I really couldn't be bothered to check the whole thing ¬_¬

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Chapter 7

Odd Behaviour

"Thank you," I took the cup out of his hands and sat it in my lap. 

He stood there slightly rigid. He wouldn't look me in the eye. I felt bad for making him feel completely awkward but... To be honest I felt slightly awkward too. That look he gave me earlier...

But I smiled and said, "Can you please sit, you're making me feel nervous."

He nodded and sat beside me. He stared at the flames without saying a word. I took a sip of the coffee and sighed. I had a few things to ask him but the silence was too horrible to break.

But I took a deep breath anyway and said, "How did you know we were there?"

"I saw you going into the wood so I followed you. You shouldn't have gone in without saying anything to anyone first," Oh great. I started him off. "Even though we are at a school it doesn't mean it's safe around it. Laura was seriously hurt tonight, what if you were too. Evangeline, you put yourself in danger by going into a forest completely blind unknowing wh-" 

"God, I get it! You're gonna burst a blood vessel if you carry on! Jesus-"

"I'm not sure if you understand the nature of your actions, Evangeline-" He snapped.

I put my coffee on the table and stood up. "Look I'm not a child, okay? You don't get to speak to me like I'm sort of immature, delinquent kid that doesn't know right from wrong. And neither do you get to call me my whole friggin' name every five seconds, Christ!" I shrieked. "You're my teacher not my father---"

"Yes," He stood up and towered over me. "I am your teacher but I'm a teacher that cares if his student decides to go into a forest probably full of... animals." He said the last word harshly. "So, Evie," He emphasized my name. "Do not lose your temper with me because I actually care whether you get yourself hurt."

I scowled at him deeply and grabbed my coffee. "Where am I sleeping."

"Are you giving up? Is that it? No argument? I win?"

I took a huge gulp and put it back on the table. "It's not about winning or losing. And I don't wish to argue with you. The stress of even talking to you is giving me a damn headache."

His jaw clenched but it wasn't as threatening as before. "I'm not finished speaking to you."

"Speaking," I scoffed. "More like yelling."

"I'm--!" He shouted at first but then he cleared his throat and straightened his back. "I'm only yelling because you started yelling first."

I crossed my arms under my breasts. "Fine. I'm sorry for yelling."

He then crossed his arms over his chest. "Then I'm sorry for... treating you like a child."

We stood there in a stare down for a few seconds before finally giving up and sighing. He turned away first and pointed to the second door I was wondering about earlier. "You'll be sleeping in there. I'll wash your clothes for tomorrow." He picked up my clothes but went into my pocket. My iPhone dropped to the floor along with the keys to the house so I picked them up.

"Well... Thank you."

He nodded and started taking small steps back.

I turned to go to the guest room when I stopped. I had questions to ask and they needed answers. Maybe the cause for his weird threatening outburst was because he was tired or stressed from this evening...? Or maybe I'm making excuses for him. I sighed. I guess I could ask him tomorrow.

"And... um..." I cleared my throat. "Michael?"

He stopped and turned looking surprised that I'd used his actual name.

I briefly bit my lower lip then said, "Thanks for... helping Laura and I earlier. You know me being the immature, delinquent child and all."

He chuckled. "You're welcome, stranger."

I watched him walk into the kitchen and round a corner. I took a deep breath and walked into the guest room. I didn't even bother turning the light on, I just collapsed on top of the comforter kicked them half off the bed and snuggled into the pillows. It smelled just like him... the smell of orchids.

What am I doing?

I've never been like this with anyone! I always keep my emotions in tact...

Maybe it's just a physical attraction... He is stunning...

I groaned and squished the pillow on top of my head. God I hate myself right now.



*



The chorus to Pumped up Kicks by Foster the People sounded very loud throughout the room. I searched for my phone through the sheets. I found it and swiped the screen. "What." I snapped.

"Hello, sweetie." My mom said. "I just wanted to call you before I start work to see how you're doing at school."

"Mother, what time is it?" I croaked. I moved my hair from my face and collapsed back on the pillows.

"Almost seven-thirty."

I paused as I slowly opened my eyes. "Mom... why did you call me at seven thirty in the morning."

She giggled. "I called you because I miss my only daughter! How's college?"

I sighed. "Mom, please let me call you back later?"

"Don't you have a lecture today? Shouldn't you be getting up now?"

"No, mom my lecture is at three." I snapped as I sat up.

"Alright, there's no need to snap. You're just like your father in the mornings, have I ever told you that?"

I rubbed my eyes and swung my legs over the bed. "Yes, mom you have." I stood up and went to the door at the side hoping it was the bathroom. It was the bathroom from last night that I changed in. I squinted at the light that was coming through the blinds of the window.

She rambled on for a while so I took the time to look at myself in the mirror. My reddish hair was a bird's nest probably because of the rain; I'd managed to sort out so at least it was presentable during the time my mother was rambling on about how the house was and how Aaron was doing at school and how my dad was. I tied up my hair and bent down to my knees. I hope he has a hair dryer and allows me a shower!

I searched the bottom cupboards for an unopened toothbrush and took it out. I'm sure he wouldn't mind, he probably never used this bathroom. I brushed my teeth while I made approval noises so mom didn't think I was ignoring her completely.

"Alright sweetie you sound a bit busy so I'll be going."

"Okay."

"I'll pick you up next Sunday at 4.00"

I paused before I put the toothbrush on the side. "Wait, what?"

"I knew you weren't listening! You're coming over to see the house next week! Bring a friend if you wish. Bring a few, I don't mind and I'm sure your father won't either."

"What about Aaron?"

"Aaron will learn to live with it." She said with a giggle. "Anyway, darling, I have to go. I have a patient waiting in my new office!" She squealed. "I'm so happy I have my own office again! Everyone is so---"

"Mom." I stopped her.

"Oh right." She laughed. "Bye, Evie. I love you."

"Love you too." I tapped the screen and sighed. The t-shirt kept slipping down my shoulder so I pulled it up and walked out. It was eight o'clock now. Wow I didn't even realize mom was speaking for a half hour.

I stepped out of the bedroom cautiously. The house looked so much better in the day. The colors I described were brighter, the fire place was bigger than I realized including the TV. The whole house was sort of modern styled but it was beautiful. The doors were a varnished wood that creaked as I opened it which sucked because now Mr. Reeves... Or Michael now knows I'm out of the room.

My bare feet stepped from the carpet onto the hard wood cold floor and I made my way into the kitchen. I paused and took steps back to look at the living room. There were blankets and pillows on it. I frowned and started back to the kitchen. Did he sleep on the couch?

My arm was throbbing like crazy now that the damn pills have worn off so I'm hoping to get some more of them. I stopped mid step and let my mouth drop open at the kitchen. It was huge! It was the same size as the bathroom! What is this, a mansion!? Is there more of this place?!

There was a huge rectangular island with the high tech electric stove on top. There was another island but it was small and it was more like a table because there were four stools around it. The counter tops were smooth marble granite. I walked to a very large granite door and opened it to find the fridge. There were a few snacks, bits and pieces in here but not a lot.

I turned my head to my right and saw the dining room. It looked like it hadn't been used in months. There was a hall in between the dining room and kitchen I was afraid to look down. What if it led to another house!

I sat on the stool and dropped my head onto the granite table. God, why did I do that, my head was hurting as it was. 

There were a few clinks of glasses and noises I recognized so I lifted my head I'm time to see Mr. Reeves put a white mug and a caramel glazed on a plate in front of me. I looked at him and he smiled. "Good morning,"

I took a sip of the coffee and sighed. "Morning."

His hair was flat slightly curly mess I just wish I could run my hands through... He was in a pair of fitted dark jeans and a black vest. My eyes immediately went to his shoulders and arms. But I stopped myself mid 'check-out' and stared down at my mug. 

"How'd you sleep?" He asked as he sat opposite me. He suddenly looked much better than he did last night. He sounded it that's for sure. His face looked fresh and his eyes seemed brighter.

"Great, thanks. Did you sleep on the couch?" 

"Yes."

"I could have slept on the couch. Why didn't you take the room I was in?"

He smiled. "That would have been rude of me."

"You don't always have to be so... Gentlemanly." I said after another sip and a bit of the donut. I almost moaned from the taste. 

"I'm not always."

Remembering last night I chuckled after I swallowed. "Oh, wait. You're right your not."

He rolled his eyes.

"Is Laura awake? How is she?" I asked remembering what had happened to her. I shuddered a little hoping it wasn't too noticeable.

"She woke up not long ago. She's in the bath and was completely surprised to see me this morning. I walk into my room to get clothes making sure not to wake her up and she sees me and asks if she's dreaming." He chuckled.

I smiled down at my coffee. Of course she did. 

We were silent a moment when I remembered what I wanted to ask him. "What was wrong last night?"

"Last night?"

I shifted in my seat and looked down at my coffee. "After you came down from sorting Laura out?"

He didn't speak. I looked up at my coffee to see him staring at me. It wasn't like the black hole stares he usually gave me but... There was something different about it.

"It was a tiring evening. I hadn't... eaten all day and I felt about a bit lightheaded. I'm sorry if I came across a bit strange."

There he goes again.

He's apologizing to me like I could have been the most important person in the country! Like the President! It sounded like a formal apology to me.

His eyes were begging for me to believe him I could see it. But did I?

"How are you? How's your arm?" His eyes darted to the bandage and back. He eased into changing subject skillfully.

I rolled my shoulders and felt the uncomfortable tug of the stitches. "Actually, can I have some pain killers? It's irritating me."

"I might have some. I washed your clothes so you can have a shower if you want."

I finished off my coffee and donut and stood up. "Okay. Where are my clothes?"

"Living room." 

"Do you have a hair dryer?" I asked cautiously.

"Yes I do," He said with a chuckle. "I'll bring it down."

I grinned at him before walking out of the beautiful kitchen to grab my clothes from the couch.
I shut the door and undressed not bothering to gather them up. I started running the water and hopped into the shower. I pulled my hair out of the bun on my head and welcomed the warm water pouring over my skin. I felt horribly dirty from last night and I'm glad he let me shower. 

There were, thankfully, a few shampoos and conditioners at the side so I decided to use one. My hair was knotted, dirty and frizzy before the shower and now I was glad it wasn't as bad as before. It was really hard not to wet my stitches but I managed it.

I jumped out of the shower and used the clean towel on the side. I towel dried my hair with the small hand towel before walking into the bedroom to use the hair dryer. 

My hair was fluffy and neat after I'd finished. I tied it in a loose pony tale, put my clean jeans and dark blue t-shirt on and slipped on my black Converse and walked out.

Mr. Reeves was sitting on the couch with a book in his hand. I walked toward him and smiled. He held out a glass of water and two pills. I took them quickly and said, "Thanks for everything. Really. I'm so grateful for what you've done,"

He put the book down and stood up.

"I mean, I don't think any other teacher would take us in. I'm glad you did though. I'm not sure if I trust any other teacher."

He frowned briefly. "You trust me?"

I nodded. "Yes. After last night, minus the pointless argument, you're probably one of four people I trust or am beginning to trust in this university." I smiled but then tilted my head toward his deepened frown. "Is it wrong for me to trust you?"

"I just... I'm not sure..."

He was at a loss for words... I've never see him not have something to say.

He shut his eyes and during that time I could hear footsteps coming down the stairs. I took a small footstep back and leaned around him to watch a fresh faced Laura walking down the stairs. She grinned at me and bounced off the last step. I raised my brow at her. It looked like she hadn't even been almost mauled by some sort of animal last night.

"Morning, Evie. Mr. Reeves," She winked. "I have a lecture at eleven so whenever you're ready, babe."

My mouth was wide open.

She's so... normal. I looked down at her wrist but it was covered by her jacket. She looked like she was glowing. She smirked at me and looked between Mr. Reeves and I. "Pass me the keys, Eve; I'm sure I can find my way back to the Uni better than you. You're probably not used to Canada yet." She giggled and walked around the chairs to the door. I went into my pocket and threw my keys to her.

She caught it with little effort which made me blink. She waved at Mr. Reeves and walked around the corner.

I turned my head forward and looked back up at Mr. Reeves. "Do you need a ride to college or is your car fixed?"

He shook his head. "Saturdays are my days off. And my car won't be fixed, I'm getting a new one and it won't be ready for a few weeks. So I'll continue getting a ride with John."

There was a loud screech of a horn outside and I jumped. Mr. Reeves chuckled and I scowled jokingly before walking into the guest room to get my coat, scarf and hat.

I returned back to the spot I was in a moment ago in front of my lecturer. I didn't know what to do to repay him. Hugging him would be out of order! I've known him for a week and... come to think of it I knew nothing about him. He knows more about me than I do about him.

"Thanks again, Mr. Reeves... or Michael." I smiled.

I watched his eyes flicker to my cheeks and he chuckled. "You're welcome, dimples."

I grimaced. "Please don't call me dimples. I prefer stranger. I hate my dimples."

"I don't. Turn that frown upside down," He flicked my cheek and I narrowed my eyes. "Go on,"

I smiled sarcastically and he cheered. "There's that smile."

"I didn't realize how childish you could be," I said with a giggle. The horn sounded off again and I started taking steps back. "See you in class,"

I turned for the door and just about heard him say, "Bye Dimples."

I smiled to myself as I closed the door and walked across the gravel to my car. I slid into the passenger seat and looked up at a smirking Laura. "Looks like you have dibs on Mr. Reeves."

"Nothing will happen, Laura. He's a teacher---"

"And you're a student blah, blah, blah. You know how many times I've heard that saying? Man, is it annoying." She started the car and did a U-turn to go down the private road.

"Laura, do I want to know why you've heard that saying so many times?"

"Books of course!"

I chuckled and turned the volume to the radio up a little. "How's your wrist?"

He was humming to the song when she said, "My wrist?"

"Yeah, your bite."

"Oh you mean that scratch from last night? Its fine, it's in a bandage." She nodded her head to the beat and I sat up slightly.

"The bite."

"What bite? It's a scratch."

I narrowed my eyes. "Laura, you were bitten by an animal."

"No, I wasn't! It was only a scratch."

She stopped at a stop light and I reached for her arm.

What surprised me next was the amount of strength she put in to push me away. My shoulder hit the window and I flinched. Her usually happy face had darkened suddenly.

"Don't touch it." Her voice was threatening and had a new edge to it.

I blinked at her and stared ahead. That was... odd.

Oh wait, no that was friggin' out of the ordinary!

I watched her for the twenty minute drive back to the house on campus. She was fine after the little incident. She didn't snap at me again. It was like she didn't even do it in the first place.

Laura passed me my keys outside the house before skipping into the house. I followed slowly staring at how... weird she was.

What kind of pills did they give her?

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