The Secret Investigation

Fabian exhales deeply as he sits on the bench under the big Willow tree facing the green around the shrieking, excited kids on the slides and swings. He has a peculiar nature that most people he meets would label as distant and robotic. He never cared for humans that much so far in his 21 years old life. He loves gaming and coding as much as he hates human interactions.

Tutoring here doesn't seem too bad for his choice. In fact, he finds it fascinating to come across the unique peculiarities that the kids never stop to showcase.

Speaking of caring about others, he has been facing this weird situation ever since Oriana joined the tuition center. He wouldn't say he feels attracted to her but something about her makes him want to know more of what's hidden behind those beautifully wise, brown eyes. He never bothers about his appearance in front of the guys, Leilani or Ilona. But when it

comes to Oriana, somehow he wants to look his best to her. He knows he shouldn't explore the unknown path that he never intended to tread so far but Oriana makes a difference, no matter how slight it is.

"Hey, Fabian? Yeah, I thought it's you. What brought you here?"

Oriana's ever cheerful voice snaps him out of his rumination. He feels his cheeks heat up a little. Even the gloomy Willow tree seems pleasant with her presence.

"Hey, Miss? Umm.. I live around...just wanted to get some fresh air." he stutters a bit, another thing he never does in front of others.

"Is it? I live right down that street." She nods towards the street just left to the park they are in.

"Oh! That's great." he licks his lips, very subtly, not at all in a

provocative way. He just needed to do something about the suddenly dried up lips, that's it.

"So, would you mind if I sit here?" Oriana smiles that shows her one crooked tooth. A knot slowly forms on the pit of Fabian's stomach as he nervously scoots over, "Yeah, sure. Why not!"

"Thanks!" Oriana feels an unusual warmth when she's around Fabian. She knows he's younger than her and way too robotic to feel anything for her. Yet, she finds him more interesting than even the heartthrob, Nevan.

"Is Mr. Landon planning to carry on a secret investigation without informing Police about Raya? It's ridiculous to just think about..." Oriana starts the conversation, as usual.

"Yeah, it's very Albert Landon-y thing to do. This guy loves money and reputation more than anything." Fabian smirks.

Oriana admires the beautiful hazel-green eyes sparkling with that little smirk before turning away her gaze from him, "Yeah, you're right."

"So, we were supposed to go to her best friend's place for a "friendly, not at all suspicious chat". He air quotes making Oriana smile.

"The beginning of the investigation! We're on the same team which needless to mention, I almost forgot about. The best friend...what's her name again?

"Alexina."

"Yeah, right! How are you so good with names?" Fabian grins in reply.

Oriana wants to ask why doesn't he ever call her by her name but asks another question instead, "Who is Leilani with?"

"Nobody, I suppose. He asked Ilona to accompany Alvis to the boyfriend's house. I'm not sure about Nevan either."

"This is crazy! But in a way, a tad bit interesting, I guess." "Yeah, like being detectives and solving crimes...not bad!"

Oriana smiles again, "Yeah, my only wish is that we find Raya totally safe, alive and unharmed." her eyes suddenly go distant.

Fabian looks at her face, feeling the sudden shift in her tone, "You alright, Miss?" he tries to reach for her hand but decides otherwise.

"Yeah! I'm alright." She tries to flash a small grin, "So, when are we starting tomorrow?"

"I don't mind. You can just text me whatever time is suitable for you." "Or maybe I can say it now..." Oriana teases.

Fabian chuckles nervously, "Yeah sure. You see, I'm the worst...at in person interactions." again, a bit of a stutter.

"Seems just fine to me." she smiles making him blush a little. "We can start around 12? What do you think?"

"Sounds good."

"Okay, see you then? And this is perfect, now that I know you live around, we can meet here first...you know, our rendezvous point?" She fixes her glass before getting up on her feet.

"Yeah, sounds good." Fabian inwardly winces at his limited word choices. Sounds good? Seriously?

"Cool! Bye for now." smiling, she turns around.

"Yeah, bye!" He keeps looking her way until she isn't visible in his line of sight anymore. She surely makes a difference.

"You think that Fred would know anything? I have this strong gut feeling that Leilani must've done something to Raya." Ilona stuffs her

perfectly manicured hands into her pockets.

Alvis looks irritated, "What's your problem? Can't you for once stop assuming?"

"Ah my word!" she dramatically touches her cheek, "When did I assume? Just laying out the truth as is."

He grunts, "Truth!"

"Then what do you think the truth is?" She bats her extended eyelashes.

After Nevan, she always preferred Alvis.

"Guess we'll figure that out after talking to Fred the boyfriend." he lets out an annoyed puff of air.

"Huh! That's it? I knew you would be no good in investigating."

"You have no clue how ridiculous this whole investigation thing is, do you?" He shoots her a fierce glance.

She shrugs in reply, "I don't think it's ridiculous. Mr. Landon is doing what is good for the institution."

"You mean his shit-ass tuition center?"

"Ah! This is probably the first time ever I'm seeing you acting so mean.

Where's that angst coming from?"

"Nothing, forget it. Truth is...it's always hard for people like you to get the real pictures."

"I think you actually do have hots for Raya, don't you?" Ilona narrows her eyes completely disregarding the insult.

"Aren't you the best investigator-slash-detective? You would be the one to know."

"Yeah, dodging off the question, I see. Speaking of me being an investigator, I'd say I'm more aligned with fashion and stuff, you know. This secret investigation thing is just exciting to me, that's all."

"Fashion? I'm not surprised."

Ilona bats her eyelashes again, "Well, you take notice of my fashion sense, I suppose?"

"No, I wanted to say something else but what the hell...yeah sure. That's that." Alvis moves a hand through his tousled hair gulping the words...dumb pretty girls can be good at fashion.

"I think, we're here. What's the guy's name again?"

"Fred. Yeah, that's his place and the light is on. Hopefully we can

squeeze some useful information out of him." Alvis unconsciously clenches his jaw. The idea of Raya's having a boyfriend is not sitting well with him.