Chapter 102 Project

KIA

"Yeah, sure! I, too, was caught off guard when I realized that we had reached this point. Vera, I really hope that we'll be able to form a stronger connection with one another, especially throughout the course of working on that project. I really hope that you are able to succeed in that project so that you can maintain your grade and participate in either the middle or high tier." I stood up and extended my hand to her in a gesture of friendship "I suppose this brings us to the end... Please let me know, Vera Eunice Ventura, if it is possible for us to become friends."

She appeared shocked as she looked at me, but after taking a moment to examine my hand, she reached out and grabbed it, and then we both gave each other a handshake. It was then that she uttered the word "friends," and from that moment on, our relationship underwent a sea change.

She assisted me in cleaning the office and even assisted me in planning the new layout for this office with the new design. I'm at a loss for words other than to remark on her talent in the field of interior design. She is very creative and has many different ideas. I never in a million years would have guessed that she would have any kind of interest in working in that industry...

"Vera, I am just curious… Why did you choose to major in Psychology when there is a course that is directly related to interior design that you could have taken instead? You are very talented in that field." She was in the middle of sweeping the floor when I asked her question, which caused her to immediately stop.

"Well… In all honesty, I didn't come up with the idea to study Psychology on my own. It was my mother's idea because it had been her dream in the past, but due to the fact that they run a business, she is compelled to go in a different direction rather than choosing the one that she would prefer. Because of this, she ensured that her one and only child will have the opportunity to fulfill a dream that she herself was unable to realize: graduating with a degree in a field that she had always wanted to study." When she says those words, she has a very sad expression on her face.

"That is incredibly depressing... It's easy for me to see things from your mother's perspective, but the fact that you made it happen for her and gave up your dreams because of her is just so heartbreaking... Do you ever find yourself questioning whether it was the right decision to go along with your mother's wishes?" I inquired about it out of natural curiosity.

Her expression shifted, and I could now make out the gloom that resided in her eyes. "...Yeah… I mean, really, who wouldn't want that? However, she was my mother, and I made it my top priority to make sure that she was content and satisfied rather than focusing on pursuing my own dreams. When we were still freshmen, I couldn't stop thinking about dropping out, and I was about to sign up for the class of my dreams, but then every time I see my mom so happy whenever I show her my notes or I tell her stories about my day and what I had learned from school, it drives me to work harder so that someday I will make my mom proud of me... Whenever I show her my notes or tell her stories about what I've learned from school, she gets so excited and it motivates me to keep"

An awkward situation developed out of the previously pleasant atmosphere. What she has just said has left me at a loss for words, and I do not know how to respond. I didn't say anything more than a simple nod of my head and kept going about my business as usual.

"Kianna, just a quick question: do you have any inkling as to what kind of project we will be working on? I attempted to inquire with the Dean, but all she could tell me was that I needed to wait for the news." Vera suddenly asked.

I made a shaking motion with my head. I responded with a giggle while saying, "No, I didn't get a chance to ask about it since I was busy complaining to the dean," as I explained why I hadn't been able to do so.

Are you being ungrateful because you were put in the same situation as I was?

"Ha-ha! Yes, but I believe the dean made the right decision when she put us together for the first time as a pair this time. I just came to the conclusion that you are not as terrible as you make out to be..."

"You shouldn't worry about it... I am sorry that I have been such a jerk to you. I am aware of this. Please accept my sincere condolences for that matter. Simply having you around made me question every ounce of my self-assurance. It's possible that this is the reason you've been promoted to the position of ace. Kianna, you really are a remarkable person!"

"I was not prepared for the level of danger that would be posed to you as a direct result of my actions. Don't worry about it! I am just an average student who worked hard in order to earn my diploma and get out of this horrible institution as quickly as possible..."

She laughed hysterically while covering her mouth with her hand. "I also didn't anticipate how much disdain you had for this institution!"

"Oh, yes! I detested it for a number of reasons, including the fact that it reminded me of both you and my nefarious sister, but that was not the only reason. On the other hand, given that we are now friends, I have high hopes that my life will become less chaotic going forward." I said, jokingly.

"Mhmm… Because your sister, Asteria, will stop at nothing to bring you down, we can't say for certain that this is true. However, you shouldn't be concerned because from this point forward, I will make it a priority to keep you safe from her. I promise!" She showed her commitment by even raising her hand while she uttered the word "promise." I just really hope that she will keep her word and not change her position. I really hope that Vera and I will be able to form a strong connection with one another.

"I suppose we can consider this to be resolved for the time being. Simply put, I will have a discussion with the dean the following day about the concept that you proposed." I stated that, and we went ahead and organized everything appropriately. "By the way, I was wondering why you didn't sign up for the morning class when it was offered earlier."

"Oh… After everything that I have done, I simply cannot bring myself to show my face to anyone. I am just too ashamed. I just had the thought that maybe I should apologize to you first before showing up to class because it would be so awkward if I showed up while I wasn't saying sorry to you, and I just had that thought. I'm sorry about that. Taking into account the fact that you held such a strong dislike for me as a direct result of what I did..."

"I see… Don't get stressed about it. You have no reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed from this point forward. I won't stand for anyone bullying you the way you bullied me in the past, and I won't stand for it happening to you." I said it in jest, but to my utter astonishment, all she did was laugh at me.

"Sorry! I solemnly swear that this will be the last time I behave in such a manner. I have evolved into a more improved version of myself..."

Mrs. Vega burst into the room unexpectedly while we were occupied with rearranging the chairs. "Oh! I never in a million years imagined the two of you would be in the same room at the same time! What a wonderful piece of information this is!"

We hastened our approach to Mrs. Vega and began our conversation with, "Good morning, Ma'am..." We said it together, Vera and I, and it was very awkward.

"I hope your morning is going well, ladies! Since I observed the two of you already having a good time together, I guess there is no need for us to make an effort to strengthen your relationship because I saw that you are already having fun together."

Before continuing, Vera scratched her head and pondered the situation. "We were just getting caught up, Ma'am," said one of the people.

After grinning, I reached out and took Vera's hand. "In point of fact, we can now call each other friends. My point is that I don't see why our college life couldn't use a little shakeup every now and then. In addition to that, Vera was a type of girl that I never in a million years would have guessed she would be."

"I see, I see! That was very enjoyable to hear! Then you both need to get started right away on the project you're working on. Both of you are required to make an observation of the student conduct at this university. Your focus should be on how the students interact with one another. You are going to have to come up with a baby thesis, and the topic that you choose is going to be up to the both of you. The deadline would be in one week from when we are currently writing this. Do you girl's understand?" Mrs. Vega asked.

"Yes, ma'am!" Both you and I gave our responses.

Mrs. Vega left the room after providing us with information regarding the project after she had finished. Vera started talking about her thoughts on our project, and I was blown away by all of the recommendations that she made.

"Oh... I didn't know that! That's fascinating!"

I had just started explaining my concept when she received an unexpected call on her cell phone. She looked at me and asked if she was able to answer it, and I simply nodded in response to indicate that I understood what she was asking. I was able to see the caller's name as she walked away from me while she was talking on the phone.

Indeed, it was Asteria all along!