with Jay that Sunday and wow, I'm very happy for her. Fate did really brought them together and I'm sure in little time with the way things were going between them he would ask her out properly. Tania was happy too but she was a little worried about Lia, but it actually turns out the playboy is finally in love with our best friend, for real, Jay went on his knees for her and even shed a tear. I just hope she finally receives that true love she deserves.
"Elle thanks dear, I'm sure the plants are all smiling at you right now for being so kind to them." Mr Andre said from behind me. I chuckled.
"They sure are, Mr Andre,"
"Oh yes, well Elle I'll leave you to watering the garden since you insist for a while, I need to give some students a tour round the garden." He said.
"Okay Sir," I heard him walk away.
I moved the sprinkler to another section and sprayed gently on them, from tips to roots.
I haven't seen Daniel since that day at the coffee shop and it's starting to get me worried. I should concentrate on my studies and my tests but I can't help wanting him close. Besides, I've been thinking about that Jordan of a thing, I haven't still seen anyone around with the name, I was kinda suspecting it to be Dan but I had shrugged it off. The boy from fourteen years ago had extremely curly hair and Dan's hair isn't curly, it's straight. Also Dan's name isn't Jordan but Daniel but at the same time I can't help but remember the other blonde kid, what if that's Jay, his friend?
Oh common Lucia, the circumstances may be similar but you can't just assume him to be Jordan. Everyone knows top American model, artist and heir to The King's Empire name. His name is Daniel Roberts only son of Edward Roberts richest business man in America, there's no Jordan in between, so what are you saying?
"Need some help with that?" Someone said. Daniel? My heart skipped beats. From his rich cologne to his voice, I could tell it was him. He came to meet me?
I looked down at the sprinkler in my hand, jeez! I was sprinkling excess water on a plant, I removed it quickly. I had been so absent minded, I was overfeeding the plant. Excessive water could kill it.
Stopping myself from grinning so much, I turned around with a bright smile.
"What a pleasant surprise Daniel," He smiled. Such beautiful smile, Dan isn't handsome, he is beautiful.
"What are you doing here? I didn't think you visit the plants garden." I asked. He twinkled his lashes and shrugged slightly, cute.
"Well thanks to you, I got to know this school have such a beautiful place." He said.
"Wow, you came here because of me?" I asked in surprise, my grin becoming obvious. Dan smiled instead of answering me.
"Give that to me, I'll help you with the rest." He said seriously, taking the sprinkler from my hand, I felt butterflies on my stomach when his fingers slightly brushed mine.
Huh?
"Dan you are gonna get yourself wet." I said trying to hide my blush, while eyeing his expensive outfit. There's always a black in whatever Dan wears, seems like it's his favorite color.
"I'm not complaining, am I?" He was already sprinkling water on the plants.
I smiled and took my lips in as I watched him. Dan is a total gentleman unlike what I presumed him to be earlier. But what's the reason for his sudden change of attitude? I should find out right?
"Are you always this nice?" I asked searching his face for any reaction. He chuckled.
"Mmm can't say. You should know, at least you've seen my ugly side once. There was a reason though but don't ask me," he said like he knew I was going to ask. "I'll probably tell you one day." I smiled, He was sprinkling the last section.
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I smiled shyly as Dan kept his gaze on my face, he was looking at me with serious admiration and love dancing in his beautiful eyes. How am I supposed to explain this? How did this happen? I mean what's the reason for Dan's change? Did he suddenly fall for me? The way he looks at me is the kind of look that one usually have when he suddenly finds his or her missing treasure. So what's the meaning of this? I suddenly remembered he asked me if we've met before that day at the coffee shop. He probably feels same familiarity I felt with him the earlier days we first met.
I looked away from his searching eyes and set my gaze on the beautiful fountain. Few minutes ago when we finished watering the garden, we decided to settle here.
"It's beautiful isn't it?" I asked with a smile.
"What?"
"The fountain fall," I said looking back into his distracting eyes.
"Yeah it is," He smiled. My eyes bored into his, searching out the emotions they were radiating before traveling down to his slender but firm jawline, his beautiful nose, his pink little lips then finally to his cheeks, I let my eyes lingered on his revealing dimples. The bottom line of it all was that he look so adorable, like a little new born baby boy. So cute...
"You really don't remember do you?" He spoke up.
"What?" I asked distractedly. He smiled.
"Just stay still," I watched him open his bag and brought out drawing pencils and pad. And just like that he began to draw.
"What are you drawing?" I asked trying to peer into the pad.
"Shush just stay still," He whispered, raising up the sketchpad to prevent me from seeing. I chuckled and leaned my hands on the grass, relaxing my body so I could be comfortable. Dan looked at me as he draw, that's when I realized what he was doing. Dan was drawing me? I gasped in surprise. He smiled as he continued.
All it took was seven minutes and he was done. He smiled and finally revealed his work. I gasped when I set my eyes on the drawing, to say I was stunned was an understatement. I was overwhelmed with happiness just as I was stunned. I've always loved art but I couldn't paint or even sketch so seeing this beautiful work by the best and fastest artist I've ever seen, one who's my soulmate made me feel extremely elated.
The drawing was so beautiful, you would think the artist spent hours drawing it. Seven minutes and that was all? So perfect, Dan's a genius in this field, does he know that?The photo was truly me with the beautiful flowers around me, I looked so beautiful I was jealous of myself. I knew I was beautiful but to this extent? Wow, I'm totally flattered. Since I was bent backwards my long wavy hair sprawled on the ground beside the flowers, my eyes fixed on someone with such beautiful radiating smile, my eyes and hair glowing under the fading morning sun. Geez so unique. I've had several artists paint photos of me before but none could outstand this. It's incredible.
"Dan do you know you are awesome?" I said in Joy, with my eyes still fixed on the drawing. I heard him chuckle.
"I know but you can say that again." He said laughingly, I looked up at him and hitted his shoulder playfully."
"Proud jerk." I said smilingly. He laughed, first time I'm hearing his laughter. Such melodious sound to my ears. He looked at me, his smile still there.
"Thanks Diva," He said. I looked up at him puzzled.
"I should be the one thanking you, not the other way around."
"Yeah but I still wanna say thank you, for bringing me out of my depressed state even though you aren't aware of how recognizing and remembering you changed my life for the better. Thank you beautiful." He said with such seriousness and glint of happiness in his eyes, I had to twitch my brows in confusion.
"I don't get a thing of what you just said." I stated in confusion.
"Don't worry, just give it time, you'll understand soon." He said.
"Hmm okay Mr riddle." He chuckled. "May I keep this please?" I asked him cutely.
"Sure, I have others at home." He said.
"My photos?" He nodded, folding his lips. Seems like he does that a lot.
"How?" I asked him with raised brow.
"Relax, with time you will understand. But I want you to recognize and remember me first."
"Okay, here we go again. But I'm so happy right now about this photo. I can keep it seriously?" I asked again with wide expectant eyes. He nodded. Then I did the unexpected.
"Thanks so much." I squealed as I jumped on him and hugged him, the reaction making him to stiffen as he nearly fell backwards on the ground, but he balanced us Immediately, his hands around my waist. We both stared at each other in shock, our faces so close I could feel his breath on me, but then I removed my hands from his shoulders and stared at his hands on my waist. His eyes followed my gaze, and he immediately retrieved his hands.
"Uhm...m...ehm...I..." We both stuttered at once.
I noticed I was still on his body, I shifted immediately casting my eyes everywhere but his face.
"I'm sorry," I said scratching my neck nervously.
"No I'm sorry,"He said. We looked at each other again and both of us simultaneously burst into laughter.
"I wasn't supposed to jump on you like that but I was so happy I wasn't thinking. I'm sorry." I said calmly when we had stopped laughing. Dan reached out and took my hand in his.
"You did nothing wrong, you shouldn't apologize." He smiled squeezing my hand gently. First time a man is doing that to me aside from my Dad and Carl, and that's been long. Dan's hand was warm and comforting, It felt good.
"Why aren't you focusing on this rare talent of yours? Why are you studying business administration? Because of your dad's business?" I asked him softly, as I looked down at the drawing on my laps before returning my eyes to his.
"Well I don't see painting as any big deal, I just do it when I'm bored or less busy, and also when it's necessary like right now," he smiled at me. "Although I have several art galleries all over the states. As for business administration, my dad wanted me to study that because of his business industries as the sole heir to his properties and all that." He said with an eyeroll. I chuckled.
"That's cute you know,"
"What is?" He asked.
"When you roll your eyes that way." I laughed. He smiled. "Anyway why did you transfer to this Uni, dad's idea too isn't it?"
"Exactly. I'm glad I did anyway, because I met you again." He squeezed my hand gently.
"Is that supposed to make me blush?" I said playfully ignoring his last word AGAIN. I don't wanna start thinking about it yet. Maybe later, not when I having a good time with Dan.
"Well aren't you already? I think you are." He said in a playful whisper, pinching my nose slightly.
"Right," I laughed.
"Give me your phone for a sec," he said.
"Okayy," I drawled using my other hand to open my bag, I brought out my phone and gave it to him. I decided to put the drawing in my bag before I forget later. I'll get a frame and fix it in when I get home. I carefully tore out the page he drew on and returned the pad to him. The girls would be so thrilled to see this, my third gift from Dan. The other two were the umbrella and hanky, now this. I love this so much, after all it was a photo of myself drawn by my destined partner.
"Here," Dan gave me back my phone.
"What did you do?" I asked curiously looking at him. He was typing on his phone, he smiled at my question.
"See for yourself," He said buoyantly. I rolled my eyes to my ringing phone.
"What!" Dan saved his number on my phone as 'Soulmate' with heart emojis. Does he know? What's his plan exactly? Can I ever understand him? I looked at him, he smiled innocently. I smiled back, I won't question him. I'll let things unravel by themselves.
"You know, when we first met, you were an arrogant Jerk." I said instead, with a mischievous smile.
"And you my dear, were a bold and fearless rude girl who walked out on a King as me." He said playfully too with mock british accent. "Remember what you said about Mark? How were you even able to tell he was my guard? He was wearing a casual outfit!" I laughed in remembrance of the incidence.
"Because I belong to the same world as you. I know such things too, I'm not just a normal student you see around, I'm the heiress to my father's industries." I said sweetly.
"Then I didn't know, but now I know better," We laughed.
"Thanks for stepping on me that day, my life changed for the better since I met you. You made my emotionless life begin to make sense again after a long period of time, you rescued me from drowning in my sea of darkness. Thanks for restoring light to my life and bringing smiles and happiness to my face. Because of you I'm glowing once again, I promise you that I'll never let anyone or anything come between us again, no matter what." Dan wiped the tears that were already streaming down my cheeks at ever word he said, with his fingers. His words were making my heart jubilate and letting tears of joy ran down my cheeks. "....I promise to protect you and love you continually like I've loved you for long, no one would come between us. No one, not even my dad or Lucia." He brushed a strand of my hair away from my face as his eyes filled with so much love bored into my glassy one. I can't believe this is happening right now, dan's confessing his love to me. What else do I need to be happy? He accepted me already speaking of a past I can't recall exactly. Promising to make me happy at all times. But he mentioned Lucia, what's her name doing in this?
"I love you Diva, always have!" He said so passionately. My tears dropped again. I'm too emotional I told you...
"Dan I've been waiting to hear that from you since the first day we met along that hallway. That day when the heavens finally answered my request. Thanks for saying it and thanks for removing me from the world of the singles," I wiped my eyes. "I also thank God for bringing you to me, I'll love you too from now on." I smiled into his eyes. He pulled me to him and we engaged in a passionate hug. "Have we really met before? that day at the coffee shop you asked me and even now, you've been making such comments. Have we?" I asked from his shoulders. I felt him smile.
"I don't want to stress you into remembering but I promise I'll tell you all about it later okay?" He said.
"Okay," I smiled. I suddenly remembered Lucia, I pulled away from him and stared into his eyes. He was a bit confused about my reaction.
"What's your deal with Lucia?" I asked him suddenly. His expression darkened at my question.
"My dad," he started. "Hmm," he shook his head promisingly "Don't worry I'm already handling it. But do you still wanna know about it?" He asked peering into my eyes. I nodded slowly, I need to know about it before we can move on in this relationship thing.
"Okay I'll tell you everything. Mr Caden is my dad's friend of many years. They met after a long time at a meeting few months back, my dad due to the excitment of meeting his friend uttered what he shouldn't have said upon hearing he have a daughter.."
"So your dad made a marriage proposal on your behalf to Mr Caden for his daughter Lucia?" I asked interrupting him.
"Yeah, I didn't even know about it until I'd pestered my mom about the reason behind my sudden transfer to this campus."
I sighed sadly. How could Dan's father do that in a generation as this? I looked at Dan, his eyes held promises assuring me he would take care of it.
"Don't worry, I already promised you that I won't let anyone or anything come between us, not even my dad would dare. I had spoken to him already to dissolve that pronouncement or suggestion he made to Mr Caden, and he knows better than anyone what I can do. I lost you before, I wouldn't lose you again." He said reassuringly, laying my head down gently on his shoulder as he rubbed my shoulder gently in a reassuring manner. I smiled feeling at ease.
"I will ask you about Goldie some other time," I said while playing with his fingers.
"You've heard about it too?" I nodded from his shoulder. "Well I can tell you all you wanna know about her right now if you want." I lifted my head slightly to look at him.
"Really..."
"OMG! You guys look so good together, mind if we take some photos of you and with you."
We simultaneously turned slightly to see whoever it was that interrupted us. They were three, two girls and a boy, definitely students. Probably the ones Mr Andre went to take on a tour.
I looked at Daniel with a smile, he looked back at me with a knowing look and smile. I chuckled, looking back to the students....