A few hours later, all the students on the second cruiser were standing on the golden sands of the beach. The island was located out in the ocean where the hospitable, local citizens lived their everyday lives in simple bamboo houses.
At the other side of the beach, hundreds of camping tents were set up in different colors, designs and layouts for the students’ use. The camp site was a beehive of activities! Dry woods were stacked together at different angles to serve as campfires. The students who were on the first cruiser were already having fun, bustling around. They looked used to the place already. The evening sun was slowly setting making the scenery look magical!
Arian De’ Argent was in the master suite throughout the whole trip. Jeffrey and Ricky had left him behind because according to Ricky;
‘Where the girls are?… the party is!’
Stupid.
The layout of the camp was cool and the view was extremely nice. It reminded the young French of the Arabian tents. Arian, Jeffrey and Ricky was led to their rooms, ignoring the fawning stares they were used to. A staff even helped him carry his light bag?!
Arian was stunned when he was led into a bamboo house after expecting to be outside, like the other students, in the tents! Yeah it was nice and cozy. But dull and NO fun!
“MOM!” He yelled into his phone the second she picked up.
“Pumpkin, ho….”
“Don’t pumpkin me! I don’t wanna be in here. I want to be OUTSIDE.” He was close to throwing tantrums.
“But sweetie…” She started sweetly.
“Don’t sweetie me either!” He mimicked her voice.
“But you’ll enjoy it in there. It’s warm and comfy and safe.” She continued the smooth talk.
“Mom!…. I don’t care a fig how nice it is in here! I need you to tell whoever you need to talk to, to switch my location or I’ll never talk to you a….” Mom Rose cut him off this time.
“Pumpkin, I need to go now. I think Tommy fell off his bike and broke his teeth. I’ll call you later. Have fun and I love you!” She rushed out and cut the call.
“Mom?… Mom!” He called out but the line was dead and cold.
“Dang it!” He yanked and threw his phone out the window, angrily. He turned to his left window and caught Jeffrey yapping at someone on his phone then turned to his right window to see Ricky in his own bamboo room, also yelling at the video call.
This is bad! Arian zipped open his duffel bag and took out his other phone to call the school management.
“This is Arian De’ Argent and I’m calling to have a change of accommodation ASAP! Heck, It’s a freaking order!”
“Um… I’m so sorry sir, but you’ll have make use of the arranged accomoda…”
“Do you wanna get fired?!” He barked into the phone. The person at the receiving end shook.
“B… but S… Sir, it’s strict orders from Sir Argent himself. Have a lovely camp experience.” The receiver breathed and hastily cut the call!
“Screw it!” Arian yelled and hurled the phone out the other window.
“Heyyo there, neighbour!” Jeffrey mocked from his window.
“How’s your pleasant evening going, Monsieur?” Ricky taunted from the other side.
“Go to hell and stay there!” He seethed and pulled off the stupid sweatshirt his mother forced him to wear.
The group headed out ten minutes later and bumped into the rest. They were setting their stuffs in.
“Nickyyyy, let’s switch spots.” Ricky played the cute card.
“Aww. My adorable twinie doesn’t like his candy?” She pouted back and fumbled with his cheeks. He cutely nodded.
“After all the hassle I went through to grab a tent?…. Hell no!” She snapped and stomped away.
“Don’t even bother! ‘Cause neither are we.” Elva stated and pulled Natalia along. Selena and Leonardo were roomies, Becky and Nicky were grouped together while Elva and Natalia stuck to each other like glue. Damon had grouped himself with some hot chic.
Typical.
“Elva!”
“Nicky!”
“Natalia!” Three consecutive voices called from behind.
They all turned to see Majesty High School star footballers walking over in their school’s jersey as usual. They were B. H. A’s rival every football season and had a bad reputation… in a good way.
Jeffrey Campbell was still silently sulking over how BADLY they trashed his team last season. Stan was their captain and the two had been rivals since like forever!
M. H. S footballers weren’t arrogant or anything but you know boys…. they had their silent egos to settle! Jeffrey scoffed and looked away.
“Stan!” Nicky squeaked.
“Eric!” Natalia waved.
“Dennis.” Elva smiled as they rushed past the gaping, forgotten boys to them. Jeffrey screeched inwardly, watching Nicky hold the freak’s hand!
“When did you guys get here?” She grinned looking at the three of them.
“We were on the first boat. Typical Coach practically woke us up this morning.” Eric smiled at Natalia who returned it.
“When did you guys get here? The second boat?” Dennis fluttered his lashes.
“Un-hun. Since you’re all the early birds, we were the late birds unfortunately.”
Early birds my arse! Jeffrey cussed maliciously. No wonder they’re always so good!
“Jeffrey.” Stan acknowledged flatly.
“Staniel.” He grounded between his teeth and they shared their infamous glare.
Kids .
There are some things that can never change. Agreed. But Jeffrey was willing to change the direction of the hand Nicky was clinging unto!
“Are you guys done settling your stuffs?” The scowl on Stan’s face was automatically replaced with a smile as he stared at Nicky.
Jeffrey turned to see that they were just unpacking. So he didn’t imagine they’ld say;
” Yes!” They chorused. Arian gagged, Ricky coughed and Jeffrey choked!
“We wanna give you a tour if you’re not busy?” Stan offered.
“Aren’t the house masters supposed to do that?” Jeffrey asked tonelessly.
“There’s no harm in doing what other normal kids are doing.” Stan answered with the same tone.
“I don’t think I want my sister walking around a strange place.” Ricky creased his brows at Nicky. But his eyes were laser focused on the best friend next to her.
“No kidding.” Arian added, evidently glaring!
“Then just tag along!” Nicky snapped and dragged Stan away.
“Behind!” Elva glared at Ricky before walking away with Dennis.
“And quietly!” Natalia pointed before going the same direction.
The three boys watched as they walked away, not moving an inch.
“Well, should we?” Jeffrey curiously asked.
“They might need our help?” Ricky tried an excuse.
“We’re definitely going!” Arian snarled and they stormed behind…
***
The island was beautiful. The locals were nice, the kids were playful and the surrounding was peaceful. Little girls wore flowers crowns on their hair and necks!
While ‘Arian and friends’ walked behind like bodyguards, the merry teens stuffed their mouths with spicy grilled fish on sticks and seafood barbeque.
When they got back to camp, the camp fires had been lit giving the place a golden glow. Everyone had gathered around them in groups, eating and chatting.
Stan, Eric and Dennis dropped the girls back at the same spot they took them and waved goodnight.
Nicky, Natalia and Elva waved back but as they saw ‘Arian and friends’ stomping over, they fled into their tents and zipped it up from inside!
~ Are they gone??
Nicky texted them and Natalia giggled.
~ We don’t know. But don’t come out till thirty minutes! They might still be lurking around.
Since it was their group chat, Elva sent another text.
~ Tell Becky to be on the lookout then!
Thirty minutes later, Natalia got out her bath bag and left the tent after Nicky texted saying the coast was clear.
They waved at Nicky who was just creeping out of her tent and she quietly waved back. Then Elva went to talk with Leonardo while Natalia took the path to the bath… space?
As she turned the corner, Arian De’ Argent popped out of thin air and the frightened Princess screamed! He hastily pulled her closer and covered her mouth, looking around at the same time.
“Stop screaming or people will think you’re in danger!” He yanked and loosened his grip. Natalia broke free and glared at him.
“What are you doing here?? Are you crazy?! This spot is for girls only, dimwit!” She yanked back and he rolled his enchanting eyes.
“What were you doing flirting with that ass!” He seethed making her chuckle.
“And what are you? My guardian?? It’s a shame you don’t have a ruler so you could rap my knuckles!” She threw back and he gasped.
“You have no right to flirt with him while I’m here!” He gritted possessively. Natalia scoffed.
“But you do, right? How come Selena’s not with you?…” She wondered and dramatically looked around.
“… so you two can continue the season two of ‘playful kisses’!” She seethed and Arian chuckled.
“So you were, no, ARE jealous!” He pointed out with his gorgeous smirk which only flamed her fury at that moment.
“Jealous?” The Princess tried not to scoff. “There’s nothing to be jealous of! We’re not even dating, so stay in your lane and I’ll stay in mine. Period!” She seethed.
Jealous??
Of course, she was more than jealous!!
Arian’s smile dropped and in the semi brightness of the moon, Natalia could see a pang of hurt flash across his eyes.
The indignant Princess became mellow all of a sudden. Her anger dissipated and was replaced with a vague feeling of hurt.
“A.. Arian I..” She tried to start an apology.
“It’s… It’s cool. We’re not together, I get it. We’ll both stay our separate ways?… Have a nice bath.” He silently muttered and turned to go.
Natalia felt hot, painful tears brimming in her eyes. What has she done? She didn’t mean it! Arian stopped and suddenly turned back to face her. Her heart glowed thinking he’ld come back and laugh it off like the jerk he was… but instead, he leaned in and whispered so close to her ears.
“Don’t think you’re getting rid of me so easily, sugar. ‘Cause I’ll be back, back for more!”
She gasped…
Chapter 60