Chapter 253: midterm exam week III
By the end of the practical, Vivienne was still in one piece.
She hadn’t fallen.
She hadn’t embarrassed herself.
And, most importantly, she had managed to leave the riding grounds exactly as she had entered them.
On her own two feet.
She considered that a success.
As the students gathered their things, one of the instructors gave them a final announcement.
"Before you leave, a reminder regarding next week’s Sports Festival."
Several students looked up.
"The Equestrian Club will be required to attend the equestrian events during the festival. Attendance will be recorded."
Vivienne’s expression changed slightly.
So much for simply watching whichever event she pleased.
"I understand that you may be interested to watch other sports," the instructor continued. "If your duties and the schedule permit, you may of course attend other events. But your primary responsibility remains with the Equestrian Club."
Vivienne nodded.
That made sense.
She had joined the club.
She couldn’t exactly disappear whenever something more interesting happened.
Although—
Polo was rather more interesting now.
She smiled faintly.
Perhaps she could manage both if the schedules were kind.
--
Later that afternoon, Vivienne finally had a moment to herself.
She checked her phone.
For the first time in days, she didn’t have another examination waiting for her.
She smiled.
She opened Christopher’s inbox.
Good afternoon, Christopher. I’m finally free!
She sent it.
Then added:
My practical went surprisingly well. I didn’t fall off a horse, so I consider it a success.
She laughed softly before sending another message.
What are you doing now that midterms are finally over?
She put the phone down.
She didn’t have to wait long.
Christopher’s reply came a little later.
I’m glad to hear your practical went well. And I’m pleased you remained safely on the horse.
Vivienne smiled.
Then his next message appeared.
As for me, I’m afraid I’m actually busier now than I was during the examinations.
She blinked.
Another message followed.
The Student Council is part of the organizing team for the Sports Festival next week, so most of my time from this afternoon through the weekend will be devoted to preparations.
Vivienne stared at the message.
Right.
The Student Council.
And Christopher was the vice president.
Of course.
She had known that.
She had simply become so distracted by everything else that she hadn’t thought about what that meant once Sports Fest actually arrived.
He probably had a great deal to do.
She typed:
Oh, right! You’re helping organize it. I suppose you must have quite a lot to handle.
Christopher replied:
There is quite a bit to arrange. Hopefully everything will come together by next week.
Vivienne smiled.
She could almost imagine him surrounded by schedules, lists, and other members of the council trying to make sure an entire university festival ran properly.
She typed:
Then good luck with everything. I’m sure you’ll manage it.
She hesitated.
Then added:
And I’ll cheer for you during the event!
She paused.
Then remembered the announcement.
Perhaps she should clarify.
Although I just learned that the Equestrian Club has to attend the equestrian events and they’ll be checking attendance. So I may not be able to watch the polo matches whenever I want.
Christopher’s reply came later.
That sounds reasonable. Your club responsibilities should come first.
Then:
If the schedule allows, I’m sure I’ll see you somewhere around the grounds.
Vivienne’s smile widened.
Somewhere around the grounds.
She liked the sound of that.
She typed:
Then I’ll look forward to it.
She stared at the message for a second before sending it.
Christopher replied:
As will I.
Vivienne looked at the words.
For a moment, she simply smiled.
Then she remembered something else.
Tomorrow.
Foundation.
Her smile faded into a thoughtful expression.
She had to prepare the materials for the pilot project tonight. There were still a few things she needed to organize before meeting the others.
And—
Damian.
Vivienne paused.
She hadn’t seen him since last Sunday.
Almost two weeks.
She frowned slightly.
He hadn’t texted.
He hadn’t even made any effort to reach out.
It was strange.
She had become accustomed to his attention. Even when she wasn’t particularly thinking about him, she had always known he was there.
Perhaps the midterm week had kept him busy.
Or perhaps he still felt awkward after what had happened the last time they had seen each other, especially with Anthony there.
Maybe he simply didn’t know how to approach her after that.
Vivienne shrugged.
Whatever the reason, she would see him tomorrow.
Then she’d know.
And, if she was being honest, there was a small part of her that was looking forward to it.
She liked Damian.
At least, she liked having Damian around.
She liked his attention.
She liked the quiet excitement of knowing that he liked her.
But Christopher was different.
With Damian, she enjoyed being wanted.
With Christopher, she wanted to be near him.
She wanted to hear his voice.
She wanted to know how his day had gone.
She wanted to see him smile.
That was different.
𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦
And perhaps that meant she should be a little more careful with Damian.
There was nothing between them, after all.
She hadn’t promised him anything.
But she didn’t want to encourage him into believing there was something more if she wasn’t certain she could give it to him.
Then again—
she hadn’t seen him in almost two weeks.
Maybe she simply missed the attention.
Or perhaps she missed him a little.
Vivienne frowned at the thought.
She decided not to examine it too closely.
She would see him tomorrow.
Whatever had happened during the past two weeks, she would find out soon enough.
Her phone was still in her hand.
She looked back at Christopher’s last message.
Then smiled again.
For tonight, she had enough to think about.
She typed one final message.
Don’t work too hard. And make sure you eat properly.
His response came after a short pause.
I will. You should do the same.
Vivienne laughed softly.
There it was again.
She typed:
I promise. Good luck with the preparations, Christopher.
Thank you, Vivienne.
She put her phone away.
Then looked at the stack of materials waiting on her desk.
Right.
The pilot project.
And tomorrow, Damian.
Vivienne sighed and reached for the first folder.
One thing at a time.
--
Tbc
AN: finally! Now we go to foundation and see damian and vivienne again after 2 weeks of not seeing each other. I love christopher and vivienne interaction, but i also am very excited with damian and vivienne. Hehehe