Chapter 293   - 290: Day Before Graduation III

"Hey, why won't you lend me the Simplex? Come on, let me drive it so that I would be able to impress Via, you drive your Victoria." Kylo complained.

Charlton shook his head. "Sorry Kylo, I haven't even given Serena a ride in this car yet. In fact, I am still lamenting the fact that you and your entourage were my first passengers."

Kylo pouted, and Charlton laughed as he passed him the key. They were in Kylo's room for his stay and as usual, he's taking longer than a girl in preparation.

"You know, if we don't start leaving now, it will be sunset soon. Remember, we have to get the girls back in their dorm by 9pm."

"I know, I know. Okay, I'm ready, let's go."

Charlton and Kylo went down the stairs and went to the respective cars. Charlton knew that Serena will have her two single friends tag along, and they won't fit in one car so he lent one to Kylo. Besides, for sure, he wants some alone time with Via.

--

When Serena and the girls reached the lobby, a man holding a bouquet of roses was standing there dressed in a suit.

"Who's that weirdo?" Gizel whispered as the man's face was covered by the flowers.

Serena giggled. "Why don't you ask Via? I think she might recognize him."

The three of them all turned to look at Via and her eyes were wide, then a smile slowly bloomed on her face.

"Kylo!?" she asked in surprise.

Kylo who was holding the roses, slowly moved the bouquet downwards so that his face was slowly revealed. "Surprise!" he called out.

Via quickly went to approach him and smack his arm. "What's with the cheesy entrance?" she said, but her smile was reaching her ears.

Kylo chuckled, "I missed you. These are for you!" he said.

"I missed you too. Thank you." Via replied.

"Okay, we're out. The ants will be feasting soon." Gizel complained.

Kylo who heard Gizel finally greeted them, "Hey girls, aren't you happy to see me? It's been a while."

Gizel gave him an eyeroll. Since Kylo started seeing Via, they all formed a real friendship as Kylo stopped being a sexist jerk. "Just so-so. I could live without seeing your face."

Kylo laughed, he knew that Gizel was just that way, but she means well. "Yeah, thanks, I missed you too."

Milly shook her head, "Don't worry Kylo, Gizel was only being sarcastic. Without you around, no one has been making those lame jokes, so we missed them."

"Hey, that doesn't help at all. But for what it's worth, I missed you too."

Serena shook her head, with the antics, but honestly, Kylo has been a great friend to all of them. It was also good to see him, from the playboy she met at first, he was now a changed man. Even his appearance, from wearing his chin length hair, he was now sporting a more formal look with his hair brushed back and cut only up to his ears.

"Hey Kylo, long time no see. I missed you."

Kylo smiled, in comparison to before where he didn't like Serena because of what she's doing, this time, he has more feelings of respect for her, and that they got along so well too. Anyway, he answered.

"Yeah, me too. But I'm sure you missed someone more than me. He's waiting for you outside. Anyway, come on girls, let's go. Dinner's on me" Kylo announced.

--

Serena was a step ahead of them as she was excited to see Charlton. It's been more than a month since she last saw him.

Exiting the lobby, she was welcomed with the sight of him leaning on a car. He was wearing sunglasses, his hair was an inch longer, and he just looked so very handsome. He lifted his sunglasses then smiled at her, his dimple showing. Gods! If it were just the two of them, she would've jumped into his arms immediately. However, given that they can be seen by just about anyone, she stopped herself and just gave him a smile back.

--

When Charlton saw Serena exit the lobby, his chest suddenly welled up in fullness. He missed her so much, and now that he saw her, he just realized that he missed her so much more than he thought he did. He doesn't know if that makes sense, but he desperately wanted to walk to her and envelope her in his embrace, kiss her and show her just how much he loved and adored her. Still, he knew he can't do that now. But he was positive, that it's not that far from now.

He lifted the sunglasses, which he wore for design and to appear cool, so that they can make direct eye contact then smiled at her. What? Although he has projected the image of maturity for everyone to see, he was still a young adult of 22. Looking good for his girlfriend was something he likes doing, specially that he knew just how much she loves it when he does that.

Serena smiled back at him, her eyes twinkling, and for a few seconds, they remained like that, taking the sight of each other in. That was, until Gizel noticed his new car causing him to break eye contact with Serena.

"Wow! Is that a new car!?" Gizel asked, seeing the Simplex.

Charlton finally broke eye contact with Serena and looked at Gizel, "Yes, this one is called a Simplex. Long time no see, Gizelle." He greeted.

"Yeah, we missed you too. Now, move a little so I can check this one out." Gizelle said as she dazedly approached the car. Deym, it was beautiful. After she saw the Benz Victoria, she suddenly became fascinated with cars. She wanted one so much that she had one imported to Militeia when they went home during vacation last summer. She even learned to drive one and she's a girl.

Charlton chuckled as he moved over to let her.

Milly greeted him, "It's nice to see you again Charlton. Hope you're doing great. We read all about your new achievements, and well, congratulations." Milly said. She could not help but admire Charlton, he was only a year older, but his achievements were extraordinary. She actually felt privileged to be his friend, also of course Serena's. She will truly miss them when she goes back to Horace and live her monotonous life.

"Thanks Milly. I'm glad to see you too. Congrats for tomorrow by the way." Charlton replied.

"Thanks! You're coming to watch right?" Milly asked. She knew he will, Serena was there.

"Of course." He replied.

After everyone greeted each other, they all rode the cars, Serena riding shotgun in Charlton's while Gizel and Milly were riding at the back. Kylo and Via on the other hand was riding a Victoria.

That way, the 6 of them went to town for a dinner in some fancy hotel to avoid their fans. Yeah, even the 3 girls who only sang with Serena a few times were quite popular. After 'Wannabe', they had 2 more songs they sang together, 'Stop', and 'viva forever', both were hits.

They talked and just enjoyed each other's company. There were a lot of stories to tell, given that they have not seen each other a long time. Conversations flew easily just like before and everyone was having a good time.

In between these, under the table, Serena and Charlton held hands.

--

TBC