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Hey everyone, here is another story for you. This story has a looser twist that deviates from some of my stories. All characters are above the age of 18. This is an interracial story that features sex between a black man and a white woman. If you do not like that then please do not read it. Hope you enjoy!
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The ticking of the old-fashioned analog clock and the odd texture of the hard plastic chairs only spiked the anxiety that Anya was feeling as she waited outside her advisor's door. Anya usually took pride in her advisor wanting to set up meetings with her. They were typical lunch dates that were filled with her own girlish giggles at how bright her future seemed to be. Here and now though, she felt different. She had arrived early hoping to sneak in and figure out whatever minor problem there was, however, she found herself sitting in a line of students who looked like they belonged there. They were the students who needed the midterm meeting, the ones who were in danger of failing and being a drain on society. They were the ones who partied too much and barely cared to show up to class, she was not one of them. She was the student who got high A's and made professors realize why they loved their profession. Except she was. She wasn't called to this meeting in the usual fawning manner. No the email that summoned her was curt, more of a demand than an invitation. Anya shook and bowed her head allowing her curly brown hair to cover her shame. She didn't know why she was called but she was going to fix it.
The clock kept ticking, and Anya sat there in silence. One by one the students ahead of her were called in until she was left alone with the mocking ticks, and her own shame. "Anya come in," she heard. Lifting up she saw the neutral expression of her advisor Dr. Schway. Getting up she dusted off her skirt and walked into the office taking her seat and ready to face the music. Dr. Schway wasted no time, "Anya I've called you here today because you are in danger of failing one of the graduation criteria." Anya's world was spinning as her mental Rolodex searched for whatever course it could be. Her face contorted in one of frustration as she went down the list of every course she was taking and had taken in the previous semesters. The annoyance was visible and Anya was sure she had steam coming out of her ears as she struggled to think of one course that she wasn't exceeding expectations. Looking at her advisor she was on the verge of tears as she thought this was some sick joke. She wasn't a failure. Dr. Schway pushed her glasses up on her nose and decided to stop the poor girl from having a full-on meltdown. "It's the Practical Sexual Experiences course, Anya," Dr. Schway clarified, "I believe you're taking it as an independent study. Is it ringing a bell?"
Recognition showed in Anya's eyes but was immediately replaced with confusion spattered with annoyance. She had signed up for the course, one of the mandatory ones she had put off for most of her college career. Like most other things she saw the "Socialization Standard" that was set in place by the school and government as secondary. It was a stupid independent study that she had already taken the qualification exam...twice. With cheeks dyed red from a bubbling of anger at the situation Anya decided to figure out what was happening. "Yes, Dr. Schway it does. I already took the qualification exam and I thought I passed."
Dr. Schway looked at the young Anya, surprised that she said she thought she passed with such confidence. An uncharacteristic frown snuck its way onto the older woman's face as she struggled with the best way to deliver the uncomfortable truth. She never thought she would have to rid Anya of a delusion of passing. After a moment of tension, Dr. Schway decided a direct approach was the best. "Anya you did not pass." Anya's lip quivered but the good doctor continued, "You failed both tries by more than 60 points." To illustrate her point Dr. Schway turned her computer monitor around to show Anya the grades, which were written in big black letters were a 35 and a 32.
"H-How," murmured Anya as she started to tear up, "The stupid guys came...or they said they did. Did they lie to sabotage me? I know one of them hated me since I wouldn't help him cheat." Dr. Schway sat silently listening to the justifications Anya was making, she had seen this enough in her time. Back in Anya's head, her thoughts were spiraling and anger was evident on her face. This test was dumb. So so dumb. So what the nation was having trouble with birth rates, why does that her problem? If she didn't have the stupid socialization aspect of college she could do a research project in cloning and gene replication...but no there were stupid Sexual Competence mandates. Anya's world started to spin as she realized her future was going to be taken from her and looked at her advisor silently begging for a lifeline.
Dr. Schway hated seeing the look of defeat on the young genius' face and decided to be a bit kinder. "Anya, you were not sabotaged. We reviewed the footage and their comments. They line up.
"Comments?" Anya questioned while wiping a tear from her eye. Her rattled mind had glossed over the fact that she had been recorded, that bit made sense.
Feeling sympathetic the doctor decided to be more patient and explain things slowly, obviously, the thought of failing was damaging to her young protege. "The test is scored a bit differently than you are probably used to. It isn't a test of knowledge per se," the advisor started, only to stop when she saw the look of confused indignation that peppered the coed's face. Sighing and pinching the bridge of her nose the doctor continued, silently deciding if she should cancel her meetings to console the young lady. "The test is a test of adaptability in a situation. Your partners describe you as someone who could not adjust and did everything described in the book. They said you got visibly angry when they wanted you to deviate," the doctor explained.
Annoyed Anya decided to defend herself, "But it's a test, right? That means there is a right way which I followed from the guides and videos that were provided. Shouldn't they be wrong by deviating? I mean no where does it say that my partner should spank me or switch positions suddenly." The arguments she put forth made perfect sense to Anya, but unfortunately, they were wrong.
"Look Anya," the Doctor started with rapidly deteriorating patience, "Yes the guides we give for independent study students do have a general list of instructions and things to look out for. However, there are a variety of people that do not like those things. That is what we test, the ability to be with a partner and ultimately help them get off. This is information that is presented multiple times through the documents and in the instructor-led courses."
Frowning Anya threw up another weak defense, "Then how am I supposed to know if it isn't a part of the curriculum? Shouldn't I get a guide on my partner with specifics, wouldn't that be simpler? Whoever designed this system needs to have their credentials revoked."
"I'll bring that up at my next review," Dr. Schway remarked which brought a look of shame onto Anya's face. She was fully done with treating the smart, yet cocky young lady with kid gloves. "Anya there is no rule saying that you can't ask your partner what they like."
Anya interjected still emotional, "Fine. I'll schedule with a new partner and ask them what they like."
"That still doesn't solve the issue of your skill gap. Your partners describe you as robotic at best, and a dead fish at worst. I think that even following the instructions you would still miss the mark," Dr. Schway clarified feeling herself soften just a bit.
"Then it's hopeless?" Anya murmured while bowing her head. Her brown curls swept in front of her face, and she looked truly sad. From her perspective, she was doomed and was struggling to find out how she was going to continue. Dr. Schway slammed her hands on the desk which shocked Anya into looking at her.
"Young lady it is not hopeless, far from it. I am going to reach out to a tutor who specializes in helping young ladies study and prep for the exam. He has a packed schedule but he is probably the best tutor we have. He is very diligent and I'm sure if you listen to him you will pass." Dr. Schway said hoping to spark some hope in her young protege. There was silence between them for barely a second before her computer chimed with a new email alert. "Oh great, he says he can fit you in. Be at the Newton Dorms room 513 tonight at 9 pm." the advisor delivered with a smile. Anya nodded, not excited at having to give up study time but knowing her future depended on fulfilling this one stupid requirement. "Good now please go decompress, buy yourself a drink or something." Anya got up and was almost out the door when Dr. Schway delivered one final piece of advice, "Please wear something short. You have nice legs, don't be afraid to show them off." Anya nodded and left to go figure things out.
Anya walked down the hallway looking around as she passed many a closed door with music coming from many and moans from a few. She had been searching for some time and felt as if she was walking around in circles. The Newton Dorms were newer and didn't have the straightforward layout of the smaller dorms, instead, it was a crisscross of hallways that revolved around two large common spaces and study rooms. Coming upon one of the common spaces she darted to the corner where a floor layout was present. Studying the mounted map she jumped when she felt a tap on her shoulder. "Excuse me do you need help?" a soft but deep feminine voice said. Turning around Anya saw a tall redhead looking down at her. The woman wore a sweatshirt that draped over her frame, while her frizzy red hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail. Her face was flush and a little red, almost as if the girl had just gotten through some type of vigorous exercise. Anya thought she smelled something funny too...maybe it was sweat or something else? She shrugged it off though.
Swallowing Anya decided she needed the help, "Um yeah. I'm looking for room 513, do you know where it is?" The girl's green eyes sparkled with recognition and her mouth slipped into a sly smile.