Chapter 1 â The Beginning
I lie here in bed, thinking of the night we have had. The dawn light is trying to pierce my eyes through the dark blinds. Oh she is trying to wake me, but I ignore her and lay in bliss. I remember the way your hands felt on my skin. I remember how your lips felt against my own and how soft they were. As I drift back into a light sleep, I dream of what happened.
You walked over to me in the hallway just outside my literature class. I was desperately trying to finish the final pages of âCrime and Punishmentâ when you spoke.
âAh, thatâs a great book. Did you like it?â
âI canât seem to put it downâ I commented as I glanced up to see your eyes.
They are so green they pierce through mine and grasp my attention.
âMy name is Kennethâ you retort.
Noticing how much Iâm staring, I stutter out âIâm Deirdre, but my friends call me every variation but..â
You laugh, and smile at me âwell, every variation but, its lovely to meet you.â
Glancing away for fear of you knowing that I was staring, I smile and thank you. As I came back to reality, I forgot that I actually had to go to class. It was the first day and I couldnât be late. Turning to you I apologize for the fact that I have to get to class, and throw in that âI hope to see you againâ comments as you respond with the same.
I scuttle into class about 5 minutes early and find a seat, drop my shit and begin to read again. The class begins to fill more rapidly and I put down my book because I cannot read with the distraction. My eyes scan the room for any faces that I recognize. Not a one. âDamnâ I think to myself âhow can I not know anyone in a class of 100?â Then as I glance back toward the door, I see you walk in. I smile on command when I see your face just grateful that I know someone in the class. But I find it odd that you go to the front of the room instead of sitting with the rest of the students. I just assumed that you were waiting to speak with the professor, but I was so mistaken.
The clock hit 11am, time for class to start. You walk to the door and shut it. Turning to the 100 various faces you speak. âGood morning class, my name is Professor Cornell and this is World Literature. If youâre in the wrong class, get up and go now, but if not you are in for a truly interesting semester full of war, adultery, religious conflict, sex and everything else you can possibly think of. There is something in this class for everyone, and I hope you enjoy yourselves.â At that I felt myself turn a bright shade of red and felt myself wet in a place that I should not be. I then smirk to myself and think about how interesting a semester it will be, looking at your face on a daily basis.
As class is dismissed, I gather my random crap and head for the door. You glance up at me as I walk by. I donât dare look, but you stop me. âDeirdre, itâs nice to see a familiar face in my classâ you say. âYes professor I feel the same way, but why didnât you tell me that you were a teacher here when we met earlier?â
âMy dear, it didnât come up in conversation, that would be why I never mentioned it. However, now you know. Does this fact bother you?â you say with a grin.
âNo, Iâm actually very excited about this class. I canât wait to come back and actually get into the literature.â After I made the comment I couldnât believe how horrible it sounded. How much of a dumb ass could I possibly make myself look like in one day?!? âWell, Iâm glad youâre looking forward to this class. I will see you tomorrowâ you said with a grin.
The days of the semester seemed to fly by. Everyday I was so excited to get to world lit. Midterm was approaching and I was really nervous about the test. I met up with you one day after class for some coffee to discuss my issue with the test.
âWhat could you possibly have to worry about my dear, youâve been to class everyday, youâve read the material. By now you should have a grasp on everything we covered up to this point.â You stated.
âWell, professor I have this horrible confession to make. Yes I have been to class everyday, but it wasnât really for the literature. Ever since that day I met you in the hallway all I can think about is how attractive you areâ I said turning the brightest shade of red in the book.
You sat with you hand under your chin and took a sip of coffee. Gazing at me like you were trying to figure me out. âDee, Iâm so flattered that you think Iâm attractive, but that wonât save your grade. Why donâtâ you come back to my apartment and Iâll help you with some study aids and maybe you can get through my midterm.â
âThat would be great!â I said as I finished off the last of my iced white chocolate mocha. Slamming down the cup I retort âletâs get started because I have this feeling that Iâm going to need all the help I can get.â