Chapter 275: equestrian stands I
The crowd gradually dispersed once the opening ceremony ended.
Athletes moved toward their respective team areas while students poured out of the bleachers, talking excitedly about the day’s events.
Vivienne remained seated for a moment, watching the athletes begin to leave the field.
Eleanor was still down there with the fencing delegation, along with the other competitors.
They would meet again later.
For now, Vivienne had another obligation to take care of.
She stood.
"Come on. We should probably check where we’re supposed to go."
Claire stretched her arms above her head.
"My legs are asleep."
"You’ve been sitting for two and a half hours," Amelia pointed out.
"Exactly."
Vivienne laughed.
They made their way down from the bleachers with the rest of the students.
The campus had already transformed.
What had been relatively quiet that morning was now filled with people moving in every direction.
Students carried team banners.
Athletes hurried toward their respective venues.
Volunteers directed people toward the various sporting facilities.
And everywhere they went, conversations revolved around the same thing.
Who was competing.
Who was favored to win.
Which teams had the strongest chances.
And which events everyone wanted to watch.
Vivienne glanced at the large schedule boards positioned near the main walkway.
There were competitions happening across the university throughout the afternoon.
Swimming.
Track and field.
Basketball.
Volleyball.
Tennis.
Fencing.
Archery.
And the equestrian events.
She found the equestrian division and checked the instructions.
"Looks like we need to report there first."
Claire looked at the time.
"It’s only ten-thirty."
"We have plenty of time before the afternoon events."
"Lunch first?"
Vivienne nodded.
"Definitely."
They made their way toward the dining area, where the three girls regrouped with the rest of their friends who had finished the opening activities.
Eleanor joined them a little later, still wearing her fencing uniform.
Vivienne looked up as she approached.
"There you are."
Eleanor dropped into the empty seat beside them.
"We finally got released."
Claire smiled.
"How was it down there?"
"Long."
Eleanor reached for her drink.
"But impressive."
Vivienne laughed.
"It was."
They spent the next several minutes talking about the opening ceremony, naturally returning to the parade.
The horses.
The crowds.
The teams.
And, inevitably, the three polo players who had attracted the most attention.
Claire sighed.
"I swear, half the university was screaming during the polo parade."
"More than half," Amelia said.
Eleanor smiled.
"I could barely hear the announcer from where we were standing."
Vivienne laughed.
"I think that was the point."
Lunch continued easily, the conversation eventually shifting toward the afternoon.
"So," Claire said, looking between them, "what are we watching?"
Amelia shrugged.
"I want to see swimming, but apparently the actual competitions aren’t until tomorrow."
"Same."
Claire nodded.
"Our swimming group isn’t competing today either."
Vivienne glanced at them.
"So you two are free?"
"Mostly."
Claire smiled.
"What about you?"
Vivienne thought about it.
"I have to report to the equestrian grounds."
Amelia raised an eyebrow.
"For attendance?"
"Unfortunately."
"How long?"
"I don’t know yet."
Vivienne sighed.
"But I have to be there."
Claire looked thoughtful.
"What about fencing?"
Vivienne’s expression brightened.
"I want to watch that."
"We know why."
Vivienne ignored her.
"Eleanor is competing."
Eleanor nodded.
"First rounds are this afternoon."
"What time?"
"One-thirty."
Vivienne nodded.
Perfect.
Then she hesitated.
"Actually..."
Claire immediately caught the expression.
"What?"
Vivienne leaned closer.
"Can you two do me a favor?"
Amelia narrowed her eyes.
"That sounds suspicious."
"It’s not."
"It always is when you say it like that."
Vivienne laughed.
"I need you to check something for me."
Claire smiled.
"Christopher?"
Vivienne gave her an innocent look.
"Maybe."
Amelia burst out laughing.
"You’re not even pretending anymore."
"Why should I?"
Vivienne lowered her voice.
"When you two go to the athletic hall, just check whether he’s there."
Claire raised an eyebrow.
"You want us to spy on him?"
"Not spy."
Vivienne paused.
"Just... observe."
Amelia laughed.
"That’s spying."
"Fine. Spy."
She smiled.
"Just text me if he’s there."
Claire grinned.
"And then?"
"Then I’ll see what I can do."
"You mean you’ll make a run for it."
"I have to fulfill my attendance first."
Vivienne pointed at her.
"So technically, I’m being responsible."
Amelia shook her head.
"Technically."
Claire laughed.
"All right. We’ll let you know."
Vivienne smiled.
"Thank you."
Eleanor watched the exchange with an amused expression.
"You’re really going to leave your attendance activity just to watch fencing?"
"Not leave."
Vivienne corrected.
"Finish."
She smiled.
"And then go watch fencing."
Eleanor laughed.
"Well, if you’re coming, I won’t complain."
Vivienne smiled.
"Good."
They finished their lunch while discussing the afternoon schedule.
By the time they left the dining hall, it was almost noon.
The campus was already buzzing again.
The first competitions would begin in less than an hour.
Vivienne glanced toward the equestrian grounds.
Then toward the athletic hall.
She sighed.
"All right."
Claire grinned.
"Time to be responsible."
Vivienne nodded solemnly.
"For approximately one hour."
Amelia laughed.
"Then?"
Vivienne smiled.
"Then we’ll see."
And with that, the girls went their separate ways for the moment.
Vivienne toward the equestrian grounds.
Claire and Amelia toward the athletic hall.
And Eleanor back toward her fencing team.
--
The equestrian grounds were already beginning to fill when Vivienne arrived.
The first event would not begin until one, but students were already finding their places in the bleachers. Some had come specifically for the competition, while others were simply there for attendance. Like her.
Vivienne checked in, signed the attendance sheet, and made her way toward the stands.
She scanned the rows.
The seats toward the front were already filling quickly.
Vivienne considered them for a moment.
Then she looked farther back.
The very last row was still mostly empty.
Perfect.
If Claire and Amelia managed to find Christopher before the fencing rounds began, she didn’t want to have to squeeze her way through an entire crowd just to leave.
The back would be much easier.
She could simply stand up and go.
Vivienne made her way to the last row and chose a seat near the end.
She set her bag beside her and glanced toward the field.
There was still some time before one.
She pulled out her phone.
Nothing yet.
Vivienne smiled faintly.
She had expected as much.
The fencing rounds wouldn’t begin until one-thirty, so Claire and Amelia still had plenty of time to find out what was happening.
She put her phone away and looked out over the grounds.
Staff members were still preparing the field.
A few horses were being led along the far side.
Students continued filing into the bleachers.
It was peaceful compared with the noise of the opening ceremony.
Vivienne leaned back.
Maybe she could actually enjoy the event before worrying about anything else.
She had barely settled into her seat when someone walked up the steps beside her.
She didn’t pay much attention at first.
There were plenty of students coming in.
Then the person stopped beside the empty seat next to her.
The seat shifted as someone sat down.
Vivienne turned her head.
And froze.
Damian.
He was already looking at her.
A slow smile spread across his face.
"Hi."
--
Tbc
AN: hehehe...