The Nerd and I [Book One]

Chapter Three

[Earl]

I smiled in relief after I finished arranging my books that would be used for our research. Today, Matthias Blaise, the person who I loathed the most would come to my house to do our project.

I wiped the sweat gathering on my forehead. Sure was hot today.

My phone rang and I quickly grabbed it to answer. Seeing the name on the screen made me cringe. It was Adam.

I pressed the ‘answer’ button before putting the device on my ear. “Hello?”

“Are you doing anything tonight?”

I raised my brows at his sudden question. Normally, people wouldn’t ask me this type of question.

“No. Why?” I answered back.

I heard Adam sighed in relief. “Good. Boss needs us to do some extra work in the shop. He wanted to know if you’re free.”

I thought for a moment. Matthias would be here the whole afternoon but after that, I’m free. “Yeah sure. What time should I come?” I asked.

“Six pm,” Adam quickly answered.

I smiled. “Okay. I’ll be there.”

I was about to end the call but stopped when Adam suddenly talked. “Hey Earl, thanks a lot man.”

I couldn’t help but feel happy from what he said.

“You’re welcome.”

Few minutes later and the doorbell finally rang. I climbed down the stairs and dashed to the door to open it.

I raised my head to look Matthias in the eye since he was taller than me. “Hi,” I akwardly greeted.

“Hm,” he mumbled.

I beckoned him to enter and when he did, I closed the door behind him. I turned around to look at Matthias. He was wearing a black V-neck shirt with matching white pants. He tucked his car keys inside his pocket and faced me.

“What’re you waiting for?” he rudely asked.

“Sorry,” I apologized. “Follow me.”

I led him to my room. While climbing up, I noticed something weird. I couldn’t hear Matthias’ footsteps. It was like no one was behind me.

I turned half-way to check if he was there and indeed he was. I also looked at his shoes, thinking that he might be wearing a really light one but he wasn’t. He was using leather boots with small heels that would surely make a sound when being tapped against a wooden floor.

Matthias saw me staring at him and stopped walking. “What is it?” he asked.

I shook my head to answer him. “Nothing!”

I quickened my pace, finally arriving upstairs. I marched to my room and opened the door and before we entered, Edward came out of his room.

Matthias and him immediately locked eyes with each other.

“What are you doing here, punk?” Edward asked with his usual bored voice.

Matthias let out a sarcastic smirk. “Nothing that concerns you.”

I stared at them in confusion. Do they know each other?

My step-brother snorted and walked past us. I supposed he was about to eat downstairs and watch movies in the living room. That’s what he always do every Saturday, it’s kind of a tradition to him.

When my brother was gone, Matthias turned to face me. “He’s your brother?” he asked and it irked me when I noticed the amusement on his voice.

“Yes. Well, stepbrother,” I emphasized with a shrug.

“Really? Interesting,” was the only thing Matthias said.

I knew he was asking himself why I’m related to someone like Edward. He’s really cool, handsome and athletic while I on the other hand was nothing but a nerd. I’m just Earl Harrison - just that. Nothing more, nothing less.

I looked away from Matthias. “I told you, he’s a stepbrother.”

I shook my head to erase my depressing thoughts.

“Come in.”

I widely opened the door to my room and stepped aside to let Matthias enter first. After looking around, he approached my bed and threw himself on top before putting both of his arms underneath his head. I watched him observe my room, a pleasing smile pasted on his face.

“Nice room,” he finally commented, making me smile.

“Thanks.”

He got up from the bed and grinned at me. “Now, let’s get down to business.”

Hours passed and half of our project was done. I couldn’t believe I was actually enjoying my time with Matthias. I thought that an asshole-s***h-jerk-s***h-bully like him doesn’t even know how to multiply ten by fifteen but I was mistaken. I judged him by how he looked like, a typical bully who’s dumb but Matthias was far from that (aside from the bullying part). He was much smarter than I am. He managed to answer all the hard questions, even explaining the complicated parts to me with ease.

Matthias Blaise, you’re an incredibly, ridiculously brilliant person. You had me speechless, really.

I sunk down on my chair while rubbing my eyes. We worked for like five hours straight without taking a break, it was unnerving.

Matthias stretched his arms, groaning while cracking some bones that made me cringe in discomfort. It sounded like it hurts.

“What time is it?” he asked, eyes closed from exhaustion.

I glanced at the wall clock. “It’s already four,” I answered, realizing that I still have two hours to get ready before going to the restaurant.

Matthias stood up from the chair and stretched again. “f**k, I’m starving.”

I blinked and stood up as well. “I can cook you something.”

“Forget it,” Matthias snapped.

I frowned. “I’m sorry I can’t get you anything,” I said and lowered my head in shame. How could I forget to make snacks?

He gave me a sharp look before sighing. He reached for my closet, opened it and grimaced at what he saw.

“Are all your clothes like this?” Matthias asked, pulling a green turtleneck sweater.

I shrugged my shoulders. “Yes? I really like comfortable clothes,” I answered and he just shook his head in disappointment.

“Seriously? You’re so lame,” he whispered but I heard him.

His remark made me look down on my feet in embarrassment. Sure I liked those clothes but the real reason why I couldn’t buy nicer ones was because I didn’t have enough money for it.

I gasped when he suddenly threw the turtleneck sweater at me and I clumsily caught it. “W-what?” I looked at him but he only c****d his head, beckoning me to change to the clothes he just threw.

He sat back on the edge of my bed. “Wear that. We’re eating outside,” Matthias said as he crossed his arms.

“Go where exactly?” I asked while lifting the shirt to stare at it.

“Stop asking and just do what I say,” he ordered.

I reluctantly took off my shirt but stopped midway when I realized one of the buttons of my shirt got snagged on my hair.

I paled. Seriously? Why now? I could feel my face heating up, ashamed at my current position. I couldn’t believe I found myself in this kind of situation and right in front of Matthias too!

“What’re you doing?” he asked and I could hear him chuckling.

“S-sorry. I – I think I’m stuck,” I shyly answered.

I tried pulling the shirt away but it just won’t get off!

Matthias heaved a sigh. “God, you’re hopeless.”

I felt my body tensed when his hands untangled my stuck hair between the buttons of my shirt.

“Hold still.”

His hands were big and warm and I had this sudden urge to touch it, intertwine my fingers with his and kiss it. I froze at what I just thought.

“There.”

Matthias finally took the shirt away from my head, tossing it across the bed.

“That should do it,” he said with a smug look on his face.

“T-thanks.”

I looked behind him to avoid his stare.

“You should be.”

He snorted and I just rolled my eyes at him. I walked past him but he suddenly grabbed my wrist, making me stop on my track. I looked at him with raised brows.

“Wait.” He closed the gap between us to brush some locks of hair away from my face.

My face flustered at the sudden action. “W-what...ah...uhm...” I stammered, feeling a little embarrassed and awkward.

“That’s better,” Matthias softly said.

My heart skipped at beat from the tone of his voice.

“Anyway,” Matthias cleared his throat, “let’s go.”

He stepped out of my room, leaving me there standing alone, speechless.

“That’s new, you didn’t bring your motorcycle,” I commented when I saw a black Hummer parked in front of our house.

“My old man confiscated it. Damn bastard,” he whispered the last bit. He opened the door of the driver seat and climbed in.

I did the same and sat on the front passenger seat. Woah, this vehicle looked really awesome. I stole a quick look at Matthias. As expected from someone like him. He owned a home like castle, a forest and a Hummer. What else could this guy do to surprise me?

After starting the car, he drove into traffic to get to our destination.

“I think I have the right to ask where we’re going,” I courageously asked.

“A place where we could eat,” he answered after a long pause.

“Oh.”

I remained still. Was this really happening? First, Matthias Blaise went to my house and now he’s going to take me out to dinner?!

Should I consider this a lucky day or what?

I looked at the clock on the dashboard. Four fifty-five p.m. I fished out my phone from my pocket to send a quick message to Adam.

To Adam

I’m gonna be late for a few minutes but I’ll definitely be there. Thanks.

Few minutes of driving and we finally arrived in front of a tall, five star hotel named La Georgina Hotel. Matthias parked directly in front of the entrance which made me stare at him in disbelief.

“Wait, wait. Is this the place where we’re going to eat?!” I asked, obviously surprised from the sudden turn of events.

Matthias just gave me a bored look. “Glad you finally figured it out,” he said with a smirk.

The guards opened the door for Matthias and me to step out. He looked at me before getting out of the car.

“What’re you waiting for?” he asked.

I closed my eyes and counted from one to five. This was too good to be true.

“Okay.”

I clumsily hopped off of the car, almost bumping at the guy who opened the door for me. I gave him an apologetic smile.

Matthias called me before I could close the door behind me. “Hey nerd, come over here so we can eat!”

He was already at entrance and was waiting for me. I marched towards him and as we entered the lobby, several employees approached Matthias.

“Good evening sir,” they all chorused.

I couldn’t hide the confusion and bewilderment on my face. This was getting weird. Was Matthias a resident visitor of this fancy and prominent hotel or something?

Matthias ignored them and just kept walking straight to elevator. I followed him, trying to ignore the grim stares people were giving me.

Everything was gold and bright, it’s almost blinding.

The woman on the reception counter saw Matthias. She gasped in delight, making a dash to meet Matthias before we board the elevator.

“Sir Matthias,” she breathlessly called. “I didn’t know you’re going to visit!”

Matthias looked at her with uninterested eyes.

“I assume you’re here because - ?”

“To eat,” he finished off and the woman nodded.

“Of course.” She then looked at me. “Oh, you’re here with your...err...friend,” she said with a mocking voice.

I lowered my gaze and tried to ignore her intimidating stare.

“Whatever. Just give me a table so I can eat. I’m starving, woman.”

The woman smiled again. “Most certainly sir.”

We arrived at the dining hall, accompanied by several staffs. Do they really have to follow us wherever we go? Sensing my distress, Matthias sighed and looked at the employees.

“Leave us,” he ordered in an exasperated voice.

“Sorry sir, but we were told to escort you,” one of them informed.

He rubbed his temples. “Let me rephrase that. Leave us the f**k alone and maybe you can keep your job.”

Intimidated by Matthias, they looked at each other before nodding their heads in fear. “Please excuse us.”

They bowed and I smiled in relief when they walked away from us. With them gone, I could finally talk to Matthias.

“Where are we and why are they treating you like you own this place?”

He shrugged his shoulders. “Dunno.”

I rolled my eyes. Again with his blank answers.

He walked to a vacant table that had a reserve signage, pulled the chair and sat down. I sat across him, not daring to look around since I’m being overwhelmed with what I’m seeing.

“What to eat?” he mumbled while reading the menu.

I looked at the booklet and browsed it. They all looked delicious. I couldn’t wait to taste them.

Realization suddenly hit me. I didn’t even have the money for all of this. I silently took my wallet out, hiding it from Matthias’ view to count my paper bills. Not even enough to buy a drink here.

“What’re you doing?” Matthias asked.

I sheepishly looked at him. “I don’t have any money left.” I put the menu on the table, disappointed that I couldn’t order anything. “I-I’ll just...”

Matthias stared at me. “Of course you don’t have money to afford this. That’s why I’m treating you.”

What did he just say? He’ll treat me?

I waved my hands together. “T-there’s no need for that!”

“Dude, someone’s gonna treat you. The first thing you say is ‘thanks’,” he sarcastically said and that made me embarrassed.

“But really, there’s no need for that,” I insisted but he just glared at me.

“I’m gonna punch the lights out of you if you keep resisting,” he threatened.

I nervously gulped. “Uhh...” I glanced back at the menu that was on the table, shyly pointing at the chicken risotto. “I-I want this.”

Matthias grinned. “Good.”

After eating, Matthias and I walked to the parking lot to get back to the car.

“You can just drop me at the subway. I still have to do something,” I said while looking at my wristwatch.

“What?” he sharply asked.

“The place I work for needs extra help in something,” I honestly answered.

“Oh, the part time job.”

We boarded the vehicle and I slowly buckled the seatbelt.

Matthias turned the engine on.

“Where is it?” he asked.

I blinked. “Huh?”

“Where’s this place? I’ll take you there,” he said as he leaned towards the steering wheel while staring at me, waiting for my answer.

I tensed. “A few blocks away from my house.”

Matthias pursed his lips and nodded. “Okay.”

He maneuvered the car to the direction where I wanted to go.

I lowered my head when I felt my heart tightening. I put my palm on top of my chest to feel it beating fast.

Oh god. I’m so confused right now.

Matthias read the signage, “Ice cream Alley.” He looked at me, raising a brow. “This is the place you’re working at?”

“Yep,” I answered.

I opened the car door to get out. I walked around the vehicle and stopped beside the driver seat. The window rolled down and I saw Matthias looking around the place.

“Thanks a lot for everything, Matthias. I really appreciate it all.”

I could hear my own heart thumping hard as I said those words.

Matthias stared for a second before cracking a smile. “Finally.”

“Huh?”

What’s he talking about?

“You finally said my name.” He reached out and ruffled my hair. “See you later my little nerd.”

He closed the window and drove off.

I touched my head, still feeling the sensation of his hand.

“What...?”

“Earl!”

I snapped out of my thoughts when Adam called me. “Y-yes?!”

I continued sticking the paper cut-outs on the wall while Adam handed me more.

“Are you sure you’re okay? You look...dazed,” he said.

“Really? Sorry about that,” I muttered while laughing nervously.

I wouldn’t lie, I was still thinking of Matthias and all the things that he did today. He’s been treating me very differently now.

“EARL!”

I jumped at the sudden yell. “What?!”

I nearly fell off on the chair I was standing to use to decorate the restaurant. Adam shook his head before giving me another piece.

“Who’s the dude with the Hummer?” he asked.

My heard skipped a bit. “H-hummer? W-what Hummer?! Who?!” I clumsily stammered.

Adam raised an eyebrow. “You know who, the guy with the black Hummer who just dropped you here.”

“Oh, that guy.” I forced an awkward laugh. “H-he’s a guy...who’s a friend.”

“A friend?” Adam inquired.

“Actually he’s my classmate. We ate dinner before going here.” A very expensive dinner in a hotel if may I add.

He thought for a moment. “He looks familiar.”

I jumped out of the chair so that I could properly converse with Adam.

“Do you know him?”

“I think I’ve seen him before.” He took a sit on a nearby chair and crossed his legs and arms at the same time. “What’s his name?”

“Matthias. Matthias Blaise,” I answered.

“Blaise? Oh, now I remember. His father’s a powerful tycoon and they own lots of hotels, banks, resorts, schools and many more.” My eyes widened at the information. “Is he really attending the same school as yours?”

“Apparently, yes,” I answered.

He stood up and sighed. “Oh well, whatever. Let’s just get back to work.”

“Sure.”

“And Earl.”

“Yes?”

“Don’t get too close to him. I heard a lot of rumors about their family and some of them are bad. Really bad.”

It’s already ten in the evening when I got back home. I searched for my keys, opened the door and stepped inside. My arms were aching and my knees were feeling weak.

I’m so tired it’s a miracle I’m still moving.

I opened the lights and head to the kitchen to drink water.

“Back already?”

I gasped when Edward suddenly spoke behind me. I turned around in a heartbeat and saw him standing by the entryway.

“You scared me!” I exclaimed but he only rolled his eyes at me.

“Yeah that’s what I always do.” He walked past me to get a cup. “Get out of the way.”

He pushed me away from the fridge and poured water to his glass.

“Hey, do you know anything about Matthias?” I asked after Edward finished drinking water.

I saw the corner of his eyes twitched. “What about that twerp?” he asked while leaning on the wall.

“It’s just that,” I briefly paused, “I wanna know more things about him,” I answered.

Edward smirked. “What are you? In love with him?”

I choke at my own saliva, “W-what?!”

“Geez, you sound so gay!” He teasingly poked my forehead and I yelped in pain. “He’s the leader of a gang called the Red Dragon,” Edward started and I listened closely. “I don’t know much but his gang is being protected by the American Mafia.”

My eyes widened in realization. He’s from the Mafia?

Edward cleared his throat. “Why am I even telling you these things? Go to sleep you little s**t.

He exited the kitchen, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Was that why Adam told me to be careful? Because he’s a gang leader and was connected to the Mafia?

Yeah, I know Mafia people were dangerous and all that.

And yes, I admit that he really looked like a gang leader but－

The Matthias I saw a while ago, helping me, eating with me, ruffling my hair and－

I closed my eyes and heaved a sigh.

Matthias...who are you?