I never would have thought it would feel so good not to think. Probably because these past few days my thoughts have been plagued with stress and humiliation. Whatever the case, a night with Bridget had set my mind at ease. I woke up feeling completely relaxed with a sleeping Bridget curled up on my shoulder. We were both naked beneath the comforter with my arm around her as I breathed in her scent. Usually, every morning I would immediately get dressed, have breakfast, and go straight to work. Today, I just took a few minutes to just bask in the moment with Bridget's soft supple body on top of mine. My comfort didn't last long since I suddenly remembered the email I sent last night. I was dying to find out what was to become of me.
Gently, I kissed the top of Bridget's head before I slowly slipped away from her to avoid waking her up as I tip-toed out of bed and opened my dresser as quietly as possible. I pulled on a pair of light-blue boxer shorts and a spare set of glasses. I didn't put on anymore than that since I didn't want to chance waking Bridget. I then sneaked out of the room, to check my laptop. Though I only sent the email last night, I saw the dean already eagerly responded as I sat down before my laptop:
Dear Professor Finn,
I cannot tell you how relieved I was to receive your email. I have not yet procured a model to fill in for you yet, I have been quite preoccupied with my duties as dean of Intectus Deprehendi University. Of course I will be more than happy to extend your time as a model for Delia's class since it solves so many problems for everyone. I will call Professor Sands first chance I get to discuss how long your extension will be. I am sure she will be just as excited as I am to have you on longer.
Professor Finn, let me just say from the bottom of my heart how grateful I am for your eagerness to aid the students and your fellow professors during this past week. Consequently, I can't help but notice how much your enthusiasm for this assignment has really contributed to the student body as a whole. After I finish discussing with Professor Sands about your ongoing participation as her model I will let her tell you in person how long you will fill in for her. Once today's class has come to an end, please come and visit me in my office. There is much I want to discuss with you regarding your future at IDU.
Sincerest gratitude,
Dr. Myra Ostendi
There it was...confirmation that I had to endure this humiliation even longer. Why did she have to respond so quickly? She could have waited a day or two just so I could have some excuse not to go back and obtain some peace of mind; albeit for a short time. My morose thoughts came to a halt at the sound of a lovely European accent, "I take it you received a positive response to your email?"
"Well I don't know if I would call this..." I turned around to see a newly awake Bridget leaning against my door frame wearing nothing but one of my button down shirts. I have never known that I had fantasies like this until this very moment. "...Oh...uh...good morning!" I completely forgot what I was going to say.
Bridget crossed the room and placed herself in my lap as she read Dean Ostendi's response. "That's terrific! Well, maybe not for you but me and several other girls are going to be very happy." She kissed my forehead.
I groaned, "I was almost out of this disaster. Now it feels like a never-ending chain of humiliation. I know I kept all of my promises but look at where its got me. What am I going to get out of this?"
"You are a man who loves to give to the educational community. We are just more than happy to take it." She made a grab for my crotch.
"My God, how did I ever fall in love with you? Must you make everything a joke? You completely disregard my feelings in this situation!"
Bridget stared at me for a moment, "Say that again Ave."
"I said, 'you completely disregard...'"
"No, not that. The first thing you said before me making everything a joke."
"You mean, 'how did I ever fall in...' oh!" My face exploded red under the realization of what I just said. "I...no...no no no...I didn't...I mean...we..."
"Say it again."
"No."
"Avery..."
"No! I can't! It's too soon! We have only been dating a few days."
"But we have known each other much longer. Now say it."
"Bridget, can we..."
"You said I always disregard your feelings. I am listening to your feelings. You're the one not acknowledging them. Now own up to it. Say it!"
It was no use resisting. The cat was already out of the bag and it was the inescapable truth. I sighed as I looked into her eyes, "Bridget Bernard, you are an amazingly beautiful young woman with an astounding intellect, yet you chose to use it to humiliate people (me especially), you are several years younger than me, my student who frustrates me to no end so tell me why..." I clasped her hand and kissed her knuckles "...why did I fall so madly in love with a girl like you?"
Bridget smiled brightly and her eyes sparkled before she wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me passionately. If I had ever had any control in this relationship, I just lost it there and then. How had she managed to wrap me around those delicate fingers of hers? I still don't know why this happened, I was only certain of how I felt. I suppose that is what caught me off guard. Unlike mathematical equations, love could not be summed up into one simple answer. I have been told by my friends numerous times how complicated love was but never paid it much thought until now. I preferred things neat and orderly but it would seem I would keep coming back to Bridget no matter how messy things got. By all logical reasons I shouldn't feel this way towards her and yet I do. She just blew all my rationality to kingdom come.