Love & Black Shadow

First Sight

At the time, it was difficult for Alexa to concentrate on the lessons she liked. Cathy kept commenting on how perfect Josh's face was - their new teacher at the time.

"He's too young to be a lecturer. How old do you think he is? I don't think he's forty yet. Does he have a girlfriend?" Cathy asked, putting the tip of a pencil to the corner of her lips, looking hard to find an answer to her question.

Alexa snorted in annoyance, looking at her friend, "Why can't you shut up, anyway? You make me not concentrate, Cath!"

"Why can't you concentrate? Ooh, I know. It must be because of that handsome man, right," Cathy teased, pointing to the front.

They both glanced towards the front and saw Josh was busy explaining some painting tools and the history of their development.

"You're insane, Cathy! How about if I tell Andy about your attitude?" threatened Alexa seriously.

"Huh..! Why do you have to bring my boyfriend? I just admire him, and I'm just asking. Does he already have a girlfriend or not," said Cathy with a little chuckle.

"How about we just ask him directly," Alexa teased deliberately. 

Cathy made her eyes widen immediately.

"No, you can't do that! Are you crazy! There's no way we can ask him directly." Cathy doesn't believe Alexa's attitude.

"You wouldn't dare do that, Alexa!" Cathy's words are like challenging Alexa.

"Oh, really? How about I say...." Alexa brought her face closer to Cathy's. She had shown a sly smile in front of her friend. She knew that Cathy was just playing with her words just now.

"Say what?"

"What if I tell him there is a student who is very interested in his personal life. Ehemm..." Alicia cleared her throat,

"Mr. Josh, do you have a girlfriend? My friend is curious..."

"Don't do that, Alexa! Or I'll be really mad at you!" threatened Cathy seriously when she saw that one hand Alexa had started to raise.

"Put your hands down, quick!" said Cathy as she turned to Josh, who was still not aware of the jokes of the two young girls.

"Why are you scared, Cathy? I can ask him. I don't want if you'll die of curiosity." Again, Alexa joked,

Cathy seems to panic even more, and she tries to lower her friend's right hand.

It seemed that the two young girls had crossed their safe line. Josh's gaze was already on Alexa, and the young girl had unconsciously raised her right hand.

And worst of all, when Josh was asking about something important at the time.

"Yes? You, over there?" said Josh in the middle of the silence when all eyes were on Alexa.

"Alexa looks like you're in big trouble right now," Cathy whispered as she looked around her. "Glek..!" she swallowed her saliva with a confused and panicked look.

"It's also your fault, Cath! We've really got his attention now," Alexa replies in a whisper.

Cathy immediately lowered Alexa's hand and looked at Josh was already walking towards their chair. 

The man kept coming closer and carrying a book, which he tucked between his left arm.

"What's your name?" asked Josh.

"What, me?" point Alexa to herself. 

"Yes, you? Who else could it be? You raised your hand to help me write down some art later after class," Josh explained with a sweet smile.

"Alexandria Ford. And you can call her Alexa, sir," said Cathy, who took the initiative to introduce her friend.

"And me, Cathy,"

"Shut up, Cathy!" Alexa's gaze became cynical when Cathy instead glared at Josh.

"Alexa? Pretty name, and thanks for your help. After class, you and I will have a lot to do," Josh said politely.

Josh soon returned to the front of the classroom, continuing the rest of the pending lessons. Meanwhile, Alexa seems to regret her silly behavior to tease Cathy.

Finally, the lesson was over, and all the students started to leave the big room.

Alexa and Cathy seemed to be tidying up their books, although Cathy repeatedly heard angry curses from her friends.

"You don't have to be so upset, Alexa. Just look at that guy! At least he has a handsome face. It would be fun hanging out with him," Cathy teased and looked at Josh was tidying up his luggage.

Now and then, Josh greeted the students who passed by and were about to leave. 

Alexa looked at Josh too, and accidentally the two pairs of eyes met.

Alexa immediately turned her face away. It felt like she was still awkward with the current situation.

"That's Andy!" pointed Cathy suddenly toward the open exit. 

Cathy waved her hand excitedly, as did Andy who gave a signal for Cathy to quickly get out of the classroom.

"Andy and I are going out today. We're going to watch. Uhmm..., you're not mad, are you?" asked Cathy feeling uneasy.

"Yes, I am mad! Because you made me stuck with a foreign man. Even though this Friday night, and I wanted to invite you to stay at my house," Alexa replied curtly.

"Ohh, I'm sorry. I can't, Alexa. Andy and I are going on vacation with his family for the weekend. I'm sorry, Alexa." Cathy suddenly gave a tight hug.

"Never mind, it's fine. It's better if I'm on campus rather than at home alone, right? And you? Just enjoy your time off." Alexa's smile was genuine.

Cathy immediately kissed her friend's cheek, "You are the best, Alexa. Let me know if this handsome man is suddenly dangerous," Cathy said goodbye.

Alexa couldn't hold her friend any longer. She was just coming down the small steps when a hand grabbed her arm.

"Alexa, wait!" 

It turned out that Ethan was holding Alexa's hand.

"Ethan? What do you want, and let go of my hand!" Alexa orders irritated, and she tries to smack her hands-free.

Ethan's grip was too strong, and Alexa's efforts were wasted. Alexa had a hard time loosening Ethan's grip, which was getting stronger. She doesn't know what possessed Ethan at that time.

"Why do you keep avoiding me, Alexa. Is it because of that night?" asked Ethan urgently.

"Huh? You're still asking why I'm behaving like this? I'm not your toy, Ethan. And as for that night, it's no longer any of my business! So.., let go of my hand right now!" Alexa started to get annoyed and put on a fierce face.

"No, before I can talk to you and give an explanation!" said Ethan just as stubbornly.

"Is there any problem?" A voice that belonged to a man and made the two of them immediately turn their heads towards them.

On the last step, there was Josh who looked surprised at Alexa and Ethan's attitude. He could see Ethan's hand still holding Alexa's arm.

"Did he hurt you, Alexa?" Josh asked and was already putting on a serious face.

"Nothing, sir! We were just chatting," Alexa replied, and oddly Ethan had loosened his grip.

Alexa took the opportunity, and she quickly descended the stairs. Putting a smile on for Josh was still staring alternately, between Alexa and Ethan, who was still standing in his place.

"I'm ready, sir. Shall we begin the task at once?" asked Alexa showing a face that seemed like she didn't have a problem.

"Okay, I think we can go straight to the fourth floor," Josh explained.