Ethereal Madness

Chapter 4- The Calm

Miss Cecilia pointed at the equation on the board. "So Arthur, what do you think the answer is?"

"Umm, I got four. Is that right?" I asked.

"...Yes, that's correct."

"Are you sure? You make it sound like something's wrong."

"It's just that's the sixth question in a row you've gotten right and—." She paused.

"What you meant to say is how stunned you are that my boy is knockin' em' all out the park!" Tucker, who was sitting a few away from me interjected.

"Uhh, Miss Cecilia," I turned to her, expecting different words than what Tucker just said.

Miss Cecilia sighed. "While I'm not clearly not repeating the babble that Tucker uttered—."

"Hey!" He cried.

"I will say you are more on top of the problems today," She gleamed. "You are doing really well Arthur."

I warm feeling penetrated my chest, leaving me feeling happier than I've felt in awhile.

"Uhh, thank you."

"And with that, I believe we are done for the day." She said, switching tones. You two are free to do what you want." She quickly glanced over at Tucker. "Within reason."

"Wha, why'd you look at me? I didn't do anything!"

"Within reason," she repeated.

"I get it, I get it." Tucker pouted.

I laughed.

Tucker rocketed out of his chair and was already at the foot in mere seconds.

I was also heading out when I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Yo teach, what's up?" Tucker asked.

"Arthur, can I talk to you for a bit?" Miss Cecilia asked.

"Hmm? Sure."

"I'll hit ya up later Arthur," Tucker said.

I nodded.

Even though I don't trust you at all and can physically feel my paranoia when you're around me.

Tucker disappeared without a trace. I closed the door and turned back to the respected head maid.

Miss Cecilia cleared her throat. "So Arthur," she started, "are you okay?"

Didn't I just answer this question last night? What could I have done to be hit with this question again? I'm actually doing good today. Well, minus the immense stress I feel and the knowledge that practically everyone in this house is keeping secrets from me.

"I'm fine." I said. Why?"

"It's just, I know recently you've been a little out of it. But today you seem back to normal."

"Isn't that a good thing?"

"No, no, it is." I could see Miss Cecilia panicking. "It's just, I want to know if you're doing alright right now. Before, you were always tired, detached from everyone, and unmotivated to do anything. I just don't want you to go back looking like that. It hurt my heart seeing you like that." Her voice shrank near the end, barely sounding more audible than a whisper and her eyes appeared heavier than weights.

She was hurting because of me?

"I'm fine!" I panicked. "Don't worry about me, okay?"

"You promise?" She asked skeptically.

"I promise." I attempted to fake a serious expression, although I don't know how successful such an act will be on someone like Miss Cecilia.

She clapped her hands. "Okay, then. I'll hold you to that."