After their make out session, Serena gave Charlton a tour of her room. It was not that big, but he was curious.
"I didn't know that the school was this discriminating. My whole room is only the size of your bedroom." Charlton commented.
"Now I'm curious to see the room you're staying at. Would it be possible for me to enter your dorm later?" she asked as she handed him a dental kit.
Charlton shook his head, "It would be quite difficult now as it's already noon. Also, I need to get back to the field earlier for the finals match. Besides, there's nothing much to see and it would be too risky. The men's dorm is much stricter than yours."
Serena nodded her head in understanding, "Okay, but how did you manage to get here?"
"I learned from a reliable source that last year, all the ladies, even those at the reception, went to the field to watch the polo's semi-final and final match. Apparently, it was true, so here I am."
She sighed, so much for thinking that they have a better venue now.
Charlton chuckled then tapped her nose. He knew exactly what her sigh meant.
—
As it was only noon, they spent their time in the room cuddling, snuggling, and tickling each other.
When they got tired of laughing too much, they settled for a more comfortable and relaxing position. Charlton lied on his back while Serena lied on her side nestling her head into the crook of his left arm. Her left hand was resting over his chest with his right hand on top of it.
"So, how'd you like the match earlier?" Charlton asked as he looked at her while he caressed her hand with his thumb.
Serena smiled, recalling the time he entered the field, "It was good, but my favorite part was when you went in the field. You looked really dashing. Can you do that mock salute for me again?"
Charlton chuckled and pinched her nose, "Just as I thought, you only love me for my body."
Serena slapped his hand, "Would you please stop doing that? So annoying."
"But your nose is too cute. I can't help myself."
"Hmpft! Anyway, I want to tell you something before you hear it from anyone else, but I'm not sure if it will affect your final match. So would you like to hear it now or later?"
"Now is good." Charlton replied. He knew that it was about Geoffrey and he was glad that she chose to open it up first without him even asking.
"Okay. I'm not sure if you saw earlier, but he joined me and my friends to watch your match. I tried to dissuade him, but he insisted on joining us. Then, during the divot stomping, he… to tell you the truth, I'm a little worried about his assertiveness. I don't want you to think that I'm not trying enough to reject his advances. But no matter what I tell him, he just won't stop."
Charlton tightened his hold on her hand. He felt so useless. "I'm sorry that…"
"No, you don't need to apologize. I understand the situation we're in and I'm telling you this because I don't want you to misunderstand me… earlier, I asked him what he thinks of me breaking our engagement."
Charlton sighed, "I bet that didn't end well."
"Well, it didn't, and to tell you the truth, with how he's been acting, I'm worried of what will happen when he finds out about us. I have never given it much thought before, but now I feel guilty for dragging you in this with me… he's your cousin and I… I'm sorry…"
Charlton hugged her then he chuckled, "Are you feeling guilty now?"
Serena slapped his chest, "And here I'm pouring my heart out and that's all you have to say?"
He smiled at her as he shook his head. "Serena, you should not think that when it comes to me. This is also my choice and no matter what happens in the future, I would never regret it."
"Really?"
"Yes. I already thought of all the consequences and I am willing to face them. It's just that I can't help but feel bad for being so useless right now. However, I want to stop with my self-pity, and just move forward. I love you, and although this is an uphill battle, I would never let you go again. I just hope that you would not regret choosing me…"
"Never, I love you too…" she replied, then she groaned, "Ugh.. now I feel like we're in some tragic novel like Romeo and Juliet."
Charlton laughed, "well you started it. Anyway, what time are we meeting Edward tomorrow again?"
"Lunch time. Why?"
"Well, I wanted to take you somewhere after that."
"Where?"
"It's a surprise. Anyway, it's already 1:30. I need to go collect my stuff in my room and do some warm-up for the match. I don't particularly want to lose against Geoffrey with you watching."
Serena almost felt guilty, in the novel, Charlton and his team lost to Geoffrey's team. but she wasn't going to tell him that.
"Well, whatever the result will be, just know that you will always be the winner in my heart."
"You have so little faith in me?" he asked as he sat at the edge of the bed.
"Geoffrey is the captain of the polo team, and your specialty is on fencing. I heard that you won the championship for that."
"I did, and you didn't even watch." He said as he stood up from the bed.
"and whose fault was that?" she asked looking up from her sitting position.
Charlton kissed her nose. "okay it's all my fault. Now, I really have to go. Would you send me out?"
Serena nodded her head then moved to stand up from the bed. "alright, let's go."
They walked to the door, and upon reaching it, he kissed her on the lips.
"Before I forget to tell you, you looked very beautiful earlier. The dress and the hat suit you very nicely. You have no idea how much I wanted to make a mad dash towards your direction."
Serena giggled, "Why just earlier? What about now?"
Charlton smiled as he looked at her slightly ruffled hair and creased dress, "Even better."
Serena smiled back and nodded her head satisfied.
Charlton moved to wear the cape he was wearing earlier and placed the hood on top of his head. Then he looked through the peep hole. Seeing the hall empty, he turned back to face her. "Okay, I think the coast is clear outside, I'm gonna need to dash. Before I leave, would you please wish me luck for the match?"
Serena placed both her hands on his cheeks and pulled him for a kiss. "Good luck! And just to make it clear, I do have faith in you. However, polo is a team event, so don't get pressured and just do your best and enjoy the game."
Charlton kissed her again, "okay. Thank you, and I love you!"
"I love you too." Serena replied.
Then, he opened the door and ran.
—
TBC
