25

Ziyana

The ride to school after our talk felt shorter than ever. I couldn't stop thinking about all we discussed. My mind raced at the thought of having Stefano all night or rather, him having me all night. My cheeks heated up but I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. He has always been reserved amongst the three brothers. He seldom talks and even when he does, it is usually lined with deep thoughts and a part of me still believes that he doesn't like me, that he hates me. At least I know Vittorio for his jovial manners and Salvatore as the hasty and impatient one. However, for Stefano, I can't really say.

The driver dropped me off. I murmurer a bit of gratitude and smiled at him. He smiled back and wished me a fun-filled day but I doubt I'd have that with the forbidden thoughts on my mind.

Ben was standing at the front of the lecture room when I got inside the building. There were lots of students by the corridor, talking and gesticulating. The corridor was noisy which was quite unusual at that time of the day. I passed by a group of girls, ‘the barbies’ they call themselves. Always dressed fashionably and seen with the wealthy and influential boys at school. I didn't care about them though but I noticed that one of them, their leader called Greene, always gave me a look. The kind of one that says ‘ I hate your gut’ but I really didn't care about her.

“Country girl,’ I heard one of them, I looked at their side, trying to figure out which one of them talked but they instantly looked away, except for Greene though. She sneered at me, dauntlessly trying to intimidate me but I was unfazed.

Eliza run towards Ben just as I got to his sides.

“What's up with you and those girls? I could feel the tension right from here”

“I dunno. Maybe they woke up from the wrong side of the bed” I replied nonchalantly.

“That was more than that. Just be careful, I heard they are notorious and full of stunts. You don't want to catch their interest.” I shrugged it off without interest. I had no reason to be bothered by them at all. 

“Shouldn't a class be held right now?” I asked, looking around the hallway, still surprised about the noise.

“Well, it got cancelled. She called in sick. But that's not even the deal right now. Vittorio's class grades are out.”

“Did you see mine? I asked with hope. Even though I live under his roof, I'd be ashamed if I performed woefully in his course.

“That's the thing. Yours wasn't there. Those in that category have been asked to report to his office.” Eliza explained, making my heart pound. Could this be one of his taunts? Because l know for certain that I did a good job in the assignment. Not to brag but I had a solid foundation, it's rare for me to perform below standard. Could it be that he was taking revenge for sitting far from him throughout the week?

That would be shallow of him considering the fact that we've come to a truce this morning. A huge part of me wanted to leave it out and talk to him about it at home but I knew better. I don't want anyone finding out about our relationship; it'd be suspicious that I got whatever was happening sorted without even paying him a visit.

Plus, Eliza wouldn't stop pushing me towards the corridor that led to his office. I knew she was overly caring because she was hoping to get a glimpse of Vittorro's face. 

“I know you don't want to go but you know the consequence of this on your GPA right?” Ben pushed further.

Right, I thought, sadly.

 I can't have it pulled down by the likes of him. I noticed that it was almost time for lunch. Eliza’s stomach was rumbling like a storm and she held it blushing. 

“You guys go on. I'll just see him and come meet you. Save me a space.” They both nodded and turned around, Eliza dragging Ben towards the cafeteria. I sighed in worry as I about what had to be done.

‘Take a deep breath. You just have to walk in, ask him about the assignment and that'll be all.’ 

This is the school premises, I don't want anyone getting the wrong Idea. I looked back to see Greene still giving me the look.

What exactly did I do wrong? I guess some are just bullies for no reason. I took delicate steps towards the department of Psychology. It was the first time going there but I was able to find his office without any hitch.

“Vittorio Niccolo.” His name hangs above the entrance if this office 

‘Calm down. This isn't hard at all. You shouldn't even be this tense. He's your master right? Whatever happens, he's got you. After all, you are his sub.’ I said internally as a short prep to myself.

I wanted to knock on the door but I noticed that it was slightly opened. That piqued my interest, I pushed the door gently, the creaking sound adding to my anxiety. I closed the door behind me, the quiet room swallowing me in. I turned around, walking into his office.

Oh crap. 

The sight before me was unexpected. My jaw dropped, the anxiousness replaced by surprise and some sort of rage or should I say jealousy? I thought I could count on their words, his especially but I guess people in their line of work find it easy to lie and keep their promises. 

I cleared my throat harshly. folding my arms across my chest, unable to stop myself from frowning. The woman on his lap turned around in fright. But when she saw me, the fright became replaced with a nonchalant attitude. She stood up and straightened her hair which was now messy from the way Vittorio had held her head in place earlier. She is a pretty woman, with dirty blonde hair. The make up on her face was minimal but she had a red lipstick on and it gave her a ‘I’m a slut’ kind of look.’ The lanyard on her neck gave her out as a lecturer too. 

Shit! She walked past me and even gave me a smile, getting out of the office.

“My name wasn't on the list,” I said as soon as we were alone.

“I didn't see….”

“I submitted, maybe you mixed it up because of your blondie?” I asked. I didn't mean to sound bitchy but I just couldn't help it. I realised that I was hurt by what I saw, hence the reason for my harsh tone 

“Wait, is that jea…”

“No, it's not. You got it wrong. I submitted via email like you instructed. You might want to refresh your mail and search for it again.” I said. He raised a brow as he watched me fume with anger. 

“I guess I'll see you at home?”

I turned around and walked straight for the door. He kept calling my name but I ignored it. I can't risk him knowing that I hated seeing him with another woman. I walked out of the department with blurry eyes. I scrolled through my phone for the number of my driver. I had to leave, I couldn't stay with the way I was feeling.