The Shadows of Tragedy

Chapter 27

The restaurant that Erza had gone to with Jellal was very nice and fancy but not too fancy. While waiting for their food and drinks, Erza found herself feeling a little nervous about starting a conversation with the man. It had been years since her last date so naturally she had butterflies in her stomach but eventually she was able to open up a little.

"Thank you for joining me for dinner." He told her. "I often eat alone...Because of my work I mean!"

"So what kind of work do you do Professor?"

"Well typically I teach college students about history and culture."

"Really? And if I may ask what does that have to do with helping the police out in a murder case?"

"If I told you you'd probably think that I was completely insane and leave right now."

"I don't know. I've seen a lot of crazy things and I think I've gotten to a point of my life where I would probably believe anything no matter how ridiculous it sounds."

"Still maybe I shouldn't tell you this on the first date."

"Alright then. So tell me how do you know Cana?"

"We studied at the same university together."

"Did you ever date?"

"No. I mean we were good friends and colleagues but that's pretty much all we were. Besides I didn't date that much back then I was too focused on my studies. In fact I can't even remember my last date."

"Now there's something we have in common."

"Did your school work keep you from having a social life too?"

"No for me it was my family I had to focus on. My father abandoned me when I was a child and my mother and stepfather both died when I was still in high school so I had to fill the maternal role for my brother and stepsister and that role only got bigger when my nephew was born and my sister in-law left my brother."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Did you do it on your own?"

"No. My grandfather helped out however he could but he's getting older and his health isn't exactly perfect."

"Must've been difficult."

"It was, still is but I don't really care. My family will always come first and I can't imagine not having them in my life."

"You know I find devotion and loyalty very attractive in a woman."

Erza chuckled at his comment.

"What about you?" She asked. "Do you have a family?"

"Not really. My parents were killed when I was thirteen."

"I'm so sorry. How did that happen?"

"It's a very complicated story and it gets harder and harder for me to tell it but I will say this, what happened to them helped me find my true calling."

"Did you have anyone to look after you?"

"No. I was pretty much on my own after that. I made a few friendships but none of them stuck except for Cana."