Chapter 20 - William Sterns
Faust and Angel was having their dinner at home. Tonight's dish was Bicol Express. A pork dish cooked in coconut milk with lots of chilis.
Faust once again enjoyed hearing her moans when he suddenly asked, "Hey Angel, do you like to go to parties?"
"Hmmm, not that much. I used to work as a bartender in bar and that's it." Angel replied.
"Well I'm going to attend a Halloween party soon but I had this feeling that something unexpected is going to happen." Faust informed before gulping up a mouthful of water.
"You want me to be on standby?" Angel asked.
"Yeah, something like that. Just to make sure, you know. I don't want to ignore my gut feeling. If you want, you can come along with me. I'm pretty sure it'll be alright."
Angel declined the offer, "Nah, I'm okay. Just call up when something happens, I'll be nearby. Remember boss, when something really happens, don't be stupid and act brave. I want to have some fun too."
"Your definition of fun is something else, huh. Suit yourself." Faust agreed.
"Hmmm since I'm going to attend, I need to buy a costume. Come with me this weekend, we're going to the nearest mall." Faust instructed.
"Got it."
~
After eating, Faust went to the computer room where his newly built computer was. He fired it up once again and started to recall the programming lessons he read from the book. Then he started to create his own operating system. He's going to call it TRON which stands for ' The Real-time Operating Nexus.'
He was enjoying his work applying all the principles he learned from programming. He knows that after he understand the basics, he can cleverly control how the system will work according to his wishes. He also needed to modify his trackball mouse into optical for better use when TRON is ready.
He didn't notice that he already spent so much time until Angel knocked on the door to remind him it's time to sleep.
~
Waking up next day, he started his morning routine with Angel and cooked some breakfast for the both of them.
Angel drove him off to school as usual and coincidentally, he crosses paths with a wimpy kid wearing eyeglasses. His books were scattered at the floor but no one was helping him. Then he saw Billy snickering at the side as he watch the little kid pick up his books. Now he knew why no one's trying to help.
'Looks like he changed his target.' He thought after watching this.
Faust approached them with an evil smile and said, "Well well well.. isn't this my limping friend, Billy. How's your leg? I see you're still alive and..'kicking', heh. How's your mother hehehe?"
The smile on Billy's face disappeared and became contorted with anger.
Faust was now in front of Billy and he slightly slapped his face.
"Easy there boy, you know what happens if you suddenly lose your composure, right? Hmmm...Now get out of my sight before I break another leg of yours, that would be an interesting excuse to meet your mother, isn't it? Hehehehe."
Then there was a sudden noise of whispers as the crowd watches the scene.
Billy gritted his teeth and walked away unevenly in humiliation.
Then Faust heard his whisper, "Just you wait, I'll get my revenge soon enough."
Faust just shrugged the threat and turned his attention towards the wimpy kid. He crouched down and helped him pick up the books on the floor.
"Hmmm? Why all these books about biology? Damn, these books are heavy. Here you go buddy. Just change your route when you see him next time." Faust advised him.
He turned around heading for his class as he muttered, "No wonder there are a lot of books missing in the library's biology shelf."
Apparently, the wimpy kid heard his mutters so he called out.
"Wait..."
"Hmmm? What's up?" Faust turned around and asked in confusion.
"Uhmm, you can borrow the books if you want?" The wimpy kid asked nervously.
"Oh..Are you sure?"
"Y-yeah, my name is William Sterns by the way." The wimpy kid introduced himself.
"Hello, William, you can just call me Faust. Are you sure you don't mind?"
"Yeah yeah sure.. just don't lose them or I could be in trouble with the library." William said cautiously.
"Hmmm how about you return them first, then I'll borrow it from the library. Isn't that much more simple with no risk?" Faust teased.
"If you say it like that.. yeah why didn't I think of it." William said in embarrassment.
"Hey! I'm just kidding. Look, I need to go to my class right now. I'm out of time. Let's just meet in the library after class before we make a decision."
"Okay.."
"That's settled then. See ya." Faust then turned around running late.
~
When Faust took his seat in the class, Darcy who was beside him whispered, "I heard there will be a basketball try out tomorrow in the gym, are you interested?"
"Hmmm? Why would I?" Faust asked in confusion.
"They say that those who are chosen can be excused in class when they practice basketball as long as your grades doesn't fall below B grade. You always wore a bored expression during class and I know you're a genius, so I figured you're just a flower vase here for attendance." Darcy whispered.
Hearing this, Faust pondered the thought, 'Hmmm..that's interesting. Rather than spending useless time here for attendance, why not a I try basketball. It will also increase my physical activity.'
Darcy, who was watching his expression said, "Your face is literally telling me you're now interested."
Faust admitted it and asked, "So down with it girl, what's in it for you?"
"You are hurting my feelings as a friend. Can I just tell you without asking something in return?" Darcy said in an offended tone.
Faust just rolled his eyes and said, "Come on, it's exactly the reason why I'm asking you. I know better than anybody else here what you're up to."
Darcy finally admitted, "Alright, alright, you caught me. Just help me out in my biology assignment and you'll owe me a favor."
"Hey, that's two price for one." Faust protested.
"No it's not, the biology thing is for the basketball information. The favor is for the party information, hihihihi." Darcy grinned.
"So much for being a friend, huh." Faust rolled his eyes but still agreed.
~
After class, Faust went to the library as scheduled.
When he walk in to the Biology isle, he found William browsing, seemingly looking for something.
"Hey, William. So you really returned the books, huh?" Faust greeted.
William was startled at first but when he saw it's Faust, he relaxed.
"Yeah, I just thought that no one was interested in them so I borrowed a lot." William explained.
"No it's okay. I'm just finishing my studies anyway." Faust thoughtlessly said.
William was confused at his statement and asked, "What do you mean?"
"You'll see, hehe."
Then Faust went to the corner and picked up a thick book with the title about cells. After he picked it up, he went for another book until he's carrying dozens of them before going for an empty table.
When William saw what he was doing, he followed him and sat beside him before saying in confirmation, "Ah I see, like me, you also like to hoard them."
"Huh? What the heck are you talking about?" Faust was confused on what he said.
"Isn't it like that?" William asked in confusion.
"Of course not, well technically I am indeed hoarding right now but that's not the point, okay? Just be quiet and don't disturb me. Pick your own book and do your thing."
"Okaayy.."
William stood up and grabbed a book before returning.
A few minutes later, he saw Faust skimming over the pages of the books.
"What are you doing?" William asked curiously.
"I'm reading so be quiet for godsake." Faust said while continuing his action.
"You mean, skimming?"
"Wow, what a genius. Reading and skimming now have the same meaning." Faust said sarcastically.
"But you're literally skimming the pages." William said.
"Be quiet you fool. This is the library don't shout here!" Faust shouted in exasperation.
"You're the one who was shouting just now." William defended.
"Sigh..look, I get it. You're curious. You think I'm not reading right? But let me finish this first before I shove this in your ass." Faust said in annoyance.
Two minutes later, Faust closed the book and slide it in front of William.
"Let's settle this once and for all. Pick a page, state a paragraph." Faust instructed.
William, not sure of what Faust is trying to do relented and opened the book. He randomly picked a page and said, "Page 353, paragraph 5, As cell structure---"
Then Faust continued, "Cell structure comprises individual components with specific functions essential to carry out life's processes. These components include- cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, and cell organelles."
"What the hell?!, but you're clearly just skimming." William couldn't believe what he just witnessed.
"Pick another one, come on. I still have to finish these." Faust urged.
William once again opened the pages in the middle and tested once again, "Page 1123, 23rd sentence."
"Golgi bodies are called the cell's post office as it is involved in the transportation of materials within the cell... What you want me to continue?" Faust immediately answered word per word.
"Amazing! How in the hell did you that?" William asked in disbelief.
"Well, I have a photographic memory and an IQ score of 210. What do you think I'm doing here if not for this?" Faust replied candidly.
"Wow, as in.. I'm speechless."
"Speechless is a good thing specially in the library so now shut up and do your thing, lo entiendes?" Faust said while rolling his eyes.
William was amazed and with a sparkle on his eyes, "Whoa! You even know how to speak Spanish?"
"Nah, I just googled it up. Not yet at least."
"Can I ask you some topics I'm having trouble with in Biology?"
"Sure, I could help but don't take too much of my time okay. I'm on a tight schedule. Why are hooked up with Biology anyway?" Faust asked curiously
"Ah.. it's embarrassing but I had an uncle who is a professor and he studies biology specializing in cells. He's in Grayburn College right bow. Ever since I was young, he became my idol." William narrated with fervent eyes.
"Hmm..that school sounds familiar. So you have an uncle whom you wanted to follow his footsteps?" Faust asked while trying to recall something.
"Yeah, his name is Samuel Sterns."
"I didn't ask any--- wait what's your uncle's name again?" Faust asked in confirmation.
"Samuel Sterns.. Why?"
Faust suddenly sat beside him, putting his hands on his shoulder before shamelessly saying, "You know William, I'm a very compassionate individual. When someone is having a hard time, I always tried to help. I'm also a good friend and you can count on me in times of trouble."
"Why the sudden cha---?" William asked in confusion but he was cut off.
"Doesn't matter! As our glorious scientists sayings, let's not dwell in the past or else you won't progress." Faust declared shamelessly.
"I'm pretty sure there's no sayings like that."
"Really? Well the point is, William my friend, you are now included in the circle of friends of a genius like me, so rejoice hehehehehe." Faust said while wiggling his eyebrows up and down.
"Why do you have a creepy smile?"
Faust ignored his remarks and said, "Now the we're considered friends, when will you introduce me to your uncle? I'm pretty sure we had a LOT to talk about."
"I have a feeling that you already know my uncle." William said in suspicion.
"It's just all in your mind. Hehehehehe."
Then Faust with a creepy smile, steered away the topic and said, "Let's continue our study shall we? The clock is ticking."