Purple Romance

Chapter 143: Close yet apart 3

Joel pulled over at the car park and Paige turned and saw Jordan along with Lucas and Mirabel. They were chatting happily by Jordan's car. Paige hid the moment she saw Jordan looking over.

''What kind of luck is this? Won't he think that I don't have a backbone?'' Paige murmured to herself.

Joel looked at the group of people outside and turned to Paige asking ''who are you hiding from?''

''Huh? No one'' Paige said and faked a smile and asked apologetically 'Joel, can you please send me back to the entrance? I prefer to get down from there since there are a lot of trees at the entrance and I can get a lot of fresh air while walking from there to campus''

Joel looked at the group outside and saw someone looking at his car and turned to Paige saying ''no I won't'' he refused to do whatever she wanted.

''Please, I beg you. I don't want him to see me?'' Paige said. She touched his hand and pleaded.

''Who is he to you?'' Joel asked, his tone a little displeased.

''Huh? Him?'' Paige asked back confused.

''Is he your boyfriend?'' Joel asked and looked at Paige expectantly waiting for an answer.

''No, he is just somebody I know'' Paige said as she raised her head up slightly to look at Jordan and their eyes met and she looked away immediately.

''He is looking at you right now'' Joel said as he also looked at Jordan who didn't take his eyes off the car nor the people in it.

''Huh? Is he really looking here?'' Paige asked Joel and he nodded his head.

''Let's get down. I will walk you to class if you're shy'' Joel said and got down from the car. Paige cussed internally as Joel got to her side and opened the door for her 'come down'' Joel said and took the bag from Paige's hands.

Lucas and Mirabel noticed Jordan was looking at something and turned. They saw Paige getting down from the car and a man holding her bag.

Paige bit her lips nervously as she got down from the car. she instinctively looked at the direction of Jordan and their eyes met. They both looked at each other briefly before she felt someone taking her hand and turned to see Joel holding her hand. Paige was confused and didn't know what exactly she was feeling at that moment.

''Let's go'' Joel said as he walked away with Paige.

''Okay'' Paige looked away and allowed Joel to lead the way. Joel turned and looked at Jordan once more before walking away with Paige.

Jordan watched them walk away and he chuckled sarcastically.

''Who would have thought that the campus belle had such a handsome man by her side? Well, it would have been strange if she were to be single, right?'' Lucas said and looked at Jordan.

'"I don't like her'' Mirabel said.

Jordan ignored them and got down from where he sat, walking away.

''Jordan, wait for me'' Mirabel said and ran along.

....

Paige and Carlien went to their favorite baobab tree which was located at one side of the campus to rest while they waited for their next lecture which was in about half an hour time. As they sat chatting and looking over their assignment that was supposed to be turned in during the lecture, Carlien realised that Paige was looking around anxiously and decided to ask.

''Paige, can you stop looking around like that? My head is getting dizzy from watching you. Who are you hiding from? Don't tell me is your new Prince, whom you are serving?''

''You really do know how to make fun of someone, Carly. What Prince? He is probably the only one who sees himself as one''

''Then, who are you hiding from? We should have been at the library reading, yet you brought me to this place. Though this tree could be considered our favourite hanging out place, but studying in the library is still the best option''

"'I don't even know why I am hiding from that brat'' Paige said.

''You got angry with Jordan for talking about Joel even after seeing him with another woman? This morning that same man brought you to school and then you were caught red handed by Jordan? What exactly is your charm?'' Carlien asked and smirked.

''Will he still be hanged on over what happened? Would he think I don't have a backbone after seeing that I came in the car of Joel?'' Paige asked and turned to look at Carlien.

''Go to him and talk about it. Is not like he is your boyfriend. Whatever you do is your own business, unless you consider your relationship with him more than that of a Master and a slave'' Carlien said and Paige frowned.

''What kind of thoughts are you having? That is impossible. I am just feeling guilty that I spoke harshly to him yesterday, that's all'' Paige said.

''Then, take this drink and go make peace with him'' Carlien said and removed a can cola from her bag and gave to Paige.

''Carly is the best. I won't hold you responsible for telling Jordan about our cancelled lectures yesterday. I have to go, wish me luck'' Paige said and stood up, gathering her books into her bag.

''You don't need it'' Carlien said. Paige kissed Carlien's cheek before running off and the latter chuckled, shaking her head.

....

Paige got to Jordan's usual parking place and didn't see him nor the car. she pouted her lips and murmured ''does he have lectures this afternoon? What exactly is his major that he can come and go at will? I hope he is not angry with me. He didn't even call me the whole day'' Paige said as she looked at the phone in her hands and turned her back facing the entrance.

Jordan and Lucas finished their lectures and walked out towards their cars and saw Paige. Lucas looked at her and turned to Jordan saying ''looks like she is here for you. What do you think her expression would be if she found out that we are not really students but lecturers?'' Lucas asked amusingly, remembering he told Ad-Din to introduce them as students of the same school at the wedding of Kobby and Calia. ''But, it will be interesting if only she remembers us'' Lucas added.

Paige turned to go and saw them. Jordan stopped right in front of her. Lucas tapped Jordan's shoulder saying ''see you later, man'' Jordan nodded his head as he looked at Paige.

Paige watched as Lucas went to his car and she realised they came with a different brand of cars today. She stretched her hand with the can cola at Jordan saying.

''This is for you'' Jordan took the drink and remained silent as if waiting for her to continue and she did. ''Is not what you think; what you saw this morning was just a coincidence. We stay in the same neighbourhood and I just happened to run into him this morning and he offered to bring me to school. I refused initially but he insisted and I didn't want to be stubborn about it. That's why he brought me to school today''

Jordan opened the drink and started walking away towards his car and Paige followed him closely.

''You didn't have to explain anything. Is your life. You can do whatever you want'' Jordan said as he opened his car door. He turned and looked at her face. Her face was clean and beautiful. He noticed she had dimples but because she was nervous, her usual smile wasn't seen.

Paige blushed and looked down when she realised Jordan was looking at her. She pursed her lips like a kid waiting for a scolding making her look quite pitiful.

''I want coffee tomorrow by 7 am. If you're late by a second you're dead'' Jordan said and got into his car, driving away.

''Huh?'' Paige looked up only to see him driving away and she came back to her senses and cursed. Paige turned and saw Carlien watching her interestingly and walked up to her saying ''did you see that? He wants coffee by 7 am. Who drinks coffee by 7 am?'' Paige complained bitterly.

''A lot of people do nowadays. Even some drink coffee as early as 5:00AM'' Carlien said and patted her shoulders.

''Are you even my friend? Do you have to be so honest all the time?'' Paige asked displeased as she glared at Carlien.

''I'm sorry. If I am not honest with you, then who will? Well, if he wants coffee then get him coffee. Don't worry, I will bring you some of the chocolate candies that my mom brought back from Hawaii. It will make you forget about him tomorrow'' Carlien said, coaxing Paige and the latter smiled.

''That's a giving. Thanks'' Paige said.

''Let's go for lectures then'' Carlien said and Paige said as they went off to the lecture hall.