Rachel stumbled to her seat in the front row. Seated beside other award winners, she nervously smoothed down her skirt. Not for the first time did she wish she was sitting beside Monica and Marisa instead. It felt too intimidating to be seated in the same row as the Board of Trustees and Professor Gabriel. She glanced back to catch a glimpse of her friends when she found a tanned Danish staring at her. Blushing, she gave him a polite nod and turned around.

Her neighbour, P' Day leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Stop fidgeting so much, Rachel. You're a Student Council member. Behave".

Rachel winced and nodded in response before turning her attention to the stage.

Marisa snickered loudly, seated as she was beside Monica and the rest of their faculty.

"Why are you giggling?" whispered Monica as Professor Peacock began his welcome speech.

"How much do you want to bet that Rache is as stiff as a board right now? I saw her glancing at us."
Monica looked over at Rachel. "You know she hates attention. By the way, you better put away the danglers adorning your ears. It is inappropriate for this event."

Marisa shook her head in refusal making the said danglers dance in response. "I am not taking off these earrings. I bought them in Singapore, at least allow me to show them off".

Somewhere to the left of them sat Gia and her best friend Flora.

"Have you put in a request to mentor your cousin Cherry?" whispered Flora as Professor Gabriel took the stage.

"I have put in a request with Professor Peacock," replied Gia confidently. "As I am the Class President, I am sure he will agree."

In the last row reserved for the Faculty of Electronics Engineering sat Niam and Milan.

"Why are we seated so far behind?" complained Niam angrily. "I should never have asked you to save me a seat."

Milan grinned cheekily, "What does it matter? It's the same every time. I downloaded a new game yesterday. Want to play?"

Niam huffed, "What do you mean? We need to be able to hear the names of the students allocated as our mentees. We need to know who will be mentoring Sarah. Also, Rachel and Danish are both getting awards. We can hardly hear or see anything from here."

"This event is live-streamed on the Student Council's official Instagram account. Watch it on your phone while I play," shrugged Milan.

"Danish is going to kill us", groaned Niam as he took out his phone.

Sarah sat with other freshmen behind the exalted trustees and award winners. Nervous she fiddled with her fingers. The other first years beside her seemed just as anxious. She laid a hand on her stomach; she could already feel it churn. Gosh, she wished Professor Gabriel would just skip over the awards and announce the mentors. But no, that would be selfish of her. She could see P' Rachel and Hia from here, waiting for their awards. She could even see her dad's proud face as he leaned over to respond to another trustee. Hopefully, she wouldn't need to go visit the washroom before her name was announced.

Meanwhile seated amongst the other trustees, Jay Zacharia paid rapt attention to his friend Professor Gabriel's address.

"Congratulations Jay. Your son gets an award every time and now your daughter has topped the admission list," said Mr Thawornwang enthusiastically.

Jay graciously thanked him, before turning his attention back to the stage. He just hoped that Professor Gabriel had picked Sarah's mentor carefully as per his stated preference. If his interference ever came to light, it would be regarded as nepotism by the other trustees.

...........................................................................

"I now request Mr Thawornwang to come on stage and present the awards to our deserving students," proclaimed Professor Gabriel.

Smiling broadly, Mr Thawornwang made his way to the stage, proudly taking his place beside Professor Gabriel.

Jay Zacharia smiled; it had been a calculated move on his part to nominate Mr Thawornwang to present the awards this year. As both his children now studied here, he preferred to step back from the limelight.

"Best Student of the Year award goes to Rachel Daniel with an astounding GPA of 9.99," announced Professor Gabriel with a proud smile.

Rachel rose from her seat and wai'ed before her seniors. She then collected her award, smiling at Mr Thawornwang as she shook his hand.

Pamela would have been so proud, thought Jay as he clapped loudly.

"Best Sportsman of the Year award goes to Danish Zacharia with an astounding 15 medals to his name."

If possible, Jay clapped harder this time.

Once Danish had collected his award and returned to his seat, Professor Gabriel moved on to the next category.

"Best University Team of the Year goes to the Debate team and the Swimming team. It is a tie with both teams winning 19 competitions. Captains, please collect the award."

Danish and Rachel rose from their seats. Glancing at one another, they made their way to the stage. Danish moved aside, allowing Rachel to climb up before him. Rachel gave him a shy smile in return. They took the small trophy from Mr Thawornwang and held it up for all to see amidst much cheering and clapping. As Danish's fingers overlapped over Rachel's, they gazed at one another for a moment before turning back to the audience again. Jay watched their interactions with a sour face. How was he supposed to keep them apart now?

Rachel returned to her seat with her heart thundering and her face red. She hoped nobody had noticed the way she and Danish had looked at each other. She couldn't afford another scandal or else this time her dad might kill her.

The rest of the award ceremony went by in a blur as Rachel mentally tuned out, dully clapping whenever she was required till at last the new Student Council President was called on stage for his swearing-in.

"It is with immense respect and pride for the traditions of our university- Charnock Beadon University of Technology, I take on the mantle of the Student Council President.....", began Day.

Rachel shook her head in disgust as Day blabbered on. Really, a simple 'solemnly swear' and 'thank you' would have sufficed in her opinion. But no, he had to drag out his turn in the spotlight. This year was going to be insufferable, she mused. It would be better if she reduced her interactions with P' Day. She could always directly report to the Vice President, whoever he or she might be.

"All great leaders need a wise supporter to aid them. Therefore, with careful consideration and review, I have chosen Rachel Daniel to be the Vice President of the Student Council. I hope Rachel remains as dedicated to the Student Council as she has been under my predecessor P' Lily. Rachel, please come and accept your badge", announced Day grandly.

Rachel merely gaped at him, too surprised to react. She felt a hand pat her on the back, knocking her out of her trance. Groaning, Rachel wrung her hands in despair before making her way to the stage. All those observing Rachel's reactions had begun to laugh, she was surely the most reluctant Vice President they had ever seen.

Rachel stood stoically as P' Day handed over the Vice President's badge. He then put on a purple bracelet for her similar to the one he already wore, signifying her elevation within the ranks of the Student Council. However, when he attempted to remove her faded yellow bracelet worn by all Student Council members, Rachel withdrew her hand.

"Let it be," she whispered to P' Day. P' Day nodded and stepped back.

Professor Gabriel snatched back the microphone from P' Day before dismissing him. "Professor Peacock shall now announce the mentors for our new freshmen."

Professor Peacock unravelled a long scroll and the audience groaned in response. Professor Peacock smirked, "Don't worry, I will make it as fast as possible. I shall first announce the name of the student mentor and then the mentee. Both of you must stand up. To keep matters simple, I will only be using first names."

He cleared his throat, "Faculty of Electronics Engineering, Ben will mentor Cherry."

Gia clenched her jaw in anger at the perceived insult. Cherry stood up with dread. Her cousin had promised to mentor her but now she was stuck with some Ben. Nobody stood up, leaving her standing awkwardly till Professor Peacock moved on to the next name without looking up.

"Danish will mentor Patty." Danish stood up, as did a short, plump girl nervously pushing away hair from her eyes. He nodded at her and sat down again.

"Flora will mentor Night." Night impassively studied the girl that stood beside Ms Popular of the university, whilst Flora was impressed by the handsome face of her mentee.

"Gia will mentor Sarah." A furious Gia stood up glaring at a standing Sarah. Sarah sat down again, a sinking feeling in her stomach. How could the senior who had caused her so much trouble be her mentor? She was doomed.

One by one, a pair stood up as Professor Peacock worked his way through the long list.

"Marisa will mentor Prom." Marisa waved at the serious bespectacled boy who dared to facepalm in front of everyone.

"Monica will mentor Hazel." Monica smiled at the kind-faced girl who immediately smiled back. She seemed to be sincere and hardworking. Monica was greatly relieved.

"Milan will mentor Kris." Milan grinned at the short bespectacled nerd that stood up. He was sure this one loved the library as much as he hated it. Mentoring him would be an interesting experience.

"Niam will mentor Luke." Niam studied the arrogant face of the well-built muscular boy. He could already feel a headache coming on.

Rachel was glad when Professor Peacock finished with the R's and moved on, skipping her name completely. Her request for exemption had been approved.

When Professor Peacock finished with the scroll, he rolled it up again. "That is the list for the Faculty of Electronics Engineering. Anyone having any grievances can speak up now." As he looked around expectantly, a fuming Gia stood up.

"Professor," called Gia. "I refuse to be Sarah's mentor. I am the Class President and I simply can't get along with an irresponsible girl like her. I submitted a request to be allowed to mentor my cousin Cherry, but Ben has been appointed as her mentor. Ben is currently on medical leave and my cousin will greatly suffer in his absence. Kindly allow me to mentor Cherry."

The entire auditorium erupted. Had a mere student insulted Jay Zacharia's daughter? That too before the Board of Trustees! Jay ground his teeth in barely concealed fury, but he couldn't publicly interfere with the internal proceedings of the university. Undoubtedly, the wrong girl had been picked to mentor his Sarah.

Danish clenched his hands, angry with the way everyone was now staring at his sister and gossiping about her. He couldn't stand up and demand to be her mentor. If he rejected Patty to help Sarah, Patty too would have to face a similar humiliation. That was something he wouldn't be able to live down either.

In the wake of the public humiliation she was undergoing, Sarah wiped the tears that fell in a steady stream from her eyes. She was well aware that her father and brother were in no position to help her. It would be better if she left now, the professors could seek a solution later.

Professor Peacock stood on the stage, blinking like a deer caught in the headlights. Of course, he had received Gia's request; but after careful consideration, he had rejected it. Thereafter he had appointed Gia, Sarah's mentor on Professor Gabriel's instructions. Now, he couldn't force Gia to continue as Sarah's mentor, not after the way she had just insulted Sarah. On the other hand, Sarah was a trustee's daughter. Giving into Gia's rude behavior would be insulting Jay Zacharia too. He looked at Professor Gabriel enquiringly.

Rachel looked at Danish and then at Jay Zacharia. Both men were barely controlling their temper. No doubt, this incident would affect their family name and reputation. She then looked over at Sarah. The poor girl was crying hard and seemed ready to bolt at any minute. Running away never solved a problem, thought Rachel. She shook her head in resignation; her plans of doing an internship had just gone up in smoke.

Rachel stood up, "Professor Peacock, I haven't been assigned a mentee. Therefore, I volunteer to be Sarah's mentor".

Professor Peacock glared at her before checking the scroll again. Rachel could feel numerous eyes boring into her back, but she kept her face carefully blank as she focused her attention on the professor.

"Your name is not on the list," declared Professor Peacock, glad to have not caused another blunder.

"Finally, a list without my name," joked Rachel. That drew muffled laughter from the crowd.

Rachel grew serious, "I had requested the exemption of my name from the mentor list due to my increased responsibilities. Being here today made me realize that perhaps I had been too hasty in my decision. Mentoring a junior is a privilege nobody should take lightly. I was Sarah's guide on Open House Day and I have personally experienced her kind, attentive, and jovial nature. I truly believe that with the right guidance and care, she will make our university proud. Selfish as I am, I want a chance to have a share in that glory. A chance to positively influence that future. Kindly allow me the honor of being Sarah's guide and mentor."

Rachel's impassioned plea was greeted with a loud applause. Her sincerity was apparent in her voice. With a few words, Rachel had successfully salvaged the ruined reputation of Sarah.

Yet, Rachel refused to acknowledge the roars of the crowd. She refused to look back at Danish even though she could feel his eyes on her. She refused to look at Jay Zacharia though from the corner of her eye, she saw him wiping his tears. Instead, she stared at Professor Peacock patiently waiting for his answer.

When Professor Gabriel gave an imperceptible nod, Professor Peacock felt a burden lift from his shoulders. He cleared his throat before leaning into the mic.

"There are rules of etiquette that a society must follow if it is to flourish. Gia's behavior today has been completely unacceptable. Her grievances could have been privately solved with tact and maturity. Thereafter, Gia is allowed to mentor Cherry but from this moment on, her title of the Class President stands revoked."

Gia stared at Professor Peacock incredulously. For once, she had nothing left to say.

"Rachel, your record in the university has thus far been impeccable. If you truly see great potential in Sarah, then it is only fitting that you be the one to nurture it. Therefore, you are chosen to be Sarah's mentor."

Rachel grinned at Professor Peacock.

Glad to have dodged a bullet, Professor Peacock wiped his sweaty brow with a tissue. "The Electronics Engineering faculty can take their leave. The rest of the faculties stay back."

Rachel scooped up her awards. Avoiding Danish's eyes, she turned to Sarah. The poor girl was still staring at her aghast. Rachel winked at Sarah mischievously before her eyes widened at the crowd surging towards her. Rachel turned around and did the only sensible thing she could think of. She fled!

Jay smiled at Rachel's retreating form. She could easily dominate the spotlight, yet she hated attention. She sure was an enigma! He tiredly wiped his face. It was galling to think that his daughter had been saved by none other than Daniel's daughter. The one he had been unsuccessfully trying to keep away from his children had ultimately turned out to be their savior.