The Nail That Sticks Out

Chapter Fifteen: Helicase

Olivia Mei Sasaki

My phone vibrates in the middle of my lecture on Tourism Management.

Incoming Call:

Father

I immediately pack my things and stand up as quietly as possible, catching the attention of a few students and shuffle through my row which earns me a few irritated looks. 

As soon as I exit the hall, I tap answer.

"Father?"

"Olivia. I hope this is a good time for you." 

My throat feels dry and I feel my palm growing moist as it clutches the phone. Is he going to ask me if I've switched my major yet? After talking to Kai yesterday, I went home with confidence, ready to stick with Bioscience. I haven't realized my goals yet. I'm still passionate. I promised my mom I would make it.

But now with my father on the other end of the line, why do I have my doubts again?

"Olivia," he prompts impatiently.

"Yes," I quickly reply. "Yeah, I'm available right now."

"Good. I don't have much time. I need you to come to my office. Today, if that's possible."

His office? Muses Headquarters?

My head is swarming with questions that I'm itching to ask, the biggest one being: what does he need me for? But I'd be wasting his time and he detests that more than anything. 

"I'll be there at four in the afternoon. Is that okay, father?"

He talks to someone else in the room, his voice muffled. After a quick exchange of words, he comes back to the phone. "Yes, that should be fine. You know the address. Atode-ne." (See you later).

With that, he hangs up and I'm left with a slightly shaky hand. The last time I was at my father's office was when I was eleven. Well, my mom and I stayed in the hotel room upstairs while he spent most his time in the office so technically, I've never really been inside the office. This would be my first step into his world of business.

Shit!

This would be me, taking a step into his business. Which means...is he preparing me already? I haven't even decided on my major yet. 

A sense of panic fills me and I feel my heart rate pick up. My stomach churns and I suddenly don't feel hungry anymore. 

"Olivia?"

I snap out of my daze at the sound of a low voice. In a black button down and jeans, Kai's at the end of the corridor swiftly walking towards me. He stops a few feet away from me and gives me a discerning look. 

"You look pale," he frowns. 

I don't know what to say, so I just look down and shake my head. 

What time is it? How much time do I have to decide if I really want to quit biology? Sophia's words ring in my ear.

What about your mom? What happened to making her proud?

A cold hand on my forehead jerks me back to reality. Kai is inches from me, leaning down and scanning my features while the back of his hand swipes above my brows. With horror, I realize I'm sweating. He's wiping away my sweat.