I'll be the first to admit that Mason's stubbornness and desire to push me as far away as possible has left a bitter, if not acrid taste in my mouth. I desperately longed to just lie down and wallow in my own misery, but I chose a different path for my sake. Perhaps I was being selfish or my puny sense of self-preservation has finally decided to have a growth spurt. Regardless of which one of those was, I needed to remain out of it.
Classes continued in the same boring manner, during which I dealt with Titian's uncouth comments, the giggles and the whispers which I decided not to feed into, because that would feed the rumour mill even more so.
People are allowed to believe what they want and whatever they like, it doesn't necessarily mean it is the truth.
Truth isn't absolute, it is a multifaceted version of our view of the world, day to day.
" Are you even paying attention," I nearly jump out of my skin at Riley's voice, and I finally notice she is peering over my shoulder at my scribbles on the paper?
" No. I already know all of this," I reply honestly and Riley nods at me, not entirely convinced. She furrows her brows, pulls one of the notebooks in front of her, and continues scribbling notes from what Professor Lyndhurst is yammering on. Statistics is his specialty and we are currently studying one of his many books. He is a proud published author of a total of thirty-five books on economics, and business negotiations, among many other titles, most of which I have already read. It is not my thirst for knowledge that has pushed me to achieve such a feat, it is my desperate need for distraction. Admittedly it is a different kind of torture but it is a distraction nonetheless.
" Do you want to hang out tonight? You can invite Laira if you like," If I'd like? Laira wouldn't let me live it down if I had even the remotest intention of having fun, without including her, because she is the logical one between us. I count on her to knock some sense into me when the crazy takes over.
" Laira and I are hanging out tonight in her room, but you're welcome to join us, if you'd like," A smirk tugs at my lips at the awkward look on Riley's face but she nods eventually and rubs her forehead feeling slightly out of place.
I'm not entirely happy to have someone else added to the group but Riley seems to be shunned by everyone else, so I don't want to be one of the many who give her the boot.
Titian looks over his shoulder pulling faces at me, pretending to be a zombie and I give him the middle finger for the millionth time since we laid eyes on each other.
As if on cue the girls next to him giggle, and snuggle closer to him while Professor Lyndhurst continues to teach class as if everyone is behaving saintly. Truth be told, no one pays attention in his class even though it is the most complicated one, out of all of the classes I'm taking.
There is a lot of math involved, but at least I'm good with numbers whilst none of the ones present seem proficient in that field.
Every week our knowledge is tested on what we have learned so far, those lagging are shown the door very unceremoniously and I'm pretty sure that in less than a month Titan and I will say our goodbyes. I'm not even ashamed to admit that I feel giddy at that thought.
Riley tells me that she is worried, but I've seen her spend more time in the library than anyone else, apart from me.
Professor Lyndhurst turns around to look at the classroom because everyone has gotten out of control. Even T'aethi had a better handle on the five-year-olds. A dull ache unfurls in my chest at that thought, but Professor Lyndhurst calls my name and I find myself fidgeting in my seat because I have done nothing wrong.
" Could you show the class how to resolve a simple equation to determine percentages since Mister Hegher is struggling but also is far too preoccupied groping his two female companions to pay attention," Professor Lyndhurst smirks at Titian who sits a bit straighter in his seat at the mention of his name.
Girls drone around Titian like bees around the best-smelling and most colourful flowers, but I don't fucking see the appeal. Most of the time, he is just a rude bastard who pisses me off more than anyone has ever done, with one exception, Ava. Well, maybe two, Micah has also managed to gain a spot on the podium.
" Of course," I slip out of my seat and descend the lofty steps of the amphitheatre until I reach Professor Lyndhurst in front of the whiteboard.
He hands me the pen, and I begin solving the equation, which is quite a simple one, one that even a five-year-old could do easily. I don't understand why Titian would struggle unless Daddy has gotten him in purely with the sheer power of his chequebook, which is a plausible explanation for his lacking.
" You may return to your seat," I nod abstaining from saying anything, already uncomfortable to be in front of everyone.
" Mr Hegher could you explain to the class what Miss Abernathy has done here," He points at the board with his pen, and I steal a look over my shoulder to look at Titian who squares his shoulders and clears his throat, preparing to answer. By the time I slide back into my seat, he still hasn't said anything apart from a few incoherent mumbles mostly under his breath that make no sense.
This time around is my turn to giggle, but Riley slaps a hand over my mouth because as lenient as Professor Lyndhurst might be, you don't want to be the one that steps on his toes.
" Very well, Mr Hegher, since you are incapable of answering the question, I would like for you to step out of my class, because you seem perfectly capable of disrupting my lecture by mocking the one student who actually knows more than you three combined. Have a good day Mr Hegher," Professor Lyndhurst gestures to Titian to leave the room, and everyone falls dead silent, including myself.
After a minor attempt to fight off Professor Lyndhurst, who doesn't budge in his decision Titian leaves the room without his honeys.
Needless to say after that little display of authority, everyone behaves exemplary and pretends to pay attention to what is being said.