32 Small and Big Monster (2/2)

”Good morning, Mr. Holman. To what do I owe the pleasure of having you here?”

”It's about the upcoming exhibition, Sir.”

”Ah, I see. Please take a seat.” He parted his lips and uttered. The room was filled with the smell of books. Rows of books filled various shelves throughout the entire room.

”Ah, those are some wonderful books, Sir. Can I take a look?” Brad was fascinated by the book on sculptures.

”Sure Mr. Holman. But before that, please tell me whether you are fine or not. I heard that you were unwell for a while.” He adjusted his spectacles over the bridge of his nose and said.

”Ah yes, Sir. I'm fine now.�� Brad looked at the fat middle-aged man sitting behind the desk. He paused a while before he asked again, ”Sir, can we speak about the exhibition then?”

”About the exhibition, Mr. Holman, I'm afraid, they are putting pressure on us to let Mr. Tyson enter. I don't know how they got intimidated, and why. I heard some rumors, and they were nasty.” Dean shook his head and said.

”Like?” Brad's voice was a bit chilly to hear.

”Like you were beaten up by someone for doing some nasty deeds. Now now, Mr. Holman, please don't ask me to repeat them.” He swiped the beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

”So, Dean, can I just enter the exhibition?” Brad asked again, a chilly glint passing through his eyes so quickly that it wasn't noticed by anyone except Olympia, who was standing beside the bookshelf staring at Brad all this while.

”You have to. After all this is the prestige of our college.” The dean confidently answered.

”Okay.”

”Mr. Holman, if you don't mind, I have a request for you.” The dean asked in a gentle manner. No one could believe that the Dean who intimidated everyone with his presence could be this gentle.

”Yeah?”

”Umm… Could you join the History Department too? For a while, I mean. Umm, it might help you in the upcoming exhibition too. I mean, look, the topic is somewhat historical too, right? So, could you please join?” The Dean constantly fiddled with his fingers as he asked. It was a huge pressure of him to ask the son of a Mayor to do him a favor. The new teacher who came to the College was also from an influential background and she specifically asked for people from the Arts Department to attend her classes. Although he could have rejected her, he could not bring himself to. It was hard to bring her as the guest lecturer in this college. He was extremely nervous.

Brad smiled and thought, 'So, this is what she is up to now!' But he did not let those emotions show on his face, as he replied, ”Sure, No problem Dean. I'll attend the classes. After all, you arranged for it for my welfare.”

The Dean was dumbfounded. He thought that Brad might go against it. He was prepared to convince him till his last breath, but he easily got convinced. 'Ah! This isn't following the script.' He though furiously.

”Do you mind if I take this with me? I'll return it, I promise.” Brad shook the book he took in front of the Dean's eyes as he asked.

”No problem, Mr. Holman.” The Dean eyed the Book in Brad's hands.

”Okay then.”

”Sure.” The Dean replied politely and thought, 'At least that monster is taking a book, unlike the first time he did.' The thought of their first confrontation gave him goosebumps. 'Who said that the devil is good? Hmph! He'll teach them a lesson. He is a monster in the guise of a human.' Obviously he won't say that out loud, lest that monster hears it and decides to give him trouble. He wiped the non-existent perspiration from his forehead and took the glass of water lying on the table and gulped it in a go.

As soon as Brad left, he heard another knock at his door. ”Come in.” He answered praying that the monster isn't back.

A blonde lady entered the cubicle and said, ”So, Mr. Collen, did you manage to persuade him?”

”Ms. Hadon, he didn't need persuading. I just requested him and he agreed to it.” The Dean started sweating again. 'Small monster went away and a big monster came.' He thought.

”No fun.” She commented. She left the Dean's office, her high heels clicking against the floor and echoing through the empty halls.

The Dean sat there dumbfounded mulling over her statement.

”What isn't fun?” He asked himself but got no answer.