<The Holy One>

5. The Trip.

"Do I really have to go?" Going to a school with a bunch of people that hated her was one thing, now she had to go on an excursion with those people and they were going to a town filled with more people who hated her.

"You might have fun. You know I said the same thing about going to the school and now you have a new friend."

"Yeah, and a bunch of others who want me dead."

"They don't want you dead honey, you just…well you can't please everyone. All that's important is that you've made a new friend."

"A new friend that's dating my old one."

"What?"

"They think they're hiding it but it's too obvious. I just haven't said anything yet because I'm waiting for them to tell me."

"Oh before I forget, you dad and I are going out of town for a while."

"Another mission?"

"No. A vacation."

"Seriously?? Now you're taking vacations without me?!" This school was really getting in the way of lots of things.

"Calm down, it's a date. Your dad and I haven't had time for each other in a while so…we want to spend some time alone, you know…like an unmarried couple."

"Oh weird lovey-dovey stuff. Have fun. I gotta go to school."

"Have a nice day."

"Thanks mom, you too." She doubted if she could actually have a nice day at that school but saying it would just sound like she was being grumpy.

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"Okay students, since tomorrow is our expedition we won't do much today." Director Christian announced to the students but his gaze never left Ariana.

"Uh Ari, why is the director glaring at you?" Anna whispered to her.

"I have no idea." Her reply was a lie though, she had been avoiding the director since he asked to see her. She wasn't sure what he would say and she wasn't sure she wanted to know.

"Miss Anderson, I understand that a famous person like you must be busy but could you find some time in your busy schedule to see me in my office?" He finally said, and all eyes turned on her.

"Y-yes director." If she ran away again, he would probably be pissed.

"All right. Well then, everyone to the gym for practice…except you, young lady."

"Ugh! I guess I'll see you guys later." As the crowd of students dissipated, Ariana could hear their harsh murmurs and insultive comments directed to her but she was already used to it.

When they arrived at his office, she was expecting him to get angry and challenge her for trying to steal his spotlight. As a quick counter attack, she ransacked her brain for a suitable reply.

"I…am truly sorry, Miss Anderson."

"I swear I didn't—" wait, he…apologized?

"I knew your grandfather, he was a mentor to me…such a kind man." As he talked about her grandfather, Ariana couldn't help but to notice the wistful look in his eyes…almost like one talking about his lover. "When I lost my wife…" he paused, taking a sharp breath like he was trying to push back a flood of tears from breaking his usual calm and steady composure. "...my life was left in shambles. I had lost the only person left for me in this world, and I felt there was no reason to keep going on… that is, until I met your grandfather.

The man taught me everything I know, in fact, he made me who I am today."

"Oh, did you know how he…"