Chapter 5 The Trap

“Pan Osbourne, right?” Jessica asked cheerfully, walking ahead of him in the corridor. It was a windowed passage that led to the college gymnasium. Ample sunlight lit the entire length of the gallery.

“That’s correct.”

“Ah, then Leo Osbourne is your brother?”

Leo was twenty-two and in his third year at Cloyster Academy. He was the Student President of the academy, and a popular figure for his good looks and grades.

Compared to his brother, Pan was a nobody.

“Yeah… He is…”

Did Jessica want to use him to get to Leo? 

“Your parents are elite suppliers of construction equipment, aren’t they?”

Pan nodded. His parents started the business when they were alive. It was taken over by his uncle shortly after their untimely deaths.

“Yeah, but I am not a part of the main Osbourne family. I work there as a servant.”

“I see…”

“Can I say something, Jessica?” Pan posed.

“Go ahead.”

“Umm, you are quite popular. I hate to say it… but you should not be seen with me. Since I’m from the lower society.”

“Shh,” she said sternly. “There’s no need for that kind of talk. Just follow me.”

Pan nodded and did as he was told. It felt like a dream sequence, anyway. Any moment he would snap out of the reverie. 

On their way, they encountered several students. The wealthy people were hanging out in separate groups. The sponsored students squatted by themselves, wasting time.

He was envious of both types, as he wasn’t allowed in either group. 

Students raised eyebrows at the spectacle of the class diva accompanying a poor guy. A high-society girl hanging out with someone from the lower-class was highly irregular and even condemned.

Such thoughts did not occupy Pan any longer. He was thoroughly distracted. Everything he had heard about Jessica was true. She had a 10/10 face and body. The girl was elegant and graceful and up close, she was irresistible.

He watched the girl’s figure from behind. A white shirt pressed tight around her lean torso. A bottle-green skirt covered her lower half. It was short enough to give an occasional peek at her thighs while she walked.

Jessica’s narrow waist curved sharply at her hips, which moved like a see-saw. Pan could see her perfect calves flexing and unflexing. The girl’s hair was tied in a springy blonde pony.

Pan was transfixed to the point of drooling. He could watch her walking forever and instantly regretted his erotic thoughts. It wasn’t easy to believe that Jessica actually wanted to spend time with somebody pathetic like him.

“Do you know what couples do during the break?” she asked, slowing down and coming abreast of him. Her blue eyes peered into his pitch-dark ones. Her flushed cheeks sported cute dimples at him.

Pan gulped. “I dunno. They have lunch together?”

Jessica found his answer amusing, and her pillowy lips pursed into a thin smile. “No, silly. They get physical. You see, everyone has come of age. All they want to do is fool around and do stuff to each other.” Her voice was casual and informative.

Pan gave her an uncomfortable smile. Where was this conversation going? And where was she leading him?

“Yeah, you’re right. I guess everyone wants to be happy for short bursts of time.”

Jessica giggled. “You say interesting things, Pan.” She clasped her hands behind her back, jutting out her chest, and resumed walking. “Have you ever been with a girl?”

“Umm… No… Who would want to be-“

“Ah, I see… So, you are a virgin? Not even first base?”

“Uhh… No… I’ve always been busy with books and housework…”

“Ah, I understand… I have something special to show you. Come!” she said, speeding up.

They went through the gym entrance. Several crowds of wealthy students were scattered throughout the hall. Some were playing basketball or volleyball, while others were hanging out. You could tell them apart from the poor students by their crispy, new uniforms. The sponsored kids usually wore the same uniform for an entire year.

“I’m going ahead, okay? Don’t stop here at the gym. Keep your head down. Meet me at the rooftop,” Jessica instructed, leaving him behind.

Pan nodded and slowed down. She would obviously not want to be seen with him in public. Soon, Jessica disappeared behind a crowd.

He kept his head down and tried to make it through a group of high-society folks.

“Look who is here! The class genius!” someone jibed. There was mild sniggering.

Pan kept his eyes on the floor and was almost through when someone grabbed him by the collar. He was jerked back, and he fell flat on his back.

“Ouch!” someone said. “That must have hurt.” More sniggering.

Pan groaned and opened his eyes. A dozen smug faces loomed over him. He recognized several of them.

Marc, the Class President. Roonie, the Swimming Champ. Jerry, the Wrestling Champ. Mindy, the Class Topper. Most of the top-notch students of his class were there. It was high school all over!