Chapter Five: Flicker of Attraction
"Ahh, I needed that," the Professor sighed after taking a sip of tea. We had gotten back from St. Mystere, and the shock of losing poor Flora meant for another tea break. I didn't mind, a nice milky brew was a favourite of mine, and tea did seem to help the Professor in times of stress. He then placed his finished cup upon the table.
"Now then," he continued, "We won't be returning to St. Mystere until the morning, by which then we'll be less shaken up, and ready to perform a post-mortem on Miss Reinhold. In this circumstance, you are welcome to stay here the night, Miss Belladonna, as I have a spare room. It is up to you entirely, you need not if you don't want to."
I too put my empty cup of tea on the table.
I've got no choice. I can't exactly go home, can I? It's a bit hard when you're in an alternate world. And there's no where here, either. I can't see the harm in staying here.
"Yeah, sure, Professor," I replied, "I'll stay here, sounds delectable."
"Very well then, Victoria," he nodded, "The spare room is left at the top of the stairs. You're welcome to have a look, see if it's to your liking."
I nodded once, stood up, and started ascending the stairs. I held onto the mahogany banister until I reached the top. I then turned to the left, and found myself at a white door, which was completely shut. I took hold of the silver knob, twisted it, then pushed open the door. I stepped into the room. The spare room wasn't at all big, and consisted only of a single bed, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers. The walls weren't decorated, just painted white, and had curtains upon the windows to match. The carpet was a pale blue.
Not much, but it'll do. I'll only be sleeping in here anyway.
I exited the spare room, closing the door behind me. I tip-toed towards the balcony of the stairs, and peered down at the Professor from in between the bars. He had made himself another cup of tea, not taking an interest that I was still upstairs. With that in mind, I decided to explore the rest of the first floor. The first door I came across had a small, nicely decorated sign nailed to it, stating 'Bathroom'. Knowing what that room was, I went to the next one. This door was slightly ajar, and I slowly entered the room. Contrary to the spare room, this bedroom had many touches of character.
This must be the Professor's bedroom.
The walls of this room were painted lilac, which matching curtains, and the carpet was a sort of beigey colour. Upon the walls were maps, newspaper articles, university degree's, and many other things the Professor held dear. My main focus in the room, however, was the double bed against the back wall. The sheets were a deep red, and the covers were made up on one side. I tilted my head in focus.
No wife or girlfriend then, Professor?
It was obvious that the Professor didn't share this room, and with that, I left. Apart from the spare room and the Professor's room, there were no other bedrooms in the house.
No children either. But I fail to believe that you live alone.
There was one door left, right at the end of the corridor. I walked towards it, then took hold of the knob. I tried to twist it, but it was locked. I sighed in frustration.
What's behind that door? And why is it locked? Hmm, I'll have to ask the Professor later.
With all the rooms explored, I headed back downstairs. By now, the Professor was on his third cup. I chuckled as I poured myself one.
"Professor, you know there's such thing as caffeine addiction, don't you?" I asked him, "Do you always drink this much?"
"Yes I do, Miss Belladonna," he replied, in a as-a-matter-of-factly tone of voice, "But it's healthier for me then drowning my sorrows with alcohol."
The devil's poison, as I like to call it.
"Oh! Indeed Professor," I agreed, "Yeah, I'd choose a steaming cuppa over a beer any day."
The Professor turned to me and smiled. I smiled back.
"You're a smart one, Victoria," he explained, "I haven't met a young woman such as yourself for a long while."
"Yeah, British girls with morals are quite rare," I said.
The Professor then took my hands in his, and looked me in the eyes.
"Most young women fall to those 'unruly necessities' because of peer pressure. They have peers who do that sort of thing, so they feel they must do them as well in order to 'fit in'. You, Victoria, you know well. You know you do not need them. I have faith in you, but please promise me you'll stay sensible and mature. I can't bear to see an innocent girl such as yourself deteriorate because of other's."
His eyes were still on mine, and I melted.
My God, you have lovely eyes. And your hands are really soft.
"Of course, Professor," I promised, feeling a blush creeping on my cheeks. I turned away to try and hide it.
"Thank you, Miss Belladonna," the Professor said, letting my hands go.
I pretended to sneeze to try to shoo my blush away, then turned back to the Professor.
"Urm, whilst I was upstairs," I began, "I did a bit of exploring, I hope you didn't mind. Anyhow, I noticed you live alone."
The Professor's smile faded.
"Yes, I live alone," he replied, "I try not to dwell on it, it's just that the right person hasn't turned up yet. I sometimes wonder if they ever will."
"Oh. ." I sympathised. I felt bad for asking.
"Anything else you want to ask?" he asked me.
"Err, there's a room upstairs that's locked. What's that?"
"Ahh yes, that's my observatory, for when I wish to stargaze. I'll show another time perhaps, as it is getting quite late."
"Sure, Professor," I said, then turned to window to see the darkening sky.