Chapter 6 6. Trouble student

Gareth's POV

I was in my office looking for 'Men without women' by Haruki Murakami, the book which mother recommend to me a long time ago. I know very well that she was not trying to mock me about my broken marriage by recommending this book. In fact, she wants me to get married again, but for me, it's not as easy as it may appear.

Three years of devotion and treating her like the goddess of my temple, she didn't even care to notice the range of my love for her. Our marriage was planned like a business deal between my father's friend and his company. The careless attempts to make two people close surely didn't work in our case. While I wholeheartedly abided my mother's request, her virtue of freedom seemed to be bounded by my presence.

My mother still blames herself for the scar she left on my mind, because to her I was simply showing my love for my mother as I allowed another woman to rule over my heart's territory. I promised to give her everything she desired while that little silly friend in her chest still longed for a different partner. I don't even blame her for leaving, because at the end of the day, I was just fulfilling my mother's aspiration.

Well, I was never a fan of reading but I used to read the books my mother recommended. Though I understand what reading embarks in me, I appreciate her attempt to provide me a better habit. But still I didn't take reading as an option but as a responsibility, until my fondness grew. Being the eldest son, I've always been obedient to all my parents' wishes and orders.

My younger brother, however, was a free bird, my exact opposite. Other than our greyish eyes, nothing is similar. It's a true that 'parents focus on the first child so much that they don't have anything left for their younger one.' So, they just set the younger rascals free. Not by choice though. Just like my brother, Trevor. He's been much freer and apparently more careless than me. Though he's my opposite but because he's my brother I have to love him. Even if I don't want to.

I was not in a mood to do anymore paperwork so, reading a book seemed the best option. After looking for the book in my office I came on a conclusion that I might have left it in the library. So, I stood up and decided to go on a searching spree for it as I looked at the clock before going out; because it was almost a quarter past six, in the evening, the library would be locked.

Taking the spare keys from the little key cupboard, I went away. Having the privilege of being given a spare key to almost every room in the school, just in case I need to use them, I can basically go anywhere I want, which I usually do after the last dorm check is conducted, so as to avoid unnecessary questions from teachers.

Yes, because, I had just joined, all the teachers never leave me alone, assuming I might need help with the new things, taking into consideration my sudden shift from being the chief executive officer of a multinational company to the principal of a school. Although my work load has doubled, I have been able to manage it fairly well.

Being the principal, I have to shifted in the school premises. My mom, when she was the principal here, also used to stay here taking care of the students. When she fell ill, she gave me the responsibility of taking over as the principal, because she thought that I was the best candidate for the job. I felt good as it gave me a hint of the inbuilt trust my mom had on me but I was also nervous taking up a job, I have absolutely nil experience in.

And I've promised, not to let her down.

I made my way to the library, seeing the night setting in and simultaneously dominating the daylight. Weather was cold and a chilly breeze brushed my skin giving me light shivers, even though I was wearing my beige high neck solid sweater with a pair of cream casual trousers. Fiddling with the keys in my hand I walked down the garden stairs which lead to the library corridor.

The location of the school was just splendidly amazing; it always left me awe. Located a little away from the main city, making it a little difficult to coordinate at times (though many stores have been opened seeing the place is a central city school campus), but that's what enhances its beauty. The old architecture and the ventilation system makes this place a jewel in a crown.

I had visited the school once or maybe twice before, mainly on special occasion. That's where I learnt about some of the rules of the school and I was greatly impressed by the functioning. I just hoped to run the school in the same way till my mother would come back.

While I was moving slowly, acknowledging the view of the stunning ambience, I suddenly heard a fainted voice, making me alert.

Who was it?

I tried to search for the place where the voice was coming from and it made me go closer to the library. Taking longer steps, I moved faster towards the library, hoping that everything was fine. As I reached closer, I heard the voice a bit clear. It was, most definitely, coming from inside the library. Hastily pacing to the entrance, only to find someone from inside; shouting and banging the door.

"HELP! IS ANYONE THERE?" The voices shouted. It was a girl and I could clearly sense the fear, right at the very first words I heard.

"Who is it?" I asked worried; simultaneously searching for the keys in my pocket.

"Sir, p-please open the lock. I-I'm Briar!" She said, her voice almost shaking

I quickly unlocked the door and before I could even see her face, she jumped on me hugging me very tightly. Everything happened in a blink of an eye, I couldn't register what had happened in the fraction of about five seconds. With her legs wrapped around my torso and her head was buried in my neck.

I was shocked. So thunderstruck enough to understand my brain's inability to function. But when I sensed her crying, I quickly raised my hand and rubbed her back trying to soothe her. She continued sobbing with her grip on my body tight enough without me actually supporting her physically to remain in that position. But still, I wrapped my hand around her back, caressing her hair with my other one.

"It's okay. You're safe now." I said to her, but she sobbed as I continued rubbing her back and hair.

Glancing at the library I noticed how all the lights were turned off, making it pitch black after the radius of a few feet. Of course, she must've been scared, keeping in mind the library is intimidatingly behemothic. I kept on rubbing her hair and back.

I realised that her hair were extremely silky. She had the kind of hair anyone would love to play all day long. I liked how they had the fragrance of fresh citrus leaf and water lily. Specific? I know. She used to use the similar fragrant shampoo. A part of my chest ached, but the girl distracted me, as she realised on whom she was practising her monkey jump. She jumped down removing her hands from my shoulders abruptly, on which she was clasping hard a few seconds ago. When she stood in front of me, I saw her face clearly for the first time and within a second I recognised the person.

It was my trouble student, Briar Carrington.

Yes, I gave her that name because I always encountered her in situations where she's on the verge of getting into trouble or is already in one. Whenever I look at her an unknow smile comes on my face. Same happened even then, I simply couldn't resist laughing. I tried it very hard but it was of no use. Her head was down and she tucked her hair behind her ear simultaneously playing with her fingers and licking her lips.

Her actions gave me a hint she was embarrassed by the sudden stunt she played. Although, I had no right to blame her because she was scared and performing something like that is a reflex action, which is humanly understandable. But I couldn't control and let out a chuckle. Something interesting always goes on around her. I wanted to know the adventurous story behind this incident so I folded my arms and straighten up a bit.

"Do you have a disease of getting trapped everywhere?" I asked her in a teasing manner, trying to distract her mind, easing her off.

She looked up and furrowed her eyebrows. "Excuse me, sir?" she said, in a soft voice, mixed with emotions of getting offended.

"I mean, the first time, I caught you in my office, then I saved you when you got trapped in your dorm and today you were locked in the library. Seems like you love getting in trouble." I said with a little smile on my face. She looked away getting irritated. I noticed on our very first meeting that my teasing smile irritates her, but I can't help being evil as I love to see her reaction.

"No sir, it's not what you think. I was in the library looking for a book and I wanted to read one because I love reading but after I got my book I came out and saw no one I got really scared because I don't like being alone in huge places and too this library seemed really scary! I told my friend to wait for me but I don't know where she went but luckily once again you came and saved me." she said her entire speech in one breath. She was rambling. Maybe she does it when she's nervous. The entire time her head was down and she just kept on saying everything that came in her mouth.

I couldn't resist but laugh at her cuteness. She's really very adorable, in addition to her small stature, which made her look even cuter, I seem to enjoy our coincidental encounters.

"Well, I think you should return to the dorm. It's almost, uh, six-thirty." I said, looking at my watch.

"Yes, sir." She said and started walking away.

I noticed her as she walked a few steps slowly, as if she was reluctant to move. I tilted my head trying to figure her peculiar movement. She suddenly turned around staring deeply into my eyes, with hers shining like marble even in the minimalist garden lamp light.

"You want something, Briar?" I asked curiously, in a soft voice.

"Umm. Sir, can you-" She said and I eagerly waited for her sentence to complete. But she shook her head saying, "Leave! It's nothing. Good evening, sir." And turned away walking faster.

I just looked at her going away and didn't stop her though I was curious to know what she wanted to say. But seeing that she was embarrassed enough in front of me, I didn't stop her from going away. I pushed my thoughts away and entered the library to get my book. I went in and stumbled on a book, picking it up; I read the name, The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves.

"It must be Briar's." I said to myself. I picked it up and took it away me, thinking I would give it when I would meet her next time we meet.

I hoped to meet her soon.