Navy blue t-shirt and jeans. Messy red curls and deep blue eyes. He was 20, a math major, very smart and always getting himself in trouble. It was a hot summer day. Perfect for a day at the beach, but instead he was heading to the library. He didn't go there often. He liked numbers and problem solving. He wasn't interested in mundane stories. Unfortunately, in order to graduate, he had to pass his psychology class. A paper. That's all he needed. One paper. He was determined to go to the library, find a couple of books and be done with the paper before lunch time.
He walked through the doors. It looked old and dusty. It was quiet and boring. He looked around
. Where does one find psychology...?
Suddenly a person jumped in front of him seemingly out of nowhere. He was startled for a second, then he focused his eyes on the person. It was a woman
. What does she want?
She was smiling at him. He wanted to just walk around her and get to where psychology is.
"Hello sir, how may I help you today?" she said with a smile.
Help me?
He looked at her again. Long brown wavy hair, big brown eyes, a smile that seemed fixed on her face. She looked to be in her mid-thirties. Then he realized, she probably worked there.
"Sir? Are you looking for something specific? You seem a bit lost," she said trying to be helpful.
He was lost. And he needed to find psychology. And to be out of here sooner rather than later.
Why does that woman keep smiling so much?
She was not dressed like how he imagined a librarian. But it was a very hot day. She was wearing light blue shorts and a white sheer button up top.
"Yes...yes! I mean, I would love some help. I need some guidance to where I can find books on psychology," he finally managed to mutter.
"Psychology! Fascinating subject! Are you a student at the University? Are you looking for a particular author? Freud? Bandura? Festinger? Pavlov...?" she asked excitedly.
She kept on listing names that did not interest him the slightest. She started walking away as she was still talking. Then she stopped and turned around to see if he had followed. He had not. He looked at her again, not listening to what she was saying.
Does she know that much about psychology or just books in general?
He thought about all the fun parties he could be at on the beach today, instead of being stuck at the library. She finally stopped and looked at him quizzically.
Did she ask him a question?
She looked at him, waiting patiently. Smiling
. Psychology is always interesting. Is this guy even listening to me?
She was always nice to everyone who came to the library. The library felt like her home and she welcomed all guests and wanted to make sure they all had a good experience. He looked like he didn't want to be there. Maybe if she could interest him in the right book. Everyone should be fascinated by Psychology.
What can she offer him? Why is he looking for Psychology?
He looked young. He must be a student.
"I am a math major, but I need to write a paper for my Psychology class. I have not yet decided on the topic. I will just take a look. These shelves here, right? Thank you for your help," he explained, as he tried to get rid of her politely.
He thought that should be enough to get her to leave. He just needed a random book or two and a few hours of work. That was all. Quick and simple.
"Exciting! There are so many interesting topics to choose from! Hmmm, let's see...disorders? There are plenty!" she said as she started looking through the shelves.
She started handing him book after book. He was confused.
Why isn't she leaving? He didn't ask for a tutor. Why is she still smiling?
She kept on talking. "Nonverbal communication! Or perhaps perceptions and dreams. Human cognition is truly amazing..."
She handed him two more books. He put them on a pile at a small side table nearby and looked into her eyes with amazement.
"Here is one on gender roles, it is quite a hot topic today. You can also consider writing about different experiments...." her voice trailed off as she looked for the right books.
She continued to hand him books and he continued to put them away on to the side table. He was getting more and more annoyed with this.
Can I just tell her to leave?
She handed him yet another book. He looked at the title. The Milgram Obedience Experiment. And something switched in his brain. He put the book away on top of the big pile on the side table. He looked at her. She was looking for something on the upper shelves. He reached and took her hands in his and turned her to face him.
She stopped smiling. She looked at him confused. She looked at her hands. He was holding them. And he was looking at her. He had really piercing blue eyes. She looked at his eyes and he looked at hers. It was probably just a moment, but it felt much longer to her.
Did he say anything? Was he waiting for me to reply? Was I supposed to do something? Say something?
"Get on your knees," he said in a soft commanding voice.
What? On my knees?
She looked down.
Did I drop something?
His eyes never left hers. They were locked. And now she couldn't look away. She felt a bit frightened. And then she started going down on her knees.
Why am I doing this?
She dared not to look away. As she lowered to her knees, her hands remained in his. His gaze on her. Her heart started pounding. All she could hear in her ears was the rush of blood.
Did he say something?
Her eyes were so big. He could see that better now that she was not smiling. She looked slightly afraid. He liked that. But she did get on her knees. He liked that even better. He smiled briefly. He let go of her hands and took another look at her. She kept eye contact with him. His hand brushed her cheek and he felt her tremble, but she did not blink.
"Will you be a good girl for me today?" he asked in what sounded like almost a whisper.
A good girl?
