Days Are Numbered

52. The sticky note

As Noah stepped onto the grounds of Boston Business School, he was greeted by the grandeur of the campus. Lush green lawns stretched out before him, lined with towering trees that swayed gently in the breeze. The majestic buildings of the school rose up around him, their sleek glass facades gleaming in the sunlight.

With the help of his guide, Noorman, Noah made his way towards the direction office. Along the way, he couldn't help but be impressed by the bustling energy of the campus. Students hurried past, their backpacks slung over their shoulders as they chatted animatedly with friends. On reaching the direction office, Noah was ushered inside to meet with the council. The office was spacious and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the campus below.

As Noah settled into a chair opposite the council, he felt anxiety fluttering in his stomach. The council began the meeting by asking about Noah's early life and academic background. Noah answered the questions skipping his bad behaviors, he tried detailing his journey from childhood to the present day.

When the topic of his academic, and personal records came up, Noah felt a guilty pang. His records were indeed dented, marred by past struggles and setbacks. But to his surprise, the counsel seemed understanding, attributing the blemishes to past trauma and emphasizing Noah's potential for growth and success.

His mother's influence was evident in the conversation, with Cordelia's words echoing in his mind. She had blamed his academic struggles on past trauma, painting him as a victim rather than a failure. Despite his reservations, Noah found himself nodding along, acknowledging the role that she had played in shaping his present.

By the end of the meeting, Noah felt a sense of relief wash over him. The counsel assured him that he was perfectly capable and ready to excel at Boston Business School. With renewed confidence, Noah left the office, his mind buzzing with anticipation for how he ought to keep up to the standard and not get kicked out.

As Noah stepped out into the parking lot, he was greeted by the dull sunlight reflecting off the polished cars. The air was filled with the sound of engines revving and tires squealing as vehicles maneuvered their way through the bustling lot. Noah shielded his eyes from the glare as he pulled out his phone to text Julius, his mind focused on the task at hand. Ignoring his mother's new text he typed, "The council validated my papers and my first day is not far from now, so I'll stay back, get to know Boston, and get a home."

However, his attention was suddenly diverted by the sound of laughter behind him. Turning around, Noah saw two ladies approaching, one with peanut-butter skin, definitely mixed and the other looking English with her pointed nose, their laughter ringing out loud and clear. At first, the voices sounded almost indistinct, but as they drew closer, Noah could make out the distinct tones of both girls, the mixed girl sounded boyish.

Bob, Noah's bodyguard, immediately stepped forward, his protective stance making it clear that he was ready to intervene if necessary. But Noah waved him off, feeling a strange sense of curiosity tug at him. As the girls drew nearer, Noah's eyes locked onto a familiar figure among them. It was the girl with chestnut-colored eyes and a mischievous glint in her gaze. Her lips were curved into a playful smile fitting her dark lips, and her laughter bubbled up like rock music in the air.

Suddenly, memories from the past flooded Noah's mind, and he felt a pang of recognition. This girl, with her vibrant personality and infectious laughter, reminded him of someone he had once known. Sayana.

Before Noah could react, the girl stopped meters away from him and suddenly spoke, her voice filled with amusement. "Noah freaking Merridew!" She exclaimed, "A.k.a Prince-Barbie," she exclaimed, her laughter echoing through the parking lot.