CHAPTER TWENTY - FIVE

NICK WALKER ©

“Tell me you were not about to ask him what he said to me that day,” I asked Avery as we walked into the IT building.

“No,” she whispered. “I just wanted to know where he’s from. If he speaks that language again, it might help you figure out whatever he's going to say.“

We both looked back at him for a second while walking.

“He reads people too well,” I said quietly. “And he gets suspicious fast. I’d rather not ask.”

Avery slowed down until she matched Enzo’s pace.

“Why didn’t you call IT to come get the computer?” she asked him.

“I couldn’t reach them,” he simply said, without looking at her.

When we got to the office, it was empty.

That was strange. Someone was always there.

“Huh? There's no one here?” Avery asked as she peeked into one of the rooms.

Enzo sets the computer down and adjusts his glasses.

That's exactly why Enzo couldn't reach the office line.

A janitor came down the stairs with cleaning tools. Enzo stopped him for a quick chat. A few seconds later, he came back with a sigh.

“What happened?” Avery asked.

“They’re off today,” he said while checking his phone. “Looks like I missed the staff notice.”

“Everyone?” I muttered, looking at the computer.

“What’s wrong with the computer?” I asked and he looked at me.

“I… I might be able to fix it,” I added and Avery nodded quickly beside me.

“Well, it could be a minor technical issue,” Avery said as she rested an arm over my shoulder. “He could probably help fix it.”

She glanced at Enzo, then quickly looked at me.

“Nick is a computer engineering student,” she added with a nervous smile. “And a smart one too, right Nick?”

Enzo kept his eyes on me for a moment.

“It started with software glitches,” he said. “Then it wouldn't turn on.“

I nodded and bent closer to check the computer.

“Was it overheating?” I asked.

“Yes,” he replied.

“Well… can you move it into one of the rooms?” I asked.

He gave a short nod. He placed his phone on the table, then picked up the computer and carried it inside.

A second later, his phone lit up.

Alina:

I couldn’t find you at the office. Where are you?

Another message popped up before I could stop myself from looking.

Alina:

I have something for you. You…

I did not get to finish reading it when Enzo’s hand suddenly reached for the phone. He picked it up and glanced at me.

I quickly looked away and turned my attention back to the computer like I had been focused on it.

Who was Alina?

Professor Douglas?

“Focus, Nick,” I muttered under my breath.

I plugged in the computer and pressed the power button, waiting for the computers to turn on.

But nothing happened.

I unplugged a few cables and tried again. This time, the screen flickered on, but only a black screen showed.

I frowned and opened the back panel.

“Ah… this was the issue,” I said quietly.

I removed and carefully reseat the RAM, making sure it sat properly. Then I rebooted the computer.

A second later, the screen came on.

“Wow, Nick, you’re really good at this. Right, Professor?” Avery asked while Enzo stayed quiet.

“One of the memory sticks was loose,” I explained and paused. “Well… that stopped the system from loading.”

He gave a small nod.

I checked the time and suddenly remembered we had class in ten minutes.

“Why don’t I come by your office later and check the software glitches?” I said. “We’ve got class at ten.”

“Oh!” Avery said as she quickly checked the time on her phone. “That’s true. I completely forgot.”

“I can’t believe time went by that fast.” she added.

“Okay then. I’ll be expecting you,” he said.

Just then, his phone rang. He answered and stepped a little away from us.

“I had an issue with the office computer,” he said and paused.

“Yeah, I just found out.”

Another pause.

“You’ll see me soon. Yeah.”

He ended the call, came back, and picked up the computer.

Avery and I exchanged a look as we watched him walk away.

Perhaps he was talking to 'Alina'.

Not like I cared.

“Nick? Did you hear what I said?” Avery asked.

I blinked and turned to her.

“Huh? What did you say?” I asked.

She let out a small sigh. “Nothing. Come on, let’s get to class,” she said and started walking.

We made our way back to the lecture hall for the next class.

“Attendance first,” the lecturer said before the class began.

Two hours later, class finally ended but something felt off.

Avery had been unusually quiet the whole time during the lecture. No teasing. No random comments. Nothing came from her.

As we stepped out of the hall, I glanced at her.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“Of course,” she said and I paused for a second before giving a small nod.

I decided not to push her to say more. She would come around when she was ready.

“Let’s go fix Enzo’s computer,” I said and she turned to me.

“Uh… why don’t I wait for you here instead?” she said. “I’ll just wait at the cafeteria.”

I frowned.

That was unlike Avery. She was always wanting to see Enzo.

“Why?” I asked and she let out a tired sigh.

“I’m tired,” she said. “I’ll just rest at the cafeteria while you fix his computer.”

She patted my shoulder and walked away.

I stood there for a moment, watching her leave before heading for Enzo’s office.

The moment I stopped in front of the door, a hundred thoughts rushed through my head.

What if he did something weird again?

What if he spanks me?

God. I really wished Avery had come with me.

After standing there for a few seconds, I let out a slow breath and knocked twice before slowly pushing the door open.

The second I stepped inside, my mouth fell open at the scene in front of me.

Enzo and Professor Douglas share a kiss, more like a passionate kiss, on his desk. Enzo's hand wrapped the nape of her neck as he drew her nearer. Professor Douglas had her hands clasped around his waist.

As soon as they noticed me, they gently parted, but Enzo's hand remained wrapped on the nape of her neck.

“Uh… I’ll… I’ll return.” I stammered.

Without waiting for a reply, I turned toward the door, avoiding eye contact as I hurried out of the office.

I took a deep breath and bit lightly on my bottom lip.

What the hell's going on with me?

I swallowed hard and shook the thought away.

Without wasting another second, I turned and walked fast toward the cafeteria to find Avery.