The Voice I Couldn't Hear

Evo's POV

"What's up, Mr. President? Have you been getting enough rest?" Migs asked.

The group of cars and I drove into the campus parking lot specifically to meet our needs. We immediately parked them in a row. When we stepped out of the car, we instantly welcomed each other.

Evo chuckled. "Sure enough, I dozed off. It would be best if you didn't take things like this seriously." I said.

Everyone discussed the previous night's incident with friends and fellow students the next day. When the students heard that Joel had died, they reacted differently. Floyd, on the other hand, garnered the most sympathy. A few professors and students lit candles for Joel's ultimate rest.

"Not in all seriousness, Mr. Montenegro?"

All of us turned our backs to see who the speaker was. Behind us stood the engineering school's dean. There was complete silence as we exchanged glances. Our dean is likely in his fifties and a middle-aged man. He has a noticeable patch of baldness on his head, and his ears are prominent. His skin is darker, and his nose is somewhat flat. Our dean may not seem like much, but he's received many awards—especially when he was younger. He is an alumnus of the school, and he is now working there. Many engineering students feel a special bond with him since he is more approachable and hip than any of the college's other deans or professors. As a result, a large number of students from various schools and majors gravitate toward him.

The dean approached me and addressed me directly. "Did you know that we'd include your work as an official department representative in some of your final grades? Mr. Montenegro, why waste your chance to lead the USBO by pretending?"

I met the dean's gaze, and my demeanor changed to mild seriousness. "Sorry about that, sir. I get it."

The dean grinned and nodded his approval. "If you, Mr. Montenegro, are serious about becoming president, you have a strong ally in Ms. Sebastian. Together, I think you two will go far. I can vouch that she will have a positive impact on you." He glanced at my friend's profile. "Very well. I will be ahead of you. Hurry, because the first class is about to begin."

Zoey made a frowning face as she and the others watched the dean go.

"The fact that they are so obsessed with this, Miss Sebastian, is quite frustrating. It looks like they only care about that one girl." Zoey replied, annoyed. "They are too pleased with her achievements, but I know she has a flaw."

Winona's gaze shifted to Zoey. "Well, we can't blame the faculty. This girl is the top student in the College of Architecture and a scholar at the university."

"Acceptable. Sebastian's academics are excellent, but she is still economically disadvantaged." Zoe's brows are knit.

I replied with a grimace. I couldn't believe Zoey had said those things. "When did you start calling people rude names?"

Zoey gave me a sidelong glance. "Sorry."

Brian turned around when he caught sight of Bella Sebastian. "Speaking of Ms. Sebastian."

We all turn to look at Bella as she sprints down the corridor. She wears tattered jeans and a patterned black t-shirt, with the sleeves rolled up and tucked into her pants, and her long hair tied back into a ponytail. It's understated yet flattering on her little frame.

The other day, I noticed that Bella Sebastian stood out among all the thoughts present. He bears a striking resemblance to the enigmatic "Zero," the police officer obsessed with the night of violence.

"I can't believe there are two people with the same aura; it's impossible," I thought.

I stared at him carefully until he disappeared from our sight.

—

Bella's POV

I went directly from class to my workstation in USBO's main office. Laurie, a gay USB officer, caught my eye and surprised me. While I was on my laptop, he placed a cake dish on a saucer.

Laurie sat in the lone chair at her desk. "Are you busy, my dear? You don't even bother to drink water. Aren't you thirsty?"

I closed the laptop, so Laurie couldn't see what I was doing. As I grabbed the saucer, I looked at Laurie.

As I ate a slice of cake, I remarked, "Your sister is pretty talented at what she does. It's delectable, and the sweetness does not get tiresome. It's perfect."

Laurie was surprised. "How did you know that it was my sister who baked the cake?"

"I just heard," I said. "I saw you give Arthur a slice of cake. I overheard you telling him that your sister made the cake."

Laurie's smile widened. "Are you serious that it's delicious? When you say it, I know it's true. Do you want to place an order? Wait..." Laurie suddenly took something from her bag and handed me his business card. "I was hoping that you could recommend someone to my sister. She just started her business, so recommending her work is a big help in getting customers."

I gave the nod. "OK, I'll refer your sister to my friends."

I tucked the calling card inside my handbag. Since I'm an introvert who prefers to spend time alone, I have no friends. I may only suggest Laurie's sister's cakes to my uncle's coworkers.

Laurie smiled. "Have you planned anything special for Foundation Week?"

"Laurie, I've got an idea. Since we're all teenagers and the live concert will draw people, we should hire underrated bands. The complimentary meal is the only major expense, but the rest will save us money and give them publicity. We'll help them, and they'll help us. What are your thoughts?"

"You have a fantastic proposal, but we need the President's assent before proceeding."

"Really? But he doesn't seem to mind. He knows arrogance and egoism."

Laurie let out a little laugh. "Please, VP, keep your voice down. Besides, he has every right to feel superior."

I finished the last piece of cake. "I don't know Montenegro, but he seemed pretty full of himself," I commented. "He is very eloquent but completely ineffectual. Why did everyone vote for him? It would be wonderful if Erik won."

"Unfortunately, Miss VP, he did not win."

We looked at the man standing at the door. Evo looked at me with a grave expression on his face.

"Are you disappointed because I won? Would you happen to have any doubts about my capabilities? Do you have any issues with me?"

I felt Laurie's grip on my hand and glanced his way. I ignore Laurie's pleas to stop arguing with Evo and keep going anyway.

I, too, cast my gaze at Evo. "I don't have a problem with you, Mr. President. Yes, I'm disappointed, but I have no expectations for you, since I know how people like you think and act."

Evo frowned. "What did you say? People who are like me? Why? Did you know who I am?"

I smirked insidiously. "Mr. President, I'm not sure why you're interrogating me. Should I try to get to know you?"

Evo grinned. "You seem interested in getting to know me, so why not?"

"Why should I make an effort to get to know you? Why should I spend time with you?"

The buzzing sound of whispers began to fill the entire room. "I will not waste your time; we should go on a date, and that is OK with me; you have every right to feel honored that I have picked you as the first girl to date," he said.

I couldn't believe the man was boasting about himself to me, as if dating him was a reward. Even though Evo is handsome, I'm not interested in dating egotistical men like him.

"That's all you can do? Showing off your wares?" I asked. "Honestly, I don't have the time to listen to such rubbish; there's no use in prolonging this discussion, particularly since I'm not really interested."

I rose to my feet and approached Evo. Evo remained still, staring back at me. I was slightly surprised to see him. He is staring at me like he has an x-ray vision that could penetrate my entire body. Since staring at him was pointless, I was the first to look away.

—

Evo's POV

I chuckled. "You give up too easily. We have enough resources to begin the process, Vice President."

"I'm not giving up," Bella said as she looked at me. "I automatically know when to advance and when to end a discussion. Fighting over irrelevant issues is the business of narrow-minded humans." Bella glanced at her friends. "I must go because I have a class to attend. See you later!"

Upon Bella's departure, everyone waved but remained silent. After she left, I noticed that everyone was looking at me.

"Holy cow, guy, she busted the mold," Migs said as he crossed the doorway.

"Looks like you've met your match, dude!" Wilson said, eliciting laughs.

It startled my friends to see me smiling rather than upset. Knowing me, they expected me to be furious at the woman's actions, mainly because this was the first time a woman had clashed with me. However, many at the USBO office who knew me were shocked to see me still laughing and joyful after all that had happened.

"What's the deal with your smile?" Brian asked. "At this point, you should be feeling frustrated and planning your retaliation. Isn't that how you react when a woman doubts your competence?"

After staring into the woman's eyes for what seemed like an eternity, I was surprised that I could not hear or read her thoughts, but I did hear and read everyone's thoughts inside the office.

"Jeez, I fear Evo is going nuts."

"Jeez, I believe Evo is going nuts."

"What is Pres thinking?"

"Miss VP is such a tiger inside the cute kitten."

I had heard enough to ensure my ability was not at fault. As I considered the possibility that Bella Sebastian could have been the hooded man that night, my irritation subsided. After witnessing her chasing Floyd, Bella Sebastian never returned to school. That's weird, but I know it makes sense.

I thought, 'You're interesting, Bella Sebastian.'