[Author's Note]
I was actually looking at birds when I thought of this chapter. Since Haibara's intelligent, I can't picture her being focus in the class.
Chapter 3 : Pencils and Pens
The little bird that sat on the branch was singing a summer melody. Such a happy tune. I'm not an expert of bird expression but I am willing to deduce that the little bird much be in some thrilling moment of its life. I've never tried birding before. My family – my late family - seemed to be under the impression that the hobby is a waste of time.
'Why would anyone watch bird all day to admire the beauty of it when you can use the time to study and dedicate time to research that would better the world?', is what I think my father would have said.
I wish I had the wisdom to tell my parents that nature should be enjoyed as it is. Staying in labs marveling at our own creation was a sick thing to do. Sure enough, it drove my family mad. My sister escaped our madness just for living in the moment, something my parents were ashamed of.
"Ai!" called the teacher.
"Yes!" I managed, realizing that I was off in my own world for a time.
"And what is it that is so interesting out there?" asked the teacher.
"Teacher, Haibara was just admiring the bird. It's beautiful, and this species will only be around this area for a while. It's in migrating season," explained Mitsuhiko, saving my skin.
"My, that's an interesting thing to share. This sort of opportunity is what commonly wouldn't be missed. Alright, how about making it our homework?" asked the teacher, grabbing her own kind of opportunity.
The class grumbled but agreed to it anyway.
At the cafeteria during recess, Mitsuhiko came beaming at me. He was delighted with writing an essay about that little bird and have been enjoying the short popularity from our classmates that barrage him with questions regarding the bird. It must be tough for him having two unfairly knowledgeable classmates to compete intellect on. Although Kudou was already smart when he was really a child, he had his brilliant inquiring father with a thirst for deduction who trained him to be sharp. Mitsuhiko in comparison, came from a normal household, with only his initiative as his compass. For a fair assessment, Mitsuhiko is the smartest kid in his class.
"I didn't know you were into birds, Haibara," said Ayumi, sitting herself next to me.
Kudou sat himself next to Ayumi while Mitsuhiko and Genta across us. Each of us brought our own lunch, though most of them will end up having some of mine.
"I wasn't," I said nonchalantly.
"Eh? Then you weren't taking the opportunity to watch the bird?" asked Mitsuhiko, bewildered from his wrong assumption.
"I'm sure she was just off in the clouds again, but the bird just happen to be there. Then Mitsuhiko got all worked up thinking that Haibara share his hobby," commented Kudou.
"Eh? I'm sorry… I thought – " Mitsuhiko stammered.
"No problem. I was looking at the bird, you know," I argued, "but I didn't know it was special. I was just looking. Thank you for covering for me Tsuburaya".
The boy blushed. He'll get over his boyhood crush when he goes to junior high school. I caught Kudou's smirk from the corner of my eye. Sometimes I wish he realize how his observation irritates others. The least he could do is refrain from deducing his friends' action. When Kudou noticed my glare, he snickered before redirecting his attention elsewhere.
As the last bell rang, the kids rounded up to my seat discussing the evening activity. Somehow, the notion of playing childish outdoor games didn't appeal to me. I had a feeling that Kudou will be bringing us into yet another trouble, considering how frequent we get to witness a crime or be involved in one when we're with him. His entity itself is like magnet to all the crime of the world, although it's probably that nature of his that gave me some hope in surviving.
Despite grateful for my life, I'd still rather not be part of their adventure for the day. I gave the detective boys some lame excuse which only Kudou noticed to be a lie, and escaped back to Agasa's house.
"I'm home," I said aloud when I walked into the house.
No one answered my greeting. Cautiously, I leaned against the wall and silently walked around, checking any signs of Agasa or trespassers. I heard the sound of metal dropping to the floor, and a burnt smell. Alarmed, I ready my phone - Kudou's number just a click away. As I was about to see who was the trespasser, a hand found itself on my shoulder. Against my better judgement, I froze, dropping the phone to the floor. I couldn't recall if I manage to click on the button or not.
"Hey," the stranger said, "You're not supposed to be home just yet".
Was this a kidnap plan? Agasa had been kidnapped before. Some people thought he was a millionaire due to his many invention, also to fact that he's living alone, enjoying the luxury for his own.
"Oh no, I didn't mean to fright you," he added as he pushed my shoulder with ease, forcing me to face him.
Wavy black hair, hazel eyes, tall and lean, maybe about 7 foot, square-faced, dimples on cheeks, uneven shave mark. Oh I'll remember you.
"I'm so not good with kids," the man said, releasing my shoulder from his grip.
I was about to run but left confused when he left me and went to the kitchen. He had accomplice, and they were confident that I have nowhere to run, is that the case? Just then I heard him call Agasa and the old professor came out of the kitchen, unharmed.
"I made a mistake, didn't I?" I asked, half embarrassed with myself.
"I did mention someone was coming over, didn't I? Why are you here so early anyway? You're not out with Shinichi and the others?" asked Agasa.
I shook. Agasa and Kudou were close neighbours once. Well, they still are, in documents. Ever since I created that disastrous poison, Kudou went undercover, living in Mouri Agency under an alias. Even so, sometimes I can't help but envy their closeness.
"Anyway, since you're here, can you do something about lunch? I… er… kind of burnt the one I was planning on making," said Agasa innocently.
I gave him the you-can't-do-anything-without-me look and went to the kitchen triumphantly. Agasa's junior was standing there smiling awkwardly trying to not look scary to a child. My paranoia have this effect on innocent adults. I feel bad for suspecting him for a crime.
"Haibara, this is Haris. Haris, my relative Haibara," said Agasa, breaking the ice between us with the introduction.
Haris and I shook our hands in awkward silence.
"Now that Haibara's here, we could relax about lunch. She'll take care of it," declared Agasa cheerily.
"Alone? But you're only 7 right?" asked Haris, shocked by the revelation.
"Piece of cake," I replied smugly.
It wasn't such a bad way to spend the afternoon. I was able to show off my cooking skills to a fellow scientist, who was in awe of the brilliant girl that handles the kitchen like a lady. It was a bit of cheating but so pride just had to blossom, even if the moment is not exactly right. I especially enjoy the praises the junior gave about my 'spectacular' pasta.
If only the kids would know the joy of gourmet food…
Since Agasa's junior is an enthusiast like himself, it was easy to find a common topic. I ended spending the rest of the evening in Agasa's lab, participating in their chat while diligently stopping for question about my homework. I had to take some of Agasa's lecture sheets and work on the exercise secretly in between pages so that I'd take longer to complete the homework.
If only I don't need this drug…
The thought came suddenly that I accidentally jerked my head, almost losing balance from the chair. The junior looked worried but I laughed it off. I told him I wanted to check if I'd fall when I do that. He looked at me curiously, then nodded and resumed his work.
It was once a peaceful, child-free evening. But then it was not anymore.