Lars
Today felt different. There was nothing special about today. Just another gloomy day of a sombre season. Yet, there was some energy in this day which made me restless.
As soon as I got in my car I recieved a call from my secretary .
" Yes Ms.Whitaker ?" I asked as soon as I picked up the call. I don't like wasting time exchanging pleasantries.
" Mr. Malcalester, I just called to remind you of your commitment to the Allwood University. You promised the Dean that you'd give a guidance lecture to the students regarding big data analysis. It's scheduled at 9:00 am, " she said in her usual confident tone.
Ms. Whittaker has been my secretary since I started this company. She's in her 50s but still works with the effeciency of a 20 year old . One of the many things that I like about her.
" Why wasn't I informed about this last night ? You know I hate changing plans at the last moment. " I never like being unaware of things .
" Sir, I did update your schedule last night but it was very late. I suppose you must've been asleep. And you don't have the habit of checking your devices early in the morning so...."
" Alright enough. I got it. I'll be there. Just send me the pointers and topics that need to be covered in the seminar along with the basic details like when and where. And reschedule my next meeting for tomorrow. " I didn't want to be in hurry to reach the office immediately after talking to a bunch of teenagers who undoubtedly are going to be a pain in the ass.
" Sure sir. Also , Mr. Fernsby called the office, since you didn't pick up his call, to let you know that he'll be there too for the lecture. He didn't want to and I quote ' miss seeing Lars being a stuck up teacher ' . So...yes he'll be there too, " I could literally imagine her grinning.
" Okay Ms. Whittaker. If there's nothing else , I request you to get back to your work and let me get back to mine, " I hung up the call after saying that.
I sighed . I knew there was no abjuring this .
So I drove myself to Allwood University.
I parked my car along the curb and went inside the university. As soon as I entered , I was greeted by one of my two best friends, Preston Fernsby.
Preston and I have been friends since our university days. At first I thought he was just another stuck up kid who had the privilege of a rich father but after a few fights, football matches and drinks, I realized he wasn't so bad.
" Heyyyy man. I've been waiting for you since 15 minutes ! Do you know how long that is ? 300 seconds ! You wasted 300 seconds of my precious life dude, " he complained.
I gave him a flat look, " Did I ask you to come here Preston ? You were the one who wanted to see me being a stuck up teacher. "
Preston grinned, " Ohh, so she told you huh ? Come on ! Wouldn't you be excited to see your best friend making an ass out of himself ?" He looked at me with such hopeful expression that I almost said yes. Almost.
" No Preston. I wouldn't. " I deadpanned. Okay maybe that wasn't true , but I wasn't going to let him know that .
" Uh-huh sure you wouldn't. Let's go in now. We don't want to be late now , do we ? Otherwise it'll be another scandal . 'Lars Malcalester ,the perfectionist, is late for a seminar !' ," he gasped for extra effect. Preston was bad at being sarcastic.
" Alright, enough drama. Let's go. I want to get over with this," I had no interest in lounging around here. Especially when it wasn't going to profit me in any way.
Ms. Whittaker had messaged me the details. It mentioned that the seminar was going to be conducted in the general hall of the university.
The general hall was an all-purpose auditorium. There were several people in the hall. One of them was scowling a lot and kept scolding and ordering everyone to do their work quickly. So I presumed he was the supervisor.
I walked over to him, " Excuse me. I am- "
" Oh my God ! Mr. Malcalester. You weren't supposed to be here until 9. And we were supposed to welcome you at the gate. And then the Dean was supposed to introduce you to everybody....," The poor guy was hyperventilating so much that I almost felt bad for him. Almost.
I cut him off quickly before he could rant some more, " Can we please stop talking about the 'supposed to's ? And I'm already here now . So if possible could you please let your Dean know I'm here ?"
" Yes sir. Ofcourse sir. I'll let him know right away. In the mean time would you like anything to drink sir ? Tea , coffee , cold drink...," he was back in the rant mode. I could see Preston from the corner of my eye trying very hard to not laugh. He knew I hated it when someone talked too much for no reason.
" No mister. Thank you so much but please just do as much as your told," I said as coldly as I could.
He recoiled seeing my anger and rushed out swiftly. As soon as he was out of the audible range, Preston guffawed.
" Damn bro. I knew you affected woman but I had no idea you had such effect on men too. "
I rolled my eyes, " Whatever. You tell me. How was your date last night ?"
Preston smirked, " You know me. No girl is immune to my charm. She didn't even let me complete my dinner before jumping my bones . Man...that was some fine piece of ass, " he eyes got dreamy like he was imagining everything.
Preston was a hardcore playboy. His blonde shaggy hair and blue eyes with a killer smile were enough to make any girl fall for him.
" Okay, that's enough information for me. " I stopped him before he could go into details.
" Lars my boy ! " I heard Arthur call me. Arthur Coleman was the Dean of Allwood University and my teacher.
He was the one who took me under his shed all those years back when I was runaway and had an uncontrollable rebel streak in me. I owe everything that I am today to him.
" Hello Arthur. You haven't changed at all," I smiled at him. Even at 61 , Arthur still managed to be most energetic person in the room.
" I missed you my boy. You're looking well, " Arthur was the father I never had.
" So , are you ready ? The students would be here in 5 minutes. I hope you're prepared, " he smiled his secret smile that he did everytime he tested me.
I was confused. What kind of test could he conduct now ? I was tempted to ask but decided to let it go.
" Yes ofcourse. Let's get started," I already felt something was different about today, but now the feeling was intensifying.