Existing the hall, I let out breath of relief for class getting over, it was an okay class, not much interesting. Till first half I managed to hold my interest but after that it got boring enough for me to sleep. I have no idea how but I have to maintain my work so my grades won't get affected.

On my way back to my next class, I spot familiar figure of Dev standing by his locker, "Dev" I call him.

He turns his attention to me, smiling widely, "Ira, hi."

I approach him with a wave, "Hey, you know anything about about announcement of selected participants?"

It has been two days since we submitted our work to Mr. Vidal and we haven't got any clue for what will happen next. I'd like to think that my art was good enough to be selected, recalling Mr. Vidal's impressed expression but I don't want to get my hope only for it to crash down.

Dev frowns shaking his head, "I don't know but I heard others talking about it and from what they were saying it seems like Mr. Vidal is going to announce names on Monday."

So we have to wait till Monday before we get to know if we are having golden opportunity. I guess we could hand around if we are anticipating a positive outcome but it's still disappointing to wait.

"Er...that's good to hear, I guess." I shrug.

Scoffing he narrows his eyes at me, "Bullocks. You, just like me can't wait to know the damn thing. There is nothing good about this."

I laugh at straightforwardness, "Alright, you caught me. Anyway how is Mrs. Carl? Did she get the job she applied for?" I question, reckoning him mentioning this sometime before.

His eyes brighten up immediately, "Yup she did and we are going to celebrate at a nearby diner this weekend, you should come."

"B-but it's your family thing and I don't want to intrude."

"Oh Come on, you won't be intruding and my mom and sister really want to meet you. You could also meet Jasmine there, she is coming too."

"Wow! Is she already your girlfriend?" I ask grinning from ear to ear.

He blushes slightly, "Uh no. Actually I'm goanna ask her after that. I want to have my mom's approval first."

How many boys these day ask for their parents approval for anything after they turn legal age?

"I'll think about it." I tell him.

Closing his locker shut, he gives me a nod, "Let me know if you want to come, I'll give you the address."

"I will."

"See you tomorrow." Turning around he starts to rush back.

"Bye" I mutter to myself before continuing my walk for my class. I haven't taken more than ten steps when I hear someone call me from behind.

I whirl around and see Alice, the girl from yesterday of room opposite to mine, coming toward me and behind her is a guy with a frustrated look as he tries to catch up with her. I run my eyes on his persona and find them widen on their own account. If I thought Alice has lots of tattoos than this guys has ten fold more tattoos. The amount of tattoo hides every ounce of flesh from his fingers to his shoulders.

A nudge on my arm snap me away from my gaping at the intriguing painting of his biceps, blinking I look at a Alice. I notice her eyes light purple mix with grey, an odd colour. "Hi Alice."

"Hi yourself, where is that boyfriend of yours? I thought he wouldn't leave you alone for a second after last night's kiss." She smirks, wiggling her eyebrows.

Despite my wish I blush a her comment, "He is my boyfriend, not my keeper. We both have our life apart from each other." I inform her.

She shrugs as if not believing me before pointing at the guy beside her, "If you say so. This is Theodore, my best friend and Theo, this is Akira, she is the girl who tamed the King, you told me about."

I don't know if I should like her introduction or be offended at her but it surely is creative. My amusement and embarrassment wins over my judgement.

Theo's face turns into a scowl as he snaps at her, "Don't call me Theodore."

"Hi Theo, nice to meet you." I smile politely though I'm having hard time to avert my eyes from his tattoos as they keep coming back to it.

Regardless of his tattoos he is easily a good looking guy, the hot and sexy type. His short black hairs leaves some room for his neck tattoo and his forest green eyes hold mysteries in them that any other female, who are not already besotted with someone else, would surely want to discover them.

Just like you are besotted with Romero?

Without any doubt I am.

Theo just grunts in response, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tries to look at me from up to down subtly, probably analyzing me. I can't blame him to be cautious but it still is funny, considering he is much more scary and huge than me. It should be other way around, if not for the fact I sensed I positive emanation around them.

Alice slaps him on arms and whispers harshly, "Stop being rude. She is nice and my first girl friend." There is something hidden behind her words, something painful.

She said her first girl friend? Doesn't this girl have any other friends? She seems nice, a little blunt but still friendly.

I have this sudden feeling to ease her mind, "Don't worry Alice, he can't scare me away. I am big girl and I can handle myself."

She lets out snort, "Theo is like a big bear, a softy from inside and grumpy from out."

Theo tries to glare her but her sheepish smile makes it impossible to do so. It's obvious that he adores her but if it is brotherly way or totally opposite affection, I can't tell that.

Class bell rings reminding I still have one class left to attend. "I have class guys, I'll see you later, okay?"

Alice questions looking at her watch, "Which class?"

"Religion."

Her eyes lit up, "That's great. Theo has religion too. You both can go together, he can use some company other than me and his useless friends."

"Shut up muffin." Mumbling, Theo places a kiss on her forehead.

He then looks at me with a confused look before pointing a hand forward and grumbles, "Lets do as she says or I'll never hear end of it."

I wave at Alice, sharing a amused glance with her and speak, "Lead the way."

• • •

Not for the first time I look and pray for watch to move little fast but damn this time, wouldn't speed up. It's 4:45 and seems like time is stuck to it. I want it to turn up five pm so I can to leave the library. I'm not always in hurry to go but knowing Romero is picking me up to spend a whole night with him, I can't help but feel desperate to leave.

Since Mr. Jacob has already promised to close the library at five in evening for his new yoga classes that he has started recently I also get to leave early without any regret of leaving Mr. Jacob alone here to struggle.

Right now Mr. Jacob is locking his other locks and I'm helping with other things. I pick up pile of books from table and move across the room to set them back on their respective shelf. Halfway through my work the bell of front door chimes informing of someone's arrival. I peer back to find that someone is none other than Alex.

Quickly completing my task I approach front desk to find him engage in pleasantry with my employer. Noticing me, both of them turns toward me. Mr. Jacob is first one to break the silence.

"Here is the employ you were asking about, Alexander. Go outside and deal with whatever you came for. I will close it myself." Ordering us he turn back to his work.

"Hello Ms. Ray." Alex greets me, smiling.

"Hi Alex. Let me grab my bag then we can talk outside."

Seeing him nod I leap across the corner of room and catch hold of my purse before rushing back. We both get out of the library shutting it firmly behind me.

"Where were you? I tried to call you yesterday. Did you find anything about Eveline?" I question as soon we are out of Mr. Jacob's range if hearing.

"I was out of town and yes, I found few things about Eveline. I even sent you a text about this but you never replied. Didn't you find it?"

That damn text.

Of course.

The same text that became a wedge in my first ever date.

I totally forgot about it till now.

I slap my forehead in annoyance, "Crap, I'm so sorry. I forgot to read it. What was in it anyway?"

"I found out about Eveline and Mr. Jacob's original town. They are from a small town near Ohio. I think my grandfather has their exact address somewhere with him. We could know everything if we find that address. I'll try to get it out from him." He tells me.

He doesn't have any reason to do all this, but he is still doing it and I'm grateful for his help.

"And I could search and try to find something from Mr. Jacob's desk." I add.

He nods in affirmative, "Yeah do that and about the emergency you had on Monday. Is everything okay?" He asks with concern.

That emergency that has turned in so much more. I don't know from where to start.

I smile, "All is well."

He open his mouth to speak but stops as his eyes narrows on something behind me. I turn around to see Romero's car coming toward us. He pulls over just beside us and gets out.

His face blank and eyes holding certain fury in them that I can't understand.