Chapter 397 Is This About Brad?
The call was dialing.
I was silently praying Rafael would pick up. As Professor Evans' only son, he had to know where his dad was.
The longer the phone rang, the more anxious I got.
Was Rafael not going to answer either? Why was no one picking up my calls?
Just as I was thinking about my next move if Rafael didn't answer, he picked up.
"Jane? What's up?" Rafael's voice was hoarse, conveying his surprise and fatigue.
I laughed a little. "Can't I call just to chat?"
Rafael sighed. "Just get to the point. I haven't slept in over 45 hours. Don't waste my time."
"Professor Evans isn't at school, and he's not answering his phone. I'm really worried. Is he okay?" I asked.
Rafael yawned loudly, and I could practically feel his exhaustion through the phone. "It's nice of you to care. At least he didn't spoil you for nothing. Now I get why he's so proud of you; you know how to butter him up."
"He's my teacher. It's natural for me to care about him," I said, trying to sound sincere.
"Do you want a medal for respecting your teacher? I'm really touched," Rafael yawned again.
I was starting to get irritated. "Rafael, I'm serious. Do you know where Professor Evans is? I need to talk to him urgently."
Maybe my tone got through to him because Rafael finally stopped joking, though he still sounded lazy. "One of my dad's relatives is turning 90 tomorrow, and he's going to the party to represent the family. He should be back tomorrow afternoon. What do you need him for? Can I help?"
"No, you can't help. Thanks. I'll hang up now," I said.
So, Professor Evans wasn't out because of Brad. I felt a wave of relief.
"Don't hang up. Is this about Brad?" Rafael asked.
Before I could hang up, Rafael said if I needed any help, I could ask him. He'd do his best out of respect for Professor Evans, which made me feel warm inside.
Time flew by as I sat there, lost in thought. When I looked at my phone again, it was already past six in the evening.
The doorbell rang suddenly, startling me. It was Mia and Yancy.
Since Brad went on a business trip, Mia and Yancy had been visiting a lot.
Yancy was like Mia's shadow now. Wherever Mia was, Yancy was there too. He'd turned himself into her constant companion.
With Yancy around, I wouldn't go hungry. With Mia around, I wouldn't feel lonely. Their presence made my tough, lonely life a lot better.
I opened the door and waited a moment. Mia and Yancy came in, carrying a bunch of stuff.
"Is there a flood at your place?" I asked Mia, puzzled.
"No flood, but it does have to do with water," Mia said, putting down two bags and slipping on some slippers. She tossed a pair to Yancy. "New slippers, put them on."
I looked at the slippers Brad and I had picked out together at the supermarket.
Brad really liked those slippers. He bought two pairs in different colors. These slippers had never been worn.
"Is the water out?" I asked again.
Mia sat down next to me, catching her breath. "It's really cold outside today, but your place is nice and warm."
I wasn't in the mood for small talk. "Water."
"Oh, that," Mia laughed. "It's a bit sad to leave you alone at home. Besides, our water bill ran out and we haven't paid it yet, so we moved in with you to save money. By the way, your water bill is paid up, right? Hope it wouldn't run out either."
After dinner, Mia and I went outside for a walk arm in arm, supposedly to digest our food.
I couldn't help it; Yancy's cooking was amazing. Even the simplest dish became a gourmet meal in his hands.
Willowbrook Heights was a newly developed community; it was part of the upscale Regalia neighborhood. It was surrounded by prestigious schools, with a great location and rich cultural atmosphere. The houses here sold out quickly, showing how popular and expensive they were.
As we walked, I chatted quietly with Mia.
The winter temperature was low, so there weren't many people out walking. We could talk freely.