Unforeseen Turn of Events

CHAPTER ONE

As the clock strikes 5:30 AM, I find myself engulfed in a storm of nervous energy, with my anxiety levels peaking at an all-time high. The source of my distress lies in the fact that today marks a significant milestone in my academic journey, it’s my first day as a student at the esteemed University of Las Noches. The prospect of entering a new and unfamiliar environment, coupled with the pressures of academic expectations, has stirred up a whirlwind of apprehension and self-doubt. I can't help but wonder if I'm truly prepared for the challenges that lie ahead, or if I'll crumble under the weight of my own insecurities.

After enduring what seems like an eternity of sleeping in this decrepit foundation, coupled with the insipid and unbalanced meals that I am provided with on a daily basis, I am convinced that any possible scenario that may come my way in the future would be an improvement. Thus, it is with a profound sense of hope and optimism that I look forward to whatever the future holds. Whether it be a new home, a better diet, or both, I am confident that any possible outcome would be superior to my current circumstances. After all, when one has endured as much as I have, even the slightest glimmer of hope can be a beacon of light in the darkness.

As the first rays of the morning sun began to filter through the windows of my prison-like room, casting a warm glow across the room, I knew that it was time to face the day. With a heavy sigh, I dragged myself out of bed, feeling the stiffness in my limbs from another restless night spent on the hard foundation. Despite my reluctance to leave the comfort of my bed, the urgent call of nature compelled me to make my way to the bathroom. It was a ritual that had become all too familiar to me over the years, a daily routine that offered little solace or pleasure. As I made my way through the dimly lit hallways of the foundation, the musty smell of dampness and decay hung heavy in the air, a constant reminder of the less-than-ideal conditions in which I was forced to live. But even as I grappled with the physical discomforts of my surroundings, I refused to give in to despair. Instead, I raise my head up high and put on a good smile with the hope that my University life would be a better one. For now, though, I would have to settle for the small victory of making it to the bathroom one last time before embarking on the long day ahead.

As I stepped out of the shower, the water droplets still clinging to my skin, I felt a renewed sense of energy wash over me. The cool rush of water had served as a refreshing balm for my tired and weary body, but now it was time to get moving. With a sense of urgency, I quickly made my way back to my room, eager to begin packing my belongings. The prospect of the monotonous and uninspiring breakfast that awaited me in the common room held no allure for me. All I wanted was to pack my things, leave this place behind and set out on the journey to the University. As I hastily threw my cheap clothes into my suitcase, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within me. The prospect of new adventures, new challenges, and new experiences beckoned, and I was eager to answer the call.

Despite the difficulties and obstacles that might lay ahead, I knew that I was ready to face them head-on. For I had been forged in the crucible of adversity, and had emerged stronger, more resilient, and more determined than ever before. With my belongings packed and my spirit soaring, I took one last look around the room that had been my home for so many years. And with a sense of gratitude and hope in my heart, I turned and headed out the door, ready to embrace whatever lay ahead.

As I made my way towards the entrance of the foundation, my heart heavy with a mix of excitement and trepidation, I caught sight of a familiar figure standing in the shadows. It was the man who had taken me in from the streets all those years ago, the one who had given me a chance when no one else would. I remember one day in particular when I was feeling particularly down and despondent. The food at the foundation had been particularly unappetizing, and my spirits were at an all-time low. As I sat alone in the corner of the dining hall, picking at my plate of bland and tasteless food, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see the man who had taken me in all those years ago, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

"Hey there, kiddo," he said, his voice warm and reassuring. "I thought you might be in need of a little pick-me-up."

With that, he produced a small bag of treats from his pocket, filled with all manner of sweets and savory delights. I couldn't help but grin at the sight of it, my mouth watering at the prospect of something other than the bland food that had become my daily staple.

He definitely filled the gap my late father had left behind.

As I approached him, my footsteps echoing through the deserted hallway, he turned to face me with a warm and welcoming smile. I felt a lump form in my throat as I realized that this would be the last time I would see him for a long time, if not forever. With a sense of gratitude and affection, I thanked him for everything he had done for me, for providing me with a roof over my head, for giving me food to eat and for supporting me through the difficult times.

He looked at me with a mixture of pride and sadness in his eyes, as if he was seeing me off to a new and uncertain future, but also realizing that this was the end of an era.

In that moment, I knew that I would always carry a part of him with me, that his kindness and generosity would serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, guiding me through the challenges that lay ahead. As I signed out for the last time, I turned to him and gave him a heartfelt embrace, a silent acknowledgement of the deep bond that we had forged over the years. And with a sense of determination and purpose, I stepped out into the bright new day, ready to face whatever the future had in store for me.

CHAPTER TWO

I hailed a taxi outside the gates of the foundation, my heart beating with a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation. As I climbed into the back seat, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disbelief that I was finally leaving behind the only home I had ever known. As the taxi pulled away from the curb, I leaned back against the seat, taking in the sights and sounds of the city that I had only ever seen from a distance. The buildings towered above me, their glass facades glinting in the early morning sun, while the bustle of traffic and pedestrians filled the air with a constant hum. For a moment, I felt a pang of homesickness, a longing for the familiar sights and sounds of the foundation. But then I reminded myself of the reasons why I was leaving, of the dreams and aspirations that had driven me to take this leap of faith. As we drove through the streets, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and amazement at the sheer scale and diversity of the city. I saw skyscrapers and shopping malls, parks and museums, people of all shapes and sizes going about their daily business. And yet, amidst all the chaos and noise, I felt a sense of purpose and direction. For the first time in my life, I was venturing out into the world on my own, charting my own course and pursuing my own dreams.

As the taxi pulled up outside the gates of the university, I felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins. I took a deep breath, gathered my belongings, and stepped out onto the pavement, ready to face whatever challenges and adventures lay ahead.

As I stepped onto the sprawling campus, I couldn't help but admire the vibrant and bustling university environment. I took a deep breath and pulled out my Scholarship folder, scanning it for the location of the VC’s office. My heart was pounding with excitement and anticipation as I walked briskly towards my destination. Suddenly, I found myself lost in the maze of buildings and corridors. My anxiety began to rise as I frantically searched for the correct path. Just as I was about to give up hope, a beautiful young girl with long black hair and a friendly smile approached me. "Hi there, can I help you find something?" she asked. I introduced myself and explained my situation. “I’m Clara Benson, nice to meet you Marco.” She introduced herself and kindly offered to show me the way to the principal's office.

As we walked down the hallway, Clara asked me about my field of study.

"I'm hoping to study Business Administration," I told her.

"That's exciting! What inspired you to pursue that field?" Clara asked."Well, I've been poor all my life and I've always struggled with money issues. I want to learn how to run a business and manage money so that I don't ever have to worry about becoming bankrupt and being broke again.” I replied, and her blue eyes seemed to have lit up in admiration of my mere honesty.

"That's a great goal! It's inspiring to see someone who's been through hardships use those experiences to motivate themselves. I'm sure you'll do well in your studies” she encouraged. I smiled, feeling encouraged by her words. "Thank you, that means a lot coming from you." I replied.

We continued talking about our studies, and I learned that Clara was studying Banking and Finance. It was interesting to hear her perspective on the field and how it related to my own interests. As we reached the entrance of the Vice Chancellor’s Office, Clara turned to me with a smile.

"Well, it was nice meeting you. Good luck with your visit and I hope to see you around campus," she said.

“Thank you, it was nice to meet you too. I'm sure I'll see you around," I replied, feeling grateful for the new connection.

With that, we went our separate ways, both excited to begin our first year of studies at the university.

As I approached the door, I could feel my heart beating faster, and I took a deep breath before knocking.

A woman opened the door, and I guessed she was the VC's secretary. She was stunning, with long blonde hair and a slim figure that spoke of hours spent in the gym. "Do you have an appointment?" she asked me, her tone polite but firm. I cleared my throat and tried to sound confident. "Yes, I'm here to see Miss Charlotte concerning my tuition and accommodation," I said, hoping I sounded eloquent enough. "Alright, and you are?" she asked, her blue eyes curious. "My name is Marco Silvers, ma’am." I replied, watching her closely for any signs of recognition.

"No need to call me 'ma'am'," she said with a friendly smile. "My name is Veronica. Take a seat, and I'll let her know you're here."

I nodded, relieved, and sank onto the couch in the waiting area. As I waited, I tried to calm my racing thoughts and focus on the meeting ahead. This was my chance to make a good impression and secure my place at the university for the next few years. I could only hope that everything would go smoothly.

After a minute or two, the door to the inner office opened, and a tall, beautiful woman stepped out. She walked with an air of confidence, her blonde hair shining in the light. I stood up immediately as a sign of respect, feeling my heart race in my chest.

"Judging from your green eyes and dark brown hair, you must be Marco Silvers," she said, her tone blunt and direct.

I was taken aback by her bluntness, but I managed to compose myself. "Yes, I am," I replied, trying to sound confident. "It's an honor to meet you, Miss Charlotte." She smirked, her eyes raking over me. "Handsome and very polite, just like him," she said, her words making my heart skip a beat.

CHAPTER THREE

I didn't want to pry into her private life by asking who she was referring to as "him," so I decided to change the subject . "Thank you, Miss Charlotte. I was wondering if we could discuss my fees and accommodation for the semester." She nodded, gesturing for me to follow her back into her office. As we walked, I couldn't help but feel like I was in the presence of a powerful and intimidating woman. But I was determined to make a good impression and secure my place at the university. As we walked towards her office, I tried to focus on the meeting ahead. My mind was buzzing with questions, but I didn't want to come across as too eager or pushy. I knew that Miss Charlotte was a powerful and intimidating woman, and I needed to tread carefully. When we reached her office, she gestured for me to take a seat in front of her desk. I sat down, feeling nervous and unsure of what to expect. "Let's discuss your fees and accommodation for the semester," she said, her tone businesslike.

As Miss Charlotte and I began the discussion about my fees and accommodation for the semester, I felt a growing sense of anxiety. I knew that I would struggle to afford the tuition fee, and I had no idea where I would live. As a matter of fact, the only thing I had in my name were the clothes given to me by the foundation. I couldn’t even afford to get myself a cellphone. But fortunately, Miss Charlotte had some good news. "I'm pleased to inform you that you've met the criteria for being awarded the scholarship, Marco," she said with a smile. "As a result, you'll only need to pay half of your tuition fee this year."

I felt a wave of relief wash over me. This was incredible news, and I couldn't believe my luck. "Thank you so much, Miss Charlotte," I said, feeling grateful. However, my relief was short-lived. Miss Charlotte continued, "But you'll still need to get a part-time job in order to pay the balance and support yourself. You have no sponsor and no penny to your name, so this will be your responsibility." I nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. It was a tough pill to swallow, but I was willing to do whatever it took to achieve my dreams. Miss Charlotte then added, "Don't worry about your accommodation. You'll be staying in the hostel, which we'll cover with your scholarship."

I was overjoyed at this news. At least I had a place to live, and that was one less thing to worry about. I thanked Miss Charlotte again for her generosity and support. As I left Miss Charlotte's office, feeling grateful for the opportunity to study and support myself, she called me back for one last piece of advice. "Marco, I have one more thing to tell you," she said, looking me straight in the eye. "Stay out of trouble, and don't get involved in the drama of the rich kids. They are almost untouchable because their parents are the major sponsors of the institution. You don't want to mess with them." I nodded, understanding the gravity of her warning. The last thing I wanted was to get involved with the wrong crowd and jeopardize my future.

"Thank you for your advice, Miss Charlotte," I said sincerely. "I'll make sure to keep my head down and focus on my studies." She smiled at me, patting me on the shoulder. "Good luck, Marco. I believe in you." With those parting words, I left her office, feeling more determined than ever to succeed in this new chapter of my life.

As I left Miss Charlotte's office, I couldn't help but glance down at my old wristwatch. I still had some time before my first class and I wanted to take a quick look at my new home for the semester. I grabbed my duffel bag and headed towards the direction she had pointed out earlier.

Navigating the university proved to be more challenging than I anticipated, and soon enough, I found myself lost, for the second time today. Just when I thought I was about to give up, a friendly voice called out to me. "Yo, you look lost. Need some help?" the voice said, and I turned to see a tall, friendly-looking guy with a warm smile on his face. "Uh, yeah man, I'm trying to find my hostel," I said, feeling grateful for the help. "No problem, I'm heading there too. What's your room number?" he asked.

"Room 13," I replied.

"Cool, we're roommates then!" he said, extending his hand. "I'm Levi Jackson."

I shook his hand, feeling relieved and grateful for his help. As we made our way to our hostel, we chatted and got to know each other better. I couldn't believe my luck. Not only did I have a place to stay, but I also had a new friend to navigate this new adventure with.

As I walked into the hostel room, I couldn't help but be amazed by how spacious and well-furnished it was. It was far better than the cramped room I had stayed in during my time at the foundation. I quickly unpacked my bags, taking a moment to admire the view from the large window overlooking the campus. But I soon realized that I had to hurry to get to my classes. Glancing at my old watch, I saw that it was already 9:55 AM. I grabbed my bag and headed towards the door, but before I could step out, Levi called out to me. "Hey Marco, wait up!" he said, rushing towards me with a folded paper in his hand. "Here, take this map. It'll help you navigate around the campus so you don't get lost again." I thanked him and took the map, feeling grateful for his kindness. With that, I hurried out of the room, eager to make it to my classes on time.

CHAPTER FOUR

As I entered the lecture hall for my Marketing class, I immediately felt eyes on me. Stern gazes seemed to be coming from every direction in the room. Two guys, both blonde and dressed impeccably, were by the window whispering to each other and laughing. I couldn't help but feel self-conscious in my cheap, worn clothes and shoes. As I sat down on an empty seat before me, I couldn't help but feel self-conscious under the scrutiny of those two guys. I tried to focus on the upcoming lecture, but their mysterious laughter continued to distract me. Finally, the lecturer walked in, and I let out a sigh of relief, hoping that the class would begin soon and put an end to my discomfort.

But my relief was short-lived. As soon as the lecturer started speaking, one of the guys tapped me on the shoulder. "Hey, you," he whispered, "what's your name?" I turned to face him, feeling a bit uneasy. "My name is Marco," I replied."Well, Marco," he said with a smirk, "you're in the wrong seat. That's my seat." I looked around the classroom and noticed that the seat I had chosen was indeed reserved for him. As I stood up to look for another seat, my heart racing with embarrassment, someone suddenly stuck their leg out and tripped me. I fell forward onto my stomach, my books and papers scattering across the floor. The whole classroom erupted in laughter, and I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. I quickly picked myself up, trying to ignore the snickers and whispers coming from all directions. As I bent down to collect my things, I noticed that one of the rich guys who had been laughing earlier was standing over me, smirking.

"You really are a clumsy one, aren't you?" he said with a chuckle. "Maybe you should stick to the back of the hall where you belong." I wanted to shout at the top of my voice, to tell him that I didn't belong anywhere and that I deserved to be here just as much as anyone else. But instead, I just clenched my fists and gathered up my belongings.

As I made my way to the back of the hall, I could feel the weight of everyone's judgmental stares on my back. But I refused to let it break me. I was determined to prove to myself and to them that I belonged here, that I was just as capable as they were. Taking a deep breath, I sat down at the back of the class and waited for the lecturer to arrive, silently vowing to work twice as hard as everyone else to prove myself.

As the lecturer walked in, the students in the hall quieted down and gave their attention. He introduced himself and began his lecture. He talked about the importance of marketing in a capitalist economy and the different strategies that businesses use to promote their products.

As the lecture went on, the lecturer asked a question about examples of marketing strategies in a capitalist economy. The room fell silent as the students looked around, but no one raised their hand. Feeling a little bit of pressure, I decided to take a chance and raised my hand. The lecturer called on me, and I answered correctly. As I sat back down, I caught the eye of a beautiful brown-haired girl sitting a few seats away from me. She gave me a glowing smile, and my cheeks flushed red as my heart began beating faster than usual. I glanced at her a few times, but quickly averted my gaze when our eyes met again. I tried to focus on the lecture, but my mind kept drifting off to her. Who was she? Why was she smiling at me like that? I couldn't shake off the feeling that I needed to talk to her.

As the lecture continued, I made a mental note to talk to her after class. I felt like I needed to know her, and I couldn't explain why. When the class was finally over, I quickly packed my things and rushed towards her. "Hi, I'm Marco," I said, my voice shaking slightly. "I noticed you smiling at me during class. Do you need help with anything?" She looked at me with a hint of surprise on her face. "No, I don't need help with anything," she said, her smile growing wider. "I just thought you were really smart. That was an impressive answer you gave." I felt my cheeks flush again. "Oh, thank you," I said, feeling a bit embarrassed. "You're really beautiful, by the way." She laughed, her brown hair falling over her shoulder. "Thanks," she said, her smile still as bright as ever. "I'm Gloria. It's nice to meet you, Marco."

As Gloria and I chatted in the hallway after class, a familiar tall, blonde guy suddenly appeared and interrupted us. He walked up to us with an intense look on his face and asked me, "What the hell do you think you're doing, hanging out with my girl?" I froze, my heart racing as I looked up at the angry blonde guy towering over me. I had no idea that Gloria had a boyfriend, let alone one who was so possessive and quick to anger. "I'm sorry," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't know she was your girlfriend. I was just chatting with her."

"Chatting with her?" he spat, his grip on my collar tightening. "You think it's okay to just chat with my girl?"

I didn't know how to respond. I had never been in a situation like this before, and I didn't want to make things worse. Before I could say anything, Victor raised his fist, ready to strike me. But then, a voice interrupted us. "Stop Victor, he wasn't asking me out or anything."

It was Gloria, and I was relieved to hear her defend me. Victor let go of me and turned to her, his expression softening slightly. "Are you serious?" he asked, looking at her skeptically. Gloria nodded. "Yes, I'm serious. Marco was just being friendly. He didn't do anything wrong." Victor looked at me one more time, his eyes filled with anger, before stepping aside for a while. I let out a sigh of relief, feeling grateful to be free from his grasp.

"Are you okay?" Gloria asked me, her eyes filled with concern.

I nodded, still shaken from the encounter. "Yeah, thanks to you. I didn't know he was your boyfriend." Gloria smiled at me. "It's okay. He's just overprotective sometimes. Don't worry about him." I slumped against the wall, breathing heavily. My heart was racing and my hands were shaking. I couldn't believe what had just happened.

CHAPTER FIVE

As Victor approached us, I could sense the tension in the air. His eyes were fixed on me with an intense gaze as he signaled Gloria to leave with him. She hesitated for a moment, as if unsure of what to do, but then gave me a small smile and said goodbye. I watched as they walked away, Victor's arm around her waist possessively. It was clear that he had a hold on her, and she couldn't break free from it. I couldn't help but wonder why she stayed with him, knowing how toxic their relationship was. As I watched Gloria leave with Victor, my heart sank. I couldn't shake off the feeling of disappointment and frustration. I knew that I had no right to interfere in her relationship, but I couldn't help but feel like I wanted to do something. But when I remembered my promise to Miss Charlotte, to not interfere with the lives of the rich folks like Victor, I decided I would tread carefully on this matter.

Feeling a bit defeated, I walked towards the vending machines, hoping to find something to munch on. But as I approached the machines, I saw a job flyer indicating the need for workers at a Pizza Factory. Suddenly, an idea struck me. Maybe if I got a job, I could work hard and prove myself worthy of Gloria's love. With newfound motivation, I made my way to Piazza Grande, a local pizza factory. I had heard they were hiring for various positions, including one in their marketing department. As I walked towards the factory, the savory smell of fresh pizza filled my nostrils, making my mouth water. Once inside, I approached the hiring manager and expressed my interest in the marketing position. I was nervous, but I remembered Gloria's enthusiasm for marketing and how impressed she was with my answer during class. It gave me the confidence to explain my experience and skills.

After a brief and surprisingly easy interview, I was offered the position at Piazza Grande. It was strange how smoothly everything had gone, almost as if someone had paved the way for me. The pay was not much, but I had no choice but to take the offer as I needed the job. My new boss and I agreed that I would come to work every day after lectures.

As I was about to leave the pizza factory, I had this strange feeling that I was being watched by someone. It was a weird sensation, and I couldn't shake it off. I decided to look behind me, and that's when I saw him. A tall, well-built man in shades, in a suit was standing a few meters away from me, staring intently in my direction. I couldn't see his face clearly, but I knew that he was watching me. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up, and I felt a chill run down my spine. Who was this man, and why was he watching me? I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease as I headed back to my hostel room.

I entered my hostel room with a heavy sigh, feeling both mentally and physically exhausted from the day's events. I flopped down onto my bed and closed my eyes, intending to take a quick nap before tackling my next task. However, as I drifted off to sleep, my growling stomach snapped me back to reality. I sat up, rubbing my eyes as I took a quick look around the room. It seemed that I had no food left to eat, and I knew that I couldn't concentrate on my work on an empty stomach. I needed to find something to eat, and fast. I got up from my bed and headed out of my hostel room, determined to find some food. As I walked around the campus, I searched for any nearby food canteen that might be offering free lunch. I knew that it was a long shot, but I was desperate. After a few minutes of wandering around, I spotted a group of students heading in the same direction. Curious, I followed them until I arrived at the school's cafeteria. To my surprise, they were giving away free samples of a new dish that they were testing out.

As I joined the queue at the cafeteria, I noticed Clara was having a side chat with the cook. She caught my eye, and we maintained eye contact for a moment before I realized that I was holding up the line. I quickly placed my order and sat down at an empty table. As I ate, I couldn't help but think about Clara and the way she had looked at me. Was there something there, or was I just imagining things? I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts, and focused on enjoying my meal. As I enjoyed my free lunch, I noticed Clara approaching my table. She smiled warmly and asked if she could join me. I gladly welcomed her and she took a seat.

As Clara sat down, I couldn't help but notice how her eyes seemed to sparkle with excitement. "What brought you here?" I asked her, hoping to start a conversation.

She smiled and replied, "I came here to seek permission from my mom to attend a birthday party."

"Your mom?" I asked incredulously. "Wait a minute, is your mom the School Chef?" Clara nodded with a smile. "Yes, she is," she replied. I couldn't contain my excitement. "Wow, that's amazing! I guess I wouldn't have to go hungry anymore since my friend's mom is the school's chef," I said jokingly. Clara laughed. "Yeah, you should definitely stop by the cafeteria more often," she said. "I'm sure my mom wouldn't mind." “Thanks for the offer Clara but you know I didn’t really mean what I said right?” I said while rubbing my hand on my hair in a tense manner. “Your loss then,” Clara said, as she giggled. “By the way, who's the celebrant of the party?" I asked curiously. Clara hesitated for a moment before saying, "I'm not sure, but I think her name was Gloria Samson."

As soon as I heard the name Gloria, my heart skipped a beat. Could it be the same Gloria that I had been thinking about all day? The one who had left with Victor earlier?

My mind was racing with thoughts and questions, but I tried to keep my cool. "Do you know where the party is going to be held?" I asked Clara, trying to sound casual.

Clara nodded in response as she said, “my friend mentioned that the party is at the 3rd Walter Mansion, just a few minutes' taxi drive from the University gate."

As she gave me the address, she turned to me and asked, "Why are you so interested in this party anyway?"

I hesitated for a moment, feeling a little embarrassed. But then I decided to come clean. "I like Gloria," I confessed. "I really want to make her like me too."

Clara's eyes widened in surprise. "Gloria? You like her?"