C4 The Second Deskmate

Helen’s Pov

It is difficult to believe someone like Dylan actually has a heart to love.

Suppose he didn’t lie, the one he considered his soulmate must be a powerful person who can tame the beast with her beauty and wisdom.

“I am sorry.”

“It’s all right.” Dylan sighs and his face looks solemn, “I killed her myself.”

“WHAT?” My expression must be funny and Dylan bursts out laughing.

“That’s a joke. Why did you treat it so seriously?” he cocks his head and imitates my way of speaking.

So this was a trap. I should have known it. I should have followed my instinct and Dylan wouldn’t be able to mock at me right now.

“You are such a prat!”

“I didn’t call you that when you tell the JOKES.” Dylan squints his eyes and retorts.

“I can’t believe it! You made up a story about your soulmate’s death only to laugh at my sympathy. What’s wrong with you?” I am confused and furious.

How dare him use the word soulmate so casually? Soulmate should be a sacred word and it should be treated seriously.

“I apologize.” Dylan gives me a smile that is far from sincere, “Didn’t expect that you would be naïve enough to believe such stupid things. It is not my intention to break your heart in this way.”

He pauses for a while and grins, “I have much better plans.”

I shudder at his words and finally realizes that what I am dealing with is not a heart-broken teenager boy who needs console and sympathy. This guy is a sophisticated liar, a walking devil who is really good at manipulating others’ emotions.

“Or you can give me that cheap, outdated necklace and I will spare your life.” His tone becomes very sweet and genuine as if what we were merely negotiate some fair terms.

“And if I say no? Will you kill me?”

“I don’t appreciate violence, let alone murder.” Dylan snorts and drawls, “But l do enjoy taming the rebellious soul. ”

“What are you going to do?”

“Telling you will spoil the fun. You should wait patiently…and see how I will make you live in hell.”

“Try me.” I can no longer hold back my anger. I push him out of my way and go to the classroom down on the corridor. I glance from the corner of my eyes to check if Dylan follows me and feel relieved that he just stays where he was.

It is alright, Helen. He is just bluffing. You are very strong. He can’t hurt you. I keep telling myself and eventually calm down when I enter the classroom.

Shit. The classroom is full of students and most seats are occupied. AGAIN.

I don’t believe that the increasing population of the earth is a trouble until now. I stand on the doorway and carefully observe if there is any empty seat I can take. I spot one seat and rush to the desk without hesitation.

“Is this seat taken?” I quietly ask the guy who is playing his phone.

“No.” he replies without raising his head.

“May I sit here?”

“Yes.” he answers, still not taking his eyes off the phone.

“Ok.” I feel a little bit weird and sit down, trying to find something to say. I want to introduce myself and say hi but suddenly realize that I shouldn’t disturb him.

The bell rings and a bold man enters the class, greeting us with high-pitch voice. After introducing himself as our science teacher, he starts to take small jars and bottles from his pocket.

“He looks like a magician.” I mutter to myself and didn’t expect that the bookworm would join the discussion.

“He sounds like a balloon.” He says in a flat tone.

I swiftly muffle my mouth to deaden the laughter. He made a very vivid comparison but it is impolite and I’d better not be amused by this.

“That’s rude.”

“I just point out the truth.” He sends me a strange look.

“You sound like an emotionless artificial intelligence.” I add, “like Siri.”

“I don’t think so.” He shakes his head and clarify his point, “I have emotions. I just don’t have a habit to show it.”

“I see. You are an introverted person.”

“I am trained to be introverted.” He furrows, “This trait helps a lot when we are threatened. I am responsible for giving advice in dangerous situation, if that’s what you want to know.”

That’s definitely what I want to know. And what he has said is far away from enough. It seems that my assumption is right. The students in this school are not as simple as they appear to be. Some of them have been trained in a certain way. Perhaps this guy knows some secrets I don’t know.

Knowledge is power and I want that power.

“Can you tell me more? ” I open my schoolbag and show my precious to him,” I will give you these.”

“The cookies?” he leans closer and licks his lower lip.

“And biscuits, chocolates, gummy bear… You can keep all of them if you are willing to trade some information.” I say in a seductive voice.

“You look like a magician.” His face light up but as he hears my terms, he restores calm and denies my appeal, “thanks for the offer but I am not in a position to decide whether you are allowed to know this or not.”

“So there is a ‘THIS’.” I decipher what he has said and draw the conclusion.

He pales at my words and I know what I’ve deducted is on the right track.

“Then at least tell me who has the power to decide, please.” I beg him as I hand a bag of chips to him.

“This is bribe.” he murmurs.

“No. This is a gift. A great start of friendship. A glorious milestone.”

“You are brainwashing me.” Despite that he uses a horrifying word, he gives me a tender smile and clears his throat, “I want the cheese one.”

I immediately stuff another bag of chips into his hand to exchange the information. And what I get is an answer I don’t like at all.

“Dylan Darcy is our leader. You may talk to him if you want to know more.”