She pulled her bag and walked out. Six months was not long nor short but she enjoyed her stay in this school. Harriet and Dandy met her at the corridor, all three had permed hair, wore yellow Georgette blouse, black slacks, and high heels today. Suggested by Sheila and agreed by the two.

Students laughed and giggled, with oohs and ahs at the background. The three enjoyed the attention as they sashayed in the hallway to their cla.s.ses. Dandy would stop every now and then, making outrageous poses, imagining she had a cameraman in tow. This made their entourage more enjoyable to the spectators.

As they reached the stairs, Harriet climbed on her way to her cla.s.s. "See you later, gals." She waved her hand at them and disappeared from their sight. Afterward, Dandy and Sheila walked into the Advance Students' Kitchen. They were the first to arrive.

The two wore their chef's coat, kitchen shoes, and positioned their chef's hat properly. They started preparing their ingredients. As advance students and scholars, they had this special privilege to practice and use this kitchen as they like. The two took advantage of it and pleased the teaching staff.

. . . . .

In Paris, Hugh opened a covered canva.s.s. He was pleased to look at this finished painting, a profile of Sheila perfectly drawn on it. He opened his phone and dialed a number. "Jean, can you tell me where Riley is staying now?"

A male voice answered. "I don't know. Why?"

"I've been looking for him for months. Don't ask me if I called him. I did, but he refused to tell me his hiding place." He clipped his wireless earphone in place and put his phone in his side pocket.

"Haha, that young brother of yours ran away?"

"He didn't run away but told Dad that he's going somewhere but didn't tell us the specifics." He covered the painting again and left the room.

"He might be lurking somewhere, hunting ladies. Hehe, he's good at that."

He walked into his garage and pushed a red b.u.t.ton on the wall. "Tell me, he was your schoolmate. You know him better." The garage door moved up as he talked. Hugh opened his car door, sat in, and placed his key in the keyhole.

"Sorry, our contact stopped months ago."

The car started and drove out of the garage. "Call me if you hear anything from him. Bye."

"Sure. Bye."

Hugh thought nothing else but to find Sheila's whereabouts. That sad face of hers revisited him even his dreams. He wished to see her and console her on why she was sad. Unfortunately, his bratty brother was the one who found her first.

'Will he hook up with her?' He imagined Sheila sleeping with Riley caused his stomach to lurch. Hugh shook the evil thoughts away. 'What's wrong with me? 'Why am I obsessed with that beautiful sad face?'

. . . . .

In Sheila's cla.s.sroom, she sat at the front before cla.s.s starts.

"Hi, Sheila, I like your perm and outfit today. You look sa.s.sy," Riley said as he sat at Sheila's left.

'Ugh, why is this man again?' Sheila leaned on her right. "Monsieur Bisset, I think you're in the wrong room. This is not your cla.s.s."

"Your beauty brought me here. What can I do?" He moved closer to Sheila.

"Do as you wish but Monsieur Devan will come soon. Don't tell me I didn't warn you." Sheila pretended to read the book on her desk.

"Let him come. Why are you immune to my handsomeness? Other girls would dare jump my bed for a chance with me." It was a lie.

"Gosh, I'm not one of those girls."

Suddenly, "Monsieur Bisset, get out this instant." The man called Devan stood at the door with his hands akimbo, looking squarely at Riley.

Riley stood and plastered a fake smile on his face."Nice seeing you again, Dennis. I came to visit the beautiful Sheila here. I'm on my way now. No need to raise your blood pressure." He gesticulated a flying kiss to her and winked. "See you later, sweetheart."

Sheila placed a hand on her mouth and acted barfing. The students laughed as a comedic show unfolded.

"I also love your barfing face. Tatha." Riley winked again and waved his hand on the way out.

"Don't play with fire, Miss Hernandez. Don't get involved with that womanizer." Dennis Devan walked to his table up front.

"Don't worry, Sir Dennis. He's not my type."

The whole cla.s.s laughed again.