Chapter 3 : Suspicious Motions all Around

Everything was as usual, with no extraordinary experience.

Next day, in my school, it was finally announced that the forest club is going to start during the vacation just after a week. And we met our new instructor for the club, Sir Mike Baron — A fine man enough to attract the crowd of women. However, I should never think such if I'm a student. He's going to be my teacher anyway.

Our new instructor's personality, is similar to Daisy - Cheerful and Childish, but seems to be a wise man. I'll surely learn many things from him.

".... and this is all from your instructor's side. Next, you'll be provided with a pass which will be your ID for the rest of your time in the Forest Club. After registering for this year's sessions, be careful in handling it. You'll not be given a new one if you lost it." The teacher said.

After our homeroom teacher finishes, we all students were provided with the pass.

This pass in my hand, is my entry, right? However, I don't know if I could even get freedom of traveling alone with my friends....

Then I heard that voice for the first time, "Adventures are thrilling, right? Though they could be dangerous but your spirits should remain active. Apart from your studies, outdoor activities are important too. But as your teacher, what we'll learn together, do take it as a lesson for your life, so we can make our vacation more memorable!"

Sir Mike Baron... his words has such a strength which motivated the whole class.

His elocution made everyone enthusiastic about the trip. Just like how I was. However, though I know what my father will say, but still....I have a feeling that at least I can speak to my father about it, no matter what's waiting for me.

"Yes! I should try to talk about it with father. No matter what his words will be then, I should try once." I thought.

...

(Some moments later; about 11am in the morning)

Afar from the Royal Raymond Blues High school, in the southern, there's an abandoned estate of the most privileged business family of, none other than but Kane's (this information is not related to Iris and her family).

It was an abandoned villa which Iris's Father had bought from the another Kane Family and he mostly spends his time here rather than his 'dear daughter' because — Some secrets, better to be kept confidential.

The abandoned villa looks like a ghost manor from outside so no one dared to even cast their gaze upon the building.

However, Iris's father changed its interior. This time too, he was in the villa.

On the second floor, it's his study where he's now making a call to someone. It looks kinda serious discussion.

"...It's really an honor to work for you sir."

"Stop your unwanted cheesy talk. You can't buy me with your flattering words, note that. Also, I've given you the task, has it completed successfully?"

"Yes sir, it's. Just rest assured. The information will be really useful for you sir. As per your request, I've contacted many property dealers who's willing to help you sell the Mansion of Kane. The price which was set up was the fair amount they said, and they even asked me if they could visit you."

"Is it? Perfect. The sooner, the better. Tell them that I've agreed and, you can come with them in my estate, now."

"Ok sir. I got it."

"Good. You've 2 hours. Get here fast."

"Received. But, if you don't mind sir, can I... ask you something?"

Belmont was in a good mood until his 'temporary man in the call' ruined it by asking his permission for questioning him.

So, he went pause and after 5 seconds, replied, "... What's it?"

"I've, also received the information about the new CEO of Kane Enterprises. Every influencing families who are rich in Marlborough, has agreed to invest in it. Mr. Sam Kane, the CEO, might try to expand his business abroad which might drop off your conductivity in the society. Will it be really okay for you to sell off your property at such situations, sir?"

What a rare information his 'pawn' had brought to him. However, Belmont thought that the guy is right. But, ....

..."it's not his place to question his own master until he's asked for something. How dare he tried to humiliate me by asking this when I already know it's answer?!"...

But as cruel and brutal he doesn't seems to be, he's the one most inhuman.

However, something came up to that man's mind and he asked, "Sir, If you don't mind.... What would be my reward for granting you such information?"

After listening his question, Belmont was amazed. He just laughed it off and said, "A reward…? Of course. You'll be very... heavily rewarded..."

His bloody red eyes again sparked with some unknown intentions. That man didn't get to even doubt his superior when his words clearly depicted such evil emotions openly!

Either a true person or not, Belmont was clearly upto something that man thought. But later, he was brushed off by Belmont in call and he tells him to mind his own business. Also, reminding him again of his task before hanging up the call.

He stood by the window, and the cold breezes were calming his nerves. A strange silence of nature, was evident too.

..."(He Chuckled) Well, humans can assume that it's quite, a good weather today.... but who knows, this silence could also be the calm before the storm? One should, never dwell upon predictions..."...

....

(In Royal Raymond Blues High School)

It's the break time.

So, during the interval, I was again zoned out for a moment in the thoughts of the place, Patrick island. I was wondering what kind of a place it's? I was just hoping if this place is good enough for travelling. But still it's a mystery, why father is encouraging me to spend my vacations in an unknown place? But I can only get to know my answers when I'll meet father.

Daisy and Harry keeps calling out my name but when Daisy shouted my name, I came back from my dreams.

"You okay? I kept calling you but you didn't answer." Daisy said.

"Sorry, I was just zoned out for a moment..." I said.

"It's very rare for me to see you zoned out. What you were thinking just now?" Daisy asked.

"Nothing... Actually, it's not so important. I was thinking about the place my father will take me to in holidays. He told me yesterday about our Vacation Plan." I said.

"But we're already having the forest club tour, right?" Harry asked.

Daisy nodded in agreement with Harry.

"I know guys but, my father will not allow me, you know. So I was thinking for a way to convince him." I said, thinking something.

"Then, convincing an overprotective father like yours would be difficult I guess." Harry said, understanding my situation.

"Yes it is. But anyways, I should try to talk about it with father once." I replied.

"Yes, you should. Who knows what would happen if you didn't take this opportunity as a chance for you?" Harry said.

"Indeed! And If he get agreed to this, we'll be having much fun in the tour together than ever before!" Daisy said with excitement.

Daisy was really excited about this. That smile, that laughter, that hope....I really don't want to break it with my father's disagreement.

Out of the whole class, my friends were eagerly looking for this time. Even Harry seems to be in a good mood. He has been always supportive about me. But alas, he never open up that much. I wonder if he really wants me to join in the club or not.

But whatever is the reason. I really appreciate if father agrees to let me go. And the place where he planned to take me, we can go over next month. After all, I've received two months holiday!

The I said to Daisy, "Don't worry. I'll surely convince father to give permission. This time, I'll try really hard, father will not ignore her daughter."

"Much better. You can also try to act like crying and miserable so his decision gets changed. How's that?"

"Well, it's more like scheming behind someone's back rather than planning, Daisy...." Harry said weakly.

"Hmph! You boys will not understand that how much strength does a girl's tears contains. One should be smart and scheming too in order to achieve their true goals." Daisy said acting proud.

Her face looked so funny that I couldn't control my laughter. Seeing me like this, Harry and Daisy were startled.

But I let them know that I'm fine, which made them relieved. I heard Harry saying, "You better don't laugh out so loud, it'll surely invite trouble..."

Looking at such a worrywart, I can't help but smile and think how blessed I'm.

It has been always like this when we three meet. Now I think about it, Harry has changed to a gentle person too with Daisy around. But this class of mine envies me more than Daisy cause, Harry is only gentle towards me.

Girls of my class think hard on why Harry likes to be with me? Some of them even asks me if I've done anything to him but, wouldn't it be better if they put their brains more into their studies rather than senseless gossips?!

Harry is so popular that it even burdens me more if it's okay to ask him something.

All what I'm interested about Harry is that he's very intellectual and I think of him as my knowledge bank. He always comes with new information about our city's history. He just loves to talk about some ancient history which I find more helpful for my assignments. Having him arround would surely profit the one seeking knowledge.

Like that, I was again zoned out, and Harry called out my name.

"Finally out of your dreamland.....something wrong?" He asked.

Am......No, it's nothing."

"Iris, you're a bad liar. If something is bothering you, you must speak out. We'll help you." Daisy said.

By this, I thought for sometime.

I was wondering if Harry knows about this so called Patrick Island. so I asked him directly.

For sometime both, Harry and Daisy were like they've seen a ghost, when they heard the name 'Patrick Island'. Harry asked me with doubt, "What-What are you trying to say, Iris?"

"Well, yesterday, my Father mentioned this place, and I've never heard of it... Well, it's that he's actually taking me to this island. Do you know something about this place?"

Now Harry and Daisy were shocked to hell. I only feels like I've stepped out of my bounds.

However, they both seems to be reluctant to answer. For God's sake, what kind of a place it is?

That's when a student called out me, "Iris, are you in class? Sir Mike wants to meet you in office."

...

(Some moments later)

"Sir Mike called me? Out of other students here?"

"No, that's not it. He only mentioned your name so you must go and see him now." That student said and went out.

Later, Harry said, "I think....you must finish this thing before to get any answer from me. Well, it'll be better to talk after school about such dreadful topic you picked up."

After giving me one cold stare, he then went out too. His gaze was quite scary. But I can feel no ulterior motives behind those eyes — It only gives off the harsh warning to me, to not ask anything like that out of the blue.

Daisy told me to ignore it and said, "You better meet up with Sir Mike before he starts to think that you're so rude to your teacher. Come, let me lead you there."

I agreed and went with her to Sir Mike's office.

As expected, inside the teacher's staff room, it was only him there, with no staff teachers. I wonder what's the matter.

"So, you're Iris?" He asked, being indifferent and serious.

He's a new teacher but still I can feel his cold voice so dreadful. Even our Homeroom teacher had never radiated such harsh vibes when he first joined our class.

So, I greeted him respectfully and replied, "Yes sir. my name is Iris Kane."

"Student of class A9, right?"

"Yes, sir."

And what's more, when I tried to look at him directly in his eyes, I found two piercing eyes upon me. Don't know why but this Sir Mike isn't radiating any human vibe from him.

"Well, you might have known why I called you here, right?" He asked.

But I tried to remain calm and replied, "No-No sir. I don't."

"You don't? Very surprising... Well, let it be. Your homeroom teacher had informed me about your situation in your family. You are the only daughter and have no mother; only dad. And your father had never allowed you to be a part of Forest Club. So, I called you here to hear directly from you if you're eligible to go or not. If not, you can handover your pass to me to not create any bother for your class."

What...? A bother...?

Never in this world an unknown person had tried to ridiculed me to this extent. Am I a bother for your Forest Club...?

It turned out to be that even Sir Mike Baron is the same as other teachers here...It totally saddens me when he just told me directly that I don't have mother. But still, I can't be swayed by such small emotions. I have my respect to every teacher which I don't want to ruin because of this rude instructor of mine!

"Sir Mike, I apologize for this if it doesn't suits you. But I'll have to say it that, please don't meddle with my privacy. If I was just a burden for my class, I wouldn't have been studying here..." I said.

By this, Sir Mike's eyes just widened.

I continued, "My home has been very formal and strict with strong principles and disciplines. It really saddens me when you just mentioned my mother..."

Well, it was quite obvious that silence would continue after my words.

But I've never thought of his reaction could be... this lively...

"You're... you're really something. I'm impressed." He said with glowing eyes.

I won't understand a single thing about what he mean.

"Hahaha.... just look at your serious face. Don't be so clueless, it's what it's. Actually, I was just testing your attitude, and you're passed."

"Huh?"

TEST?! WHAT TEST?!

He then explained me after seeing me so puzzled, "During every challenge you face, you must keep your rage aside. Understanding your companion is the part of education too. You're quite well mannered student, Iris. Anyways, just feign ignorance to my rude behaviour if it hurt you somewhere. It has never been my intention to scare my student."

Just what the hell is going on with this teacher?! I've become really confused now.

I then said, "That's, really not it Sir Mike. I'm not hurt.... (Actually, his acting is so good that even I became so scared.)

But whatever... What a twist he played! Who's this guy anyway? A grand monk! Or an Oscar worthy Actor?!"

I then said, "But it made me feel so scared when you looked at me with that cold stare... for a moment you looked serious. It's really amazing. I'll pay my respect."

"That's a relief to hear. I'm not any kinda strict man. I'll be lenient to you and everyone. I hate to keep my students in bondage."

Is it?

"Well, Sir Mike, I appreciate your efforts to get along with our class but.. I've a request to make. If you want, then I can return my pass directly. But I do want to join the club with my friends. Give me just one day, sir. I'll try again asking for permission with father. Please allow me."

"Again, you say? Have you ever tried to get permission from your father before too for letting you in Forest Club?"

"Yes sir, but I failed miserably. This time, I'll try again if it's fine for you." I said.

I was sure his words would be according to 'If it's acceptable for the management' or 'the past records and reviews about Forest Club from other parents'. But... he exceeded my expectations —

..."If that's what you want then I allow you, but be careful, okay. A new student has to be aware."...

This was his answer.

From that moment, I realised that my fickleness blinded my judgement.

Sir Mike Baron was a nice guy who is reliable and trustworthy, unlike other teachers who only sees profit from their 'teacher's' job.

I need to remember his words for my arrival at the club.

Later, after asking for his permission to out, I headed out of his office.

By then, I found Daisy out of the office. Did she waited outside for me?

....

After Iris's left Sir Mike Baron's office, his demeanor came back within the next seconds and was seems to make a call to someone —

..."This girl... is really lively like some blooming flowers." He said with a smile. Was it an evil one? It's suspicious....

By then, his phone ranged and he picked it up, hearing a familiar male voice —

..."Sir Mike Baron, is it?"...

"Yes, I'm on call. Is there anything else you wants me to do for you?"

"Not this time, but I need you to report me about 'that child'. Have you both met?"

"Yes... she came—"

"She came? That's quite fast isn't it?"

Sir Mike Baron felt angry with the tone that man is using for mentioning 'that child'.

He then said, "Yeah, but she didn't flinch. I can totally assure you that she's the one. I'm being honest with you, my Lord."

"I hope you'll take care of her. Don't let the danger cause any harm to her." Man in phone said being serious.

He continued, "As to continue the legacy of our ancestors and fulfilling 'the word', that augury child is important for us to use... You better watch out for her or, the destruction will be standing next to your door called life."

"Sir, you've have my word. Just rest assured.. I'll never let a single soul hover around that augury child."

"By then... continue to protect this daughter of your Lord, Sir Mike Baron... This child you just met, has a destiny of Life between many deaths. It can either change someone's fate or rewrite their own lives. Her Origin, has already decided by heavens."

For a while, Sir Mike Baron was stunned to hell. But, when the call ended, Sir Mike felt like whole earth has become upside down.

He couldn't believe that man's words and then he realised that...

..."Iris... This girl.... never thought, she'd be one...."...

...

...All of this was just happening so smoothly that even nature predicted something bad will happen....

...Iris, as said, is Belmont's only child, but the thing proceeding with such suspicion of her... Only God can answer the questions, right?...

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