Chapter 14- Intimidated

Presley's Point of View;

The music playing in my headphones stopped as the song was about to change. But then I heard a knock at the door. So I took them off my ears and went to open the door. I looked left and right but there was no one there. It must have been a prank from someone else on the floor. Ever since what happened with Gail it seemed to start a prank war around this building. As I began to close the door a firm but light voice spoke causing me to look down, "Don't you dare slam that door on me."

She caught me off guard as it sounded like a command that all I could say in response is, "Oh, I'm sorry ma'am I-"

She cut me off mid-sentence and said in an almost taunting way, "Didn't see me, go ahead and say it. I dare you."

I stopped myself as I realized that was exactly what I was going to say. It was only when I watched her closely is when I was able to figure out why that phrase would be offensive to her. Besides being a short lady who I could tell had dwarfism, she wore dark black shades while holding a cane. So she is probably also visually impaired. I knew I had to choose my words carefully. I didn't know her so why she would be at my door in the first place is really strange. If she is lost I really can't help her, but I can direct her over to Gails. If she is at the right place then she would more likely be here to see Mitchum. He knows many of the other students around here already. "No, I just um, wasn't aware that anyone was out here at this time. So um, may I help you ma'am? If you are here for Mitchum, he left for a class already."

She straighten up her shoulders and furrowed her eyebrows then said plainly, "I do not know a Mitchum, but you can help me. Are you the Presley that helped Homer 3 weeks ago to clear his name?"

So she was looking for me? How does she even know about me helping Homer? The other students taught it was a play. Was she there? "Yes, I am."

Then she gave a single head nod and then raised her head to look up at me, "OK now I have a very important matter to discuss with you and it cannot be talked about out here. So invite me in."

Again what she said seemed like a command like when my grandmother used to tell me not to run in the house. Her demeanor was both firm and serious. Usually, I don't let strangers in my apartment but how couldn't say no? She seemed like the kind of person you shouldn't say no to. I also didn't want to be rude so I let her in and she introduced herself as Amelia Marina Morgan. She wore a pink jersey with matching sneakers and blue jeans. She had a light complexion and her hair was brown and mid-length. I couldn't see her eye color because of the shades. Maybe the fact that I don't have to maintain eye contact with her could make this conversation go smoother.

She sat down on the couch and I sat beside her leaving a space between us. She also did most of the talking which was alright with me. She told me that she was a friend of Homer and that they all lived in the same apartment block. She continued by telling me that she heard from him about how Gail and I helped to clear his name with Professor Smith. But what really got my attention was that she seemed convinced that since I was able to help Homer, I could help her also.

I wanted to stop her then and there but she then went straight into telling me what she needed help with. "So I have a problem of my own that I need you to look into. I major in chemistry. For that class, we have a quiz, well more specifically it's a small competition among the chemistry students. The teachers of the subject give the questions to those who are doing their last year in college to organize it. Afterward, the questions are put under lock and key by the teachers and the envelopes are only opened on the platform by the senior student whose on the honor roll. This takes place once a week for the term, so the one who wins the most during the entire term gets an award for academic excellence and a free ticket to a 4D movie."

That was a lot of information to take in but none of it sounded bad in any way. "Wow that kind of sounds awesome, but I don't see the problem."

"Someone is cheating. The only reason I entered such a trivial match is to give certain someone some competition. I watched all the matches last year; this is his 3rd year and he managed to win each term." Her face remained expressionless but I wonder what made her reach that conclusion.

"OK that's impressive but how are you so sure he's cheating?" I asked.

"I want you to come to the match this evening at 5:45 pm and see for yourself. It's passed the AV room next to the art room, building 6."

If I had known that question meant that I was willing to get involved I would have just stayed quiet. She took out a folded piece of paper and gave it to me. I unfolded it right there and saw it had the address of the building written on it. She had obviously prepared this in advance and I know how it feels to be let down. I would hate to do the same to her. I didn't have an idea of where to find the Art room since I have barely explored the school. I've mostly just go to my classes and then come straight back here.

But it was helpful of her to write it down so I wouldn't have to remember it on my own. She also seems to not want to answer my question directly as she may want my unbiased opinion. I do that sometimes myself as it's better to show someone than just tell them. It's just I already feel so overwhelmed today, can I really say yes to this?

I guess I can have Mitchum go with me. He's the one who wanders around the campus for no reason so he'll know where to find this place. Amelia then called me out of my thoughts as she asked, "So will I see you there?"