I have talked to Vicar before but something is different this time. Maybe the manner in which he spoke or the tone of his voice. It all sounded really serious.

I think I am in trouble.

“Am I… in trouble?” I ask hesitantly while fidgeting my hands.

“No.” Vicar replies.

Eventhough he says that, his expression says otherwise. His answer does not satisfy me. I still think I am in trouble.

Vicar deeply looks at me a while and I once again feel as if my soul is being looked at.

Vicar take in a deep breath and sighs.

“I don’t say this to anyone and I wouldn’t have said it to you either if Zaif hadn’t taken you under his wing.” Vicar says with resignation in his voice.

He still looks really serious as if he is about to say something to me of utmost importance. I say nothing and just wait for him to complete his sentence.

“I want you to stay away of my daughter.” Vicar says to me.

Why does he say that?

Does he know that I love Abigail?

Even if he does know that, does he really think that I will stop because he says so?

I imagine myself still chasing after Abigail which would make me Vicar’s enemy. Just imagining it made me gulped audibly. I suddenly start feeling cold. I could feel the chill on my face as if my face is wet. Actually it is wet. It is as is my body is sweating out of fear.

Seeing me like this Vicar laughs heartily. And I gulp once again. His laugh scares me. It is wild and free as if nobody can hinder it.

“Don’t be so frightened boy.” Vicar says while patting my shoulder.

“I know how it must have sound but I said it all for your benefit. However if you still want to follow her. I will not stop you from meeting her. Infact I do not mind. I hope your innocence rubs off on her.” Vicar says.

Eventhough I hear his words, they do not make much sense to me. First he forbids me then he allows me.

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I mean. What does he want me to do?

My face must really be a sight to behold right about now. Scared, confused and frustrated. Vicar once again laughs heartily while tapping my shoulder and with each hit I could feel my height lessen making me assured that I will never get taller than Abigail now.

When Vicar is done laughing, he says to me, “Don’t be scared boy. I really meant it when I said that it was for your benefit. You see… my Abigail is really special. You can even call her Unique.”

Is he telling me the truth or is he just trying to scare me. Or maybe he is an over doting father who like every other parent thinks that his child is very special.

My dad also use to think my sisters were special but in reality even a kid like me knew that they were just like the other girls who grew up in money.

“Other than Zaif, I have never seen anyone resist her charm. This is why, boy, that I don’t want your innocence to be influenced by her.” Vicar says to me like I am an innocent young maiden whose virtue needs to be protected.

If this really were the matter than why did he have to sound like he was threatening me? He is just being protective of his daughter.

“I understand sir. I will be careful.” I answer him. Like I have any other choice in the matter.

“Really? And here I thought that I would need to go into details. Saved me a speech there boy. Good. I hate speeches.” Vicar says while sighing with relief.

“Moreover call me Vicar.” Vicar says while nodding.

Should I? He is a lot older than me.

“Are you sure?” I ask hesitantly.

“Yes ofcourse. Age is nothing but a number after all.” Vicar replies still nodding.

“Huh.” It was the only thing that escaped my mouth.

“You’ll understand with time.” Vicar responds to my verbal surprise.

“So tell me boy. How goes your rest and relaxation.” Vicar asks me while once again making sure that my height remains short by patting me the shoulder.

“It is good.” I reply holding back my pain.

“Have you been enjoying yourself?” Vicar asks me.

“I was but now I am bored. I wanted to see the town but I have no one to go with. I was also wondering when teacher will start training me.” I reply. Maybe he can take me to town or atleast I might get him to tell me more about my mysterious teacher.

I notice that Vicar’s eyes suddenly seem sharper. And the way he is looking at me changed.

“Oh! So you have relaxed enough. Good. Good. I believe Zaif will be happy to know that you are eager to learn so soon. He thought to let you relax a year or two before beginning your training but if you are so eager to learn I will let him know.” Vicar says to me with excitement in his voice.

He just stood there with his hand on my shoulder bounding me in a place making it unable for me to leave. I feel him looking at me but to me he seems as if he has lost himself in his thoughts. A grin, which I can only term as evil, slowly spreads across his face.

“This will be fun to watch.” Vicar mutters and takes his hand off my shoulder. He starts walking while laughing, what I can only call, maniacally.

I have a really bad feeling about this as if I just chopped my own foot. On purpose nonetheless.