CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: A FATHERS LOVE.

Sighing, I make my way to the Head's office. Why did the old man want to see me today of all days? Stuffing my car keys in my pocket, I knock on the door and, wait.

"Come in." His deep voice seemed to vibrate through the door and along the empty halls, and I couldn't help but feel uneasy as I entered the room.

"You wanted to see me, sir?"

"Ah, Jason. Come in, come in. I did ask to see you, yes."

"Is everything alri..."

"Yes yes, everything's fine," he cuts me off, nodding to the set of leather sofas in his office, "Please." Sitting, I remove my jacket laying it across the back of the single sofa.

"So, although I spoke to the kids yesterday I also wanted to catch up on the progress with you."

"Ah, well from how our meetups have progressed I'd say they're as ready as I hoped they would be sir. Atlas and Jackson were wise choices for completing the team."

"They may have been my decisions but it's you who got them in the state of mind they should be in." He smiles broadly closing the file he'd been reading, moving to sit opposite me.

"You think too highly of me, sir."

"Well, although we have a lot of talented and extremely intelligent teachers at our academy, your achievements stand out. One can't help but expect great things." He smiles warmly, his eyes staring through me.

"Haha, of course, sir."

"I do have one question."

"Sure."

"Why, Forensic Pathology?"

"Ah," I shift awkwardly on the sofa, rubbing the back of my neck, "would you believe me if I said I was simply bored." He laughs and I smile along. Although it's a question I always get asked, it's also one I don't have a straightforward answer to. I mean what should I say? I saw my first dead body at twelve and I've been intrigued by the art of death?

"So, after skipping so many steps of your education ladder, you got bored?"

"Something like that." Laughing softly, I take the teacup he offers me, noticing his eyes seem to linger a few seconds too long on me and I shift awkwardly in my seat again.

"Why do I feel like you want to tell me something not related to my accomplishments?"

"Hmm." He removes his glasses wiping them clean before fixing them in place again.

"How much has Ms. Winters told you about this quiz?" I study him. His intent, written deep in his eyes causing me to smile. Cunning old man.

"Only that winning it means a lot to her, sir."

"Is that all?"

"Roughly translating her words, yes."

"Mr. Fairchild, I'm sure you've heard of our schools' traditions in terms of our student body counsel?"

"Are you referring to the identity of the president being kept a secret?"

"Yes."

"Then yes. But not in-depth as no one seems to know who they are."

"What if I told you that there isn't one… per se?" My brows are arching in confusion.

"Then I'd ask you to elaborate, sir."

"For the past couple years our schools' tradition has somewhat been put on hold. And a lot of responsibility has fallen into the hands of a single individual."

"One person?"

"Yes. And only a handful of people know who this person is."

"I see."

"Do you know why Jackson was chosen?" I look at him over the rim of my cup. What is he getting at?

"Well, he is a pretty smart and talented young man."

"True, but do you know what else he is?" What is this man… Wait…

"The VP of the student council?" He nods and smiles, taking a sip from his cup, eyes burning through me.

"I'm confused as to what that has to do with the quiz, sir."

"Let's just say, winning is a must."

"That I understand. Do not worry, I believe in my students' sir."

"And they seem to believe in you greatly also. One in particular." His brow arch at this and I could tell he meant Atlas.

"Ms. Winters seems to have taken a liking to you."

"Is that so. I believe she sees me just as a teacher Mr. Monroe."

"And how do you see her?" The passive-aggressiveness of his tone has been constant whenever Atlas comes up. Play it cool.

"I see her as a smart and capable young lady. A brilliant student." Hypocrite. I sigh as the word streams through my mind and I shift uncomfortably in my seat again, praying my poker face holds up.

"Hmmm."

"Is there a specific answer you're looking for sir?" His brows arches playfully and he smiles broadly at me before crossing his legs, placing the cup into its saucer, his palms falling onto his knee.

"I believe you'll want to see the contents of that envelope Mr. Fairchild." He nods to the envelope placed neatly on the tray between us, a vague expression of nothingness plastered across his face. Keeping my eyes on him I pick up the envelope removing the collection of photos from inside. Each one of them featuring myself and Atlas from the day I took her to the train station. I could feel the tension in my jaw and I placed the photos down in an attempt to not tear them.

"Seems like Ms. Winters got a lot of admirers. To the point where she's getting her pictures taken by paparazzi." A shadow of something crosses his face; only for a moment though and then it's gone.

"I could be a model don't you think." A grin forms across his face and I couldn't help think that if this man wasn't my boss I'd punch him.

"Do you like games Yuzuki-Kun?"

"Hmmm, I've been asked that question a lot lately."

"Remember you are a teacher of this Academy." I could hear the words before they left his mouth. Know your place. Don't put your job on the line or jeopardize the future of my student... Sighing inwardly, I kept my eyes locked on him but remained silent, controlling my irritation.

"You are an educator of this school, hence you must protect your students. And protect her you must." Huh? Is this guy...

"I-I'm sorry?" Smiling he reaches into the draw taking out another set of photos and handing them to me. Isn't this that punk who was following us? Does Monroe have people looking out for her? Why?

"Her father's undoubtedly aware of your relationship now. I know you're a teacher and she's your student but she's also an adult so I have no right to protest or stop you. In this school I know they're teacher-student relationships between others with greater age gaps and so I won't make a big deal out of this. Atlas, in my eyes, is an adult without fault and since she chose you Mr. Fairchild, you have my support."

"I don't understa..."

"You don't have to understand but know I see her as my daughter. Her father has always been a difficult man and she always seemed rather lonely and distant. However, since you've started teaching here not only does she seem brighter but she's also been more responsive, so I must thank you." Still, at a loss for words, I just stared at the man sitting across from me. What the actual fuck. First Jon, now him. Are teacher x student relationships no longer a taboo thing? Is this a manga? Rich people, I swear. Well, I guess it's a human thing.

"Well then, Mr. Fairchild. I believe you have a long journey ahead of you and I made you miss the coach. I'm sure someone will have my head if I delay you any further, you may go." I cough nervously at his statement and he smiles knowingly, nodding towards the door.

"Of-of course," getting up, I make my way to the door before stopping, "Sir? I've got a question?"

"What is it?"

"What exactly is the relationship between Atlas and Mr. Ingram?" His eyes widened slightly before narrowing again. What the hell was that? "I've heard rumours that they're acquainted through her father but from what I've seen she doesn't seem to like him very much?" Sighing he gets up making his way back to his desk before smiling at me again.

"That, I'm afraid is something you'll have to hear from Ms. Winters." The way he says her last name brought more questions to my mind, but I have a feeling he's right. She's the one I should hear it from.

"Understood." Bowing, I exit the office and head to my car, just in time to see the travel coach pull out of the lot. I could tell it was her, without seeing her face. I could pick her out of any crowd, yet, there were so many unanswered questions. Why am I so drawn to this woman? What's her connection to this school? A thought crosses my mind quickly as I remember my first meeting with the chairman and I shiver uncomfortably at the feeling.

"I don't think I'll like the answer at all if I'm honest." Sighing, I get into my car, leaving The Academy behind. For once, be wrong.