19. Mr Smith

As soon as Mr Thomas class was done I had plans of walking out of there. Kay was adamant about knowing the details of the investigation I conducted meanwhile Damon and wanted to talk about the assignment. It was just too much to handle. Besides, I have to show up and help Daniel with training the new juniors.




According to him, they were absolute worst which was too harsh in my opinion. Also had been a while since I met him and he wanted to know about the updates in the article. After knowing the truth it felt stupid to continue with the investigation but if we wanted to prove that someone else was behind those murders there was no other way. 



"Anya!" Kay huffed running behind me as I tried to get into the cafeteria. My throat was dry and a latte on display board appeared attempting. If I was going to deal with everyone the entire day I needed some caffeine.



"Can you stop? Are you trying to beat Usain Bolts record?" Her voice echoed again and instead of just walking away I halted in between making her crash behind me. Kay made a noise, pushing my back as she tried to gain her footing.



"I hate it when you do that" She grumbled, dusting her pants and top. She did not even fall on the floor, just merely crashed into me. So overdramatic.



I grinned, "I know. That's why I do it"


She mockingly opened her mouth and pushed at my arm, "And here I thought you love me"



"What made you think that?" I questioned, my eyes shifting towards the cafeteria line. It was getting bigger. I pulled Kay along with me.



"Maybe this or the time you made me my favourite soup because I was sick and had no one to take care of me"



At the mention of that, I went quiet and slack. It really made me realise that her parents were not worth it. When she called me about her fever I rushed to her house only to find that she was all by herself.  Her parents were busy doing their own thing so when I tried to call them they were obviously angry for disturbing. Kay wanted to talk to them but they hung up and she cried for 1 hour straight. That was something I could never forget because I had never been so angry than I was on that day.


"Fine, you win" I gave her a smile.


Kay huffed, flicking her hair back in a dramatic fashion, "I know. Now when are we going to continue with the investigation? And tell me more about this Professor Ryan?"



I slapped a hand over her mouth and looked around. As expected was of there were busy ordering from the electronic device. How can someone be so reckless? I thought while staring at my best friend standing in front of me.



"Oh sorry" She dumbly said as if she realised the sudden crowd beside us. We patiently waited for a few seconds for our turn and then ordered two lattes and a  croissant.




Finding the spot furthest away from the crowd we settled down and I raised my head towards her, "Ryan wanted me to keep him updated about the entire thing. It's weird"



Kay made a noise, "It is. He is a history teacher who has no relation whatsoever with the article you are writing. Do you think he is behind this? Working with someone else to cover up?"




I sighed taking a sip of the latte. The hot liquid burned my tongue but I savoured the taste. My eyes rolled back and I let myself relax for a while. There was too much going on and I had no idea how to proceed to hide everything from Damon.




"Might be a possibility. Right now I don't know"



She hummed, taking a bite of the croissant and wiping her fingers. At her amused smile, my eyebrows knitted together. What was going on in her mind?




"So you and Damon huh?"



At the mention of his name, my cheeks felt bright red and I couldn't help the loud laughter slipping my lips, "It's nothing!"




"Sure your face tells me something different"



Instinctively I covered my cheeks and ducked down. It was embarrassing to find out that he may have some kind of effect on me. The pull I experience whenever you closer was something I would never put into words.





"I don't know what you are talking about" I shrugged hiding my face behind the coffee mug.




She snorted and shook her head, "Sure you don't"
***

Damon texted me that we complete the assignment at his home. Besides he did not have any younger brother-sister to annoy us. Aechia did leave an impact on people. I easily obliged because it was better to walk in his house than face my parents embarrassing questions. Maybe I can find something in his house while I am there.




After Kay dropped me back to my house I made a fuss of getting ready. It was not like I was going on a date but I want to leave an impression. I picked white skinny jeans and a cream off-shoulder top. Aechia was eyeing me warily the entire time but she didn't say anything.




I took a bus to his house because I did not have anyone to drop me off. No one trusted me with the car so I had no choice but to take public transportation. Adjusting my demeanour I rang the bell. My eyes wandered around and it still didn't sink that someone was living there. It was huge and looked straight out of the magazine. The grand gates and neatly trimmed trees along the way.





At the silence from the other side, I shifted on my feet. Did Damon fail to mention that I was going to be there? I chewed on my lips nervously, hard enough to draw blood. The thought of calling him was strong and just when I was about to take my phone I heard footsteps from the other side. My body sagged and I took a deep breath hoping that it wasn't Mrs Smith on the other side. Even though she had the most polite smile and all there was something about her that was kinda intimidating.





"Hi-" My speech was cut off when I noticed that it was Mr Smith. He had a margarita in his hand and sunglasses resting on the top of his head. Not to mention his red trunks that were hanging too low on his hips. For someone his age he had a fit body.






He stood still, his eyes narrowed like he was not expecting me to show up. I gave him an awkward smile, hoping that he would allow me in. When he didn't budge at that I cleared my throat.





"Umm...can I come in?"



At my voice, he suddenly came back to reality and hesitantly moved away, "Sorry please come"





He gave me an easy smile and shut the door behind me. I gulped, thinking that maybe I should have stood there longer in case I needed to escape.





When he came to stand in front of me with the margarita in his hand I licked my lips nervously.





"What can I help you with?" He asked curtly, his eyes kept shifting towards the door behind him. I followed his vision and noticed that it led to the swimming pool. My jaw clenched tight at that. I did interrupt him and no wonder he was so annoyed at my sudden presence.





Blinking my eyes I gave him an apologetic smile, "Uh...Sorry Mr Smith but Damon asked me to stop by so we can work on our assignment. English assignment"





He raised his eyebrows, swirling the liquid in his hand and made a sound, "Is that what kids are calling it these days? Assignment?"




"Excuse me?" I asked




He shook his head, "Second room upstairs."



I glared at him, my lips pressed tight at his behaviour. What kind of a host was he? Not to mention that he did not even offer anything. How can anyone assume things like that and be so rude? No wonder I felt something off about him the first day I met him.





"Thanks" I forced, walking past him. As soon as I turned around I could feel his glare on my back. Cursing him under my breath I climbed the stairs. My eyes fell on the huge portrait on the wall. It was not there on that night. Too many people were standing together in one portrait with Damon's father in the centre. I had no idea Damon had a joint family. Must be nice.





As soon as I reached his room I knocked twice but there was no reaction from the other side so I pushed open the door. My lips parted with a gasp at the sight in front of me.





"Anya-" Damon said while I kept on staring at his naked torso.
***