5. Classroom Shenanigans

Xenia

I was seriously regretting some of my life choices lately. Why had I decided to get my master’s in child psychology again? Yes, I loved the field, and working with special needs children was so rewarding, but the study itself was challenging, not to mention the class schedule was completely outrageous. I’m barely able to stay afloat. I guess in order to obtain your degree, you aren’t allowed to have any type of social life.

I shouldn’t even be complaining about it, though, because this is exactly what I need to be doing, throwing myself into my studies completely. With everything that has been happening, I need a distraction. Thankfully, Mom and Dad take care of all my financials, so I don’t have to work. They know how important this is to me and I am so grateful for them. I know everyone doesn’t have it as easy.

Sitting in class, I can’t help the way my mind wanders as I stare out the window. Professor Richardson’s lecture is barely audible in the background as I drift off into deep thought. Aiden has been blowing me up since that night and I am really considering blocking him. It’s just kind of fun to watch him beg. He’s so full of shit, though, and I’m not buying any of it this time. Dare I say I’m finally over him? I’m not sure. It’s easy to feel this way when I’m in a good mood. But at night when I get lonely and my bed is empty and cold, that’s when I start to miss him. Is it really him I miss, though, or am I just craving someone’s warm body and touch?

I sigh thinking about a certain someone who has been occupying my mind more than he should; Demetrius, his toned body and beachy waves. He looks like a freaking model. That alone tells me I should stay away from him. Most likely he’s either toxic or gay. It seems those are the type of guys I’m attracted to. I laugh at myself and my shitty luck and bad taste with men while tapping my pencil on my laptop keys. I know I shouldn’t have given it to him anyways, but it kind of sucks he didn’t even ask for my number. Is he not attracted to me or something? Why am I even thinking that way? Since when did I become so self-conscious? Aiden has done a number on me.

I look down at my laptop. I haven’t been taking notes for the last few minutes. It’s no big deal, though. I’ll just get them from the virtual meeting later.

People start getting up and I assume that means Richardson has dismissed everyone. Thank God. Sometimes he just drags it on and on. I gather my belongings and head to the door when he suddenly calls me.

“Xenia, stay back, please. There’s something I would like to discuss with you.”

Oh, hell. That’s never good. I frown as I watch the rest of the students walk out. Some of them give me a look like I’ve done something wrong, others don’t pay me any attention.

He walks to the door and shuts it while motioning me to take a seat. I sit down and lay my book bag on the floor while clutching my laptop bag against my chest. He’s a somewhat attractive older man with salt and pepper hair and an impressive beard, but he’s a little cocky and I don’t care for the way he looks at me, on top of the fact he has a bit of a reputation of being pushy with female students. Now I’m regretting wearing the tight-fitting top that hugs my larger than average chest. But I should be able to wear what I want without worrying about an old perv making it awkward for me.

“What did you need to discuss, Professor?” I ask ready to get the hell out of here. He makes me a little uncomfortable. Instead of taking his chair, he walks to the edge of his desk and leans against it right in front of me. My face is almost level with his package. Not cool. Instinctively, I scoot back in my seat while looking up to him. This position is borderline inappropriate.

He eyes me momentarily before clearing his throat.

“You seem distracted lately, and it’s evidenced in your assignments. You’re a promising young woman, and I’d hate to see anything bring you down. Is there something going on in your personal life that’s having a negative impact on your work?” Yeah, pretty much. Not that it’s any of his business, but I decide not to be argumentative.

“Not anymore. There was something, but that’s over with. I am eager to get back on track now. No more distractions for me,” I force a fake smile.

“I see. That is good to hear, but I’m not sure if this turning point will be enough.” Shit. I need a passing grade, better than passing, really. I didn’t think I was doing so bad though. I can’t believe I let a man get in the way of something so important. Freaking stupid Aiden!

“This is really important to me, Professor. Is there anything I can do to make it up? Can I redo an assignment? Any extra credit work available? I’m desperate to correct this.”

“Hmm. I like to hear that. I love seeing a young student so enthusiastic about her… education.” Something about the way he says the word ‘education,’ isn’t sitting right with me. I was clear I was willing to do the actual work, right? Had I not communicated that well? There is no way he thinks I’m inferring anything inappropriate. I have never given him that idea and I never would do anything like that. Maybe I am just overthinking. Being on edge and stressed to the max can do that to you.

“I am very enthusiastic about my education and my future career. And I wouldn’t jeopardize that for anything. I am willing to put in the actual work to get to where I need by doing it the right way.” Hopefully that cleared things up.

He puts his fingers on his chin rubbing his bottom lip in contemplation. I look away disliking this defenseless position I’m in even more. Yes, my gun is in my bag. I don’t go anywhere without it. Dad taught me that. But it’s not like I’m going to shoot him for being a pig. Well, unless I had to. But me sitting down and him having that height leverage makes me feel vulnerable and I don’t like it. My training has taught me better than to be in a situation like this, but the classroom setting has thrown me off.

Thankfully he pushes off his desk and walks away. I follow him with my eyes until he moves behind me and I can no longer see him, but then I tense up realizing he’s directly behind me. I can feel his presence. What the hell is he doing? Before I can turn around his hand lands on my shoulder.

“You said you were desperate, right?” His tone is deep and husky, and it makes me nauseous. I can’t believe what he’s suggesting. What a perv! I slap his hand off me and jump out of my seating turning to face him.

“I don’t know what you’re insinuating, but I would never do anything to jeopardize my education, and I would appreciate it if you kept your hands off me.” Now I’m getting angry at the fact he thought he could touch me like that and I’d love nothing more than to break his damn nose. I’m pretty sure I know where this is going, but so far, he hasn’t done anything that I would be able to prove. I let my guard down with a teacher when really, I should have known better, because now it would be his word against mine. So, if I kneed him in the balls like he deserves, I would probably be the one to get in trouble.

“Oh, really. Don’t play coy with me now. Those were your words not mine. Take a failing grade. I don’t care. I was just making you aware there are ways you can pass with flying colors. But if you won’t jump on that opportunity, that is your mistake.” The smirk on his face really sickens me. Is he serious right now? I can’t believe this man is supposed to be an educator. Instead, he’s taking advantage of young women, parading their grades over their heads with threats. But what can I do? He’s my professor. I’d love to report him, but at this point it’s just he said, she said and I will still have to face him another day.

“You’re disgusting,” is the only thing I can manage as I stand up and storm out of his class with my mind going in a hundred directions. I’m pretty sure I see a smirk on his face as I’m leaving, and, oh, how I’d love to wipe that off his face. He must think he’s untouchable or maybe he’s not afraid of a woman. Guess he doesn’t know I’m the chief’s daughter and I’m well-trained in martial arts and hand-to-hand combat, plus like I said, I’m always carrying. I will remember this day. He won’t get off so easily. I don’t know that I even need to involve Dad. I just have to play my cards right and wait it out. People are creatures of habit and I’m sure this isn’t the first or last time he’s done something like this. He will slip up and when he does, I’ll be there.

Professor Richardson, you’ve just made it to my shit list.