Fifty Seven

CHAPTER 57

Golden University, New York

"So today, we're going to get to know the four basic human traits."

Alicia sat pensively in her chair in the corner of the classroom. Her eyes were facing straight ahead, but her mind was wandering all over the place. She had been losing her focus lately.

"A theory says, humans have four basic characters. They are the leader choleric, the peace-loving plegmatic, the sociable saguinis and the always-planned melancholic."

Since talking to Nicholas yesterday, her feelings had become uncomfortable. The girl was forced to refuse detective Nicholas' request just because she felt bad for her boyfriend, Ace. Her relationship with Ace was like something tied up. She always felt like she was cheating on him just by talking to the opposite sex.

Alicia knew very well that Ace wouldn't like it if he found out that Alicia was helping Nicholas in another murder case even though her feelings continued to be plagued by curiosity and guilt. All those deaths always made her think of the past.

"In human beings, we will find at least two of these traits," Mrs. Portman said as she tapped Alicia on the shoulder. Until Alicia realized that her lecturer had been explaining the material while walking around the classroom. "Your assignment for next week is to write down what traits might be in you and you have to go into detail about them. Understand everything?"

"Understood, ma'am," the whole class replied in unison.

And the beautiful woman smiled warmly at all the students in the class before saying, "Then the class will end here." She walked back to her desk, putting things away. "You may leave the class."

Then these people started to leave the classroom with a happy feeling. How grateful they were to have such a kind lecturer to give them such a light assignment and allow them to leave so early.

But just as Alicia was about to leave the class, Mrs. Portman suddenly called out to her. "Alicia."

And Alicia suddenly stopped her steps before reaching the door and turned around. "Yes, ma'am?" She approached her beautiful lecturer. "Is there something I can help you with?"

But the woman wearing her dark blue blazer only smiled. "You were daydreaming in my class. Is there something bothering you again, Alicia?"

"Ah, about that...," Alicia looked down in shame, feeling bad for the lecturer. Alicia raised her face, she bit her lower lip hesitantly. She couldn't answer Mrs. Portman's question.

"Let's talk as we walk out," Mrs. Portman invited, to which Alicia immediately agreed.

The two of them walked out of the classroom together. And when they were together like this, they looked like brother and sister because Mrs. Portman was still quite young. She was only twenty-seven and her face was made up with simple makeup, making her look very natural and youthful. It seems that Mrs. Portman is also up to date with modern treatments, so her face is well-groomed.

"I just feel bad for my friend for refusing to help her, ma'am," Alicia said frankly. "I keep thinking about it."

"Those feelings of guilt might come up and be taken for granted, but if they are ignored for too long, they might affect your life in the future, Alicia," Mrs. Portman said gently. "The next action you should take is to at least apologize to her or make things right."

Then the dark-haired girl nodded in understanding. "I really want to help him, but I'm worried that something bad might come of it, ma'am," she said anxiously.

And again, that warm smile appeared from both corners of the lecturer's lips. "There's nothing wrong with doing good," Mrs. Portman said as she handed Alicia a chocolate candy. "As long as your intentions are good, to help others and not to harm others. Why be afraid?"

And Alicia immediately accepted the small candy. "Thank you for your advice, ma'am. I'm sorry that I didn't focus on the material today, I promise I'll fix everything in your next class," Alicia said guiltily.

"That's a good plan! I look forward to your best work next week. Then, I'm going back to the main office, we'll part ways here, Okay?" said Mrs. Portman indirectly. "Don't forget to do your work and give me your best, Alicia."

"Yes, ma'am."

And the woman who curled her hair with a black ribbon finally left. They were headed in opposite directions, so Alicia had to make a detour to find the campus gate and return home that afternoon.

But something unexpected surprised Alicia. As soon as she reached the main gate, she saw Brittany standing waiting for her with a familiar man.

And that man was Nicholas.

Brittany was chatting with Nicholas when she noticed Alicia appearing in the distance. She waved and jumped up and down like a child waiting for the ice cream truck on the street.

"Alicia! Over here!" greeted Brittany enthusiastically. "I'm so glad we have an early start today. Nicholas is relaxed today, by the way."

But Brittany's words did not catch her attention any more than Nicholas' presence in front of her. They stared at each other without saying anything. And an awkward atmosphere seemed to immediately envelop them.

"Why are you guys so stiff?" Brittany looked at Alicia and then at Nicholas. "You haven't seen each other in a while, why are you being so quiet?"

Nicholas finally cleared his throat, breaking the awkward silence between them. "How are you, Alicia?"

And Alicia just shrugged her shoulders quickly. "I think so." then a message notification came to her cell phone.

I couldn't pick you up because I had to attend an impromptu meeting. Be careful on the road, I'll call you later. -Ace.

"Is that Ace?" Brittany asked curiously.

And Alicia nodded in agreement. "He didn't pick you up, did he?" Then Brittany's face turned happy. "Well then, what a coincidence. Let's go out with the three of us and take a little walk. Nicholas is free. Right, Nic?"

Nicholas nodded his head.

"But..."

The blonde-haired girl pleaded again, this time with an obviously contrived expression of sadness. "We haven't had a threesome in a long time. Please, Alicia. Just this once. You won't turn down my offer to hang out, right?"