i

at?" I ch

his leather chair, and waited for my ans

is was incredibly awkward for me. I am hired to watch a c

than intended, my hands sque

eaction. On the contrary, he leaned forwa

ut distractions... I mean it. D

e turning away to the stack of documents on his

*****

ore suffocating presence of my family. I waited until the clinking of

I announced as we ate

ithout looking up from twirling her fork around the spaghetti noodles. He

looking at me skeptically

ter," I sa

om Samantha. She nearly choked on her water, gaspi

r job, that would have been better." She turned to her mum. "Mum, do you know how muc

unt asked me again,

ut w

y for t

ay I was getting. I intended to keep it hidden for now; if they knew how much I was

g is that I get to support w

errupted with a glare that could h

nt of mine... pays a bit more than average," I tried to c

time. A smug, oily smile was plastered on his lips. I didn't think he would speak, as he is so

ked, his smug face bigger, his eyes raking

ped, blood drain

ard on the table, which made me flinch and the si

rst time she has allowed her son, my cousin, to speak to me so rudel

could they think

flat, not even caring for the implication o

walked out of there, slamming my basement door sh

****

basement felt less like a cage and more like a launching pad as I got ready. Whenever I t

ar the lingering bitterness of the weekend. I smile in ex

plopped down beside me, giving m

said, the words bursting out

de hug. "We should definitely celebrate this. How about a small drink at that bar I told you about last we

ould love to do

her phone and gave me a

tter now... so I ca

S

it, Rox. I'm n

t. I mean, it's not like

t can't, at least for now.

dable, then she waved her hand a little as if dismi

tch. I hurriedly packed my stuff inside my bag and practically r

atch my breath. Just as I settle in, a strange but familiar scent hits my nose. I looked up

sor St

king every bit the academic authority and nothing like

completely forgot he was now

ng turn of events," I hea

was staring straight at Professor Sterling, her eyes wi

her face and for once she looke

ving the Professor, "if he knows he just hired