Ophelia and the Hearthrobs

Ophelia's POV:

"Come on, Ophelia; you're too slow. Does it really have to take you ages to get me a cup of coffee?"

Bethany groused as I hurried with a cup of coffee to her.

"And where are the headphones I asked for?" Hazel asked, opening her palms.

"Sorry, Hazel, but I couldn't find them in the room," I replied dazedly, touching my forehead.

"What? Have you gone blind? What do you mean you couldn't find them?" she groused.

"Come on, girls. Maybe the fact that she is going to Star College has suddenly made her blind," their mom said, and they laughed lightly.

"I wonder why she insisted on going there. Does she think she will be able to win any of the Heartthrobs?" Hazel asked, and they laughed again.

I bent my head and sniffed.

No, I couldn't afford shedding a tear; not on a special day like this.

"Enough of the jokes; I've warned you to stop doing this," I heard his voice, and I smiled to see the only man I could call family. Although he wasn't my biological family, he had insisted I call him Dad. Whenever he's around, his wife and daughters never get to bully me.

He climbed down the stairs into the sitting room and touched my hair.

"Are you ready?" he asked, and I nodded with a smile and took my bag from the table.

I looked at his daughters, and their faces were already swollen with rage. I bent my head and walked out of the room with Dad-Mr. Derick.

Mr. Derick is actually my adopted father. He told me he had found me lying close to the riverbanks four years ago, and he had taken me to the hospital.

But when I regained consciousness, I lost my memories and couldn't recall a single thing from my past. So, I had no idea where I came from.

Mr. Derick had even put me up on TV, but no one came for me. So, he took me in as his daughter, but his wife and kids never accepted me for once. They all saw me as a nuisance and didn't want to associate with me.

His kids actually study abroad, but just come over for the long vacation.

I'm just a sad, lonely girl who wonders where her family might be and why they never came for her.

Well, thank God I fell into the hands of someone as kind as Mr. Derick.

Right now, I'm going to Star College, and you wouldn't believe the millions he spent just to get me admitted.

It's actually one of the best schools in the country, but unfortunately, Mr. Derick is a very busy person, and he travels out of the country a lot. As a matter of fact, he will be leaving the country again by tomorrow, and that's quite sad for me because each time he isn't around, his wife and kids make my life a living hell.

I got into the car with Dad and sat at the back seat. Then, I let out a sweet, wide smile.

For once, I had the opportunity to be happy about going to Star College.

It's a school for only the rich; like, very rich, and I only got lucky because Mr. Derick is one of the rich.

I connected my headphones as my dad started the car.

Yeah, that's me; I'm actually a music freak. I love singing with passion.

I played one of my favorite songs as I closed my eyes, enjoying the song. It was "Kiss Me Again" by The Heartthrobs.

Okay, who are the Heartthrobs?

They are the most popular band in the US, originally made up of five young, crazily handsome, and sparingly wealthy boys-Theodore, Jerome, Connor, Darrin, and Malcolm.

Wondering why I said "originally"?

Well, that's because Theodore is no longer with them. He unexplainably left the band four years ago, and since then, nobody has ever heard from him again.

He was actually the leader of the band, but since he left, Jerome took over as the leader.

According to what I heard, Jerome and Theodore were childhood friends and were both lovers of music. As a result, their parents teamed up and signed up with Star Music and opened a band-the Heartthrobs.

Then Connor, Darrin, and Malcolm, who were also close friends of theirs back then, joined the band.

So, the Heartthrobs started at a very young age, and they were doing pretty well.

But, uncannily, things changed about them, and it all started four years ago. Nobody knows exactly what happened, but we're all sure something big must have transpired between them, especially Theodore and Jerome.

Theodore uncannily left the band, and since he left, Jerome also changed. Jerome was a happy, flirty guy, but since Theodore left, that happy personality of his died off, and he became a sad, quiet introvert.

I even heard he was forced by his parents to take over as the band leader.

Another strange thing that happened since Theodore left is that all the girlfriends Jerome ever had ended up dead.

Yes, since Theodore left, he's had about two girlfriends, and they all ended up dead. As a result, he's been abstaining from the company of girls. He's been trying as much as possible to avoid any contact with girls, and I actually heard even in the Star Boys' mansion, there are no female workers there; even their cook is a boy.

I really wonder what could have happened between him and Theodore, and what could also be the cause of the death of the ladies he loved.

Or could it be just a coincidence? Or could there really be something or someone behind it? And why did it start happening after Theodore left?

Well, it's not like what happened stopped Jerome from being the ladies' crush. The Heartthrobs were all charming, but Jerome was the cutest, trust me. I play his videos every day.

When Theodore was around, I heard it was difficult making a choice between him and Jerome because they were both charming and breathtaking.

Trust me, if I were to choose between Theodore and Jerome, I wouldn't know who to choose.

Too bad Theodore left, but it's a good thing Jerome was still around to fill up the space. Though, I'm still wondering why Theodore left and where he is.

Will he ever come back?

"We're here."

My dad's voice broke into my thoughts, and I opened my eyes and discovered that we had already gotten to Star College.

Oh, heavens!

Was this a school or a hotel?

Jesus!

I came out of the car and stood like a statue, looking around with amusement.

This building was magnificent. It looked prettier than it seemed on TV and magazines. I can't believe I'm actually here.

SCS-Star College-is owned by Star Music, the company where the Star Boys worked under.

People from outside the country travel down here just to attend SCS because they get to see their superstars almost every day.

I heard the Heartthrobs move around very freely over here and are only accompanied by guards on rare occasions. But, I also heard that Jerome is rarely seen.

He always isolates himself from everyone, and on most occasions, he doesn't attend classes. He had really turned out to be an introvert.

But whenever he comes around, the entire place is always set in an ovation, and I also heard some female students even end up collapsing.

I hope I also get to meet face-to-face with him one day.

Dad held my hand as we headed for the principal's office, and I couldn't stop admiring the entire place. Security personnel were everywhere, and pretty boys and girls could be seen walking in pairs and taking pictures.

Dad and I got to the principal's office, but at that time, he was kind of settling an issue between two parents and their kids. So, we were asked to wait outside.

We sat on the three-seater chair outside the office together with one other man, and I just couldn't wait to see the principal so that he'd assign me to my class.

While we were seated there, three pretty ladies walked by, and one of them had Jerome's name written on her hand.

Wow!

Seriously?

Then, two other boys walked by, and they were talking about Ashley.

Oh, Ashley.

My role model!

She was my teacher at the Stars-a female music band created from the Star Boys.

It was made up of eight girls, and Ashley Percival was their leader.

She's actually my best songwriter, and I love her so much.

I hope I also get to meet her here as well.

The meeting in the office was taking long, and I was kind of getting impatient already.

I stood up and walked to the window in the passage, taking a look outside.

It was so beautiful.

I looked back at Dad, and he was busy with his laptop.

Well, like I said, he's a very busy person.

Then, I decided to take a look around. Yes, just around the passage.

I started walking and noticed the passages were free of students. They were probably in class.

I came to a staircase and sat by it, bringing out a book from my bag. It was my songbook.

I opened it and started writing new lyrics that came to my mind while I sat.

I really love singing a lot, and I wish I would have an opportunity to explore it.

I was still writing in my songbook when I heard a soft sound that caught my attention.

It seemed someone was playing the keyboard.

I listened carefully and noticed it was coming from upstairs.

Who could it be?

It was so enchanting.

I stood up and slowly started climbing the stairs.

As I drew nearer, the sound got clearer, and it kept bemusing me.

But just as I finished climbing the stairs, I saw a signboard that read:

"Restricted Area.

Stay Back."

Huh?

Oh-oh.

But there was someone in. Why does it have to be restricted?

I stood still, and the sound of the keyboard kept enchanting me.

Only an expert can play this good.

It was a slow, emotional song, and I wondered who it could be.

There was a big room ahead, and the door was slightly open. It was obvious the sound was coming from there.

I looked around and couldn't find anyone.

Then, creepily, I walked past the signboard and entered the room.

Like I said earlier, it was big, and at the entrance were just scattered books, shelves, counters, cartons, and papers. It looked more like a storage room.

I walked further and finally found the expert.

Hah!

At last.

I smiled and looked at him and... wait!

Isn't that...

Oh, my God!

It's Jerome.

Whaat?

I quickly ran and hid behind a counter.

Oh, my God!

Am I dreaming or what? Am I really looking at Jerome with my bare eyes?

The leader of the Star Boys?

It's a good thing he was backing me, else, I'd have been caught.

Oh, my!

No wonder it was a restricted area.

He wanted to be alone.

He always wants to be alone.

Then that means I shouldn't be here. If I get caught, I'm definitely going to be punished.

But at that moment, I couldn't help but admire him.

Despite the fact he was backing me, I could still manage to have a side view of his face.

Oh, my!

He was so charming and cute.

He had a tattoo on his neck and a diamond ring on his ear.

Now I understand why the sound was so emotional. All the songs he led have always been emotional.

All the ladies have been dying for him. But too bad they only get to see him from a distance or on TV since he doesn't like associating with girls anymore.

I heard it's kind of made him cold-hearted to some extent.

I wonder what really happened to them.

Suddenly, he stopped playing, and I wondered why.

I was kind of enjoying it.

"Do you realise this is a restricted area?" he asked, and I swear, my heart stopped beating.

What?

Does he know I'm here?

I gasped and turned around in fear, leaning my back on the counter.

Oh, God!

How did this happen?

I heard him touch the keys again, and just then, his phone started ringing.

"Yes?

I'll be there," he said on the phone.

His voice was so soft as he spoke, and it made me drool over him even more. But at this moment, I was scared.

What is he going to do to me?

I heard him stand and start walking to the door, which was towards my direction.

Oh, God!

Surprisingly, he walked past me and didn't even turn to take a look at me.

Huh?

Is he really such an introvert?

I watched in surprise as he walked to the door, but just when he was about to go out, something like car keys fell from his hands, and I exhaled.

He's definitely going to turn around to pick it up.

My heart skipped as he bent and turned to pick it up, and boom!

That was it.

We made eye contact.

Gosh! Is this for real?

Jesus, he was so heavenly cute; cuter than he looked on TV and magazines.

Oh, my God! I could hardly breathe.

He had these long baby lashes and dark, curly hair that flopped across his forehead. Even though I only had to look at him for a short time, I could swear he was the most handsome guy I'd ever seen.

He stared at me briefly and quickly took his eyes away like he had seen no one important.

And finally, he left the room.

I placed my hand on my chest and took in a deep breath.

Gosh, that was so close.

I can't believe he didn't even react to my presence there.

But it's still a miracle to know I was in the same room with Star Boy Jerome.

It's unbelievable.

I left the room and got outside and looked left and right to see if I could still get a glimpse of him.

But unfortunately, he was gone.

I stood at the passage for a while, still recalling the whole thing.

I smiled when I remembered his soft voice that had spoken to me:

"Do you realise this is a restricted area?"

I wish I could hear him speak again.

I finally took the stairs and returned to the office, and there I met my dad already, talking with the principal.

"Ophelia, where have you been? I've been looking for you," he said as I took a seat beside him.

"Sorry, Dad. I was just taking a look around," I replied and turned to the principal, who was a chubby, handsome man.

"Good morning, sir," I greeted and checked the header on his desk for a name.

It was Mr. Mark Clarkson.

"Good morning, dear. Your dad here has already told me everything about you.

Just fill this form over here, and you'll be assigned to your new class," he said and slid the form to me on the table. I collected it and filled in my details.

"I'm sure you have the school map on your phone already. But I'll be assigning someone to show you around later in the day.

Welcome to Star College," he concluded with a warm smile and brought out his hand for a handshake. I smiled and accepted it.

"Thank you, sir," I replied and stood up with Dad.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Clarkson. I really appreciate the effort," Dad told him and exchanged a handshake with him. We left the office afterwards.

"Make sure you stay out of trouble, Ophelia. And be attentive in class, okay?" he told me as we held hands and walked out of the passage.

Then, when we got to the balcony, I stopped and embraced him.

"Thank you, Dad. Thank you so much for this," I said happily, and he patted my back.

"Just make me proud, okay?" he said softly, and I nodded and unlocked from the hug.

"Now hurry to class so you don't be late for lectures," he said, and I smiled and waved at him and left.

I opened the school map on my phone and followed the direction to my new classroom.

It was very big and pretty and filled with young, good-looking boys and girls. Well, all the students in Star College were undoubtedly rich because Star College doesn't give out scholarships.

So, there was no room for commoners.

Well, it's a good thing I had someone like Mr. Derick to back me up.

I nervously walked into the classroom as all the students stared at me.

I kept my gaze low and found an empty seat on the third row.

Thank goodness.

Wow!

I can't believe I was in Star College.

I wonder what grade the Star Boys were in. I wish we could have the same grade.

After a short while, a teacher came in, and all the students settled down.

"Good morning, Mrs. Smith," a few of the students greeted as she walked up to the front of the class and kept her books on the table.

"Good morning, students. How was the weekend?" she replied and asked.

"Boring."

"Nice."

"Okay."

Some of the students chorused a reply, while some chuckled.

"Okay, okay. However it was," Mrs. Smith replied.

"By the way, we're having a new student in our midst today...... Miss Ophelia, could you step out for a brief introduction, please?" she said, staring at me, and I took in a deep breath and stood up.

I sauntered to the front of the class and turned, facing the students, and now I had the opportunity to take a proper look at them.

Wow!

They all looked rich and charming and flirty too.

"Your name, Miss?" Mrs. Smith said, and I shook my head.

"Uhn... I'm Ophelia Derrick," I replied a little shyly.

"Okay, Ophelia. Welcome to Star College. You can have your seat," she said to me, and I smiled and returned to my seat.

She commenced teaching, and after that, we had two more subjects, and it was break time. Students started walking out in pairs, and I also stood up and thought of going to the canteen.

Hm. It seems all the students here are just bumptious, as none of them even cared to pay any attention to me.

I took my books from the table and was about to go out of the class when a pretty lady came in and walked up to me.

"Hi. You must be Ophelia, right?" she asked, and I nodded, wondering who she was.

She was chewing gum and looked classic.

"Okay. I'm Carissa. And I've been assigned by Mr. Mark to show you around the school," she said, and I flinched.

Huh?

Such a classic girl showing me around the school?

"Uhm... you don't have to worry about that, Miss." I tried speaking.

"I can just make use of the..."

"Oh, please; don't in any way feel like I'm being stressed out or something. It's part of my course and will only add to my G.P when I'm done. So, it's for my own good," she cut in, and I sighed and nodded.

"Come with me," she said lowly and started walking out of the class, and I followed her behind.

She looked and sounded strict, but normally, she was a jovial person.

She took me to the vital places in the school-the sports hall, the lab, the library, the bookstore, and other interesting places.

"This is the sports hall," she told me when we entered the enormous sports hall.

It was very big and had so many sporting materials.

"Our sport days are Wednesdays," she added, and I just nodded and looked around.

"Uhm... do the Star Boys also come down for sports on Wednesdays?" I asked, and she looked at me and smiled.

"Everybody always wants them to. But unfortunately, they only come down once in a blue pretty moon," she replied, and I smiled and nodded.

Too bad.

"You're also crushing on them, right?" she asked as we left the sports hall.

I blushed in a smile.

"Everybody loves the Star Boys," I replied.

"Oh, that's true.

Why don't we grab lunch together?" she asked, and I hesitated for a while.

"Uh... okay. Sure," I replied, and she smiled and led me to the canteen.

The canteen was very big and pretty and was filled up with students, but it wasn't too crowded or noisy.

Carissa and I found a suitable seat, and she left to order our meal and returned with a big tray.

"What grade are the Hearthrobs?" I asked as I took my own plate of banana split.

"Oh, they're actually in your grade," she replied, and my eyes beamed.

What?

"But..."

"Yes, they don't always attend classes," she cut in, knowing what I wanted to say.

Oh-oh.

"Why?" I asked despondently.

"Well, that's because they don't like mixing up with others, at least not all the time...

But Heartthrobs like Connor, Darrin, and Malcolm do attend classes a little often. But someone like Jerome... gosh! It's only once in a pink moon.... And that pink moon's actually when the class is being handled by Mr. Leonard."

I chuckled and looked at her.

"Mr. Leonard?" I asked.

"Yes. He's the Further Maths teacher. He's the only one who can actually make Jerome attend classes. That's because he's very strict and hard, he doesn't tolerate any partial treatment. He believes every student must be treated equally.... And as a result, he's Jerome's worst enemy," she replied, and I scoffed.

Wow!

I really can't wait for the Maths class.

According to the timetable, we'd be having Further Maths by tomorrow.

Oh, my!

Hopefully, Jerome will be there.

"It's amazing, right? Attending the same school with the Star Boys," she asked, and I smiled and nodded.

"Uhm... Carissa," I called. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure. What is it?"

I cleared my throat a little.

"Do you have any idea what happened between Jerome and Theodore?" I asked.

She paused and took in some juice.

"Oh, that?" she asked and continued eating, but I wasn't.

I was just staring at her, hopefully waiting for an answer.

"Well, I have no idea. Nobody does-maybe except the Star Boys," she replied, and I sighed disappointedly.

"But it all started four years ago," she added.

"Theodore was the leader of the band back then, and he and Jerome were best of friends. They seemed inseparable.

"Normally, Theodore was a nice, quiet guy, while Jerome was the flirty type. Connor, Darrin, and Malcolm were just like Jerome-always having fun.

"But unexplainably, Theodore disappeared; like, he just disappeared, and nobody has heard from him since then.

"So, Jerome took over as the band leader, but things were never the same again..."

"Like the deaths of his girlfriends?" I interpolated, and she shrugged.

"Well, yeah. The death of his girlfriends. It's also kind of complicated.

"Since Theodore left, Jerome has fallen in love with two girls, and they both ended up dead."

"So what do you think?" I asked.

"Do you think it's just a coincidence?"

"Well, I don't know about that. Like I said, it's complicated. Maybe it's a coincidence, maybe it's not. But one thing's for sure; something really big definitely happened between Theodore and Jerome-something really big."

A brief silence stepped in for a while.

"I heard there are no female workers in the Star Boys' mansion," I broke the silence.

"Oh, yes. Jerome's idea," she replied. "He's been trying to avoid contact with girls in every way.

"You know his dad is late, and his mum and little sis actually live in the mansion because of the kid.

"She's a very, very busy woman and travels out of the country a lot..... So, as a result, she stays in the mansion, so whenever she's away, the Heartthrobs could help in looking after Molly, but the Star Boys are usually very busy, and many times, Molly has gone missing.

"Huh? Why doesn't she just get a nanny or something?" I asked, muddled.

"Hello? Have you forgotten I said no female workers in the mansion?

"Jerome's mum has hired about eight nannies-if I'm not mistaken-but they all lost their jobs within 24 hours."

I gasped.

"You mean Jerome sends them away?" I asked.

"Nope. Not Jerome, but Molly. She always cooks up one complaint or the other, or ill-treats and scares the nannies away, and in the end, they end up running away.

"But, it's rumoured Jerome's the one behind it. I heard he's actually the one making her send the nannies away, and that's because he doesn't want any girl around him. Even their cook is a boy."

"But why's he suddenly abstaining from girls?" I asked.

"Well, maybe he's scared to fall in love again. I mean, after what happened to the other two girls he loved. Anyway, I don't know; I have no idea."

I nodded and looked down at my food.

"So, who's your favourite among the Heartthrobs?" I asked, and she blushed.

"Huh? Of course, it's Jerome. Who else could it be?" she replied happily.

"But... if you were to choose between Theodore and Jerome, whom would you choose?" I asked, and she looked stuck for a bit.

"Well... I don't know. Theodore's also very lovely and comparable to Jerome. But, I think I'd still choose Jerome," she replied, and I smiled.

"What about the Stars? Are they also in my grade?" I asked, and Carissa crinkled up her face.

"Who? Those spoilt, arrogant brats?" she asked, and I pulled a surprised face.

"Huh? Why are you saying that about them? I love them," I said defensively, and she scoffed.

"Trust me, darling. It's because you haven't gotten to meet them.

"They're vipers, especially their leader-Ashley. She's a she-wolf. You really need to be careful with them."

I scoffed and shook my head. Is she serious or something?

Ashley is my role model.

How can she tell me to be careful around her?

Carissa and I went on talking for some time, and I kind of enjoyed her company. She was a fun person.

After lunch, she followed me to class. But since we were in different grades, we couldn't stay together, and she left afterwards.

To be sincere, I didn't entirely enjoy my first day in Star College because I didn't get to meet any of my superstars-aside from Jerome, who had just acted blind towards me.

After some hours, the school was over, and everybody headed home.

When I got home, luckily, Dad was still around. And so, his wife and kids didn't have an opportunity to bully me.

Too bad he'll be leaving tomorrow.

I had dinner with him and explained briefly about my first day in Star College. Although, I didn't tell him about the Jerome part.

We spent a long time together, and after a while, I went up to my room for a bath and a rest.

Well, like I said, I only get to enjoy these privileges when Dad is around.

The moment he leaves again by tomorrow, my life's gonna turn into a living hell.

I brought out my diary and wrote about my little experience with Jerome.

It was very brief, but meant a lot to me. I kept smiling the whole time.

I remembered his sweet words to me:

"Do you realise this is a restricted area?"

Hold on; did I just say sweet?

Well, at that moment, they were scary. But right now, they're sweet.

Oh, Jerome!

I could recall how cute he looked when he turned around to pick up the keys-those dazzling eyes of his; the nose; the sweet pink lips, and the hair.

I wish I could hold that face again. Even if it was just for a second.

'I really like you, Jerome,' I wrote in my diary... 'And I wish I could take away the sadness you feel....Too bad you now dislike ladies.'

I closed the diary and lay upward, rethinking the whole thing.

I really wish I could get to see Jerome again.

Well, tomorrow was Tuesday, right? And we had Further Maths.

Mr. Leonard's definitely going to force him to come to class.

Oh, God!

I really can't wait.

I wish I could get to sit next to him.

--

Next Morning

I woke up the next morning, feeling kind of excited.

I had breakfast and dressed up, and after that, Dad dropped me off at school.

"See you later, Ophelia," he told me as he stopped in front of the school and awaited me to step down.

I was sitting down at the front seat with him.

"Dad," I called sadly.

"When will you be travelling?"

"Oh, in less than two hours," he replied, and my eyes drooped.

"Uhm... how long will it take before you return?"

"Uhm... I don't know; maybe some weeks."

My heart ached when he told me about it. I can't imagine what it's going to be like living with that family of his.

"Don't worry, Ophelia. Everything will be fine, okay?" He said as he kissed my forehead, and I smiled and left the car.

Hmm.

Back again in Star College. I hope today won't be as boring as yesterday.

I started walking into the building, admiring all the students I came across. Too bad none of them paid attention to me.

I got to the classroom and took a seat at the back, close to the window.

More students kept trooping in, and I looked curiously for the Star Boys.

Oh, Maths was the last subject before break.

Oh-oh.

That means the Star Boys might not be coming now.

Too bad.

After a short while, the first teacher came in and took us for Science.

I just jolted perfunctorily, as that wasn't what I was waiting for.

Then, after 45 minutes, the next teacher came in and took us on Social Norms.

And finally, it was time for Maths!

Hah!

I can hardly wait!

The Maths teacher came in and commenced teaching, and I was kind of puzzled because the Heartthrobs were yet to come.

Huh?

I itched my head and couldn't pay attention to the lesson because my mind was occupied.

Where are the Heartthrobs? I thought they never failed to miss Mr. Leonard's class?

I became broody and totally lost focus in the class.

I had really planned on seeing them.

"Can anyone help with the equation on the board?" Mr. Leonard's voice broke into my thoughts, and I took a look at the board.

It was a familiar equation.

"Yes? Anyone? Ophelia? The new student?" he called, and I felt surprised he had actually called my name.

Some of the students turned and looked at me, and I became nervous.

"Ophelia, can you help us out?" he asked again, and I stuttered and stood on my feet.

"Uhm... okay, sir," I replied as I walked up to the front of the class and took the marker from him.

Then, I faced the board and started solving the equation.

Like I said, it was a familiar equation. But since it was Further Maths, it had to be lengthy.

I was still focused on the board, solving the equation, when I suddenly heard the students gasping and jittering.

I turned to see what was going on and...

Oh, my God! The Heartthrobs!!!

They're here!

They came!

Oh, my God!

They really did come! Am I dreaming?