Did you really love Mia? Why were you asked to leave the school…?
The questions Ella had asked haunted me long after I had turned around and come back to my room. Sleep was far away. I tried to make sense of what she had asked.
She knew everything about me! I couldn't stop wondering why she had allowed me to stay in this house then? Knowing full well about the scandal - that I had been accused of indulging with a student! Why charge me negligible rent? Why this favour? Why does she look at me as if she has known me for ages? Why does Lexi behave like that with me? Why is Lexi not allowed to play outside?
Questions, strange questions, floated around my head. There was something beyond my understanding. The mother and daughter were keeping some secret close to their hearts. When and how will this mystery unravel, I was not sure. I had failed to relate something very important.
I was sitting with Nic in the school cafeteria the next day. There was absolute silence around. Tough to believe that it was the same place which buzzed with students' chorus at all times. I had never seen my work place like that before. Well, it no longer was my place of work anyway.
'Why do you look so tense, Thomas?'
'Everything is weird, Nic. Initially I had thought Lexi is immature. Now I feel, she… they… are strange. The entire family is mad.'
'What happened?'
'They know the rumours around Mia. Why I was sacked from school… everything! Apparently Lexi's father used to teach here before he passed away.' Nic's expression changed a bit. 'I fail to understand why they allowed me to stay in their house… nearly without rent, despite knowing everything?'
'Maybe because Lexi loves you,'Nic offered sarcastically.
'Good, at least one of us finds it funny.' I took an irritated deep breath, 'I am jobless, and can be thrown out of that house anytime… and you are
coming up with jokes here!'
'Cool down Thomas! I have information for you.'Now he was back with his mojo!
I stared at Nic expectantly. Nic said, as if giving out world's darkest secret, 'Mia's parents did not complain against you.'
'Then who did?'
'Some student… It was a hand-written note. Mia herself could have, I don't know.'
'It hardly matters now.' I shook my head, 'Tch… I am worried, how did Ella find out.'
'She may know some teachers, you know.'
Suddenly something clicked. I could probably find answer to things that were bugging me. 'I need a small favour.'
'Anything, just don't ask me to request them to tear off your resignation.'
'No, man! Listen, I cannot access office information, but you can! Ella's husband was a teacher in this school. I want to see who Ella's husband was.'
'Why? How is that going to help?'
'I don't know,' I said, confused. 'I am just curious maybe.' 'Hmm, okay! What was his name?'
'Samuel Harding.' I had seen the name on Lexi's school identity card.
Nic got to his feet. 'I have to leave now. Will let you know what I find.'
I nodded.
Once back home, a new set of questions juggled in my head. Who could have complained about me and Mia? I recognised her handwriting. Could I see the note? Or a picture of it maybe? More importantly, how was I going to find a job again?
There was a knock at the door. I was sure it was another trouble knocking. I anticipated a second louder knock, but it was soft. There was silence, and after about ten seconds, someone knocked uncertainly. It wasn't Lexi, clearly.
I shook my head, allowing my hair to attain its customary fall. I glanced at the bed and around the room, ascertaining nothing nasty was lying around. I opened the door with an excitement, 'Hi Ella! Pleasure to see you.'
'Hi, sorry to disturb you at this time…'
'No, no, it's perfectly fine. Come in!' I was uncomfortable inviting a beautiful lady to my bachelor pad.
'No, I will take only a minute of your time. I do not wish to intrude, but I know you are looking for a job. I have contacts in some coaching institutes. Competitive exams are coming up in the next two months, and they have requirement for maths faculty. In case you wish to teach, I could refer you.'
A job offer ! She wants me to be around. Was it a reason for me to worry? 'If you could, I shall be obliged.'
'Would it be possible for you to share your CV?' 'I will, thanks.'
She smiled, her glossy lips holding my gaze.
'I wonder how you know someone in a coaching centre?'I knew Lexi did not go to any.
'Actually, my husband used to teach there,' Ella replied.
'Oh…'I said uncertainly, 'I am sure… this would be great help. What did Mr Samuel teach?'
'Maths and physics.' She smiled as she left, while I stood there with fresh questions rolling across my head. If Samuel taught the subject, how come Lexi was a disaster in it? And why was Lexi not sent to any coaching institute? Wasn't Ella concerned about her future?