Porcelain behind Glass

Chapter 28: Acceptance

Danish drew in a deep breath before rapidly knocking and then pushing the classroom door open. Professor Peacock paused mid-speech and raised an eyebrow at the university star swimmer.

"Danish, what are you doing here?" enquired Professor Peacock in a gravelly voice.

"Sir, Professor Gabriel has summoned you to his office," lied Danish with a straight face.

"In between class?" squeaked Professor Peacock his forehead beading in sweat. "That is highly unusual."

Danish pretended to look concerned, "Ah! Yes. It was something about a leaked Ethics question paper, I think".

"Oh no! Then I must hurry at once. You can mind my class for me till I am back." Professor Peacock scurried off as fast as his short legs would allow.

Danish turned back to the gossiping class, intent on spotting his quarry.

"I can't believe he did this," muttered Sarah as she slammed her books shut and tidied up her desk.

"What did P' Danish do?" asked Hazel looking back and forth between the brother and sister pair.

Sarah slung her bag over her shoulder. "Pack up Patty's stuff and tell Professor P that I took her to the sick bay."

Confused, Hazel looked over at Patty. "But she is sitting right there."

"Not for long," retorted Sarah before stalking over to her brother.

"Hia, are you out of your mind". Hands-on her hip, Sarah glowered at her brother.

"Probably," replied Danish still glancing around. "Has Patty come or all this effort would go to waste."

Sarah pulled her hair in exasperation, "First, you don't answer her phone and now you're busting her out of the strictest Professor's class."

Danish frowned at her, "There is no need for drama, Nong. I had my reasons for not talking to her back then. Now will you answer my question before Professor P returns?"

Sarah dearly wished she could strangle her brother at the moment. "Second row, corner seat, yellow jacket. She is hiding behind Luke to avoid you. Now what excuse are you going to give to Professor P for lying?"

Danish's face brightened after spotting a yellow arm sticking out from behind Luke's muscular body.

"I didn't lie. Last night, Milan hacked into Professor P's files and uploaded this term's Ethics question paper on the university website. Niam has already gone to report his 'discovery' to Professor Gabriel and will most likely be sent here to summon Professor P. Since Professor P is already on his way there, Niam will replace me here instead."

Sarah facepalmed, "All this effort to talk to Patty. You could have approached her after class instead."

Danish grimaced, "Your friend is as slippery as an eel. It is impossible to corner her after class."

Sarah smirked, "Serves you right, Hia. You started this cat-and mouse game". Suddenly her face fell as a realisation struck her. "Wait a minute, P' Milan leaked this term's Ethics paper. That means the Ethics paper shall be rescheduled?"

"It wasn't Professor P's best effort," replied Danish. "Now go grab your friend. I don't want to chase her around the classroom."

Sarah smacked her brother on the arm before stomping away. She stood before Luke and glared at him. Fearing for his safety, Luke moved out of her way of his own volition. Sarah grabbed Patty's arm and began to drag her away. Their mutual friends gaped in surprise.

An indignant Patty tried to struggle out of her hold. "Come along Patty, or my brother's stupidity might cause us to fail," whispered Sarah. Patty immediately stopped struggling and docilely followed behind.