Rejected: A love story-Chapter 24: Back to School

As we walked into the Dean’s office, my heart was racing. What if they don’t accept me back? The stare from the students weren’t helping. I felt Nathan’s hand on my back, a reassuring touch, but I couldn’t shake off the anxiety. As we entered, I was expecting a bit of a lecture or at least some questions about my extended absence, but the Dean greeted us with a warm smile.

"Ah, Fiona, it’s so great to have you back! We’ve missed you around here." He came around his desk, shaking Nathan’s hand before turning to me. "I hope everything is well? You’ve been gone for a while."

I was taken aback, my eyes widening in surprise. "Uhm... yeah, I’m fine, Dean. Thanks for... uhm... welcoming me back?" I stammered, my nervousness kicking in. I glanced at Nathan, wondering what was going on. He just gave me a reassuring smile, like he knew something I didn’t.

The Dean nodded, his eyes flicking to Nathan before returning to me. "Of course, of course. Well, we have all your paperwork ready, and we’ll get you settled in right away. Nathan, it’s always a pleasure to see you."

I felt a wave of confusion wash over me. What was going on? Why was the Dean being so... nice? I looked at Nathan again, and he just winked at me.

My mind was racing. "Wait, what? No lecture? No questions about where I’ve been?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

The Dean chuckled. "No, Fiona, everything has been taken care of. You’re all set to continue your studies here at Vanderhill."

I turned to Nathan, my eyes narrowing. "What did you do?" I whispered, trying to keep my voice down.

Nathan just grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I might have made a phone call or two."

My eyes widened in surprise. "Nathan!" I hissed, trying to keep my voice down.

The Dean nodded, "Alright, Fiona, I think that’s all for now. Do you remember where your classes are?"

I nodded, still feeling a bit dazed. "Yeah, I think so."

Nathan smiled and stood up, "Alright, I’ll walk you to class then."

We left the office, and as we walked, Nathan asked, "So, how’s your first day back going so far?"

I shrugged, "It’s been... interesting."

He chuckled, "I bet. Well, just remember, I’m always here if you need anything."

We walked in comfortable silence for a bit, then Nathan said, "Oh, I told the driver to wait for you after class. He’ll take you wherever you need to go."

I nodded, "Thanks, Nathan."

As we walked, I suddenly remembered something. "Nathan, I just remembered I haven’t even taken my phon out of the box since you bought it."

He smiled, "I know. I was starting to think you didn’t like it."

He pulled the phone out of his pocket and handed it to me. "I was thinking you didn’t like that that’s why you never used it."

I squealed, hugging him tightly. "You’re the best, Nathan! Thank you so much!"

He laughed, hugging me back. "Anytime, Fiona. Now, I’ve got to go. I’ll see you later, okay?"

I nodded, and he got into his white Lamborghini, waving at me as he drove off.

As soon as he was gone, I was tackled by a tiny ball of energy. "Fiona! Oh my gosh, I’ve missed you so much!" Ella screamed, hugging me tightly.

I laughed, hugging her back. "Ella! It’s been so long!"

Ella pulled back, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, who was that guy? The one who just dropped you off in style?" She wiggled her eyebrows. "Is he your boyfriend or a brother that fell from heaven?"

I chuckled, feeling a flutter in my chest. "He’s my boyfriend," I said, trying to sound casual.

Ella’s eyes widened, and she squealed, hugging me even tighter. "Oh my gosh, Fiona! You’re dating a billionaire! Spill the tea, girl! How did you meet him? What’s he like?"

I laughed, feeling happy and carefree. "I’ll tell you everything, Ella. But let’s catch up first, it’s been a while."

She noticed the phone in my hand immediately. "Fiona, a gold Vertu phone? Don’t tell me he also bought you this" her face was so funny I couldn’t help but laugh.

"Yes Ella, he bought it". She screamed. " Oh my gosh girl! You’re so lucky. Does he have a brother? Please tell me he does".

"Yes" i replied and laughed even more as she jumped.

We walked to a nearby bench, and Ella started bombarding me with questions. I filled her in on everything that had happened, from the accident to Nathan’s caring nature. She listened with wide eyes, her expression changing from shock to excitement.

As we chatted, I realized how much I had missed Ella and our girl talks. We were so engrossed in our conversation that we didn’t notice the bell ringing, signaling the start of classes.

Ella suddenly jumped up. "Oh no, we’re late! Let’s go, Fiona!"

I stood up, and we rushed to our classrooms, still chatting and laughing. It felt like no time had passed at all – we were back to our old selves, enjoying each other’s company.