As Evelyn leafed through her notes, her mind was preoccupied with the mysterious figure she had seen in her backyard the previous night. She couldn't shake off the unease that had settled in her chest. In the privacy of her thoughts, she pondered over the implications of being possibly stalked. Is it all just my imagination? she wondered, her inner monologue echoing in her mind.
Lost in her thoughts, she hurried through the bustling corridor, inadvertently on a collision course with Professor Huxley. Their near-collision was averted when she quickly sidestepped, her heart racing. In that split second, she noticed his hands instinctively lifting into the air, as if to prevent any mishap. There was an unspoken chemistry between them, a synchronicity in their movements that held her attention for a moment too long.
"That was a close one," Evelyn commented, her voice slightly breathless.
Professor Huxley's lips curled into a warm smile. "Indeed, you're a quick learner."
Evelyn grinned, feeling a hint of playful banter. "I sure am. Only a stupid person wouldn't learn from their mistakes."
He chuckled softly, the sound like a soothing melody. "True wisdom."
With an almost imperceptible nod, Evelyn felt the conversation flow naturally. "So, heading home?" he inquired, taking a step as they walked side by side.
Her heart raced as she realized they were conversing, her thoughts momentarily abandoning the unease that had consumed her. "Well, my classes are over. I was thinking of doing some chores around the house, and then I have to go meet my grandma at the hospital."
Their conversation transitioned to a more comfortable pace. "Ah, family responsibilities. I hope everything is alright?"
Evelyn nodded, her gaze softening. "Yes, just a routine check-up. She's quite healthy for her age."
A glint of admiration shone in Professor Huxley's eyes. "Good to hear. You know, some herbs can greatly aid in maintaining health, especially as we grow older."
Evelyn found herself immersed in his words, watching his green eyes with intense concentration as he spoke. There was an excitement in his voice, a genuine passion that radiated through his words. She felt herself getting lost in his enthusiasm, as if the world around them had blurred and faded away.
"Evelyn?" His voice broke through her reverie, bringing her back to reality.
She blinked, slightly embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Professor. I got lost in thought."
He chuckled, his tone warm and understanding. "No need to apologize. It's always nice to see someone captivated by the wonders of plants."
Evelyn nodded, her cheeks flushing. "Indeed, it is."
They reached the door of Professor Huxley's office, and Evelyn realized that she had mindlessly walked all the way with him. She paused, feeling a sudden shyness creep in. "Well, this is where I need to take a different path. It was nice talking to you, Professor."
He smiled, a warmth in his eyes. "Likewise, Evelyn. I hope your grandmother's check-up goes well."
"Thank you," she replied, her heart fluttering at the use of her name.
Just as she turned to leave, his voice stopped her. "Evelyn, before you go, I have something to ask."
She faced him, intrigued. "Sure, Professor."
"I'm holding an extra class this weekend, focusing on some advanced topics in herbology," he explained. "From our conversation, I could sense your interest in the subject. Would you consider attending?"
Evelyn hesitated for a moment. She wasn't particularly interested in herbology, but the prospect of spending more time with him was too tempting to resist. "Yes, Professor, I'd love to attend."
A smile tugged at his lips. "Great! I look forward to teaching you. Have a good day, Evelyn."
"You too, Professor Huxley," she replied, her heart light as she walked away.
As she strolled back through the campus, a sense of joy filled her. The unsettling feeling from the previous night seemed like a distant memory. Instead, she found herself replaying the conversation with Professor Huxley, his enthusiasm for plants, and the warmth in his eyes.
Evelyn's excitement bubbled over as she left the campus gates. She quickly pulled out her phone and dialed Jane's number, her fingers clenched around the device with anticipation. When Jane's voice came through the line, Evelyn could hardly contain herself.
"Hello?" Jane answered.
"Guess what?!!" Evelyn exclaimed, her voice practically bouncing.
"What?" Jane's excitement matched hers. "Spill it!"
"Professor Huxley invited me to attend his class on the weekend!!" Evelyn burst out, her words rushing with enthusiasm.
"No way!! The Almighty Professor Huxley has finally surrendered to my friend?!!" Jane's jubilant tone crackled with energy. "Does this mean you two are secretly dating?"
Evelyn laughed at Jane's exaggeration. "Come on, don't be ridiculous. It's just a class."
"Or is it?" Jane added.
"You think?" Evelyn was liking the other idea that Jane was putting in her head.
Jane's playful tone continued. "Ah, but Evelyn, don't underestimate the power of a pretty face.. Perhaps behind those serious eyes lies a lustful soul waiting for his cunning tempest."
Evelyn couldn't help but join in on the game of imagination. "You might actually be onto something, Jane. A bold and sexy outfit might just do the trick."
Jane's hissing voice played into their shared delusions perfectly. "Exactly. Unleash your inner tempest, and let the games begin."
"I think you're right," Evelyn agreed with mock seriousness. "So, expert stylist, are you coming over this weekend to help me choose the perfect outfit?"
"Of course!" Jane's enthusiasm was infectious. "I'll bring my full arsenal of daring fashion choices. Just be prepared for a transformation that will leave Professor Huxley speechless."
Evelyn grinned, already looking forward to their crazy fashion experiment. "You're the best, Jane. Can't wait!"
As they wrapped up their conversation, Evelyn couldn't help but feel a new surge of excitement. The thought of attending Professor Huxley's class had taken on a whole new dimension, and with Jane's outrageous ideas, she felt like she was stepping into uncharted territory. Tucking her phone back into her pocket, she started to walk up the main road to catch a cab to the hospital to meet her grandmother.