The Academy: Detective Stories - Part I

Chapter 11. Little Dirty Secret

The evening approached Triville, and the sun illuminated the golden leaves. The horse with a small carriage was waiting in the front yard. Carrying a big wooden chest, Theo walked on the wide porch with Rei sitting on his shoulder.

"Yes, your bro or sister is really heavy," Theo complained.

Rei nodded in understanding and circled around the carriage, choosing a place to sit. Then he landed at the horse's saddle.

"Smart choice," Theo remarked with a smile. He placed the trunk on the bench and covered it with a blanket. Now, it should provide enough warmth for the red dragon's egg. And as for Rei... he looked at the little blue dragon, and his heart ached. After everything they went through, it was too hard to imagine saying goodbye to this wonderful creature. But there was no other way. "I'll tell you one thing, Rei. Life isn't fair, and they won't let you live in the Academy." He patted Rei's head, and the dragon purred in response. "Very soon, we'll split, but I'll come back to visit you. Sparkle said the farm owners will take good care of you and your sibling."

Rei's yellow eyes gave him a sad look. Then the dragon jumped back on his shoulder, his short tail hugging his neck. Theo looked up, where the sky was empty and silent. "I promise I'll visit you often."

"Look who can be sentimental," Elisa's voice cheered nearby, causing Theo to flinch.

How did she get so close unnoticed? He turned to face her. Elisa had changed her usual black uniform to a snow-white coat that partly covered the hem of her long light-blue dress. Her curly hair lay on her shoulders, and it made his heart melt. He opened his mouth but forgot what he was supposed to say, so he stood silent.

"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone." Elisa playfully pressed an index finger to her lower lip. "Everyone has a dirty little secret."

He scoffed. "You have an abnormal interest in people's secrets."

"That's why I chose to become a detective," she replied, fixing a strand of hair.

As Theo learned from time with Elisa, she played with her hair each time when she was nervous.

"Is everything ready?" She asked.

He nodded. "Almost. Just one thing to clarify."

"What else?"

Theo paused. He had carried this thought for too long, and he doubted it would be a better moment to express it. Then, he must have tried. "When we get to the wedding, I guess I shall pretend to be your boyfriend."

"What?" Elisa widened her eyes in surprise. "Why would you ever need to do that?"

He walked to the horse and started checking the reins. It was better to pretend to be busy than to look into her eyes. "Well, even your aunt questioned the status of our relationship. I know something about small towns, and I guess people at the wedding will start being curious. I think it would be easier for us to pretend." He gave her a teasing smile. "Especially knowing that you used to be in love with one of the newlyweds."

Elisa opened her mouth, speechless.

"Right, Sparkle, everyone has a dirty little secret." Theo winked. He came to the saddle and pressed on it, ensuring that it was reliable. Rei, who sat on it, cocked his head in curiosity.

Elisa came closer, and Theo could hear her ragged breath. "So, you overheard me talking to Jackie last night," she concluded. "What else do you know?"

"Nothing," he shrugged. "Listen, I don't really care about your school crush. I'm on your side. As your friend."