Colors of Rain

Chapter 3: Blue maiden

A new day has dawned upon the old Victorian house. Eliza was in the kitchen cooking breakfast and lunch. Just like the previous days, Roger was already waiting at the table reading a newspaper. After breakfast, Eliza drove herself to school. On her way to the teacher's lounge, a rather random thought came to mind. "Why does Dr. Lane stay at the teacher's lounge if she's the dean?" she thought. Upon arriving she noticed Dr. Earl sitting on the couch drinking coffee. "Good morning." he greeted sipping from the cup. "Good morning, Dr. Earl," she replied smiling.

"Please, call me Brandon." The gentleman smiled showing his pearl white teeth. With such complexion, there's no doubt girls are head over heels for this guy.

"Okay." she slowly nodded keeping the smile.

"Oh, good morning Eliza." the deep voice startled Eliza making her look at Dr. Everford. Almost immediately, she remembered what happened a few weeks before which made her cheeks turn into a light shade of red.

"Are you alright?"

"Y-yes I'm fine, doctor. G-good morning to you too." she managed to reply forcing herself to smile to rid of the awkwardness.

"Please, Devon would be fine." The monochrome man replied with a smile.

"Okay." she almost whispered still staring at Devon.

"Should I ask?" Eliza thought.

"I think I should but wouldn't that be rude or offensive? Maybe it was just my imagination. Yes. Just my

"imagination. But what if it wasn't?"

"Wait. This isn't actually any of my business, is it? But was it true? Or is my imagination getting worse? What am I doing? What if all this isn't real? What if-"

"Eliza. Are you alright?" she jumped upon hearing Brandon's voice.

"Y-yes, I am okay. Just thinking. Sorry." she stuttered.

"Are you sure? You just went pale for a second." Devon asked walking closer.

"I'm fine. Don't worry."

"Okay. You're not really that convincing but we'll take your word for it." Brandon chirped.

Eliza only managed to look down and smile nodding her head as she made her way to the kitchen as she thought it would be awkward to sit on the settee with those two around. In a few minutes, someone arrived as she heard people greeting each other. It was Dr. Simpson followed by CC who immediately went to the kitchen.

"Hello hello. Did you make it?" CC asked hugging Eliza who was reviewing her notes.

"Yes, it's in the fridge. We'll heat it up later."

CC squealed in excitement lightly tightening the hug. "C, I can't breathe." Eliza managed to breathe out causing her to release her and kiss her cheek.

"Gather 'round everyone." Dr. Lane called out as she walked inside the lounge. Everybody gathered in the main room finding their seats on the couches. Dr. Lane then cleared her throat when she saw that everyone was present.

"I have good news, my friends. The university has announced that 12 professors with doctorate degrees, excluding us deans, will be sent to a doctor's convention in Washington. The state will cover all expenses and the hotel. It lasts for five days. So that means five days of learning, sharing, and mingling." Dr. Lane said smiling with excitement. "Now, I have here the list of those who'll be joining us and drum roll please." on cue CC started drumming on the coffee table. "You are all in it!"