Chapter 14 - Admire smart people

After William explained his story, they stayed quiet.

Rosaline commented after a lengthy silence, “You admire her.”

It was not a question, and they both knew it.

“Yes, she has both a high IQ and EQ. Even at 8, she understood me better than my family.”

William answered truthfully, with a hint of self-mockery. 

“I always knew my EQ was low. Supriya taught me how pitifully low it was. I took psychology classes after that incident. I guess I just admire smart people in general.”

He shrugged. 

“Unfortunately, her personality is quite terrible. But most importantly, she lacks a moral compass or a bottom line.”

“I doubt there’s anything she would not do to get what she wants. Combine her lack of morality with her natural intelligence, which she must have honed over the years; she becomes scary.”

William gave his emotionless analysis. 

“What do you think we should do?” Rosaline asked, looking at him intently.

“I was too busy to do anything about her when she fussed around Pete and others. And I kind of let her be because I think she is remarkable even if it’s in all the wrong ways.”

William fessed up, making Rosaline unconsciously smile. 

“But I guess it’s time to show her true face. Otherwise, it’ll always gnaw on my conscience.”

Rosaline eyed him with raised brow signaling that he had not answered her question yet. 

William had a rather selfish plan in mind, but knowing that he was dwelling, he bit the bullet and fessed up. 

“If you are up for it, how about we let her play for a while?”

“What exactly do you have in mind?” Rosaline’s curiosity peaked. 

“Well, since she wants to slander us, why don’t we give her some content.” 

Rosaline’s interest peaked. “Fine, but I can’t be the only one getting into trouble.”

“OH!”

“I know someone perfect for the job.”

“Really?” William teased with a faint smile which made Rosaline gulp. 

“What’s with the look?” Rosaline asked, noticing the change in his expression.

“What look? What are you thinking about?” 

“Never mind.” Knowing that he was trying to flirt, Rosaline shied away.

‘Damn, you are a chicken, aren’t you?’

William frowned.

‘What made her go back to her shell? Why would she want to hide?’

Suddenly, the fresh air became taut with tension. And awkwardness hung in the air like droplets on a leaf after a rain.

A loud rumble from Rosaline’s tummy broke the silence.

Rosaline nearly choked in the air with embarrassment as she saw William twitching his mouth, trying to hide his smile.

She glanced at William biting her lips and scratching her head. 

‘I want to bite those lips so hard.’ William gulped. 

Rosaline frowned, noticing the look in his eye.

‘What’s wrong with him? He was laughing at me half a second ago.’ 

She cleared her throat, trying to diffuse the tension which brought him back to his senses. 

“Let’s go grab something to eat.” William shook his thoughts away and asked.

“We should lay out some details of the game.” He quickly added, afraid she would reject him.

‘This is the second time you have seen her. What’s wrong with you?’ William was confused about his actions. 

Reluctant to go home, Rosaline agreed.