Chapter 14: I stole President Cooper
Alan had lots of work on Sunday hence he kept himself busy in the study room as two girls and two boys created a hell lot of mess in the living hall fighting with each other to decide the picnic spot for next weekend followed by Aria teaching them a few subjects clearing their doubts.
When Alan went downstairs, Aria was beating Rian for not understanding a simple problem even after the eighth time because his mood was on his mobile flirting with a girl.
All greeted Alan and Aria treated him as invisible like previous days.
When Aria wasn't there, Noah pushed a school gossip to Alan when he sat down holding a tab. "Brother Alan, from the day you took care of Arrie in front of all, there are rumors in school that the Prince stole our Goddess."
Aria was drinking water from the bottle walking towards the living hall, choked on it, and coughed very badly until she ended up moistening her eyes.
Eva tended to her controlling her smile, Alan kept his eyes on Aria's red face until she calmed down and chased Noah for tittle-tattling.
"Noah, are you a man? Why are you gossipping nonsense?"
Eva and Rian were rolling on the floor hearing Noah but all froze hearing Alan's question even though he knew the answer, "Who are the prince and the goddess?"
Aria coughed lightly and took a vase to her hand threatening her friends to keep their mouth shut which was successful but Alan answered his question making three to roll on the floor.
"I'm the prince and President Cooper is the goddess. So I stole President Cooper."
Aria gritted her teeth but didn't care to look at him whose gaze was on her. "You three, don't come to me asking for my help. Go to your Livid Prince. Hmph."
Rian was the only one who dared to continue laughing even after seeing dark-faced Alan. The other two lowered their heads and sat quietly.
Fuming Alan left for the study room soon.
After dinner, Noah and Eva left soon. Tired Rian went to his room. Aria sat in her room trying to learn Chemistry equations and formulae...
When Alan exited study around half-past ten, he saw her room lights brightly lit hence went ahead and knocked on the door to see the complete bed had many books and worksheets.
Aria was sitting and bent forward keeping her head on the bed. "Aunty Lilly! I will flunk in chemistry. Do you know chemistry? Dumb Rian can't…" Aria who spoke and raised her head thinking the housekeeper entered to give her warm milk paused seeing Alan who was crossing his arms looking at her state.
It was difficult for her to identify what he was thinking. She sat straight and ignored him continuing to understand chemical formulae.
Alan thought she would ask him but she didn't. 'I'm her guardian.' He told himself and tidied her bed before sitting next to her. "Which one aren't you understanding?"
Aria didn't want to talk but she had to respond to send him off, "Young master Morgan, I will manage. You have worked all day, you should go and rest."
Alan remained calm, "I meant it when I said I'm there for you." He paused purposefully seeing her change in expression before continuing, "Which one are you facing difficulties?"
Aria bit her lip and handed the chemistry book, "Dad had taught me the first chapter. After that, I don't understand anything."
Alan peeked at her before breaking into a smile, "So your weak subject is chemistry."
Aria nodded.
Alan started from the second chapter and taught her patiently answering all questions and doubts.
He had taught Rian a few times but he never got any questions or doubts as he only read for writing exams whereas he got numerous questions from her which he had to note down aside if he didn't know the answer.
Seeing him write questions aside, Aria clarified, "I didn't mean to question your intelligence by my questions. They are just my doubts." She didn't want Alan to get offended like teacher Bell.
He rubbed her head fondly as he responded, "I know. Now do this."
Aria nodded and continued to study. She was understanding easily when Alan explained which almost made her ask him to teach her chemistry whenever he could but she didn't say.
Alan didn't feel bored or irritated teaching her as she understood quickly. Instead, he was enjoying teaching her.
Both didn't notice the time until Aria had yawned a few times and said drowsily, "I'm sleepy."
Seeing her half-closed eyes, he hummed and took books and worksheets to keep on the study table. He arranged the books neatly taking his own time. When he turned to see Aria, she was leaning on the headrest and dozed off waiting for him to leave.
He checked the time to realize it was two. He laid her down carefully and tucked in before he turned off the lights and went to his room.
He found the solution to her question before he slept.
***
The trio was having breakfast when Amelia and Rowan entered the mansion calling Aria, "Arrie… Arrie..."
Aria dabbed her lips before giving a cheeky smile to Rian to tease him. She went ahead and hugged Amelia who was happy seeing her smiling. Rowan hugged her by the shoulder as they exchanged pleasantries.
Rian grimly looked at his parents, "Do you guys even know you have sons? Now I doubt that you must have picked me from somewhere."
Amelia, Rowan, and Aria laughed looking at jealous Rian. Aria suggested, "Uncle Rowan, how about throwing your sons out? We three can have fun."
Alan knew she was joking so he didn't take it seriously but what Amelia said made him think what Rian said, "Alan is running away from here. This crazy son can be thrown out, don't worry."
Aria was laughing when Rian twisted her hand back without really using any strength, "Little Devil, I will teach you a lesson today." He pushed her out as they bid them and hopped in the car.
Amelia and Rowan settled on the couch sighing themselves. "I was very scared about Arrie, now we can be worry-free. This child! I hope she isn't hiding her pain under her smiles."
Rowan patted his wife's shoulder. "Let's see how it goes on."
Amelia nodded, "When are you planning to ask Arrie about what Dad told us?"
"Not so soon. She is still very young." Rowan brushed off the topic. They had breakfast and went to bed due to exhaustion.
In the car, Aria felt like Alan had split personality disorder. Because he was gentle and amiable while teaching, from the time she thanked him in the morning when he gave her the answers to the questions, he was grim.
'Thank you so much Young master Morgan for teaching me.' was what she said after seeing him in the morning.