The Smith's Legacy

The Set

Chapter 2

Asher got to Robert's door and knocked on it. His knuckles had barely made contact for the second time, when the door swung open. And right there, Robert stood, like he had waited for Asher's arrival the whole day.

But there was something quite off about Asher. The sudden beam of smile on his face, the unusual dress style and then, a large trunk seated right beside him.

"What..."

Robert could only say the first word when Asher's voice came in at the same time.

"I'm set, Father" he said, his voice dripping with excitement as he gestured to the trunk.

As much as Robert was trying to understand what Asher meant by. "He is set" He still could not get his eyes off the large trunk staring back at him.

"Father..."

He anxiously called out for Robert's attention. And Robert who was going to blink before his eyes caught Asher's, slowly raised his eyebrow.

"I can't describe what has gotten into your head lately, Asher," he said. "But...what is that thing?" He asked, his deep voice measured, as he pointed a finger towards the trunk.

In Asher's unwavering smile, he extended his hand and held onto the trunk handle.

" Just like I said father. I'm tired and I seriously need to figure this out my own way " he said.

"So I got an apartment for myself, cause It's definitely going to be a long drive going to school everyday" He added.

For a moment, there was silence. So many unspoken questions went through Robert's head, but he wasn't sure if it was just a dream or reality. Same school he was yet to approve of? His thoughts.

"Yes father. I just realized how desperately I need this, please forgive me"

Asher continued amidst the silence, just as if he was reading through Robert's heart, then moved ahead and plastered a kiss on his chin.

"See you soon Father" he said, then grabbed his trunk and walked out from Robert, who seemed frozen all through the time, as he watched Asher close the door behind him.

Just a four hours drive from new York city to ITHACA, where Asher got himself a single apartment where he had just bed, his laptop and a drawing board,

"Now is the time Asher, get your head straight, or lose it all"

He muttered to himself as he took a walk round the room, beholding the picture of a life on the breadline.

Asher spent a few days knowing the new environment and getting acquainted with the flowers in the building which he sees as his pal.

He spoke to these flowers like they were humans, that if you didn't look closely, you would think Asher had someone seated next to him.

And he was quite comfortable with them, that he could tell them everything. Not leaving his intention behind.

Finally, Asher felt it was time to get to the school and probably figure out what he could make out of it..

The school environment was no doubt another world. A world away from home, where his father still sees him as his little boy who should dance to all his tone,

" Hey, watch it !"

The tiny voice came while Asher was still spinning around and immediately. He stopped, trying to catch his breath.

"Oh wow, isn't she a goddess?" He mumbled his tone sinking into his bowel, while his eyes were seemingly lost. But sadly, she was already on her way.

"Hello, my name is..."

Asher had gone off the cuff as he hurried to stand in her walk way, but she interrupted him right there.

"Just don't bump into people that way, okay? I could have lost this.."

She said in a hard straight face, flagging a small purse she had in her hand, then walked away not minding her back.

" That wasn't rude anyway, just a quick reminder that, this is a new beginning "

Asher reminded himself as he walked through the hallway.

" What a coincidence" He said, because his eyes couldn't believe the sight as he stepped into the classroom in his voice barely above a whisper. But as he got closer, it was definitely the same lady who had just walked away from him. He quietly ignored then moved to sit in a distance, away from her..

From a distance. Her eyes seemed glued on Asher from the way he was interactive with the lecturer.

"Whoa...How could he be that handsome and intelligent at the same time?" She whispered.

For some students, it was the most difficult lecturer and somehow the hardest course. But seeing how Asher attended to each question, stole her interest and she made up her mind to find out more about the intelligent young boy.

But what if...?

The thought of how she walked out on Asher suddenly creped in, but her guts were certain and nothing was going to make her change her mind.

Finally, The class was over and the students were all moving out in a hurry the moment Mr Harbert( the lecturer) turned to pick his briefcase.

But not Jamie.

He took his time, made sure nothing was left behind, then hung on his backpack and was going to stand, so he could join the rest. And then, he collided with an image standing right in his walk way, with no room to breath.

"It's..." He wanted to speak but skeptic on seeing it was the exact same lady he had bumped into, then took a step backward.

"Yeah, it's me. But first of all" she said, trying to drop her backpack on the same spot where Asher's hand was placed on the desk.

"I'm sorry about earlier" she continued. "So my name is Ava and you?"

At this point. Asher's mind had travelled far, wondering what was happening and his absence was clearly seen.

"Hello..."

She whispered trying to call back his attention and Asher snapped out of his thoughts immediately. then took a very deep breath

"I'.. I..I'm sorry about earlier too" he said stuttering. " I should leave now" then walked away..

Ava wasn't so disappointed with Asher's response because she expected it. Quietly, she sat down and watched Asher leave the classroom..

But that wasn't going to be the end, she promised herself and didn't back down on it.

Ava kept to her promise and made sure she got close to Asher, but there was a mix. She found it hard to understand why she was constantly bumping into him seated with the same lady in the same exact position, for the uptenth time.