SELENE WOODS

CHAPTER 7

"Thanks!"

I bowed slightly, gripping my luggage, as i bid the driver one final good-bye. My eyes lingered quietly at the fading, red, taxi tail lights as he sped out of the driveway.

"Here's my long expected guest."

I glanced over my shoulders, eyes settling on the professor as he walked towards me. His face beaming with a warm,hearty grin.

"Professor ~" - I beamed softly, pulling my luggage towards him.

"It's been a long time since i've last seen you. You've grown taller...... and more beautiful, Selene." - he flattered, adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses as he scrutinzed my frame.

" You look so much like your Mom, but you still have your Father's eyes." - He stretched his hands,opting to take my bag.

"I'm much flattered, Professor. But i can carry my load just fine on my own." - I spoke softly, politely declining his generous offer.

He frowned,creases forming between his grey brows - Obviously displeased. He parted his lips, sighing with disappointment. "Ah.....gone are the days when you relied on me for everything."

" Now, you won't even let me help with your luggage." - His lips twitched, forming a small pout that i found endearing.

"That's in the past, you're more advanced in age now. Carrying such a heavy luggage, isn't advisable." - I draped my hands over his slumped shoulders, giving him a small pat. " Come to terms with the fact that you're growing old, look at all the silver hairs you've accumulated these past few years."

" Yes, yes."- He waved his hands dismissively, not wanting to discuss the matter any further.

"Everyone sees me as an old,ragged doll. I didn't think that you'd be on the same boat as them. Saying that i'm advanced in age......hmph!!. Nevermind, i had a hotel booked for you before hand."

" But you arrived quite late, so you'll be staying with me in the office for tonight."

I chuckled, amused by his simply,childish behavior. I watched as he strolled forward, his hands clasped behind his back as he walked. Pausing,i took some time to stare at his slightly, hunched figure - noticing how time was quietly wearing him out.

"Aren't you coming along?" - His sharp voice called out to me from afar.

I smiled briefly, "Yeah, i just thought i would take a quick break!!"

He shook his head, his lips moving as he muttered a few,sulky words."And she says i'm too old to help with her luggage."

I ran up to him,my breath quickening after covering a few paces. Running was a bit difficult, since i was wearing a heavy prosthetic leg.

"Quit running!!. You'll lose your footing and fall." - The professor cautioned,his voice tensed with worry.

I said nothing, but my heart felt warm for the first time since this all began.

Close up, i could see his eyes water for a bit. He stretched his shaky hands, tucking away stray,strands of hair from my face. "Silly girl....You must have been through a lot out there. I'm sorry, it's my fault for not finding you sooner."

" I hope that you won't hold it against this old man."

I shook my head, in disbelief that he would blame himself for my misery. I curved my lips, forcing a smile even when i felt like falling into his arms and wailing loudly.

" None of what happened to me is your fault......" - I paused. " So don't beat yourself about it too much."

He patted my hands gently, his fingers stroking my skin - like he had always done since i was a child. " Alright, you're with me now. That's all that matters."

I bit my lower lip, 'hmming' in response .

...............................

The next day.....

I sat on my seat, flipping through pages as my coffee mug sat on the desk. The steam rising as it remained untouched.

I raised my hands, quietly stroking my aching temple. None of these documents had what i was looking for.

"Selene, are you almost that?!. Cus there's more for you." - A tall, curvy brunette passed by my makeshift desk, dropping another armful of files.

"See that you go through these as well." - She smiled half- heartedly, her fingers drumming against the piled files.

I stared at her, my exhaustion wearing thin on my nerves. " Rachel, give me a break,will you?".

"Woah, another pile of files...?" - A male voice chimed in. "Rachel, you're really pumping these up."

"Mind your business, Alex!!"- Rachel snapped, her voice rising up a few notches.

I rolled my eyes, in no mood to listen to two grown adults bickering like kids. They have been at it since they arrived this morning, and neither seemed to want to quit.

"I'm only acting on the Professor's orders, if you've got a beef....?. Then go to him!!" - She shrugged her shoulders, as she flipped her long, brunette hair before sashaying back to her seat.

"Seriously....the attitude." - Alex scoffed, leaning towards my desk. "Hey, Selene."

I stopped, my hands which were reaching out for my mug froze mid-air.

He smiled, showing off his dimples. "Prof said i'll be dropping you off at your hotel. So once you get off work, I'll be driving you there."

I nodded slowly, " Thanks."- I muttered, my attention returning back to the huge,mess of files on my desk.

I buried myself in work for a long time, finally taking a break when my waist reached its limits.

I stood up, the evening sun rays stretching into the room as i sighed deeply, eyes lingering on my leather- strapped, wristwatch.

7:45 pm.

This was far beyond my closing time. I picked up my coat , sliding my arms in as i quietly crossed out my mental checklist. I stepped out, striding towards the driveway as i exhaled, losing myself to the echoing silence.

"Are you ready to go?" - Alex's cheerful voice called out from behind.

I turned, my gaze lingering on his approaching frame.

"I've got your luggage in the boot and i'm ready to drop you off." - He winked, smiling brightly.