Deception Through A Nerd

chapter four | | troubles with jobs

"That would be me."

"Oh! I've heard of him. A decent forward right?" Tara added, before I sighed, knowing it was time to dwell once more into his personal life again. Perhaps the sports here was an essential part of daily life.

"That would be him." I shrugged, a composed expression plastered heavily on my face. I slowly spin my heels to face them after I shelve my last book in the L Section. 

"Are you two twins?" Kaiden studies me with inquiring sea-green irises. I visibly reeled back in shock, as I took in his overwhelming height. I've only been accustomed to Connor's, and Kaiden was several inches taller than him. 

"No." I quickly advert my gaze away from him, focusing on a nearby pastel oak tree painting. If there was anything I wished to avoid, it would be building an ego that's probably already large enough. Although, he did have stunning eyes - maybe. . . oh stop this absurdity!

"But you're both seniors?" Tara butts in, vivid confusion apparent on her face. Her fingers pushed back strands of thick black hair dangling along the sides of her temple.

"Yes," I informed before heading to take a seat in a nearby chair to get comfortable. It seemed as if this questioning would be carrying on longer than I originally anticipated.

I sincerely tried to maintain the politest expression possible on my face, but it was getting difficult with the intense stares as if they were just waiting for me to blurt out my life story in a massacre of words.

"I heard he's quite the looker from my little sister, Skye," Tara gushed with an expectant glint in her brown irises. "Is he single?"

"Um, I-I think so?" I stammered, a bit horrified that I was even talking about this to much less my own co-worker. The Fates must truly despise my existence; it's unreal how Connor manages to haunt me even when we're not around.

Kaiden only begins to laugh slightly. He must find this absurd situation somewhat humorous, but wait until it's his sibling they were discussing. Let's see if he finds it hysterical then. 

I smoothly glare at him when his head turns away and his attention focuses on Tara. 

"So what do I do today? I'd prefer the backroom," Kaiden requested in a laid-back tone, sticking his hands in the pockets of his navy jeans. He was leaning back against a small bookshelf, brushing his fingers against the ledges lightly.

"We probably have some books that came in last night, so maybe check them in and shelve them when you've finished."

Kaiden gives a quick nod, shooting me an arched brow, then sauntering off to the direction of the back room.

"He's only here on weekends and Mondays," Tara chuckles, "but I'm sure if he stay out of his way, Kai won't bother you."

"I'm going to need the measurements of this building," I mutter blandly, before releasing a long sigh of exhaustion. It's only been a few minutes and I feel as if my brain has been fried into a pile of hash browns.

That's when the situation finally drop-kicks me in the back of the head. We're working together. I have to literally see his face around here and get used to his unreasonable presence. 

Is this the world's way of throwing me a sign that my investigation needs to go deeper than I intended? I was already exhausted from the plain conversations over the past few days— Mia and Ingrid also haven't slipped anything extra information that could be useful.

"Shit," I declared vehemently before burying my head in a large encyclopedia. 

Good lord. I might have to begin drinking coffee soon.

***

Factor Number Three: People with authority expect other to answer them, because they cannot comprehend why someone would even consider avoiding them. (this is a common trait amongst teens who have not met higher ups in social statuses)

Evidence: People kept trying to get numbers, and are unable to accept the prospect of rejection. Namely Connor Winters and some blonde cheerleader girl. 

*****

author's note:

phew i managed to finish this chapter before i left for my trip! i hope you enjoy this one! we finally meet kaiden, lol what's your first impression of him? i do hope i can make him more complex as the story moves on heh. thanks for reading once again! <3