ROSE

Chapter One - Embarrassment

It was a balmy summer evening, and a gentle breeze rustled the small plants and tall trees, swaying them softly.

The windows of the classroom stood wide open, allowing fresh air to sweep inside, filling the room. It marked the final day of college, and the students eagerly awaited their release from the monotonous lecture of Professor Martin.

The majority of the students yawned silently, unable to keep up with Pr. Martin's lecture. They rested their heads on the desks, showing signs of weariness. Meanwhile, a few attentive students remained engrossed in his words.

"Well," Pr. Martin concluded, "we have reached the end of this lecture and the term. Don't forget to study the topics I assigned as they will be important for your upcoming final exam, which is just around the corner." He paused for a moment, scanning the room. "Did I make myself clear, or shall I repeat what I just said?"

The students enthusiastically yelled, "No!" signaling their desire for him to stop.

"Alright then, off you go," said Pr. Martin.

With excitement, the students departed from the classroom, spilling into the hallway where their fellow classmates eagerly congregated. A sense of elation filled the air as they sang, drummed, and chanted various slogans of liberation. It felt as if they were breaking free from the confines of a prison, for, in the eyes of students, school often seemed like one.

George strolled down the hallway, intentionally jingling his car keys to catch the attention of two stunning young ladies engaged in animated conversation ahead of him.

The two girls leaned casually against a wall, one adorned in a vibrant red dress while the other wore a black trouser paired with a white shirt. Their hushed conversation remained exclusive.

George, though aware that he was in his final year of college while the girls were likely in their second year, presumed that they already had boyfriends. Ignoring their apparent disinterest, he approached the girl in the red dress, determined to seize the opportunity before anyone else did.

Despite the girls' evident indifference, George approached them. He introduced himself with a touch of confidence, "Hello there, ladies. I'm George. I couldn't help but notice you from a distance. May I have the pleasure of knowing your names?"

The girl in the red dress replied in an arrogant tone, "We neither asked for your name, nor are we interested in divulging ours."

George felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him. However, undeterred by his embarrassment, he resorted to a previously used lie that had worked on other girls in the past.

"It seems that you ladies fail to recognize greatness when you see it," he began, attempting to captivate their attention. "Did you know that I'm a key player on the college soccer team? Although I play sporadically, the team reserves me for the significant matches."

He extended his hand, subtly displaying the car keys, and continued, "As you can see, this is one of my car keys. I own two cars back home. This one is my preferred choice due to its low maintenance costs and fuel efficiency. If you're not busy, perhaps we could go out for dinner. What do you say?"

The arrogant girl exchanged a glance with her companion, forcing a strained smile. George, convinced that his lie had won them over, had no clue that his humiliation was just beginning.

The girl glanced back at George and remarked, "That's interesting. So, what do you really want?"

"To take you out..." he quickly replied.

"Alright then," she paused and called out loudly, "Hey, everyone!"

Instantly, students halted in their tracks, forming a crowd around George and the two girls.

Among the crowd that stopped at the arrogant girl's command were George's friends: Emily, Lucy, and Thomas. The hallway became congested, making it nearly impossible to navigate without bumping into someone.

In hushed whispers, Lucy asked Emily, "What trouble has George gotten himself into this time?"

Emily replied in a low voice, "I warned him to cease this behavior of his. But he's too stubborn. He has no inkling of what Alisson is capable of..."

Alisson, the arrogant girl, made an announcement that caught everyone's attention. "It appears that this gentleman," she emphasized, gesturing towards George, "desires to take me, Alison Walker, out for dinner."

Laughter erupted from the students who were acquainted with Alisson. It was akin to witnessing a comedy show for them.

Alisson locked her gaze onto George and inquired, "So, your name is George, as you mentioned earlier?"

"Yes," George confirmed.

She continued, her tone laced with derision, "Well, darling, I have no qualms about your name. However, I do take issue with your attire, your mode of transportation, and your fabricated persona."

George's forehead wrinkled, reflecting his growing unease.

Alisson continued her critique, unrelenting. "Just take a look at yourself, darling. Your beard is rather unappealing, and that hairstyle doesn't flatter you at all. Your muscles resemble a grilled carrot. And those blue jeans you're wearing seem more suited for cleaning cars in a junkyard. Speaking of cars, you mentioned having three of them... Impressive, but the dilapidated vehicle you're currently using can't hold a candle to my gardener's car. Moreover, my grandfather possesses a far superior vehicle compared to yours."

She paused briefly before delivering the final blow, "And as for your claims about the college soccer team... Did you really think I wouldn't find out? My uncle happens to be the head coach of the team, and my boyfriend serves as its captain. I have access to all the team line-ups before any match, and unfortunately, your name doesn't even appear among those warming the bench. So, next time you decide to lie, at least choose something within your league."

The students erupted into laughter as George, engulfed in embarrassment, turned away and walked off. He maneuvered through the crowd, his ears assaulted by the grating sound of mocking laughter. The embarrassment was so overwhelming that he wished he could vanish into thin air.

Thomas Bettencourt, Lucy Summers, and Emily Monde rushed to rescue George from the humiliating situation. They pulled him away and hurriedly ushered him into the college library. Even after shutting the doors behind them, the reverberating laughter from the hallway persisted. It was a profoundly embarrassing moment for George.

Suddenly, a voice behind them questioned, "Why are you fleeing from the very drama you created?"

Startled, they froze in fear, as they hadn't anticipated finding anyone else inside the library. Slowly, they turned around to see who had addressed them.

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Authors Note: Cheers for making it to Chapter 1. I hope you are enjoying the story so far. Please don't hesitate to drop a comment and let me know your view, or you can give it a vote; otherwise I appreciate your support.