She walked into his office knowing what this meeting was about. Earlier that day, Sarah had received an email from one of her professors wanting to discuss an important topic. While the email didn't specify what the topic was, Sarah knew her last paper was below standards. She had just started dating someone and, while she knew she shouldn't, Sarah was putting less effort into her school work and more into her new relationship. She knew a poor grade on this assignment would jeopardize her educational career and she was ready to work hard to make it right. She was going to buckle down and complete whatever her professor assigned her in order to bring up her grade.
As she entered, Sarah took in her surroundings. It was a large office, walls lined with large bookshelves and diagrams of the human body. In one corner was a couch and small coffee table for more casual meetings. Directly in front of her was a massive oak desk cluttered with papers and knickknacks. Behind the desk sat Sarah's professor, Dr. Brian Harris.
Dr. Harris was a genius. He had made countless contributions to medical science and developed a new method to treat patients with degenerative muscular diseases. He had been offered many jobs at a variety of prestigious universities but ultimately chose this one partially because of its reputation but mostly because of its perks. He was given a hefty salary, large office, access to any equipment he needed and as many grad students as he wanted. Making it all more impressive, Dr. Harris was the youngest professor at the university. Being only a few years older than most of his students and very good looking, Brian had a reputation for sleeping with some of his pupils. The university knew about his extracurricular activities but chose to ignore them. With all the potential Dr. Harris had, the university wanted to do anything they could to keep him on staff, even if it meant dismissing some accusations from female students.
Sarah knew of his reputation but found it hard to believe the university would cover up something so scandalous. Never the less, Dr. Harris was a man and Sarah came prepared. Hoping to influence her professor's decision, Sarah chose her clothes carefully. She picked out a white blouse with buttons up the front that could be undone to show a bit of cleavage while still remaining professional. She paired with it a sleek black skirt that began high on her waste but stopped mid thigh. Combined with her 3 inch heels, Sarah looked professional but definitely turned heads walking through the building. Taking a seat across from Dr. Harris, Sarah definitely caught his attention. She was in a happy relationship so she wasn't going to sleep with him but it's hard for a man to disagree with a beautiful woman.
"Mrs. Walker, I think you know why you are here," he began. "This last paper of yours was an absolute joke." He tossed the paper across his desk and it landed on Sarah's lap. "If this is the quality of work you are capable of, I don't know if there is a place for you at this institution. This is the type I would expect from high school students, not a 20-something grad student." Sarah diverted her eyes as she began to tear up from his berating. "I don't know what to do with you."
"Please give me another chance, Dr. Harris; I'll do whatever you ask. I can't get kicked out of school. My parents will kill me." Sarah pleaded while trying to hold back the tears. "I'll do anything."
This was not going at all like she had planned. Completely embarrassed and made to feel as tiny as an ant in front of her professor, all Sarah could think about was leaving as soon as possible. She didn't want to be in this office a minute longer than she had to.
"Here is what we will do," started Dr. Harris. "I will give you one week to rewrite this paper. If after one week this isn't the best paper you ever wrote, I will send my recommendation to the school board to drop you from the university. Understand?"
"Oh yes, Dr. Harris. I understand completely," Sarah stammered as she stood up and headed towards the door. "Thank you so much! I won't let you down."
"Not so fast Mrs. Walker."
Sarah stopped at the door wishing she could just open it and leave.
"I have given you a chance to make up for your mistakes but that doesn't mean we are through. You still need to be punished for getting yourself into this situation," Said Dr. Harris. "Lock the door."
Sarah's eyes widened as she turned the lock on the handle of the large wooden door.
"Turn around," ordered Dr. Harris as he stood up and walked around his desk. "Do you know happens to girls who misbehave?"
"I don't know" said Sarah meekly.
"I think you do" encouraged Dr. Harris looking down on Sarah like a hungry dog looks at a scared kitten.
