Chapter twelve

This novel is about a college student whose fate is something she never expected which could change her life forever - that is, to investigate a crime scene that happened within her school.

Alicia's POV

Concentrating my thoughts, I battled with the relentless pile of assignments that I had from my major classes (i.e. Analytical and Quantum Chemistry) for long bearable hours. As funny as it may seem, I didn't have any idea how long exactly was I leaning on my chair with hands tapping on my desk and eyes busily fixated on the pages of my textbooks, jumping from one problem to the next. I'd been at this frantic state for the past days. Mentors had been mercilessly sending out projects, homework and exams each day for students to enjoy. Mind my sarcasm at the moment. As a good student, naturally I had to endure working all of them piece by piece.

Let alone my stalking with that Barbara girl as Phin had planted on me.

Please. Give me a break from that stalking thing. I'll have to deal with that later. Midterm exams are fast approaching. Frankly speaking, messing up during midterms week is like a living funeral for me so I must stay as alert and as focused as I can be.

Taking a brief rest, I managed to stretch the hidden corners of my torso muscles and to break the momentary numbness of my arms and neck. My gaze shifted inadvertently to my oh-so adorable and cushy teddy bear, Archer. He's certainly one of the loveliest things that my brother gave me. I reached out slowly to Archer. He's probably been tortured enough last night with my hugs so I simply touched him, allowing his fur to send tingles to my skin.

My brother always loves to surprise me in every way he can just like Phin. No wonder those two had been best friends for so long. They're tied practically in so many ways and the only thing that's lacking between them, at least for me, is their blood relation. Heck. He can be my foster brother for goodness' sake!

Remembering Phin sent flashes to my mind all of a sudden. A week earlier, we made an agreement about faking a relationship between us. What was I thinking?! Why was I acting so brashly? Gosh. Now I can't take back everything that I've said. Well, this isn't something I would regret anyway. This is for Phin - all for the sake of my childhood friend.

Beep. Beep.

My phone vibrated unknowingly on top of my desk. Now, now, don't tell me Phin is texting? I picked up my phone and speak of the devil, his name appeared. Sigh. Ever since he bought me this phone, he's always been sending me messages nonstop. We haven't been hanging out lately this week due to our unpromising hectic schedules. Good thing I have this handy dandy phone with me.

"Where are you? How are you doing?" asked Phin in his message. I immediately replied "in my room doing homework". A few seconds later, he asked "need my help?" and I answered, "No thanks. I'm fine." Later on he suggested, "What if I sneak to your window now just like last time? " I gasped upon reading his latter message. Seriously, Phin always liked the idea of being in trouble. I typed and sent my message, "Don't be stupid! Do you want to get expelled or something?" We know for a fact that boys aren't allowed inside the girls' dormitory rooms and vice versa. Then he responded, "Okay. Okay. Don't panic. I'll not do that again." Whew! I thought he's going to pursue that crazy idea again. I thought I skipped my heart beat for a moment. "Good to hear that", was my comeback. He messaged once again saying, "I've not seen you for days. That's injustice to your boyfriend."

Boyfriend.

Helplessly, this word rang repeatedly through my head. Mentally taken aback, I shook my head, hard. No. I must not get carried away, not this time, or else I'll end up with dementia. I recklessly typed and sent my reply, "acting boyfriend…Now please Phin, not today. I'm super busy. I'll make up with you some other time. I swear." Afterwards, I regretted sending that message. I sounded like a pleading girlfriend to him which isn't supposed to be. "Fine, I'll not disturb you until you finish your business. Don't forget to inform me when you're free.", was all he retorted. I replied, "Okay." Then, our conversation ended with his smiley emoticon.

Seriously, I have to get used to this now that I'm his acting girlfriend. Even if what we're doing now is just an act, I still couldn't help but quiver at that thought. Honestly, I'm afraid of whatever might be the outcome of this petty acting of ours. I do not even want to think of any form of possibilities. Shuddering, I shook my head once more.

Now I'm back to my primary business and that is, of course, concluding my nerve-racking homework. Many have questioned how I'd literally get through with all the pile of school stuffs within a manageable time. To be honest, I don't have any clue how to explain thoroughly. It's just that once I'll be given tasks, I simply put into mind that I have to get everything done. Then all else will be put into place gradually just like putting any jigsaw puzzle piece by piece or assembling any toy robot. Not to mention that I've tried assembling one, a gundam owned by my brother, way back when we were still kids.

After some time, I felt quite fulfilled for finishing about three-fourths of my long homework over the weekend. Unexpectedly, my phone beeped just in time when I took a deep breath. Phin is texting again? What's he up to now?

I pressed my phone. I was surprised that my phone didn't reveal Phin's name. Instead, another name was printed clearly on the screen.

Harvey Smith.

I flinched in my seat. What could have brought Harvey to text me suddenly at this unpredicted hour? Curious, I hastily opened the inbox to show his message. It wasn't a message to be exact. He sent me pictures via email.

Zooming the pictures, I was completely shocked. I never knew he would send those pictures to me. What I meant with those pictures are the pictures he took a week ago when my brother and Phin left us alone to buy secretly my cuddly teddy bear. I was particularly his model back then. Geez. I do not even want to remember that. I guess I can't help it now that Harvey's sending me these pictures. Although I'm not a professional, I scanned the photos and I'd honestly say he had done such a wonderful job.

I wondered how Harvey got my email address.

After seeing all photos on my phone screen, I noticed he included a small message in his email.

Hi Alice!

How are you? Wish you're having a good time. I'm sending these pictures to you. I hope you enjoyed them. Glad to have met a beautiful model like you.

P.S.

I asked Felix about your email address. Hope you don't mind.

With best regards,

Harvey

Right. I was pretty convinced these words came from Harvey. Grinning furtively in my seat, I put my phone back on top of my desk. I have only known Harvey for a very short time but he's just too welcoming that I didn't have a hard time getting along with him. That moment when he asked me to be his model for the day, I hesitated at first but later on changed my mind. He did persuade me in such a kind manner that I didn't dare turn him down that day. He even taught some tips on how to project in front of the camera. Although he considers himself an amateur and a part-timer, I swear I thought he's a professional. Before our photography session ended that day, he managed to give me his calling card just in case I'd need his help. Such a good-hearted man he is indeed.

I sent him a message in reply saying, "Thanks for the photos." In response, he messaged "You're welcome."

Then I resumed into working my pile of assignments.

x x x

After long stressful hours of brain-grueling, I've finally brought to a halt my homework-finishing task. At long last, I'm finally free! I decided not to see Phin yet. I had one more task to do this day, that is, to do painting. Precisely, this work will be my entry piece for the painting contest of the so-called "Arts Event" this school year. I wouldn't want to miss this once-in-a-blue-moon chance. I have yet to show to people what I'm capable of. It's not that I'm being over-confident or such. I simply want to showcase my talent. I guess there's nothing wrong with that. Besides, I'm not after winning any prize so no big deal, really.

I've made up my mind on where I'd do my painting. It's somewhere behind the Fine Arts Building. I couldn't locate where exactly that is. Mind you. I'm not good at directions. Sigh. I wish I could bring along my best friend with me but she just couldn't. She's out for group homework.

Since Audrey is not with me, I decided to wear this white shirt she gave me days ago. I have this odd notion that I feel connected with her whenever I wear this shirt. I tied my hair in my usual bun and facetiously put a maroon cap on top of my head. I stopped in front of a mirror and studied my face and figure for a while. I'm not vain but I did this to take a look at my new get-up. Convincing myself that I look okay, I brought my canvas, paintbrushes and other painting materials with me and headed to my destination.

Following the main but long path, I've reached the Fine Arts Building with no pain. Heck. I wouldn't dare take any shortcut. I might get lost for Pete's sake! Rounding the outside, I looked for that specific path leading to my desired area. I narrowed my eyes, thinking of possible signs I could remember around. "C'mon brain. Please lend me your hand", I blurted absentmindedly. Ha! My mind clicked. I sounded so ridiculous. How would a brain have a hand? Good thing no one's around or else I'll be labeled an idiot, a pathetic idiot with poor sense of direction.

Just then I saw a familiar tree nearby. I came closer to it. Narrowing my eyes once more, I paused for a brief moment before I can finally recall. "This is it! I shouldn't be mistaken! There must be a bench nearby!" I uttered excitedly. Looking around frantically, I searched for that small wooden bench. With such calm surroundings, I'm sure it would be the perfect place for me to do my painting.

At long last, I've found my perfect place. It's situated just a few paces away from this tree. With bushes covering the bench, no wonder why it wasn't much noticeable. Upon reaching the bench, I took a long deep breath. Putting all of my things aside, I closed my eyes. This time I tried to be one with the tranquil surroundings. I had to conquer peace of mind before doing my ultimate goal for this afternoon.

Without warning, the once serene surroundings were fully disturbed with a loud scream.

I winced and opened my eyes in absolute shock. I never expected such an agonizing scream of a girl before.

Author's Note

x x x Thank you for reading! Hope you enjoyed my novel. x x x