On the way back home, the drive was quiet. Alex Bayly barely said a word, and neither did Azrael try to break the eerie silence.
~huuuuuuu~
Only the smooth sound of the engine could be heard as it sped through the rain. Although Alex didn't say anything, she couldn't help but wonder if Azrael brought other belongings, because all he had with him was a backpack and nothing more.
Although the bag seems to be filled and almost busting at the seams, it still doesn't seem to be able to contain as many clothes or things as a traveling box would.
~Vooooonnnn~ A while later the red Honda was slowly brought into a garage and parked.
At the same time, both Alex Bayly and Azrael Herrington got down. Alex took her bag from the car and got out of the garage.
The downpour was still heavy as she ran up to her front door with her clothes soaked. "This stupid rain..." She cursed under her breath as she reached for her keys and opened the door.
She entered and Azrael followed closely after, then the door was locked behind them.
"This is my home, the second room to the left is yours, you can take a warm bath using the bathroom next to it," Alex spoke dryly before turning to the right as she moved past the large sitting room.
Azrael observed his teacher's house and was surprised. 'She doesn't show off at all, but for her to own this kind of home, she must be rich,' he thought.
The sitting room had an enclosed pattern of arranged upholstered sofa with special designs engraved on it. It scented like strawberries.
There was a large flat-screen TV by the opposite wall of the parlor that was staring right back at him. It was so clean, that it seemed like it was recently bought.
There was a stereo set next to it and a D.S.T.V. decoder. He moved gently by the side of the sofa instead of going through the rugged parlor.
He saw pictures hung on the wall, they were all pictures of facts and figures. There was not a single picture of Alex Bayly.
It was either that of a quote or a famous mathematician giving a speech and other science-related photographs. "Such a workaholic" Azrael muttered as he went to the left side of the house.
There was a row of rooms that greeted his gaze as he approached the left side of the house.
He went to the second room on the row and opened the door.
What met his gaze stunned him the more. It was like entering a hotel. Some hotels don't even have the details that have been painstakingly used in beautifying this room.
Everywhere was sparkling neat, from the bed to the chair and table set by the side, to the wardrobe at the back. 'When did she have the time to do all these cleanings and decorating?' Azrael was puzzled as he found this teacher more fascinating.
Her home smelled like fresh lavender and strawberries. it was very nice. There were flowers in flower pots placed in strategic places.
The entire home gave off a homey vibe that made one comfortable by just being in it.
Azrael was enjoying the view when a knock came suddenly from outside the room, followed by the mirthless voice of Alex Bayly.
"Do you want some tea?" She asked as she stood outside the room.
"I would have to trouble you, Miss Alex.." Azrael replied.
"There is a plate of cookies on the table, and a flask of hot water, a glass of milk, a jar of sugar, and a cup of coffee, you could mix it however you like. I will be going to have my bath now..." She turned and walked away after speaking.
She then started to pinch herself, 'why would I tell him that I'm going to have my bath? that's none of his business...' She was scolding herself as she went towards a bathroom on the right.
Azrael was also as confused. He simply shrugged and went to change into a boxer shot and a singlet.
He took the towel by the side and entered the bathroom to take his bath.
The warm shower filled his body with such comfort. The cold from the rain outside melted away as he fell so relieved.
'Miss Alex is such a nice person. I know I'm new in this school, but these guys are just jealous gossipers who have nothing better to do' He thought as he pictured all the help that Alex Bayly had rendered to him on that same day of his arrival.
After his shower, he cleaned his body and hair and changed into the pyjamas that he picked from his bag before going out to the dining table which was opposite the parlor.
As he got closer, the smell of cookies hit his nostrils ~gruuuuuruuuuuu~ His stomach rumbled in protest.
He went towards the table and sat down in front of a plate of cookies. As if on cue, Alex Bayly also came out to join him.
She had her own plate of cookies in front of her. She started to mix her tea as did Azrael.
"Where did you come from?" Alex Bayly asked Azrael who suddenly got uncomfortable.
"Geronia High School..." Azrael responded as he put a cookie in his mouth.
"In Tiowa? Why would you leave such a lucrative school? it's one of the biggest schools in the entire country?" Alex Bayly was suddenly confused.
Geronia High school ranks as the 10th best school in the continent and the best school in the entire country.
Only extremely rich folks can afford it. The idea behind him leaving such a lucrative school for a barely average school like the one he is in right now confused her greatly.
"I was expelled..." Azrael Herrington responded truthfully.
Alex Bayly almost choked on her cookie. She coughed a couple of times as she tried to regain her normal breathing.
She didn't ask any further questions as she dug in and ate. The meal continued silently with no one saying anything.