"That's an excellent idea, Baron. Thank you so much." Mom gushed in gratitude.
I groaned in exasperation, Baron was going way over the top with this game of his.
"What do you think, David? Isn't it wonderful what Baron is offering to do?" I saw the suspicious look on David's face as he studied his son.
Yes, David. You truly know your son. He's doing this for a purpose, I said inwardly glaring at the said Baron who had his hand still draped over my shoulder.
"But the boys can do it. They attend the same school with her." David projected.
"Which makes me the perfect candidate for this job, dad. They have school work and their social lives to deal with, I'm not a student. More like a less busy person." Baron explained, gesturing to and fro him and his brothers.
I could not risk a glance at them. At the moment, they hated me. Believed I was a thief. I sighed, I wondered why Baron was putting in this much effort.
"He has a solid point, honey." Mom told David.
The boys were yet to say anything. I was not seeing their faces but if their silence was any clue, they were currently suspicious or not willing to allow themselves be involved in the discussion.
"It would seem so." David begrudgingly agreed.
"So it's settled then. You all go to school and study hard, while Baron chaperones Kathy and help her with academic activities." Mom dictated.
There was no use arguing, mom, Baron and David had outvoted me. Breakfast went by in a blur of deafening silence and subtle tension between myself and the boys excluding Baron who didn't seem to be affected by it. He even attempted small talks with mom who eagerly indulged him.
Why was mom and David not bothered about the lack of communication between me and the boys? They knew how close we used to be. Maybe they had not noticed it. To be frank though, ever since the arrival of Baron, anyone had hardly noticed any other thing except him.
"Bye Kathy, take care of that leg." Mom waved as Baron, once again, lifted me from the breakfast chair, towards the door. I could not even protest even if I wanted to, it was pointless.
"That's why I'm here, step mother." Baron informed her. The boys had already reached the door and went out without a word to anyone.
"I don't know why you keep doing what you're doing." I whined, after he had me settled and buckled in the passenger seat of my car. He went round to the driver's side and started the engine.
"You need me." Was his only response.
"I'm not even injured." I folded my arms and sulked like a four year old who had just been told that Santa's not going to be dropping gifts this year.
"Yes you are." He insisted.
"No, I'm not." I could see the guys' cars from a distance.
"In here." He place a hand on my chest.
Feeling uncomfortable, I swatted his hand away. "I don't know what you're talking about."
But it was a lie, I do know what he is talking about. I had an idea what he'd meant by that statement but that didn't mean I wanted him to tell me to my face. Baron was so blunt in his words. He was not the kind of guy to beat around the bush over what he wanted or felt. And while such blunt honesty was a good thing, it was not all the time appreciated. We were close to school, my stomach churned and I felt like emptying my stomach of this morning eggs, bacon and waffles washed down with tea.
"Yes you do."
I sighed and looked away. "I can handle it, Baron. You don't have to babysit me."
"We're here." He announced as the school gate opened to let him in.
I wrung my hands, trying to mask my nervous expression. He parked beside the guys' cars and came to the other side before I could gather myself and muster confidence to come out. He picked me up. "I'm fine, Baron. There's nothing wrong with me."
"Not when you're with me." With me in his hands, he was still able to carry my bag for me. I must weigh nothing in his hands for him to easily pick me up and then my bag.
He began the journey to my lecture hall, I heard the usual appreciative whistles, and words of affection and admiration from the boys' fans. But everywhere went silent as soon as we stepped in - more like Baron stepped in with me in his arms. Then the hushed whispers that Baron paid no attention to. His face held cold indifference and a silent dare for anyone to say anything to his face.
No one did, he walked pass by as they made way for him. I saw some faces and astonishment, surprise and befuddlement was written on those faces. "What year?" He asked me.
"Second."
He took me straight to the second year lecture hall and found a perfect seat for me. He sat on the seat next to me. I eyed him in surprise. "What are you doing?"
"Seating." He replied casually.
"Why? You're not a student, the lecturer will chase you out."
He quirked a brow. "Is that so?"
I read the meaning, and exhaled. "So you want to play the Alpha's son card?"
"You catch on real quick." He winked, a grin spreading his lips.
I shook my head and brought out a book to read until lectures started. He snatched the book and grabbed my bag. He returned the book to my bag and held the bag close to him.
"What are you doing?" I asked him.
"I should be asking you that."
"I am trying to read."
"And then I do what? Stare at you idly?"
I eye rolled. "What is your problem?"
"Talk to me. Let's engage in a discussion."