105 Well-Concealed Secre (1/2)

”What do you have to discuss?” Sebastian asked again.

”Just doing my homework,” I told him. I was not lying. Indeed, it was part of my homework, but the reason for it was entirely selfish. He hummed, even though he knew I wasn't completely truthful. He had been too understanding in the past few days and it was scaring me a little. The next couple of classes flew by and conversations with students took up most of my time. I barely got to see Sebastian. Therefore, I somehow didn't feel embarrassed any longer.

Lunch break came and I called Professor Singh. ”Evie, I am in the canteen. Come join me,” he chirped. I could hear the distinct noise of students surrounding him. I made sure my purse was on me before going to the canteen nearest to us.

He waved me over and pointed towards the empty seat. A group of first-year students sat on the table, surrounding Professor Singh and asking him questions about life.

”Come. Sit down!” he beckoned. ”What do you think is the meaning of life, Evie?” he asked, sounding amused. I grinned as I sat beside a wide-eyed freshman.

”The answer is always 42,” I winked. He burst into laughter but the others seemed bewildered. I didn't explain further, leaving it upon them to using their internet surfing skills to find out what I meant.

”Kids, let me introduce you to the star of our department, Evie Marie Lewis.”

”Hello, I'm Dr. Butler's assistant. You probably know me from class.” Actually, I had not seen these students in any of Sebastian's classes. They were either absent or hadn't taken his classes. Sebastian was notorious for being hard to please.

She looked at the students and had to praise them for having good sense in not following the name only. It was a shame they couldn't study in Sebastian's class, though. He was an excellent teacher.

”The seniors told us that Dr. Butler is grumpy and doesn't score well... so we didn't take his class, Senior.” The boy beside me snickered and spared glances towards me.

”I am not a senior in your department. I am from the Department of Foreign Languages. No need to greet me,” I said politely. I had put my coat behind me and leaned back into the chair. My phone was going off and I didn't need to look to see who it was.

”How did you get a job working under Dr. Butler then?” Another student asked. I glanced at them and saw their complicated look.

”What do you do, usually?” In front of the wide-eyed teenagers, I couldn't just keep quiet.

”I heard you stole-” someone smacked the boy who had spoken.

”I stole someone?” I asked, amused. ”Who told you? His previous assistant?” I chuckled.

”Uh, yes.” The boy scratched his head.

”He does have a tendency to latch onto juniors and fill their minds with rubbish. If only he used that time to learn more and do a good job,” Professor Singh commented. I smiled at him in gratitude. ”Didn't he interrogate you because you found the body of that homeless man in the deserted shopping mall?” he asked, chuckling.

”He did. Did I ever thank you for serving as my alibi?” I asked. He shook his head. ”I shall treat you to lunch, then,” I offered.

”Oh, we saw the tapes. Sebastian brought them to the department when the head asked why he was dropping that brat from the position of assistant. We had quite a laugh at how you turned the tables.” He ran his hand over his newly grown beard.

”Everyone knows I have a smart mouth then.” The air was light but still awkward. The students finally got the hint and shuffled away, leaving the two of us alone.

”What did you want to talk about?” He asked. I shrugged.

”I need to talk to a friend and I don't know anyone apart from you. No-one sensible, that is.”

”Well, I am glad you think that way!” he grinned. ”Come on, spill.” His voice became high pitched as he pretended to listen.

I had to laugh. ”So, I found out people like me.”

”Duh,” he responded.

”Where did you learn that expression?”

”I might look like a brown-skinned uncle, but I carefully watch the students and picked up on their language. I'm hip, you see.” Of course, he was.

I pressed my lips together to hide the smile. ”So, yes. People like me. This guy... uh... not taking any names... likes me and well, I am trying to figure out if I do.” I sighed with relief having said it.

”You need my opinion on if you like him or not?” He kept his sandwich down and straightened up. ”I am great at girl-talk. I'll ask you some questions. You answer, okay?”

I shook my head. ”No, no. I like him. I know this. I don't know the extent. That is where the problem lay. I impulsively kissed the guy because I wanted fast answers.”

”And you hated kissing him but still like him?” he rushed to ask.