Algebra;The world of Wonderful creatures

Chapter 13

It had been nearly a month since I last had a proper conversation with Aze. He seemed completely absorbed in himself and his studies, always finding excuses to avoid me, as if he were trying to escape the questions I longed to ask. The university exams were just around the corner at the end of November, and I could hardly contain my excitement. I was on the brink of becoming a doctor—a dream I had harbored for years, and now it was finally within reach!

As I swayed my way to the library reference block, lost in thought, I couldn't shake the feeling of missing him. With no classes and no clinical postings, I contemplated taking a quick nap before braving the drizzle to see him. "Oh, I'm pathetic," I muttered to myself.

Entering the library, I signed my attendance and scanned the hall. Relief washed over me when I spotted him in his usual nook, a massive pharmacology book sprawled before him.

"Aze! Hi!" I waved and took a seat beside him, a flicker of happiness igniting in my chest.

"Fenn," he acknowledged, his eyes meeting mine.

"I know you're avoiding me," I said, trying to inject some levity into the situation. "But just so you know, you can't get rid of me that easily."

He didn't deny it, merely shrugged. "I'm sorry. I've been busy catching up. Got an exam to finish by next week."

"Next week?" I blinked, confused. "There's still a month before the main exams."

"Yeah, I have to take a remedial since I missed a few exams last month."

"Oh, right! Why did you miss them?" I felt a surge of frustration. "I've been trying to talk to you for ages, but you always find a way not to."

"Can we go outside and talk before Mr.Altsmann kicks us out?" he asked, glancing around.

"Sure!" I stood up before he could even rise.

Something was clearly going on with him, and while I was okay if he didn't want to share, I couldn't shake the feeling that he needed someone to talk to. I recalled how he used to be close to Maggy. Now, I worried he might be better off talking to someone else rather than fighting whatever battle he faced alone.

"Fenn... can we?" Aze broke through my thoughts as we stepped outside.

"Where are we going?" I inquired.

"Maybe the park? I think I have a lot to explain," he said, his tone heavier than usual.

"You think?" I studied him, wondering about the struggle hidden behind his calm facade. He had changed so much since that night at Rick's birthday party, especially after our journey to Wernickus.

"Can we?" He gestured to a vacant bench in the green park, and we settled down.

We sat in silence for a moment, searching each other's eyes. I craved this connection—a moment where I wouldn't feel worthless, where I could finally gather the answers to all the unasked questions swirling in my mind.

"I'm sorry I left without saying anything..." Aze finally spoke, leaning back against the bench.

I didn't respond; I had no idea where he had gone. I had assumed he was just busy studying in his dorm, but clearly, I was mistaken.

"Where did you go?" I probed gently.

He fell silent, which I had half-expected. "Aze," I called softly, knowing he was going through something heavy, even if he never talked about it. I didn't want to add to his burden, but silence wasn't an option either.

He pulled a wrinkled piece of paper from his bag. It looked significant, like a piece of his history.

"What's that?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

"ZTof," he read aloud, glancing at me.

My heart dropped. "What do you mean?"

"It's a disownment letter from the Zennora Thacker orphan family," he explained, his voice steady but strained. "They're officially cutting ties with me and won't provide any financial support."

My stomach twisted in knots as I processed his words. The paper showed signs of being crumpled and revised multiple times. The gravity of the situation loomed between us, silencing us both.

"I went to meet her. They have a head office in Kenith, near Texas," he finally added.

"Who?" I asked, bewildered.

"Mrs. Madonna Zennora Thacker. The current head of the ZTof. She's the only living daughter of Annis Zennora Thacker, the woman I believed was my mother."

"And? Did you confront her about this letter?" I pressed, desperation creeping into my voice.

"No. I got this letter after I returned. She asked me never to contact her again," he confessed, a shadow of hurt flickering in his eyes.

"But why?" I pressed further.

"I don't know," he admitted, frustration seeping into his voice.

"Aren't you concerned?" I asked, sensing his emotional turmoil.

"I am, Fenn, but I can't keep crying about it." He gazed off into the distance, lost in thought.

"Did you speak to Mrs. Dhai? She handles your finances, right?" I inquired, hoping for a glimmer of a solution.

"Not anymore. If the ZTof isn't providing funds, I can't burden her," he replied, his tone defeated.

"Then what are you going to do?" I asked, feeling the weight of his struggle bearing down on me.

"I don't know," he sighed, his shoulders slumping.

Agitation bubbled within me. I had always been the princess of my house, surrounded by family and love. The concept of loneliness was foreign to me, and the mere thought of it made my stomach churn.

"Look, Fenn... I'll be okay. I didn't want you to stress over this," he said, noticing my pale expression.

"And you need to promise me that you won't face this alone. You need to talk to me, and let me be there for you," I insisted, my heart aching for him.

He looked at me with those smiling eyes, a flicker of gratitude shining through the shadows.

"Can we go?" he asked, standing up.

"You swear?" I pressed, needing his assurance.

"What?" He played coy.

We walked back toward the dorm, my resolve hardening. I couldn't leave him alone anymore. He felt as lost as the eagles soaring high in the sky—visible one moment, then gone the next.

"Bye, Aze," I said, hesitating at the door.

"I'm planning to take a trip to York next week. You can come if you promise not to ask any questions."

"What kind of trip is that?" I was taken aback by this sudden revelation.

"I guess that's a question," he teased, trying to lighten the mood.

"I can't even ask where we're going?" I shot back, playfully exasperated.

He shook his head, indicating a firm no.

"Fine! You're not going alone, babe. Whatever no-questions zone you're stepping into, count me in," I said, walking away with a mix of determination and worry.