It all went so fast. She couldn't realize what her eyes had just seen. She glanced through the board a second time after struggling through the crowd and trying to keep her balance. She had to confirm it, though she couldn't believe it was possible.

She had studied hard all through the holidays, while her friends went partying and had gone on vacation. She was the best student all through high school . She had always been an all round student and now what!!!

It came almost as a shock to her as she went through the list one last time still struggling amongst the crowd of students.

Her heart raced so fast she could feel pain in her chest. Tears slowly ran down her soft cheeks as she saw the names of a few mates she knew. But behold, how come she, the smartest of all couldn't make it into medical school??

She slowly left the notice board in sadness. She could see students having different reactions around her.

Some laureates jubilating, others crying she even spotted a guy rolling on the floor. She smirked seeing that.

Medical school had been her dream since childhood. More than that she was so passionated it was almost her first love. She had worked so hard and thought she didn't deserve this sort of heartbreak.

"Did someone order a hug? " she heard as she felt a warm hand gently pressing her shoulder. She turned and saw her best friend Lindsay.

"I'm so sorry my dear "Lindsay said while giving her a warm embrace.

"Well I guess I'll make it next year "Dove replied, still hugging her friend.

"I'm taking you somewhere tonight and I won't take no for an answer. You stressed so much you look so pale now, Dove" her friend said staring at her.

"OK dear", she replied with faint smile, as the two headed home.

The two girls shared a flat at the university hostel. Not very big but just enough for them. They had moved in recently after getting admitted to University.

Dove's POV

I sank into the couch as we got back home trying to put my ideas in place. After about fifteen minutes Lindsay came in with a big tray of food. It looked so yummy and I almost salivated upon seeing the delicious chicken, diversified fruits and chocolate cake she had prepared for me.

"You're such a darling Lindsay " I said receiving the tray. "

"Anything for you my dear", she replied.

Lindsay and I had been best friends since secondary school. Unlike me she was very open minded, sociable and a lil crazy. Her straight blonde hair fell till her shoulders and she had a beautiful pair of brown eyes which was a perfect match to her tanned complexion. She wasn't very slim but just fit in shape.

"You've stressed a lot lately, I'll make sure you really relax tonight. She said

"Don't bother, I won't mourn on spilled milk. You know I'm not the type to get easily discouraged," I said while tearing out a piece of chicken. I'll retry next year, while waiting I'll just do a course at the university. As the saying goes; you never really lose, you just learn a lesson".

"So what's up for tonight Lindsay? " I asked turning to her?

"Well there's a gala tonight. And guess who's gonna be there? "

"Who? Tell me please? "

"Ashton Curtis" she said with a smile

"Omgggg," i exclaimed as we both jumped on excitement.

Ashton was the most popular artist in A-city. He was extremely talented and damn so hot all girls could go crazy about him. We had only seen him through TV and couldn't imagine we will one day really see him.

Though I was a 'Mary book' I still loved music and other social activities as ordinary girls. We were both fund of Ashton but Lindsay had a crush on him. Though I used to think she was just being silly, liking someone she had never met before.

"We need to look as hot as flames tonight" she said.

"For sure my dear" I replied laughing. She really knew how to take my pains away.

Lydsay's POV

Dove has been my friend since I got to secondary school. I still remember our first encounter, I had embarrassed her publicly thinking she had taken my bag. She didn't even fight back. I felt so ashamed finding mine and realizing I was wrong. I apologized and we became good friends after that.

Dove is a lil shy though she doesn't take shit from anyone, though she's the studious type she still knows how to have fun. And physically her beauty is so mesmerizing. She's so beautiful I think she doesn't realize how much.

Her wavy brown her flows to her back, she has a baby face which makes her look younger than she is, and her little blue eyes polished by her perfectly shaped brows made her look breathtaking. Not forgetting her soft pink lips.

She is the girl all guys wanted to date though she scared them away with her coldness, just focusing on her studies.

At the medical school's Dean administrative office :

Phone rings and the Dean picks

" You did an excellent job, Mr Shade is glad and as promised, the money has been deposited in your account"

"Oh, thanks. It's a pleasure to do business with your boss. But I'm curious, what did that kid do to attract his wrath? The dean asked....

"You shouldn't try to get involved in matters that don't concern you. The deal is closed and advice you not to get on Mr Shade's bad side. I hope you remember who he is? " The man replied in a cold yet warning tone and dropped the call.

The Dean exhaled after the call. What a waste, that girl had the best result during the exam but it's so unfortunate her talent doesn't pay my bills, he thought smirking.

Though he wondered Why Mr Shade, the most dangerous man in A-city will focus on something so minute as an exam. No body had ever seen him , talk less of knowing what he looked like. But he was for sure someone not to mess up with..

He couldn't stop smiling thinking about the projects he'll accomplish with the fortune he just got from Mr Shade

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

While Dove lay on her bed trying to have some rest, her phone suddenly rang. It was her mom.

She reluctantly picked the call.

"Dove my child , how are you doing today? " her mom asked

"I'm fine mom, and you? "

"I am good, though I sense some reluctance in your tone, is anything worrying you?

"Mom, actually the results were published today. I'm sorry I didn't make it. "

Her mom was stunned and went silent for about a minute. Then she said "my child, if it is the will of God then take it as it comes. Next year there will be another opportunity. Just remain focused my child".

Her mom had raised them alone, her elder brother and her. Though her parents were divorced and lived in the same town she had barely ever heard from her genitor. Unlike her brother who was a had known him a lil, her relationship with him was inexistent.

Her mom made sure they grew up lacking nothing and everything ran smoothly till one tragic day a fire completely destroyed her business.

They were left penniless and lived in misery for some time. Luckily her good grades made it possible for her to get scholarships.

It took sometime for her moms business to kick off again. Though it didn't give them their former living standard, at least they could make a living. Other disturbing factors also came in place, like her mom's health which kept on detoriating.

Those hardships had motivated her to work hard in order to soon support her mom financially.

"Don't bother mom, things will get better one day" she said. Then her mom dropped after wishing her welfare.

She felt a lil sad about the whole situation.

"Anyway it's needless crying over spilled milk. Tonight I'll relieve all my stress". she said to herself.