The Return Of Adrian Raines

1. Crestmont University

The hall of Crestmont University was drowning in loud bickering and chattering, a young man racing across the hall bumped into Daniel and shot him a disdainful look. “Watch it loser!” He spat out angrily.

Daniel simply bowed his head apologetically and went on his way. He didn't want any trouble.

He had just finished with classes and was about to leave for his part time job but today was his one year anniversary with his girlfriend, Rachel Crawford, and he meant to make it special.

So he drew out all of his savings to prepare a decent surprise for her. It wasn't much, but Rachel always made him understand that she would never want him to push himself beyond his limit just to satisfy her.

His life was not the best, but he was satisfied.

Still, he couldn't put off his work at school so he hurried to the janitor's closet to pick up his cleaning utensils.

The other students watched him with disdain and some even made their irritation known loudly.

“How could such a pauper be in our school?”

“Crestmont has really dropped its standard beyond acceptable. We should do something about it or else the halls will be filled with more filthy people than we can count.”

“I heard he's an orphan. No one adopted him from the orphanage which means they already knew he would grow up to be a useless nobody.”

But Daniel turned a deaf ear to all of their words. He was used to being mocked because of his background. He didn't remember anything from his young age, all he knew was that he was in an accident and he lost all his memories.

He did live in an orphanage and when no one adopted him, he had to take care of himself. Lucky enough for him, Crestmont gave him and a few others scholarships to support the orphanage.

Just then, a voice called out to him. A voice he would recognize even in his sleep. A sigh drew from Daniel's lips as he paused while mopping the floors, he knew that nothing good would come out of this.

Charlie Kings walked over towards Daniel with his minions behind him. He was the school's big shot with his uncle being the top sponsor of the university and his father being the Dean.

He ran his fingers through his deep brown hair, his lips spreading into a smile. He was very handsome and wealthy, these qualities drawing love and adoration from everyone around. They practically worshipped him.

In contrast to him, Daniel had white-ish blonde hair and striking emerald eyes. His distinct features made him extremely handsome like something from a medieval fantasy novel, not to mention his constant working building up his body. His cheeks crinkled each time he smiled, adding a soft touch to his manly features.

Those special features of him made Charlie hate him so much. Charlie poured the can of coke he was drinking on the floor and threw the can at Daniel's face. “Oops! It slipped from my hand. Are you okay?” He asked in a mocking tone.

The people around broke out in a chorused laugh, mocking Daniel.

Daniel swallowed and forced a smile to his face. “It's fine.” He bent down to pick up the can but a sudden force pushed him to the ground.

Daniel grunted as Charlie stepped on his back. He fell face flat into the stain of coke and his shirt soaked up immediately.

Laughter from each corner tormented his ears as he laid on the ground. He had just bought that shirt to impress Rachel.

He was poor and could barely eat from hand to mouth even. But he always wanted his girlfriend to be happy with him because he needed no one to tell him she settled for less.

“Oh my!” Charlie said. “Are you okay?”

Daniel kept himself from reacting. He always had to control himself from fighting back or else he would lose his job at the school and his scholarship as well.

He wanted to stand up but Charlie pressed him down with his foot. “Did I ask you to get up?” His voice had turned cold. “You have to clean up the mess on the floor, don't tell me you want to make use of the mopping stick? That stick costs more than your entire life, you useless piece of trash!

“How dare you try to abuse such wealth? Huh?” He chuckled softly. “Why am I not surprised? A pig will never know the worth of gold no matter how much you explain it, am I right guys?”

Everyone around laughed out loud, agreeing with Charlie.

“That's right Charlie! That piece of trash is foolish and ignorant! He thinks he belongs here but this is no pig farm!” One of Charlie's minions said.

“Yeah! Useless filth! How dare you try to fit in amongst us?” Another one added. “You should just go and jump in a river or something! Because I know you're too poor to afford poison. Kill yourself you unclaimed dog.”

Unclaimed dog.

That name always loosened a knot in his head. It took so much self control to remain on the ground and not snap the minion's jaw off.

That was his nickname around school because everyone knew that no one wanted to adopt him in the orphanage.

His veins bulged as he clenched his fist in anger.

Charlie said in a loud voice. “Is there anyone who is done with their snacks? Their drinks too. Hurry up before the trash can leaves.”

Students hurried to the scene and began bathing Daniel with their leftover drinks and food. They all laughed as they emptied cans on him.

Daniel felt the liquids soak up his clothes, their fries and other left over snacks decorating his head and his body. Their laughter tormented his soul as he laid on the ground but there was nothing he could.

He felt like he was going to snap, just then, a soft feminine voice caused everyone to stop. “What is going on here?!” She demanded.

The crowd dispersed as Rachel Crawford walked into the scene. She felt a sharp ache in her chest as she realized what was going on.

Daniel looked up and met her eyes, shame soaking him up more than any liquid could.