Chapter 2: Professor Dewsbury

“Sorry Professor,” Kylie hastily apologized whiles scanning the room for Davies. She could lways count on him for a place in the lecture hall; for her friend knew her well enough. In fact he knew her so well that he always saved a seat for her.

“How many times have I told you to keep your alarm on at all times,” Professor Dewsbury sighed. Kylie was an exceptional student. She was so good that Professor Kylie knew that if it wasn’t for the purpose of class credits, she wouldn’t bother coming to class. And that was why she had a soft spot for Kylie. For which teacher didn’t adore a student that made life easier for them? Professor Dewsbury only wished that Kylie would pay more attention to her time management. She didn’t know how the girl got the time to study with the number of fantasy and science fiction books she read each day, but it was becoming an issue. Since he wry first day they met, Kylie was always late to class.

“27 times Professor,” Kylie chocolate cheeks developed a faint pink hue as the snickering of the class reached her eyes. She could see several of her mates enjoying her plight. As someone who wasn’t good with large crowds, this wasn’t the best environment to find herself in. But no one had asked her to come late.

“You have an exceptional brain child. Use it for everything – including timing yourself.”

Professor Dewsbury pushed her silver rimmed glasses closer to her eyes and said. The young lady could even remember the number of times she had been advised concerning this very issue, highlighting just how good her memory was. If only she decided to keep it in mind, there was no way she would ever be late to anything.

“Davies is sitting in the second row, eighth column,” Professor Dewsbury added before turning to return to the display screen. She lifted her laser pointer to highlight what she was explaining before Kylie’s interruption and continued with her lecture.

“Thank you Professor,” Kylie relayed her appreciation to the elderly woman before quickly rushing to her seat. She could spot Davies exactly where Professor Dewsbury said he was. This older woman had keen observation skills that Kylie wished that she had. Kylie quickly reached her seat and was greeted by Davies’ bright smile.

Davies had a face so smooth that any woman would be jealous. His hair was thick and curly, and those black locks glistened within the dim lighting like a well-oiled medallion. His skin was flawless, and his long eyelashes formed a beautiful canopy over his emerald green eyes. He had a chiseled chin that was free of any hair. He had an immature looking face and was more beautiful than he was handsome. His narrow shoulders spoke volumes of his physical abilities. for though Davies was an intelligent man, his physique was nothing to brag about. As usual Kylie’s friend had indeed saved her a seat. She speedily sat down before reaching into her backpack to retrieve her notebook and a large Biology Textbook.

“Finished reading the book?” Davies whispered once Kylie was seated.

“Yeah. It was a fascinating read.” Kylie replied with stars shinning in her eyes. When Davies saw her expression he knew just what she was going to ask.

“I want the other volumes,” Kylie’s maroon orbs stared into Davies’ emeralds as she made the request Davies knew that she would make.

“I don’t have them. I only had the first volume.” Davies shook his head with a bitter smile on his face.

“Where can I get the other volumes then? I don’t mind buying them if I have to.” Kylie gritted her teeth and said. She wasn’t from the wealthiest family, but her family was well to do. Affording several books wasn’t a problem, no matter how expensive these books where.

“That’s the problem. Only one copy of each book was made. And apart from the 1st and 3rd volumes, the others have been missing for years now.” Davies whispered with great suspense.

“How is that possible?” Kylie asked with great surprise. She had heard of several rare books having a few copies. But how could a book have only one copy per volume?

“It is indeed true,” Davies had a glitter in his eyes as he spoke. He was clearly fascinated by this book.

“My family has had this book since the 16th century. It was gifted to my ancestor by a mysterious stranger who received the hospitality of my ancestor and sought to repay him. Apparently all five volumes were released at the same time. And all five were given to different individuals. Over time information surrounding three – the 2nd, 4th and 5th volumes – was lost. With the exception of the 1st volume and the 3rd volume which belongs to some wealthy family in Spain, the others are missing.”

Kylie couldn’t wrap her head around what she was hearing. This all sounded like a plot in a book or a low budget film; yet the curious nature of her mind couldn’t help but propel her detective side to look into this. However, the thought was squashed as quickly as it appeared. This was the real world; not some movie. She wasn’t going to go on a wild goose chase. At least she wouldn't go on such an adventure unless she had adequate information that Davies words contained an iota of truth. She didn't realise how crazy she was to consider this in the first place.

“Intrigued?” Davies had a devilish smirk on his beautiful face when he saw that Kylie was drawn by his story. However before Kylie could say anything, a deep voice that both of them were used to, called for their attention.

“There you go again, feeding each other lies. How people as brilliant as you two keep chasing after unrealistic situations is beyond me; especially you, Teacher’s Pet.”