Ch: 3 [Summer plan]

After my lunch with Dean Clara, I made my way back to the dormitory, my mind still buzzing with our conversation. It was strange – the way she had listened to my story, the way she had shared her insights. She wasn't like any dean I had ever encountered. There was a genuine warmth to her that was unexpected, and I found myself pondering over the impact of our conversation.

I pushed open the door to the dormitory's mess hall, hoping to find my friends there. I had quite a few choice words for them after their little stunt at the college gate. As I entered the room, I scanned the area, spotting a few familiar faces but not the ones I was looking for.

Just as I was about to turn and leave, I caught sight of a familiar figure near the back of the room – Irine Sterling. She was sitting at a table, chatting animatedly with a group of girls, her laughter ringing through the air. The very same girls who had made the bet with my friends.

I gritted my teeth, the memory of their mocking laughter resurfacing. I was determined to give them a piece of my mind.

Pushing through the crowd, I made my way towards Irine's table. She hadn't noticed me yet, too engrossed in her conversation. As I reached her, I cleared my throat loudly, catching her attention.

"Hey, Irine," I said, my voice laced with irritation.

She turned towards me, her eyes widening in surprise. "Oh, hey, Travis. What brings you here?"

"You know exactly why I'm here," I replied, folding my arms across my chest.

She raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Do I?"

Irine's innocent act wasn't fooling anyone, and I was in no mood for games. I leaned in closer, my expression stern.

"Don't play dumb, Irine. We had a deal, remember? And where are the rest of the gang? You know it's useless to hide from me. So, you better tell me where Leo and Rachel are..." I reminded her, my annoyance evident in my tone.

Irine's eyes darted around, a mischievous glint in them. "Leo and Rachel, you say? Hmm... I think they might have heard something about you heading to the cafeteria with Dean Clara. They're probably hiding out somewhere, terrified of your wrath."

I rolled my eyes. "Terrified, my ass. They're probably just cackling about how they made me look like an idiot."

She burst into laughter, unable to contain herself. "Okay, you got me! We were just having a little fun, Travis. Lighten up!"

"Fun at my expense, as always," I muttered, shaking my head.

"Come on, Travis, you're taking it way too seriously," she said, still grinning. "Besides, you should thank us. If it wasn't for that little bet, you wouldn't have had a chance to talk to Dean Clara."

My irritation softened slightly at her words. She did have a point – our little bet had led to a conversation I never would have expected. But admitting that to Irine was out of the question.

"I'll thank you when pigs fly," I retorted, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips.

Irine leaned in, her expression becoming more serious. "You know, Travis, you're different from the rest of the guys around here."

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" I raised an eyebrow.

She chuckled, giving me a playful shove. "Yes, you goof. It's a compliment. Most guys here are either trying too hard or not trying at all. But you... you're refreshingly honest and... well, just you."

I couldn't help but feel a little flattered by her words, even if I tried to play it cool. "Well, thanks, I guess."

"You're welcome," she said with a wink. "Now, are you going to keep grumbling about Leo and Rachel, or are you going to join us and have some actual fun?"

I glanced at the group of girls Irine was sitting with. They seemed to be having a genuinely good time, and I realized that maybe I was taking things a bit too seriously.

"Fine, I'll stick around for a bit," I conceded, taking a seat at the table. "But..." I took out a piece of paper from my pocket, "Guess what's in my hand?"

"No way!" Irine stood up.

"Yup!" I placed it on the table, "Dean's private number."

As the girls at the table erupted in surprised laughter, Irine couldn't hide her astonishment. "You actually got her number?"

I grinned, relishing in the disbelief on her face. "Turns out Dean Clara had a change of heart. She gave it to me after we had lunch."

The girls exchanged excited glances, clearly intrigued by the unexpected turn of events. "Travis, you're full of surprises," one of them exclaimed.

I leaned back in my chair, a smug expression on my face. "Well, don't be too shocked. Even deans can't resist my charm."

Irine burst into laughter, shaking her head. "Oh, you're something else, Travis."

As I chatted and joked with Irine and her friends, I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of camaraderie. Despite our initial clash and the prank they had pulled on me, I realized that they weren't so bad after all. Maybe it was Irine's infectious laughter or the way her friends welcomed me into their circle, but I found myself enjoying their company.

Time passed quickly as we exchanged stories and shared laughter. It was a stark contrast to the seriousness of the college gates earlier that day. Dean Clara's words echoed in my mind – "Sometimes, it's about innovation, strategy, and the ability to adapt." Maybe she was right. Maybe there was more to life than just proving myself to my friends or chasing after a quick buck.

However, without money, how would one survive?

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow through the mess hall windows.

"Here you go," Irine took out a couple of bills, "500$ as promised."

As I glanced at the bills in Irine's hand, a mixture of satisfaction and surprise washed over me. The fact that she had actually followed through with our bet was unexpected, to say the least.

Thanks to her, I will be able to use this money to buy some new clothes and shoes and maybe stock some food.

I smirked, taking the bills from her. "I have to admit, I didn't think you'd actually give it to me."

Irine winked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I may have my quirks, but I'm a woman of my word."

I chuckled, tucking the bills into my pocket. "Well, thanks for being a good sport."

She nudged my shoulder playfully. "You're welcome. Oh, by the way, what's your plan for this summer?"

As the conversation shifted towards plans for the summer, I found myself caught in a whirlwind of thoughts. Summer was always a challenging time for someone like me, who didn't have the luxury of a stable income or family support. I scratched my head, a hint of uncertainty in my expression.

"Summer?" I repeated, trying to sound nonchalant. "Haven't really thought about it."

Irine leaned in, her curiosity evident. "Come on, Travis, everyone has plans for the summer. What's your idea of a good time?"

I shrugged, my gaze distant as I contemplated the question. "I guess surviving the summer heat and finding a way to make some extra cash. I can't exactly afford vacations or fancy outings."

Her expression softened, and she gave me an understanding nod. "You know, you don't have to go through everything alone. You got friends, you know."

"Haaa. Come on not that again," I sighed, "We talked about it before. I ain't gonna borrow money from you or anyone or let anyone pay for me just so I can enjoy a bit of luxury."

Her gaze remained steady, her eyes locked onto mine. "Don't be an ass. Come with us to my beach house. It's gonna be fun. Leo, Rachel, Lily, and Jackson are coming this time... And without you, it's not gonna be fun..."

As Irine extended the invitation to her beach house, I found myself caught in a mix of emotions. On one hand, the idea of spending time with my friends at a beach house sounded appealing. It had been a while since I allowed myself any kind of leisure or relaxation. On the other hand, my pride and self-reliance were urging me to decline, to not burden anyone with my presence.

"Beach house?" I repeated, my tone a mix of surprise and disbelief. "I appreciate the offer, Irine, but I can't just mooch off you guys."

She rolled her eyes, clearly exasperated by my stubbornness. "Travis, it's not about 'mooching off.' We genuinely want you to come. It's a chance to unwind, have some fun, and create great memories together."

I looked down at the table, my fingers tracing patterns on its surface. The idea of a carefree summer vacation was enticing, but the practicalities of my situation kept gnawing at me.

"You know I can't just drop everything and go on a vacation," I said, my voice tinged with frustration. "I've got responsibilities, bills to pay. I can't afford to put all that on hold."

She leaned in, her expression determined. "Travis, let us take care of you for once. We're a team, remember? And friends help each other out."

I met her gaze, my eyes locking onto hers. There was sincerity in her words, a genuine desire to include me in their plans. It was a strange feeling – to have someone offer their support without expecting anything in return.

"Irine, I... appreciate the offer," I began, my voice softening. "But I just can't. I need to work on the house the old man left to me. I haven't been there in ages, besides I have a couple of jobs planned this summer. I... I just..."

"Ah! Look at this stubborn fuck!" A familiar voice came from behind.

"Don't be rude to him, Leo..."

"Don't stop me today, Lily. I am gonna burst his ass today..."