Mr Popular and The Assassin

Chapter 29

R I O N A

My whole day has been so annoying! First Keith had to cause a scene and now I'm stuck in social studies with this pig.

Mr Joe, our social studies teacher informed us that our seating arrangement would be different in the sense that Leonardo and I have to seat together because we're partners at every social studies class till we graduate.

I was able to steal a few glances at him but something felt off, he didn't try to talk to me at all neither did he even try to look at me once.

I know I shouldn't care and I should be upset with him but I wanted to be the one who doesn't pay attention to him, why the hell is he ignoring my existence?

I told him to not talk to me at school but he should have an excuse to speak to me with this time but he isn't.

Screw boys.

"If you all are done with your assignments, you can submit them, but I'd like you to stay close to your partners for the rest of the year just for the purpose of getting to know each other more." Mr Joe announced while adjusting his white khaki shorts.

" There will also be no classes today, instead I'd like one of the partners to come up and say something. Something about your partner, something you've learned over the past couple of days." He instructed resulting to groans from multiple people.

" And since it's a combined class, what I want is for one class to say something today and then the other on the next day we meet. We will start randomly."

" Stacey." He randomly called and a blonde girl stood up to her feet before making her way out to the front of the class.

"My partner's name is Phillip Denver and although I have seen him around school a lot, I never spoke to him because he was always playing basketball but because of this assignment, I got to know him deeper than the surface and underneath all that goofy exterior lied a smart, funny and surprisingly reliable guy."

That's too sweet ugh.

With that, he called almost everyone before he finally called my name.

I went to the front and with my eyes glued to the floor, I cleared my throat.

"My partner's name is Leonardo and I learned that people aren't really what they seem. They might appear sweet from the outside but in reality, they be the most despicable people ever. Thank you." I bowed before walking to my seat.

Usually people would clap but they didn't clap for my review probably because people hate hearing the truth.

"Um," Mr Joe cleared his throat but the bell went off. "I guess that's it for today, Riona can you stay back for a little while?" He announced.

When Leonardo and everyone started leaving the classroom, I walked up to Mr Joe who looked genuinely concerned.

"Your um review gave me a bit of a concern, first I noticed the cold air between you and Leonardo and then when you gave that review, it made me feel like things aren't going well between you two. I've known Leonardo and you for years, you both are very big hearted people and he's a good kid, is there something you'd like to share with me?"

Good kid my foot!

" No, we just had a bit of a fight and so we're not on speaking terms at the moment, but I'll fix it." I lied so he could let it go.

" If there are misunderstandings, the only solution would be effective communication. I'm not suggesting you get into a relationship but from the information I've gathered, I realized both you and Leonardo haven't had any luck with relationships. So I'm hoping you both get to experience high school for what it is before venturing out into the adult world." He advised.

Is he suggesting that I date Leonardo?

"Thank you Mr Joe! I'll tell the principal to increase your wages for doing work as a teacher and guidance counselor." I joked and he chuckled.

" You can run along now," he paused as I began to walk out of the class. "Remember! Effective communication!" He yelled behind me.

Everyone thinks he's a saint, if he tries to harm any other girl, I'll personally make sure to kill him and make it look like suicide.

My phone buzzed once in my pocket indicating I had received a message and I took it out to read.

New assignment, be here in ten.

My heart skipped a beat at first but regularised when I remembered that I need as much money as I can get for my father's operation.

I sent a text to Lia so she could go pick up the girls then go home and I hurried to my car.

When I reached our regular office, my phone came alive with a text from Keith.

I'm on my way to your house are you available?

I couldn't think of a proper response because different things were running through my mind.

"Come in Davis!" Boss's voice answered when I knocked on the door.

I went in and took a seat directly opposite boss.

" You're dating one of the people I asked you to stay away from?" He questioned.

That kiss happened just yesterday, how does he know about it already?

Dating?

"I'm not involved with anyone. I will get rid of him by tomorrow. It's his last tutoring session and for the other, I don't want a person like him around me or my naive sisters."

" You better get rid of him," he warned then put his hand in the drawers and placed a brown file on the table before sliding it to me. "They want it fast and done done within a week." He instructed.

I picked up the file from the table and only took out the first picture which was of a strawberry blonde middle aged woman who looked as gentle as snow white.

What could she have done? She looks like she can't even hurt a simple fly.

"This one should be easy for you, her son attends your school."

His statement sparked my curiousity. Who could that be?

"I believe his name is Leonardo." He scratched the back of his head.

"Leonardo?!" I frantically yelled.

**