Fifty-five

Fortunately for me, it's Church Day. Eric holds office hours up until eleven o'clock whilst Emmeline and the twins attend mass. It makes me wonder how she still has faith in an invisible being who clearly abandoned us a long time ago. It is mind-boggling when she has experienced all the cruelty humankind is capable of and still sets foot in a place of worship. I guess I'm not the only one full of contradictions. To some extent, that attribute it is deeply ingrained in our make-up whether it is genetic or spiritual. Stopping in front of the lofty door of his office, I take a deep breath before I knock. This isn't as easy as I thought it would be. My bravery is disintegrating faster than I'd hoped.

Clinging to the last vestiges, I knock on the door and stroll right in, afraid that if I wait outside the door for his go-ahead, the coward in me will win this battle eventually.

Without raising his head, " Good morning, Miss Abernathy. How may I be of service to you today, " Judging by that greeting you'd think that man is a saint. If only. Only, his tone is laden with sarcasm that I'm pretty sure that even the most aloof person on the damn planet wouldn't have any trouble picking it up.

Without further ado, I slink into the seat on the other side of his desk, deciding to let go of my petty grievances for now. I'm well aware that we are not best buds. He tolerates me. That is all this boils down to.

From a recluse, I've been upgraded to tolerable. Grand.

" Morning," I grouse, not giving him an inch because I know he will take a mile.

" My, my aren't you a ray of sunshine this morning, " He smirks, as he leans back in his chair, finally giving me his full attention.

" Can we not do this right now," I try to keep the pleading edge out of my tone, but I fail miserable and Eric picks up on it.

" Trouble in paradise?!" He raises his brows, and I swear he is gleeful about the fact Mason and I are quarrelling.

" No," I say curtly, but it is difficult to control my sour mood. Frustration wins this one, and I find myself sagging the chair. Having little to no energy for putting up a front for appearance's sake.

Patiently, he waits, and under the weight of his gaze, my resolve dissolves like snow under the hot summer sun.

" Maybe," I say without much conviction, and he nods. And I hope from the bottom of my heart that it is in understanding, rather than acknowledgement.

" I see, " He hums pensively, " Miss Abernathy, in case you haven't noticed, the plaque on my door says ' Dean Eric Garouche ' not ' Marriage counsellor.'" He drops the pen in his pencil holder before rising to his feet and buttoning his smokey grey suit. It suits him perfectly. Like a dark avenging angel, he props a hip against his desk and looks me down his nose, " If this is not academia-related then I want no part of it. All personal relations should be discussed with Mrs Bishop. She will be here first thing tomorrow morning, " He picks up a paper sheet, and thrusts it in my face, " These are her office hours. Please refer to her, and never come into my office to reconcile non-existent amorous quarrels, " I can't say I didn't see this coming, because I sort of did. Nonetheless, I allowed him to continue with his diatribe in hopes that once it is off his chest we can actually have a conversation where he doesn't patronise me.

After a few moments of silence where he doesn't speak, I take the sheet of paper, crumple it in my fist and throw it in the paper bin under his desk. I wouldn't ask for love advice from Eric, even if the fate of humanity would rest upon it. And it kind of does.

"I'm here for a different matter," I smirk up at him, but he remains unfazed by my brazen attitude. We've done this a lot during training so he might've developed some resistance to it. I'd like to take some credit for some of the work, but deep down I know that it is not true.

" I have a plan, " That piques his interest.

" I'm listening, " He motions with his hand for me to continue and I'm beginning to loathe that gesture.

" I believe you are familiar with the tale of the Trojan horse, " When he nods, I continue, " I propose a similar plan in order to put this matter between Micah and I to rest, once and for all. Mason disagrees. I'm only searching for an impartial party. You are the closest person I know that will offer me honesty without the added emotional baggage," He silently chuckles, and rubs his his jaw, seemingly thinking.

" Please continue," He says when I remain silent.

" I propose that I allow Micah to capture me, and inevitably he will take me back to the temple. Only this time I'm not some helpless gimp. I'm capable of far more damage than Mason gives me credit for," I take a deep breath wanting to hear his thoughts on it so far.

" Clearly Mason disagrees," He offers, beyond amused at my predicament.

" Clearly. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here, " I squeeze through my ever-growing irritation.

" I'm assuming that this is just one part of your plan," His assumption is correct.

" This where you and the order come-," He starts laughing in my face before I even finish the sentence.

I don't even bother to continue and wait for him to gather himself. He carries on laughing for a good minute or so before sobering up and regaining his previous composure. One of mild amusement.

" Miss Abernathy. Since you entered this school, we've lost five members. The order doesn't have the numbers in order to assist you in this matter. I'm afraid that keeping the V'asay outside the city boundaries is all we have to offer. Now, if you'll excuse me, my wife is waiting for me. I think I've allotted more than enough time to entertain your lunacy. Enjoy the rest of your day Miss Abernathy. Please close the door behind you when you leave, " And with that he strolls out of the room, leaving me alone in the strangely decorated office.