Chapter 8

Later that week, despite the doctor's advice to rest, Ariel found herself sitting in the familiar lecture hall.

Despite her excuse of not wanting to miss classes, deep down she knew that the only reason she was here was because she missed Luther. She missed seeing his face and hearing him speak.

“Ariel?” Luther called out to her as the class dismissed.

“Yes, Professor Grayson,” she replied.

“Stay behind. I’d like to speak with you briefly.” He said, flipping through notes.

Ariel nodded, sitting back down as everyone else left the hall.

“What are you doing here?” Luther asked as soon as the class was empty.

“Um, attending class?” Ariel spoke nervously.

“You should be resting.”

“I already missed three days. That’s enough.”

He walked towards her. “Your stitches… your head… what if…”

“I’m fine.” She met his gaze. “I’m not made of glass, don’t worry.”

He sighed, stretching out his hand to lift her chin. “Are you sure you’re good?”

“Yes sir. I’m perfectly fine.”

Luther withdrew his hand from her chin the moment she addressed him formally. For some reason he likes hearing her call his name.

“Don’t hesitate to come to me if you need anything.”

“Thanks.” She nodded.

From outside the hall, someone else was watching.

Julia.

She crossed her arm, leaning against the wall her eyes narrowed at the way Luther kept looking at Ariel while caressing her chin. Her fists clenched with each passing moment.

________

Later that day, Julia stepped into Luther’s office only to find him zoned out. She crossed her arms, adding in front of his desk.

“Earth to Luther.” She said, snapping her fingers in front of him.

He blinked. “I’m sorry, when did you get here?”

“Just now.” She sat on the edge of his desk. “What’s on your mind? You seem… distracted. What’s occupying that brilliant mind of yours?”

“It’s nothing.” He said simply. “What can I do for you?”

“What? Can’t I come check up on you?” She slid closer, her voice turning seductive. “I miss you.”

“Stop it, Julia.” He stood abruptly, putting one distance between them as he moved to the window.

Julia frowned. “People are starting to talk, Luther.”

“About what?” He turned his attention back to her.

“About you and Ariel.” She let the words hang. “She’s getting too much special treatment from you.”

“What exactly are you implying?”

“She’s a student.”

“I’m well aware of that fact.”

“She’s your student, Luther.” She emphasized each word.

He exhaled sharply. “Is there something specific you need, Julia?”

Julia didn’t try to hide her frown anymore. “The students think you favor her.”

“People have different opinions on everything. That shouldn’t bother you too much.”

“What about me, Luther?” Julia couldn’t hold back her hurt. “Don’t you care about how that makes me feel?”

“So that’s what this is about.” His lips curved into a humorless smile. “Why should your feelings on the matter concern me? We’re not in a relationship.”

“Should I remind you of what happened between us?” She bit her lip seductively.

“That was your mistake, not mine.” His tone was icy. “I was drunk, and you took advantage of that. So don’t act like what happened meant anything, because it didn’t.” Luther brushed past her, walking out of the office without a backward glance.

Julia watched him walk away, her fists clenching tighter. “I don’t care what you think of me. But I’m not letting some college girl steal you from me.” She said to herself.

________

At cheerleading practice, Ariel sat quietly at the corner of the gym, wrapped in a hoodie and sipping from her Stanley cup. She watched the others stretch and practice routines, trying not to feel out of place.

“You know this could be a sign from the universe.” A voice came from beside her.

Ariel turned to see Daniel sitting beside her.

“What do you mean?” She asked. “Sign for what?”

“For you to steer clear of certain men.” Daniel said. “Especially Professor Grayson, you’re always getting hurt whenever he’s around.”

“I wasn’t aware you cared.”

“I’m just looking out for you.” His tone grew serious. “When I learnt about your silly crush on your professor, I didn't say anything because I thought it was just a harmless crush. But now, I’m not sure anymore. Especially with how close you two seem lately. I’m always seeing him around you. And that Ethan, don’t get me started with him.”

Ariel laughed, trying to hide her nervousness. “You’re just overthinking. Professor Grayson just happened to be present when I got hurt.”

“Twice?” He held up two fingers.

“Ever heard of the word, coincidence?” Ariel replied sarcastically. “And Ethan is just being friendly. I don’t see anything wrong with that.”

“Yeah right. Friend my ass.” Daniel snorted.

“I didn’t know my brother was such a mother hen.”

Daniel shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “Just be careful, I’ll see you later.” With that, he got up and left.

“Ariel!” A cheerful voice called from across the gym after Daniel left. Ethan jogged toward her, a basketball tucked under his arm.

“Hi Ethan.” She said as he stopped in front of her.

“Hey. I’m glad to see you’re alright.”

“Yep, I'm alive and kicking.” she joked.

Ethan chuckled. “Funny.” He muttered. “Are you coming to my game tomorrow?”

She blinked. “Game?”

“Basketball. Duh.” His grin widened. “I’ll even dedicate my first three pointers to you if you promise to show up.”

“I don’t know…”

“Come on,” he pressed. “You’ll enjoy it.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“I’ll take that as a yes.” He replied smugly and jogged off.

“Wait...” but he was gone before she could protest.

_______

The next day, at the gym, students filled the bleachers, cheering and chanting. Ariel sat between Stacy and another cheerleader.

“I’m so relieved to know you have something brewing with Ethan.” Stacy leaned closer and said. “For a moment I thought you were in some kind of forbidden relationship with, you know who.”

“What are you talking about?” Ariel asked, clueless.

“I saw the way he reacted when you got hurt at the bar. Plus, it's like he’s always around you when you get hurt. The way he looks at you…”

“Stacy, you're just imagining things.” Ariel leaned in and whispered, “should i remind you, he’s my professor.”

“Oh I remember. I just want to make sure you do. I don’t want to see you hurt or sad when everyone starts gossiping about the two of you. You could get in serious trouble.” Stacy mumbled, careful not to let people around hear their conversation.

“You don’t need to worry about anything.” Ariel assured her.

“Okay, now can we talk about how cute you look in that dress?” Stacy gushed. “I’m sure Ethan’s gonna light up when he sees you.”

“Ethan and I are just friends, okay?”

“Not according to campus rumors. The boy is obviously smitten.”

Just then, Ethan glanced up from the court, his eyes scanned the crowd until they landed on Ariel. He grinned, waving and offering a wink that drew cheers from those around her.

As the game started, Ariel found herself getting into it. Ethan kept scoring points with ease, she couldn’t help but cheer for him as well.

But someone else had his eyes on her.

Luther, who was passing by on his way to the faculty office, had paused near the gym after he heard two girls talking about how Ethan personally invited Ariel to come watch his game.

His eyes scanned the bleachers and landed on her.

She was smiling and cheering. Her eyes followed Ethan with admiration, and utter felt something crawl up his chest. He turned away before she noticed him.

After the game, Ethan Lund Ariel by the gym exit.

“I’m glad you came.” He said, brushing a damp strand of hair off his forehead.

“You were really good.” She replied, smiling.

“Thanks.” He stepped closer. “Are you free tomorrow? I… um, I’d like to take you out for dinner.”

Ariel hesitated, caught off guard. “I… the thing is…”

“She’s totally free,” Stacy chimed from behind her, winking. “Don’t worry, Ethan. I’ll make sure she’s ready for your date.”

Ariel turned to protest, but before she could say a word, Molly stormed past them, brushing Ariel’s shoulder hard. “Excuse me.” She muttered.

Ethan frowned. “What’s her problem?”

“Jealousy. Obviously.” Stacy rolled her eyes.

Ethan’s teammates called out to him from across the gym, and he gestured for them to wait. “I can't wait for our date.” He whispered before running off to join his teammates.

Ariel stood frozen, she didn’t know if she should be excited or confused. There was a strange feeling in her gut. For the first time in a while, she didn’t know what she wanted.