Side Story: A peek into the past 5

"Do you have any destination for your grand escape?" Elias asked her as they walked down the hallway.

Sarah felt herself turning red in embarrassment, to think that she blurred her thoughts out like that, she really needed to think more before opening her big mouth.

"Nothing in particular, I was planning to unwind a little bit until my coworker comes looking for me."

"In that case, why don't you accompany me on a tour of the university grounds." He asked with a smile, "I'd love to show you the local greenhouse if that interests you."

The guy was inviting her to look into the University's greenhouse, if she was in any other situation she would jump at the offer regardless of his motives, but they were still expecting a blow from the biology department and this handsome professor could be Professor Kinsley's ally. Regardless of Adam's judgement, the man could be owing the biology department a big favor for employing him. It's enough that she embarrassed herself in front of him.

"I'd love to, but I don't want to go too far away from the conference room. they might still need me." She responded with a smile, her heart did a little twist in her chest, was that disappointment she was feeling?

"I see, that's too bad. Then will you allow me to wait with you? I don't really want to go back to the buzz filled room." He said, giving her an awkward smile that went straight into her silly palpitating heart.

"Sure, why don't we sit over there. uhm..." She paused not wanting to say his name and let him fantasize about how she got to know it.

"Oh! Sorry, I didn't even introduce myself. That was really rude of me." He extended his hand "Elias Sandstone, from the Microbiology department."

"Sarah Keissi, but I guess you know that," she responded shaking his hand.

"I do, hence my rude belated introduction." he said with a chuckle, he mentioned for her to precede him toward the bench she'd pointed out before. The man really did have the manners of an English lord, he even spoke like one. her thoughts wondered away as she wondered whether all rich people spoke like that, but Elias did strike her as an old soul.

"So you were brought out here to be Kinsley's next sacrificial lamp." Elias said as he sat down beside her, Effectively bringing her focus back to him. she looked at him shocked that he would say something like that, wasn't there some unspoken agreement not to talk about that, he was smiling the same soft smile he gave her when their eyes first met, at that moment, she thought that this man can be quiet dangerous, but she was sure he represented no danger to her.

Sarah burst out laughing so hard her sides hurt, Elias was startled by her outburst but he soon went back to his gentle smile as he watched her laugh herself into tears.

"We were dragged exactly like those poor lamps" she said a few moments later.

"But you ended up turning his plan against him. What you did out there was really a sight to see." Elias said admiration clear in his voice.

"Thanks, It's the first time we had to present our years of work to the public, so it's good to hear " She said honestly glad at his praise.

After that they talked about a bit of everything except the research and the presentation, from their university days to the best coffeeshop in the city. Sarah truly enjoyed their conversation and found herself drawn to the funny and easygoing person sitting with her. She found her first impression of him crumbling, unlike what his background implied he was down to earth and incredibly smart and insightful.

"In the end i found out that i took the exam with the seniors because i went into the wrong greenhouse." She said and Elias threw his head back and laughed.

"And to think that i wanted to show you our pathetic excuse of a greenhouse. you have enough to get lost into." he finally said after calming down.

"I actually really wanted to see it. but i was kind of warry of being alone with you." Sarah admitted apologetically, Elias rose his eyebrows as if asking why. "I was afraid you'd try to pump information about the project out of me. I though Professor Kinsley sent you."

Elias smiled and leaned back on his seat, "Now that you mentioned it, I did sound suspicious." He looked back at her with a glint in his eyes "Am I crossed out of the suspect list now?"

"Hmm, Let me see." she responded pretending to think about it.

"This is going to need some incentive. Why don't I treat you to the latest Barbeque spot sometime next week for lunch?" he asked sounding so serious that it was comical.

"Are you trying to bribe me Professor Sandstone?" she asked faking indignance.

"Not at all! I am just trying to redeem myself." he responded lifting his hands up in surrender.

"In that case I shall accept your invitation and drive a hole into your wallet."

he laughed "please go easy on me, I'm just an underplayed university professor."

Just hen she was about to respond she heard her name being called out.

"There you are!" Adam said as he jogged toward them, "Ah, you were with Elias. I thought someone cornered you into talking to them."

"Adam?" Elias said standing up and shaking his hand "how long has it been?!"

"Elias! sure has been a long time. how have you been?"

"Fine, feeling more and more ancient with each wave of new comers, to think that we had the same level of energy as them back then,"

"Yeah tell me about it." Adam said with a laugh.

'didn't know him well, my ass' Sarah thought as she stood up ready to head back to the reception , shaking her head at Adam's antics.

"Why don't we head back to the reception? People are starting to wonder where you went." Adam told her as they walked back.

"Time flew by as we spoke. i didn't realize it was this late."

"Hmm," Adam mumbled quietly then turned toward Elias "We're having a night out at the usual hang out spot with some people from our group. would you like come?"

"yeah, sure. It's been a while since I've seen everyone. what time?"

"7 PM, maybe you can convince this homebody to join us." Adam said ruffling her hair, splatting his hand away she glared at him.

"I told you, I'm not into social gatherings. I don't know anyone there anyway, you'll end up stuck with me and not enjoying your time." she grumbled back at Adam who was having way too much fun for her liking.

"No he won't," Elias said taking a step beside her as the walk way narrowed. " I'll be there to keep you company so Adam can socialize all he wants." He continued looking at Adam above her head, looking back at Adam she found him Eying Elias back and a weird atmosphere breezed between them.

"Great, if it's gonna get this airhead out of the lab and into a social life I'm all for it." Adam said with a smirk and started catching up on them. "but unlike her appearance she's quiet a lightweight and her airheaded character quiet shows up when she drinks."

"Adam, you're on sample retrieval duty for the foreseeable future."

"Well, I'll let you discover the rest on your own," Adam said with a laugh not seeming the least bothered by her glares. at that moment she wished she had lazed vision. it would've been convenient right about this time.