The Nerd and I [Book One]

Chapter Six

[Earl]

Three days has passed since I last saw Matthias. It’s the first time he did something like that. He might looked like someone who’s always ditching school but in the contrary, he’s quite diligent in attending his classes.

Him not being here was bothering me. A lot.

Mr. Filtch closed his Physics book before standing up and looking at us. “Don’t forget to finish your project, people. That’s it for today.” He announced as he walked out of the room.

The students stood up as well to leave but I remained sitting down. I glanced outside the window and sighed. I didn’t know why but time felt so slow without Matthias here.

I took his phone out of my bag and stared at it. I wanted to call him but I didn’t know what to tell him. Should I ask if he’s alright or what happened to him? Maybe I should just call him.

I opened his contact list and browsed through the names. There were only four people in his phone. Marge, Harry, Damascus and his other number. I wonder who these people were. The only person I knew was Marge, his older sister.

I quickly pressed his other number to call him.

A few rings after, an unfamiliar voice finally answered. ”Err...hello?”

My heart skipped a beat. “M-matthias?”

“Sorry, but no. Who’re you? This is Matthias’ other number. Why do you have his phone?” The voice in the phone asked and I began to panic.

“U-uh...he lent it to me. Couple of days ago. I-I’m his — ” I thought for a while. What am I to Matthias anyway? I’m pretty sure I’m not his friend, so what am I? “I’m a a classmate.” I finally said. “I was just wondering when I could give Matthias’ phone back.”

I am so making up stories but I really want to see him.

“Sorry but Matthias is currently unavailable.”

I blinked. “Huh? What do you mean by that?”

I carefully listened when I heard another deep voice from the background. “Hey Harry, hurry up and report to the boss already!!”

Boss?

“Damn. I need to go now. If you’re a classmate then that means we’re schoolmates. Meet me in room 204 tomorrow afternoon.”

He hung up the phone and I pulled the phone away from my ear. What does he mean by unavailable? Seemed like something really happened to Matthias.

I gripped the phone hard, grabbed my things and went out of the room.

As much as I want to worry about him, I still need to go to my part time job.

Matthias, I hope you’re fine.

I didn’t even know why I’m wishing this. But for the first time in my life, I want you to be safe.

I couldn’t stop grinning when Mr. Lee finally handed my salary for this month. “You worked hard, Earl. Good for you.” He smiled at me while tousling my hair in appreciation.

I smiled back. “Thanks a lot sir.”

I saw his hand twitched but I ignored it. I put the money inside my wallet before going to the locker room to change.

Adam entered the room as well while I was changing. “Geez, I’m so tired.” He sunk down, his face masked with exhaustion.

I can’t help but to pity him. He was forced to work inside the kitchen because one of the helpers was sick.

I glanced at the wall clock. 10 p.m. I never realized it was so late already. I have to go home.

After changing, I faced Adam who was still lying on the sofa. “I’m going home, Adam. See you tomorrow.” I said.

He only waved a hand at me. “Yeah, be careful out there.”

Three more blocks before I arrive home. It’s been a tiring day even though nothing really happened. Aside from the phone call, nothing interesting occurred today. But even so, I couldn’t help but to feel tired. I guess that’s what I get from working too hard in the shop.

Casting aside all negativity, I smiled to myself as I remembered that I finally have my salary. I can pay my tuition fee and buy some of my personal stuffs.

The road that leads to our house was already empty. The only source of light were the lamps stationed on each sides of the street. Naturally, I’m used to walking on this path but this were one of the few times I’m walking alone at this time. I shouldn’t have stayed so late at work. It’s too dangerous to walk alone in this part of the city.

My shoulders jolted when I heard a random shout that echoed through the place. It might be some of the teenagers who were still out and playing at this time of night so I tried to ignore it. While walking, I can feel someone following me. I wanted to turn around to check it out but I was too afraid to do it.

After debating if I should turn around to look if someone’s following me, I finally did. I stopped walking to turn around, only to a see silver car parked a little bit away from where I was. The headlights was on and I tried to look who was driving but I couldn’t.

I started walking again while looking behind me to see if the car moved. It didn’t and it made me sigh in relief. But when I was already a block away from the car, it started driving towards my direction.

Oh no. I really have a bad feeling about this. I’m having goosebumps all over my body. Not a good sign.

I didn’t know why but after hearing Matthias’ story last night, I can’t help but to be paranoid. What if people from the Mafia knew what Matthias told me? Will they kill me to keep their secret safe?

I walked a little bit faster. The car picked up its pace and I started running. Seeing a small alleyway beside me, I quickly curved to take cover from the people or person who’s following me. The car couldn’t follow me here, I’m sure of it. I leaned to see if they were still following me. Indeed, the car stopped from where I was a second ago. A huge figure stepped out of the vehicle. He closed the door with a loud slam and it looked like he was searching for me. I couldn’t see his face because it was too dark but I’m sure he was looking for me.

“Oh look what we have here.”

I gasped in fear after hearing a voice beside me. I turned around and saw five men started to surround me. The smoke from their cigarettes made me cough a little.

I suddenly felt my stomach churn. My heart started beating fast as I faced these people who were now smirking and looking at me like I’m an animal they were going to skin alive. “I-I’m sorry to disturb you...” I was about to leave but I was stopped when one of them caught my wrist. He harshly pushed me on the wall, enough to make me groan in pain.

“Hey kid, we really need some money right now.” The man holding me said with a husky voice. I can smell the alcohol on his breath. “I don’t suppose you have what we need, right?” My body jolted when I felt his hands searching the pockets of my pants.

“I-I don’t have what you need...” My voice cracked and that made them laugh.

My eyes widened in fear when one of them grabbed my bag. I tried pulling it back but the other one kept his hold on me, twisting both of my arms behind me.

I cried out as the guy behind me tightened his hold on my arms. “Please! Let go of me!”

I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t see what was happening. I’m scared. I wanted to run away from this place but escaping seemed like one of the least options I have. Tears flooded my sight and I couldn’t help but to feel helpless.

I gasped when the man took out my wallet. He threw my bag on the floor before looking inside. “Ooooooh, we’re lucky tonight guys!” He howled and the others cheered in joy.

“Please! Don’t take that!! I’m begging you! I need that to pay my tuition!”

“Shut up!!” The man holding me punched me on the stomach and I wailed in pain.

My sight was becoming blurry. The pain on my abdomen was unbearable. “P-please...” I unconsciously fought back to get my wallet but his hold got tighter. I tried walking towards the guy who was counting the paper bills he took from me. “I — I need that...”

Why is this happening to me? Those words continued to repeat inside my mind like a broken recorder. I shut my eyes in despair as tears streamed down my cheeks.

I worked hard to earn that money and they’re just gonna take it from me. Just like that. It’s not fair.

I want to fight them, to take what was mine, but I was too weak.

Why? Why can’t I do anything at a time like this? Why am I so weak? I couldn’t do anything.

“Now that we have what we’re looking for — ” The man holding my wallet turned his attention to me. He was eyeing me with a malicious gaze and it sent shivers down my spine. I reflected his stare with fear on my eyes. ” — I wonder what we’ll do with you?”

Some of them smirked while the others grinned. It was clear what they were going to do next. They’re going to kill me.

“We should just beat the hell out of him.” One of them suggested but I quickly shook my head to disagree.

“N-no! Please! Don’t! I’m begging you!” Those words came out of my mouth without thinking. I wanted to get away from this place. I wanted to run away, somewhere, I didn’t care where, just get me out of this place!

I gathered all my courage and strength to step on the feet of the one who was holding me. He quickly released me to clutch his aching feet while muttering curses. “f**k!! f**k you, you little s**t!!”

I attempted to run away but one of them managed to grab the end of my shirt. He pulled me back before throwing me down on the floor. The rough ground scraped my elbow and I felt a sharp pain on my knee. “Aaagh!”

They surrounded me and I can see the predatory look on their faces.

The man in front of me gritted his teeth and in a blink of an eye, he threw a hard punch on the side of my face. Time almost stopped the moment I felt the the pain on my jaws.

My glasses slid out of my face and I watched it drop down on the ground. I cried in misery. What did I do to deserve this? Strength was leaving my body and soon, I was muttering words of forgiveness.

I hissed when someone gripped my hair to force my head to look at whoever was holding me. I was met by the eyes of the man who was standing in front of me but I couldn’t see him well. The tears in my eyes were blocking my sight. Everything was all blurry and the fact that my glasses fell only made it difficult for me to see.

“Please.” I bit my lips. “You got what you want...” I wheezed. “P-please, let me go...”

“You think we’re gonna let you go JUST LIKE THAT?!! You’re a f*****g moron!!!”

“Hold him tight! We’ll have so much fun beating the hell out of this s**t!”

They all hooted in rejoice and it made me cry in despair.

They’re going to kill me.

Please someone save me.

Matthias, please!

“What the hell are you doing?” Everyone stopped to look who the owner of the voice was.

“Who the hell are you?!” The one holding me smugly asked in full confidence. “Do you want to die, fuckface?!”

“I’m the one asking you a question, punk.” I shivered at the sound of his voice. It was calm yet dangerous. “What do you think you’re doing to him?”

“None of your god damn business!!” Someone charged towards the mysterious man but he quickly dodged the attack. With a one strong punch on his face, the guy stumbled down on the floor with blood spurting out of his nose.

We stared at the man who casually retreated his arm back to the side of his body. He put both of his hands inside his pocket while walking towards us.

I can feel the guy behind me tensed as the man started walking towards the direction from where we were. “Who the f**k are you?!!!”

The man stopped inches away from us.

“I think it’ll be better if you let him go before you ask me anything.”

“SHUT THE f**k UP!!!”

I suddenly got up and immediately hissed after feeling a great pain on my stomach.

“Take it easy, Earl.” Someone said.

I looked around to see where I am but it was all blurry. “W-what? Where am I? What happened...?” I clutched my head.

“Here. Your glasses.” A hand put in on me.

My eyesight became clearer every time I blink. Soon, I finally saw the person who was standing beside the bed. Thick blonde messy hair, blue tantalizing eyes, pointy nose, wide shoulders and bulging muscles, I quickly recognized him. “E-Emmett?!!”

No way! What’s he doing here?! Oh no. If Emmett’s here then Edward’s probably —

Emmett saw me getting alarmed. “Don’t worry about your brother. I told him you decided to stay at my place.”

I mentally sighed. I can’t believe Emmett was the one who saved me. He was a close friend of my brother and sometimes, he visits our house to hang out with him. They often watch movies together or play games. The usual stuffs boys do after school and weekends. I didn’t exactly know how they met since Emmett was studying in a school far away from us but they seemed close so it doesn’t really matter. He’s one of the few people who dared to hang out with my brother and I think that’s enough good reason for them to be close.

Emmett was also one of the few people who treated me nice.

“Is there something wrong, Earl? Do you want something to eat? Or do you want to go home already?” I can’t help but smile at the tone of his voice. I can tell that he was really worried about me.

It’s been a while since I last felt that.

I shook my head. “No, I’m alright. I just want to rest.” And forget everything that happened a while ago.

“Sure. Oh, before I forget, I got your wallet back.”

I stared at Emmett in disbelief. Suddenly, all the emotions I’ve been feeling exploded and I cried in front of him as he silently caressed my head as if he’s telling me that everything’s alright.

That no one will harm me anymore.

“Hey, wake up already.” I groaned. Why am I hearing Edward’s voice calling me? I tried opening my eyes to see if it was really him talking to me.

I can see someone sitting on the edge of the bed but I couldn’t really tell. Poor vision sucks especially if you just woke up.

My eyes felt like it was burning. “Edward...?” I slowly called out his name. I wanted to ask him what he was doing here but I didn’t have any strength to do so. I was too tired. My body felt like lead but I can still feel the pain on my abdomen, eyes and cheeks.

I reckoned a huge bruise will appear on my face, caused by being punch by those guys. Note to self: Never hide in a dark, deserted alleyway when you feel someone is following you.

I heard Edward clicking his tongue. “Damn, you look like s**t. Did you cry?” He reached out to caress my cheeks. “Your eyes are puffy.” His thumb brushed the corner of my eyes and I hissed. “Who did this to you?” He asked and I can hear a dangerous tone wafting on his voice.

I stared at my brother for a few seconds before answering. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Edward.” I kept on apologizing even though I didn’t have anything to apologize for. It’s just that I realized how pathetic I really am.

“Stop being so hard on him.” I heard Emmett’s voice from afar.

“Shut up. I’m not.” I closed my eyes again. Why am I feeling so sleepy? “I can’t forgive those bastards who did this.”

Eh? Am I hearing it right? Was Edward really saying that? My brother who’s been harsh on me ever since our mother died.

“Don’t worry. I already took care of them.” Emmett reminded but Edward only snorted.

“You think that’s enough? I want to personally torture those little shits for doing this to him.”

So much menace on his that it made me shiver.

“Bring those assholes to me. I’ll deal with them.”

Emmett sighed. “Fine.”

I felt a hand tousling my hair. “Sleep. You’ll forget everything that happened. I promise you that.”

And then everything turned into darkness.

Tomorrow morning, I sat on my classes like a broken robot, with a face etched with tiredness and soreness. Hours passed by like a blur. Just countless of lectures, quizzes, chatters and more. What happened yesterday turned into bits of disarrayed memories. All I can remember were the faces of Emmett, Edward and a bunch of thugs.

But other than that, I couldn’t remember anything at all.

Shaking my head and telling myself that it won’t do me good even if I try to remember, I walked down the corridor to go to room 204. I still have to meet the guy who answered Matthias’ phone yesterday.

The sun was already setting and lights in the corridor started turning on.

I arrived in front of the room and I inhaled before opening the door. The room was already empty since everyone already went home. I looked around and noticed a boy who was sitting on top of the teacher’s table. He was facing the board so I couldn’t see who he was.

I closed the door behind me, quietly walking towards the guy.

“Good thing you came. I was waiting for quite a while now.” I silently gasped. How did he even know I was here?

“H-hi. Sorry I was late. I caught up in cleaning the — ” I gawked when the boy finally turned around to face me. “Harry Thompson?”

He smiled at me. “Oh you know me?”

Harry Thompson. One of Matthias’ friends. If I remembered correctly, he was also one of the most reprimanded students here at school together with Matthias because of their misbehavior that caused a lot of ruckus and troubles for the school authorities.

“Yeah. I know you.” Who wouldn’t know him anyway? He belonged to Matthias’ group of friends. He’s pretty popular himself.

Harry gave me a toothy grin and I flushed. “Oh! If I remember correctly, you’re Earl, right? Edward’s little brother?”

I was astounded that he knew me. “Y-you know me?” I looked at him, dumbfounded. That’s new. I was never known for being Edward’s brother. I was always known as the nerd, loser and a geek.

Harry chuckled. “Yeah. Of course I know you. Edward’s a really close friend of mine and he always talks about you.”

Hearing that made me drop my jaw. “Excuse me?”

Harry paused for a while before slapping his lips. “f**k. I shouldn’t have said that! s**t! Now Edward’s gonna kill me!” He grabbed both of my shoulders and he directly stared into my eyes. “Please don’t tell him I told you that!”

I slowly nodded, not know why it was big deal for him. “O-okay?” It’s kind of hard to picture Edward talking about me to other people.

“Anyway. I still can’t believe Matthias lent you his phone, man. He never let anyone touch his stuffs. If you do, he’ll freakin’ kill you in a snap!” He said while snapping his fingers in front of me.

I paled in fear. Harry was probably just exaggerating but the word kill and Matthias’ name together doesn’t sound safe. “Ah yeah, I can’t believe it as well.” I opened the zipper of my bag and rummaged inside to find his phone. Honestly, I didn’t want to give it back yet but I know I can’t hold onto it forever.

When I finally found his phone, I took it out to give it to Harry. I was waiting for him to take it from me but he was just staring at my hand. “Uhhh...” It was becoming a bit awkward. “Harry?”

He was just rubbing his chin while wearing an amusing smile. It scared me a little. “You know what? You should be the one giving it back to Matthias.”

I dumbly looked at him. Visit Matthias’ house after knowing he belonged to the Mafia? No way. I didn’t think I have enough guts to go there again.

But in the other hand, I do really want to see him. How bad could it be? I went there and came back alive. I’m sure the second visit will end up with the same result, right?

“So how about it? I’ll take you to Matthias right now!” Harry grinned again. “Come on, it’ll be fun!”

I was reluctant at first but I really want to know what happened to Matthias. I want to know if he’s doing okay or if he’s in trouble.

I slowly nodded my head. “O-okay, if you say so. I’ll come.”

While walking out of the room, I ignored the fact that Harry was smirking.

I opened the car door to Harry’s Audi before hopping inside to sit at the passenger’s seat.

Harry did as well and after he started the car, he looked at me. “You know what? It’s been a while since I last went to Matthias’ house with someone else.” He chuckled as he tapped his hands on the steering wheel, creating a beat.

I was just staring at him. Was he that happy to bring someone else at Matthias’ house?

“I’m getting quite nervous here.” I voiced out my thoughts and he dramatically gasped.

“No, no, no! You shouldn’t feel that Earl!” He faced me and raised his index finger as if he’s lecturing me. “Do you know that it’s a privilege for someone like you, a commoner, to visit the house of the Matthias Blaise?!”

I resisted the urge to tell him that I already went to their house but let’s just keep that a secret.

“Is that so?” I smiled to myself. Hearing that made me thrilled.

I can’t wait to see him again.

“But you know...” Harry trailed off, his chin resting on his hand. “...I’m not so sure if you can really see him.” He whispered.

I gave him a confused face. “Huh?” The other day he also said that Matthias was unavailable.

“I hope they start treating Matthias right.” My heart clenched at what he just said. “Shall we go?”

“Yes.”

A few hours of driving, we finally arrived at our destination. The view was still the same, nothing but huge trees surrounding the area. But unlike the last time I was here, Harry drove directly towards the Blaise manor. We stopped at the foot of the gothic gate. After it automatically opened, Harry drove inside and he parked the car in front of the main entrance of the mansion.

Guards wearing black suit welcomed Harry as soon as we stepped out of the car.

“Good afternoon, sir.” The guard from the right greeted and the other one curtly at Harry. Harry just nodded back at them as reply.

“And he is...?” I gulped when both of the men eyed me dangerously as if they’re ready to shoot me.

“He’s an acquaintance.” Harry shortly answered. It was obvious that he doesn’t want to elaborate anything about me so he just walked past the two guys to walk to the door. I briskly followed him, my heart feeling skittish all of a sudden.

Beads of sweat rolled down my face as we entered the house. Being here after knowing what Matthias’ family do scared me.

Harry, sensing my distress, patted my shoulders to relax me. “Don’t worry about it. They’re just a little pent-up because of my uncle.” Harry informed. He opened the door of the living room and I was awed by what was inside. As usual, Rococo furniture’s adorned the spacious room and chandeliers were hanging high above us. There were paintings on the walls that looked like it was bought from a really high price from an exclusive auction, expensive decors placed across the room soft white carpets below us.

I cleared my throat to distract myself from adoring how beautiful this place was. “Uncle?”

“Yep. He’s Matthias’ guardian while his father’s out of the country, taking care of some business.” I narrowed my eyes on Harry. Probably taking care of underground business? “He’s a little strict towards Matthias and well he’s the reason why he’s locked inside his room.”

I furrowed my brows at what he said. Matthias was what?

Harry saw my confused expression and he only sighed. “You see Matthias and I knew each other since we’re little. Our parents are really close to each other because they’re business partners up until now.” I thought for a while. Then that means Harry’s in the Mafia as well. “But unlike me, my parents aren’t that strict.” He carefully looked at me. “Matthias’ dad is different.”

Different? “How come?”

Harry pursed his lips. “Matthias’ dad is a really scary man. He’s strict, cold and just plain heartless. I don’t think I ever saw him hug or cuddle Matthias. And I know because we grew up together.” He said in a-matter-of-fact voice. “I was the only kid who can play with Matthias. His dad never let him outside the walls of this place until he was twelve.”

My eyes widened at the information. “He was home-schooled then?”

“Yeah. By the private tutors working directly under the Blaise family. Matthias never knew anyone except us. He grew up in total isolation. With no friends, no social life, no childhood.” Harry scowled and so did I. “He was just a puppet to his dad.”

I calmed myself after hearing all those things about Matthias. Trained to be an assassin, came from a Mafia family, have a complicated childhood past — he’s a guy filled with dark secrets and I didn’t even know if I can handle it anymore.

Harry scoffed when he noticed my composed reaction. “By the looks of it, you’re pretty calm about all of this. Don’t you think it’s weird?” I looked up to meet his amused eyes.

“Yeah well it’s weird but Matthias does give off that kind of aura.” With the attitude and the actions and the way he spoke. You can assess what kind of family he came from. Not being a judgmental person but it’s the truth.

“He does? I guess I never notice then. He became a lot more violent and rash now.” Harry shook his head in disappointment. He suddenly looked at me and I stepped back when I saw him playfully glaring at me. “Why am I even telling you this? It’s our private secret, okay?” He winked at me and my face flushed.

“Uhh when can I talk to Matthias then?” I asked, trying to divert myself to the painting hanging behind Harry. I’m not really good in lying and I was afraid that Harry might see that I already know that part about Matthias.

It might cause an issue if Harry discovers it.

“Well about that. I have an idea.” He evilly grinned.

I swallowed the anxiety forming inside me.

Time to meet Matthias.

I patiently waited inside one of the guest rooms. My eyes were roaming the place and as expected, it was as great as the living room. I couldn’t help but to feel intimidated by all the things surrounding me.

This was the kind of place where Matthias grew up.

I sighed before standing up to walk to see if there’s anything interesting to look at. I glanced at the wooden cabinet placed in front of the windows. There were picture frames displayed on top and it quickly piqued my interest.

Photos of Marge and Matthias when they were still young. One picture was Matthias sitting on a carpet-covered floor while playing some kind of board games. The other one was with Marge who was hugging Matthias from the back. They looked very young in all of the pictures and I have to ask myself how old they were when this was taken. I picked up one picture frame that stood out from the others. It was a picture of young Matthias together with a woman who was carrying him. I leaned closer to see the woman’s face. She was a Japanese woman, with a face of a sophisticated lady, wearing a flower-patterned lilac kimono.

Matthias’ eyes deeply resembled the woman. The shape, the color, it looked the same.

I stared at it a little bit more. Oh it’s Matthias’ mother. It didn’t even occur to me that Matthias was part Asian. Well except for the eyes.

Or maybe I didn’t really care to notice. I always hated Matthias’ guts but now that I’m slowly getting to know him, I couldn’t say I don’t care anymore.

Because I clearly do. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.

I scowled when I remembered everything Harry said a while ago. I put the picture frame back and sighed.

I didn’t know what I’m feeling for him anymore. One thing for sure was that I want to see him.

I was supposed to despise him. He made my life a living hell in school. It was hard for me to wake up every morning knowing that someone was going to make me feel miserable again.

But this thing that I’m feeling for Matthias right now, it’s not fear nor hate.

“Sup.” I turned my head to the door only to see Matthias leaning on the wall while smoking a cigarette. He smugly looked at me with a raised brow. “What’re you doing here?”

I observed his current appearance. His hair was messy like he just got out of bed. He was wearing a white V-neck shirt that showed those protruding clavicle and a pair of black sweat pants that emphasized his strong legs.

I forced the lump on my throat. He looked so captivating even though he’s only wearing something normal.

“I’m asking you what you’re doing here.” I frowned at him. He’s acting like a bastard again.

But I guess that just who he was. That’s his personality.

“I just want to return your phone back.” I took his iPhone in my pocket and gave it to him. “Here. Thanks.”

I was stunned when he suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me into a tight hug. “M-Matthias...?”

I felt his heat engulfing me. He smelled good. Really good. “Shut up. Just let me do this.”

I can hear his heart beating against my ear.

“Shit.” He buried his face on the side of my neck. “Why do I want to hold you this f*****g bad?”

I slowly reached up to hug him back and smile crept on my face. “I wonder why as well.”

I closed my eyes to enjoy the feeling of his body against mine.

Every time Matthias holds me, my heart began to race as if I ran a marathon. My hands get sweaty. My head felt light all of a sudden.

I didn’t exactly know what I’m feeling for Matthias.

Maybe it’s called attraction, idolization or admiration?

Hmmm, I think I have to do a research about that.

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