11. Fated meeting along the hallway

DANIEL'S POV
Say u did love me but
u never really did...
you let my once normal
heart be shattered
broken and in pieces...
I gave you my everything
but it seems u wanted
more...
How could you treat me
like i never meant more...
My broken hearted self sang to one of Jay's songs which he released two years back. I don't know what gave him the inspiration to write this song then. But now that I think of it, it best describes how I felt six months ago when Goldie left me and even now. I tapped my foot gently as I stared at the quiet Beach. I was sitting on the sand, casting little stones into the water absentmindedly. It's been three weeks since we resumed at Royal Empire University. During this time, I've made sure to explore the new environment. I took no time in locating the beach, Shopping malls, Church and all. Including visiting several music studios with Jay. But amongst all places aside from the Church, I find comfort and peace visiting the beach, even at New York. I love the chilly breeze that whispers gently and watching the water has always been my habit.
The wind blew gently, caressing my face as I let myself travel through memory lane. It was on one beautiful day like this a year ago. The wind was blowing softly at a beach in New York.
FLASHBACK
I laughed as I chased her around the sandy Beach. Her golden hair flying beautifully as she ran, laughing so hard. Soon I had her in my arms as we laughed happily and her trying to break free. I tightened my grip on her waist.
"Let go Dee. Don't think you've won yet." She laughed. I chuckled.
"I think I won already." I leaned my head on her shoulder.
"I love you Goldie," I whispered softly.
She turned to face me as she placed her hands on my shoulders. Her beautiful gold eyes peered into mine as she smiled.
"And I love you more Dee," She said.
She looks very beautiful under the evening sun. I brushed a strand of hair off her face and kissed her cheeks.
"I think I love you more," She chuckled. Everything about her is so beautiful. She gently touched my cheeks.
"No. I Know I love you more." She argued. I smiled, lifting my hands in surrender. I never win against her when we argue about who loves who more. I took her hand.
"Come, the others must be waiting." She smiled and walked with me.
PRESENTLY
Now thinking back, I wondered if she ever really loved me or she was pretending to. I noticed something salty touched my lips. I've been crying?! How am I supposed to forget you Goldie. Why did you do this to me? I bowed my head on my lap and cried more. Jay's song added more to my tears as the tempo of the song has increased to a much more emotional one.
Minutes later I stopped crying and decided it was time to move on.
If I must live then I must let go of my past. I throw one last stone into the water and watched the water bubble. I stood up and unplugged my earphone.
Daniel you can do this. You've got to move on. Don't let a girl make you this way. You are better than that and don't fall for any lady again. They are heart breakers and you don't wanna be in this position again. Or do ya? My subconscious said.
Of course not. I reprimanded myself. I took one last glance at the water before turning and walking towards my car. I've to visit my dad's hotels today to see how it's doing. It was evening already and I was done with my lectures for the day. It's a Wednesday though. One of my slightly free days.
DANIELLE'S POV
"... So in our next class we'll be talking about a new topic; Dominant and recessive alleles. I advise you all to do yourself a favor and read ahead. Remember the session's tests would be commencing in four weeks.
BIO 211 lecture to be continued next week. See you guys in the next class." Mrs Williams, our Genetics lecturer concluded as she picked up her bag.
Finally! I sighed with relief.
I watched as she walked out of the lecture hall with the Course Rep following behind. I took off my reading glasses and dropped it in my bag. Students were already leaving the hall.
My phone beeped in my hand indicating a message from the private Dazzling Stars Dancers Chat group we created. I quickly browse through it.
*Hey ain't you done yet? Hurry and meet up. We've got news*
*We did it again Bebe. Our videos went viral again. Only this time was the biggest hit of times Elle. I'm so happy girl*
*Lia! Do you have to tell Elle and ruin the surprise it was meant to be?(eye roll)*
*Sorry Nia couldn't help it. We are all over social media sweeties. This calls for a big celebration girls*
*Really?(happy dance) Tell me more* I texted.
*That's right though. Girls, let's meet up in ten minutes at the juvenile garden.
Hurry guys we've got to celebrate with the Fam*
*Yeah yeah see you* Lia sent.
*I'm on my way already girls*
*Xoxoxo* Tania replied.
A big happy smile formed on my face as I hurriedly stood up, grabbed my bag and raced out of the hall.
The past two weeks have been a very busy one for us. Attending classes, daily practicing at the dancing hall, attending church and having practical sessions in our various departments. But still, we were able to do it. Our manager was the one who uploaded our latest dance video yesterday. And just knowing that we did took over social media in the positive way, is something to be overwhelmed by.
I couldn't stop smiling even as I hurried down the crowdy science hall way. I caught several eyes smiling and waving at me. Most of whom I know. You see, we are very popular in this campus and beyond, even amongst the affluent. Simply put, we are known as the most popular girls in Royal Empire University, one of the reasons Lucia hates us. Although she was crowned Queen of Campus_which is majorly because her Dad owns the University, but still her level of popularity wasn't up to ours.
I have stopped running but was still walking fast. I can't miss the celebration with all the members of the dance crew including the manager, director and the others.
A blonde haired lady stopped me on my tracks. A pretty little girl held tightly to her hand as she stared in awe at me. She looked nine or so. I smiled down at her. I love kids, it's a pity my mum could only have me.
"My apologies Ms. for stopping you but my little niece here wouldn't let me be," The lady said apologetically as she touched the kid. I smiled at the lady.
"Can I get an autograph for her?"She asked.
"Of course Ma'am..." I trailed off, waiting for her to fill in her name.
"Hanna," she said "You can call me Hanna."
"Okay Hanna. You sure will." I brought out my autograph pen and a paper and scribbled my star signature on it. I squat down to the kid's level.
"What's your name cutie?" I smiled at her.
"My name's Alexis and I'm so delighted to meet you my celebrity idol." She squealed as she threw her hands around me.
"Alexis stop that. What.." Her aunt tried to take her away.
"It's okay Hanna. Let her be," I said with a smile.
"Nice to meet you Alexis I'm..."
"BLACK DIVA. I've been watching your videos and dreaming of meeting you. I'm so excited to finally meet you Diva." She said excitedly in one breath.
I smiled at her smartness and excitement.
"It's nice to meet a beauty like you too Alexis." I said and she grinned.
I handed her the autographed paper and stood up.
"Thanks Ms. for this." Hanna smiled at me.
"It's nothing Hanna. You work here?" I asked her.
"Yes, I work at the science Lab." She said. I brought out my complimentary card and gave it to her. She received it joyfully.
"Pay me a visit soon and bring Alexis along. And please, call me Danielle or Diva. Whichever you prefer." I said with a smile.
"Awwn Diva you're are so kind just as I imagined. I will sure visit you my idol. Thank you so much for making my day." Alexis gushed happily shaking my hands.
Her aunt beemed with smiles as she watched her.
"I've gotta go now okay. Make sure to call me. Goodbye Alex." I touched her cheeks "Bye Hanna," I said and hurried off before I would be delayed more.
"Bye DIVA." They waved back. I smiled and decided to go through social media.
I was seriously busy viewing Posts and reposts of us and scrolling through comments, when I accidentally bumped into someone stepping on his or her foot.
"Sorry," I apologized without looking and continued walking.
"Hey you!" The person called rudely.
I turned around and for some strange reasons, My heartbeat palpitated rapidly when I saw him.
DANIEL'S POV
"...Mr Vegas, the director of branch A seeks an appointment with you." Mark said. He was giving me feedbacks of all that's going on in my dad's branches of hotels here in Sacramento.
"Agreed. Next," He nodded and continued reading from his business iPad
"The junior workers at branch B demands for the reinstatement of their previous salary payment. According to one of them, the new manager that was appointed last year made a 20% deduction from their original pay..."
"Have the manager increase their payments to the way it original was. Or have him replaced. Next," I said.
"There have been a little crisis at branch C due to negligence on the part of the manager there, resulting to the breakdown and reduction in business clients and the profits have deducted." he continued.
"Get the manager demoted from his position and let another who is more experienced and capable of running the hotel, replace him."
"Okay Sir," He scribbled down on his Jotter. This wasn't what he's supposed to be doing but since I trust him more and would rather work with him than any woman, I made him my Personal Assistant. Though my dad arranged a personal female secretary for me at the head branch here in Sacramento. I'm probably going to meet when I visit branch A.
I couldn't make it to the hotels yesterday so I had Mark come inform me here in campus.
Presently, we were walking along the hall way of the science Lab. Roe had asked me to meet him here. He's a science student studying BIOCHEMISTRY.
"Arrange an appointment with Director Vegas to be scheduled next..." I was saying to Mark but was interrupted when a girl who thought it best to concentrate more on her phone than on the way, bumped into me, stepping slightly on my toes.
"Sorry," She apologized without looking up and continued hurriedly away.
Such insolence! Instantly, I turned to give her a piece of my mind.
"Hey you!" I called, stopping her on her tracks. She turned around to face me and believe me I wasn't expecting what I saw. Two lovely pair of grey eyes stared unflinchingly at me. She is beautiful and naturally endowed in every way possible. Long curly brownish black hair, tanned brown skin, lovely full salmon lips, grey eyes that seemed to glow as she stared at me and damn she's got height and all her curves in the right places. She was perfectly a black goddess. My heart beat surprisingly accelerated.
Daniel what are you doing?! Checking out a girl? You are still trying to recover from your last heartbreak but here you are again, doing what can lead you to another serious heart break. My subconscious mocked. I brazened up and glared at her.
"Are you so blind you couldn't see me coming that you stepped on me?" I spat. She rolled her eyes mockingly.
"And are you perfect Mr?" She asked calmly though her voice was laced with authority. And did she just insult me.
"Excuse me?" I said, daring her to repeat herself.
"No you 'Excuse Me'. Are you so perfect that you don't make mistakes. Huh?" she scoffed. "I already apologized to you or isn't that enough? Wait, or you are gonna ask him to beat me up because I stepped on you?" She mocked, looking at Mark who looked away embarrassedly.
"Are you seriously talking to me right now? Do you know who i..."
"And so? What if you are Daniel Roberts?" She interrupted me. Oh great she even knows me. She stared icily at me. "Will the universe change because of that? Look here Mister I've got something really important to do than stand here and exchange words with you. I'm sorry for stepping on you again take it or leave it." And with that, She turned and walked off. I stared at her retreating figure in shock.
Never have I been this humiliated and making it worse, by a girl.
It was a good thing the hallway was quiet at this moment with no students moving about. I turned to look at Mark. He was fighting hard to stiffle his laugh. I glared at him.
"Seriously Mark?"
"I'm sorry Sir." He apologized immediately. I rolled my eyes.
"Get me everything you know about that girl. Someone's got to be dealt with."
"Yes, Sir." He bowed his head slightly.
I turned back and stomped off angrily to Roe's with Mark quietly following behind.
Who is she? And what gave her the audacity to talk to me in that manner? I will find out soon.