Ellie came out of the bathroom already clad in her pajamas. Without sparing Elsa a glance, she collapsed on the bed gazed at the ceiling for some time before trailing it down to the door. “Tomorrow, please be good to me.” She prayed and slowly closed her eyes.
**Next Morning**
Jake woke up earlier than Jayson who was still snoring on the bed. He picked his well-ironed uniform; a white shirt which had a barge of Shining Stars High on it, deep blue jacket and a pair of deep blue trousers. He went into the bathroom and came out some minutes later with a towel hanging dangerously low on his waist. At this time, Jayson already woke up and was sitting down. He looked up and saw Jake wearing his clothes already as he dropped his lotion. “Good morning.” He muttered and stood up to have his own bath. Jake pretended not to have heard and continued wearing his clothes.
**
Jake tied the last lace of his sneakers and bounced up in enthusiasm. Jayson already wore his clothes and prepared. Jake picked up his wristwatch and wore it. As he was about to pull the door of their room open. Jayson held his hands and he looked up to him. “And what do you think you are doing?” He asked. Jayson sighed deeply and said. “I am sorry.” Jake scoffed and looked away. “You are sorry?” He asked. Jayson nodded his head. “It’s alright. I know you have always been one who does not like to interfere in other people business.” Jake exhaled. “But she is your friend's sister. At least, don’t be partial in your treatment.” He begged. Jayson nodded his head and Jake snorted, not getting why he kept nodding his head like a lizard. Jayson broke into a smile and pulled Jake into an unexpected hug. Jake gasped and patted Jayson on her shoulders. “It is just that you have been going this girl attention that you seemed to have forgotten us.” Jayson said and Jake burst out into laughter. “You are jealous.” Jake stated. Jayson scoffed and looked away. “You think too highly of yourself, I am not.” He clarified. “And come to think of it, you have also been spending time with her sister so we are even.” Jake added. “I am not spending the time you are thinking I am. She is still that stubborn girl. We are not really that close.” Jayson said and sighed. Jake shook his head and extended his hands, “No quarrel.” Jayson smiled and took it. “Sure.” They both hugged each other.
“We will be late for class.” Jake pushed him out of the way. They both stepped out and got outside. The rest of the boys already gathered outside, waiting for them. They looked at the with surprise written in the facial expression. Jake and Jayson joked as they walked towards them.
“Reconcile already?” Jeremy asked. Jake and Jayson nodded. “Nice one.” Jasper added and patted Jayson on his shoulders. They all walked towards the café to have a quick breakfast.
<><><><><><><><><><>
Ellie opened her eyes sharply and stared at the ceiling. Ever since she slept off the night before, her subconscious mind kept reminding to wake up early. She sprang up immediately and without waiting, rushed into the bathroom. She is a special student so getting late will be punishable. She wore her uniforms quickly and buckled up her laces. She exhaled deeply and picked her books. She just packed her hair into a messy bun and applied her lip gloss. Elsa was still in the bathroom. She exited the room since her time table was quite different from hers; the perks of being a special student. It was 6:15 AM and paper starts by 7:30 AM. She hurriedly ran towards the café and had a quick breakfast. She wanted to talk to Jake but her time was ticking. His own paper was still until 7:40 AM.
As she headed towards the block of where the room she will be writing the exam was. She stood before it and was searched thoroughly. The man that would be supervising her ushered her in and she stepped in. She looked around and saw that it was just a table and a chair. Her palms had become sweaty and beads of sweat rolled down her forehead as if sensing her nervousness. She sat down quietly and awaited the question paper.
**
Elsa looked around and saw that Ellie was not in the room anymore. She sighed and shook her head in disappointment. She wore her clothes and did her hair in a neat ponytail. She could not understand her own sister. She stared at herself and was satisfied with it. She picked her books and stepped out. She made sure to lock the door. She worked towards her class, not feeling hungry. “Elsa.” She heard someone call her. She looked back and saw Jayson and his friends. She smiled half-heartedly and waited for him to catch up with her. They all entered their class. “And hope you are not nervous?” Jayson asked and she scoffed playfully. “Do I look like I am?” She asked. “No.” He replied simply. She chuckled lightly and sat down. “See you after the examination.” Jayson nodded his head and engaged in another discussion with Jake who was sitting behind him. Aria waved at Jake and he also waved back with a smile. Everyone looked with bewilderment.
“Did Jake just talk to her?” A student asked. “Is it not obvious?” Another answered. They all burst out laughing. Aria laughed silently. Shawna did not mind her while Crystal just stared at the book before her. Christian pretended to be absent from the class.
The teacher stepped into the class and called the students to his attention. The noise died down and they all sat upright. He began to share the papers. “Start.” He instructed them. Everyone got into their business and started inking down their pen.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
Ellie heard the door open and shuffling of papers. She turned back and saw the man. He walked towards her with a straight face and placed the papers down before her. “You can start.” He ordered as he went to take a seat just before her. She gulped nervously as she opened the question booklet and answer sheet. She skimmed through the questions and started answering.