His Flower [DISCONTINUED]

20: Biology Project

"That's it!" Antonio barked, his jaw clenching. "You need to leave. Now."

"Alright," Mr. Brown innocently raised his arms, his briefcase swinging in his hand. His obsidian eyes flickered over Antonio's face—specifically on the bruise around his eye. Then, he smiled.

I rapidly blinked in disbelief. Before I knew it, the man was retreating. He slammed the front door so hard that the portraits nearly rattled.

I winced and swiveled around to face Antonio with incredulity. "That's your dad?"

Antonio was nearly shaking with anger, and I wondered if he'd even heard me.

"I'm so sorry, Flower," he earnestly apologized, refusing to look into my eyes. He seemed almost ashamed. "He had no right to—"

"Hey," I gently placed a hand on his broad shoulder, which seemed to snap him out of his rage-induced stupor. "You don't have to apologize for him. I'm okay, really."

His dark eyes carefully roamed over my face, as if to ensure I wasn't lying for his sake. "I would've never invited you over if I knew he'd be home, I swear. He's usually gone this time of day."

There was a silence in which I thoughtfully stared at Antonio. From the horrible argument I'd just witnessed, it was very clear to me that the father and son did not get along. Why did they seem to hate each other so much? And why did Mr. Brown look at Antonio's bruise so... smugly? What kind of father does that? He didn't even seem worried! Perhaps he—

"Jeez, Flower, your head is about to bust. Save the thinking for the project," he shook his head before leading me towards one of the many living rooms in the upscale house.

"How did you know I was thinking?" I asked curiously.

"When you're in deep thought, you twirl your curls," he said knowingly.

I froze and looked down at my hand. True to his words, I'd subconsciously been playing with my bouncy curls. Antonio chuckled as I sheepishly let go of my hair. However embarrassed I felt, I couldn't help but smile. How had he managed to notice a detail so small about me?

I never got to ask, because we promptly made our way to the couch and pulled out our work.

Antonio wasted no time in getting started. "Alright, you take care of the mitosis section, I'll do the meiosis, and we'll split up the structure and function of..."

While he continued talking, a small smile graced my lips. I hadn't expected him to actually do any of the work–he seemed like the type of guy who didn't care about school. Though, I should've known by now that Antonio was full of surprises.

• • •

"Okay," I leaned back on the couch with a relieved sigh. "I think we're done."

Antonio and I had spent the last few hours slaving over our project, and I was certain we'd pass with flying colors.

"Alright," he nodded, rolling his neck and tossing aside his schoolwork. "Good work."

I nodded and then began to stare at him for a bit. "You know, I'm a little surprised. I thought you'd make me do the entire project."

Antonio stared back at me. "Hm. Didn't think of that, but I'll keep it in mind for next time."