Miss Otaku

The Kindest Person

My eyes wandered and stopped on the old man's face. I was surprised. He is staring at me with tender eyes. As compared to the swimmer, Clark Truman, he is looking at me differently. 

"Eden, is this the daughter that you've been talking about?" the old man asked as he stared at me. 

"Yes, sir," my mom answered. "Mr. Truman, this is Lily, my daughter. Lily, this is Mr. Truman, my new employer and this is Clark, his one and only son."

So this is Clark Truman's father. I bowed in respect to him and his son. This is the customary gesture for respect taught to me by my mom. 

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Truman, sir Clark," I said politely. 

"Likewise," Mr. Truman answered. "You may study as much as you want while your mom works for me, okay?" 

I slowly raised my head and looked at him. 

"Y-yes, sir. Thank you."

Wondering why I am not hearing any response from Clark, I tried to steal a glance at him to see what he is busy with using the corners of my eyes. Anyway, he cannot see my eyes because they are hidden by my long bangs. To my surprise, I saw him staring at me intently with his brows furrowed. 

"Tell me whatever you need, Lily. I promised your mom to help you at school. While you are at my house, you don't need to worry about anything you need. Just study hard and do your best."

I was surprised by what Mr. Truman said. He seems to be very kind and helpful. He bought me a computer and even allowed me to do what I want in his house, not to mention that I have my own room next to my mom's room all by myself. Just what kind of job does my mom have in this house? Secretly, I glanced at mom and realized that she is standing calmly on my side. 

"By the way, thank you for Lily's computer, sir. You truly made good of your promise," mom said.

"No problem. In fact, I ordered the butler to purchase some books for her and some school supplies, too. They will bring it to her room later."

Books? School supplies? I was stunned. This is the first person who is kind to me aside from my mother. What's more, this old man seems to be doing more than what he should, extending help to someone like me. Suddenly, I felt uncomfortable.

"Lily?" mom asked and hit me with the corner of her arm. 

I got her message. 

"T-thank you, Mr. Truman," I said politely and bowed again. 

"No, no, no. There is no need to thank me," Mr. Truman said and smiled at me. "By the way, I heard that you are studying at Star High, are you?" 

"Y-yes, sir."

"Oh!" the old man said excitedly. "Do you know that my son, Clark, also studied there?" At this, he looked at Clark who did not take his eyes off me as if scrutinizing every part of me. 

I just smiled and nodded awkwardly. 

"Y-yes, sir. His face are on the billboards," I answered with an awkward smile. Thank God my eyes are hidden by my bangs or else my expression would have been seen. 

The old man nodded satisfactorily, happiness and pride all over his face. Obviously, he's too proud for his son's achievement. 

"Join us for dinner later, okay?" Mr. Truman said and transferred his eyes to his son. "Clark, show her around the compound."

Clark did not say a word but nodded.

"Come," he said to me and stood up.

Confused, I looked at her mom. Why am I the only one being toured around? However, my mom nodded as soon as she felt my eyes on her. I didn't have any choice but to follow Clark who led the way. He led me out of the house and the first thing I saw was the backyard garden filled with different kinds of flowers that I wasn't able to see anywhere. 

"Don't keep your head bowed. You can't afford it if you bump on the pots," Clark said coldly. 

I was stunned. This guy doesn't seem to like me, too just like the others at school. Nothing's new. I know that I am unlikeable and this kind of treatment is normal. I always received it from others outside this house, too. 

"Walk faster. You are walking like a snail," he said when I didn't answer. 

Still, no answer. There's no point arguing with this rich man's kid. However, I walked faster according to his command. Unexpectedly, this man has the power to order me and I naturally followed him as if I was programmed to do so.

We walked and walked and I no longer heard him say anything. He just toured me around the place without any words at all. Honestly, I'm a little disappointed of the "model student" that our school hailed. 

After an hour of walking around the wide place, we started heading back to the big house. Still, I haven't heard any more words from him. It's okay. Anyway, I won't be responding to whatever he will say in case he talks to me. There are no words from him until they entered inside the house again. 

"Sir Clark, you're back," Mrs. Zhing, an old maid exclaimed the moment she saw them coming inside the house. "Sir Truman is waiting for you and Miss Brown inside." 

Clark walked. I followed. I then realized that we are entering the kitchen of the house. When we entered in, I was surprised to see Mr. Truman sitting in the master's seat while the maids are all standing on the side as if waiting to serve him. There are two other cutleries, one on his right side and one on the left. 

Clark instantly walked on the right side and occupied the seat there. 

Knowing who I am in this house, I dared not move and bowed my head.

"Lily, join us for dinner," Mr. Truman said when he noticed that I wasn't moving at all. 

That took me by surprise. Why am I joining them? 

"S-sir?" I hesitated. I know my place and I dare not pass beyond that boundary. Joining them for dinner is not proper at all.

"I'm asking you to join us for dinner," Mr. Truman repeated. He stood up and pulled the empty seat on his left side. 

I was stunned. Indeed, I didn't hear wrong. Swallowing hard, I walked near the table and occupied the empty seat on his left side. 

I closed my eyes long enough and opened them again. These are all true, I am not dreaming.