Chapter 56 - 56: Andy’s Aurora

(Michelle POV) 

As I entered the designated area, I saw about a hundred people already present. I recognized some faces of budding actors and actresses, models, and some people from the circle. Mostly, I surmise the age between 18-20. 

Anyhow, I did not know anyone on a personal level around, so I didn't know who to interact with. Thankfully, before I could feel out of place, I heard someone calling my name.

"Michelle! Here, here!" I heard Lara call. 

When I turned to see her, she was standing and waving her hand at me. She was with Anthony, and some people I did not recognize.

Conscious of seeing Anthony, I smiled shyly and walked towards them. 

When I reached them, I greeted, "Hello Lara, Anthony."

Anthony smiled at me, "Hi Michelle." He greeted, and I think my heart just went, gaga. But knowing where I'm at and the company, I tried not to show it. 

Meanwhile, Lara started introducing me to everyone present. There were 5 of them together, Lara, Anthony, a girl and 2 other guys. I think they look somewhat familiar, but not so sure where I saw them.

"Guys, this is Michelle Lui our friend from University. Michelle, these are Vincent Kho, Jeffry Lee, and Kate Tan. They're all from university D."

I took note of their surnames and from there, I immediately realized that these people were from their exclusive group. I know it's a little stupid, but I could not help but be conscious being the only one not part of their circle. I smiled at the three and said, "Nice to meet you."

The girl, Kate, looked me up and down. I don't know what to think of her, it was a little rude what she did, like she was measuring me up. Then again, she's just an 18-year-old girl who can be a little prejudiced. Don't know. Maybe she's jealous because I'm prettier than her? Haha! Really Michelle, how vain. Oh well. Anyhow, since it was Lara who introduced me, she shook my hand and said, "nice to meet you too."

On the other hand, the two boys were a bit more friendly.

"Hi Michelle, I have seen you around in some events but never had the chance to talk to you. Like Lara said, I'm Jeffry but you can call me Jeff." 

Hmm, not bad looking, tall, but not as good looking as my Anthony. Seems pretty ok. I smiled and nodded my head. "Nice to meet you."

Then, the next one, well, he looked a bit haughty, then again, when part of the exclusive group, it can't be helped. He took my hand and instead of a handshake he kissed the back of it. "You can call me Vince, mademoiselle." He said as he gave me a wink.

Ok, now that is what one should call a big flirt! I did not know how to react. Anthony was there! If he's not, maybe I could flirt back or not. Not sure. Thankfully, Lara slapped Vince's hand the one that was holding mine while I just blushed.

"Don't listen to this idiot Michelle. He's the biggest flirt in the circle and bangs everything wearing a skirt." Lara warned.

Vince started laughing and so did Jeff. Anthony, he just smiled and shook his head, while Kate, just gave an eyeroll.

"That's not a nice thing to say about me Lara. Don't listen to her, Michelle, I'm a really nice guy. So, can I have your cellphone number?" 

Ok, never mind this flirtatious guy. Though he did look handsome and tall like a model. I guess he's just messing around. I just smiled at him but not taking his words seriously.

"Stop that Vince, Michelle don't mind his antics." Anthony said as he smiled at me.

Gods, was he being protective of me? Ok, I listen to you, my love!

"Where's Steven by the way?" Jeff asked.

"Speak of the devil." said Vince.

I looked up and saw Steven walking towards our direction. I felt my heart beating fast again, ah, my hubby was such a hot stuff. Reminded me of the first time we met that I was mesmerized by him. 'Ok, stop Michelle. He's not yours and might never be in this lifetime. Let it go.' I told myself as I saw Lara meeting him halfway and hugging his arm. 

I have to admit, they did make a lovely pair. Him, cold-looking handsome bad boy, Lara, pretty and warm good girl. Never mind, I have my Anthony here. Hihi! 

The two approached us, and everyone greeted Steven, while he only nodded in acknowledgement. Our eyes met for a second, and I swear he looked at me a second longer. Then again, maybe he thought it weird that I'm hanging around in their circle when they were all part of the exclusive 8, which I am not. 

While waiting, I noticed that people were looking at our direction from time to time. Well, maybe because they kinda figured that the people around me were who they were? Probably. 

Although Lara was busy with Steven, the guys were all cool and did not let me feel out of place.

After a few more minutes, I heard an announcement from the speaker telling everyone to exit the gate as we will be embarking the ship soon.

I checked the time, 12:57 pm.

Anyhow, everyone exited the gate and I saw a big mega luxury yacht make way to where we were. 

As it drew nearer, I saw Andy standing at the top of the ship waving his hand like a super star. He looked really funny. Well, I guess for the teenagers with me, he looked really cool. How could he not? He's a very handsome guy, famous actor, son of the Peng corporation, and also the leading star of this luxurious party!

"Hey guys!" I heard him say from the speakers. 

The people started shouting "Hi Andy!!!! Woohoo! This will be awesome!" and others.

"There he goes again with his grand entrance!" I heard Jeff say amidst the loud cheers of the people surrounding us. He was laughing though, and I could feel the overall good and excited mood from everyone.

Then, I heard Andy's voice who was laughing through the speaker, speaking again, "I'm glad that you all can make it! So, are you ready to get this party started?"

"Hell yeah!!!!" people exclaimed as the ship was only a few meters away. 

Andy laughed, "Alright! Then, come aboard Aurora. I'll see you all inside!" he announced as the ship docked.

Suddenly, a song started blaring from the speakers:

"Let's get it started in here...

And the bass keeps runnin' runnin', and runnin' runnin', and runnin' runnin', and runnin' runnin',

And runnin' runnin', and runnin' runnin', and runnin' runnin', and runnin' runnin', and...

In this context, there's no disrespect, so, when I bust my rhyme, you break your necks.

We got five minutes for us to disconnect, from all intellect collect the rhythm effect.

So lose an inhibition, follow your intuition, free your inner soul and break away from tradition.

Cause when we beat out, girl it's pulling without.

You wouldn't believe how we wow shit out.

Burn it till it's burned out.

Turn it till it's turned out.

Act up from north, west, east, south.

[Chorus:]

Everybody (yeah), everybody (yeah), let's get into it (yeah), get stupid (c'mon)

Get it started (c'mon), get it started (yeah), get it started!

Let's get it started (ha), let's get it started in here.

Let's get it started (ha), let's get it started in here.

Let's get it started (ha), let's get it started in here.

Let's get it started (ha), let's get it started in here.

Yeah.

Lose control, of body and soul.

Don't move too fast, people, just take it slow.

Don't get ahead, just jump into it.

You all hear about it, the Peas'll do it.

Get started, get stupid."

I recognized it as Let's get this party started by black eyed peas, and it was just amazing. Everyone was so excited and some of the teens started dancing or nodding to the beat of the song.

Lara laughed and turned to look at me who was a bit wide eyed. What? Honestly, it was amazing and it's just us gonna start boarding the ship.

To my surprise, she left Steven's side to be with me. "Let's go in together."

I smiled at her gratefully as I nodded my head.

When the gangway, (the walkway/ bridge connecting the vessel to land) was set, the crew members all uniformed in sailor outfits stood on both sides and bowed to all of us. "Welcome to Aurora!" they all announced.

With that, everyone fell in line, showing their ID and invite. There were 4 receptionists all very friendly and respectful. When they were done checking, a crew member would assist the guest and lead them to what I assume would be their lodging. 

As it reached our turn, Lara went first before I did. I noticed that she didn't leave just yet with the crew member and waited for me.

After I'm done, the crew member collected my trolley while Lara hugged my arm then grinned at me. "Andy told me that our rooms would be on the same floor. So, we'll kinda be neighbors during our stay here!"

I smiled, really, they were so nice to me, going out of their way to make me feel welcomed. "That's really nice to know." I replied. 

Anyhow, we followed the crew members who each led us to our respective room on the upper floor using an elevator.

Lara's room was at 302 while mine was at 308 so we went our separate ways when she went inside her room. 

--

TBC