Capítulo 262: *Ch 277: Gossip Resurfaced
Wednesday morning, I returned to college after missing a few days. To my better judgment, I had my professors copy the notes and work I would've missed during my absence. So it was like I never missed anything. Therefore my work wasn't incomplete. Nor was I behind on any of my subjects.
After Professor Nasberry finished her lecture, I said my farewell to Nora. Then I hurried to my next class, which I had shared with Billy. As everyone found a seat, I must say, it was hard to no longer be greeted by Billy's warm face and fun character.
"Alright, everyone, we'll be moving to the research center," Professor Mark announced. "Everybody gather whatever supplies you'll need and will get started."
Of course, there was whining and groaning because most of us had our notebooks, pens, and highlighters already laid out to be used. Now we had to pick everything up and go down the hall.
We entered the research center and formed a line around the room. Long rectangular tables were organized neatly on the premises with space to spare. Each table has art supplies laid out and two large cardboard posters on it. From the looks of things, it appeared, we were about to embark on our first geology assignment. And if I had to take a guess, I'd reckon we're likely going to have partners.
First, Professor Mark cleared his throat and then he explained. "I'm sure most of you guessed, we will be creating a geology map. Everyone will be assigned partners. Together you will label each layer on the Earth's surface, including minerals, gemstones, and rocks. Everybody is expected to either get samples, or construct them to specify a mineral, gemstone, or rock. I wouldn't anticipate anyone to find real gold nuggets."
Most of us chuckled at his comment as Rebecca energetically hopped on her toes, waving her hand up high. "I'm sure my father could loan me gold for this project," her peppy voice resounded over the chuckling.
"If you can, that would be splendid," Professor Mark chippered.
Most of us couldn't miss the fact that her gloating cheeks reached her ears. Rebecca Whitlock was known for being a spoiled cheerleader at the University. We're the same age, yet she still acts like she's in high school.
Her father, Mr. Whitlock is rich from finding rare artifacts, paintings, gold, pirate treasure, and gems. He owns several jewelry stores, so gold is his specialty. Mr. Whitlock is a very powerful man in politics. Before he moved to our large community, he was Mayor of New York City. With his reputation, I wouldn't be shocked if he was involved with the black market.
Rumors spread that he is a mafia boss, and the man is part Italian, so it does make sense. Of course, rumors like that were silence to a hush while he was Mayor. And since then, not a word was mentioned about it again.
To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if he was a vampire, but glimpsing over at Rebecca's gullible snooty face tells me they're not vampires. Vampires have a more wise appearance. Well, aside from Rome, but that's not my point.
I thought this as the Professor was rambling off a list of names. "And lastly, Rebecca Whitlock and Victoria Collin will be assigned as partners."
Oh, toy, that was unexpected. Across the room, Rebecca narrowed her sight on me. "Ohh, Professor Mark, as much as I would love to work with Victoria, however, I would rather choose life," Rebecca announced loudly, and I was appalled by her insolence for everybody to hear.
Professor Mark smiled awkwardly as he replied, briefly scratching his neck. "I'm sorry Rebecca, but I don't understand what you mean by that statement."
"To put it simply, whoever gets too close to Victoria ends up dead," Rebecca's snooty voice blurted. "I mean no offense Victoria, but you're a jinx for death."
My mouth parted to speak my mind, but then I closed it to hear a few whispers.
"Yeah, Rebecca, does have a point."
Another voice resounded like the wind, "First, it was Elena and then Ben."
"Poor Billy was the last to be seen with her," someone else spoke on my left.
Rebecca smiled an evil grin as she unfairly divulged, "And let us not forget about the whole incident that happened in Egypt. Victoria's whole team was murdered, yet by some chance, she wasn't?"
Gossip about me was now resurfacing because of Rebecca's bratty mouth. I bite the inside of my lip. Almost everyone was nodding their heads in agreement. They looked at me like I was the soul-collecting grim reaper. The two people I stood between were now shifting away as if I carried a deadly parasite.
"That is enough!" Professor Mark yelled. "This isn't high school, we are all adults here. If anyone wants to act like a high schooler, you're welcome to leave. Otherwise, your partners won't be changed, and that's the end of it!"
Everybody went silent after the Professor ended the canards about me, and I figured he might stand up for me because his boss is my father-in-law. Mr. Collin gave his campus employees and professors strict rules that these rumors about me were to end. Once that was settled, we gathered at the tables. At first, Rebecca and I glared at each other before we started to figure out what we needed to do.
As we were sorting these art materials and colored clay, Rebecca eyed my wedding ring. "I don't get how a pathetic orphan girl could hop from Orlando Mill and then get married to Kai Collin," she gave an imprudent remark, and I didn't miss the fact that she was covetous.
"I don't see how that is your business!" I retorted while measuring a green piece of paper I was going to use for grass.
"Aren't you a wannabe gold digger?" Rebecca snickered to herself, but she made sure I heard her.
No different than a reflex, I slammed my pencil down, "If we're going to work together, then let's get this project over with, so we can go our separate ways," I exclaimed adamantly while my eyes snarled at her.
"Fine!" Rebecca snickered, rolling her eyes. "On certain days of the week, after classes, we will meet at the campus library to use as a resource."
"At least now we're getting somewhere," I retorted.
"Unlike you, mooching off Mr. Collin's son, I have a family business to uphold on my end," Rebecca got snippy while her eyes never once peeked away from the ruler she was using to measure a blue sheet of fabric paper.
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