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Chapter 6 - CHAPTER SIX

Autumn cast long shadows across the Charleston Art Institute as the days grew shorter. Eleanor's passion for art continued to burn brightly, but her heart carried the weight of unspoken desires.

One afternoon, after her art class with Professor Alexander Thornton, Eleanor decided to linger behind. She had a request on her mind, one that had been circling her thoughts for days. With determination in her steps, she made her way to the professor's office.

The studio was a sanctuary of creativity, bathed in the soft glow of studio lights. Easels and canvases stood like silent sentinels, witnesses to countless artistic endeavors. Eleanor hesitated for a moment, then knocked lightly on the door.

"Come in," Professor Thornton's voice called from inside.

Eleanor pushed the door open and entered. The professor was seated at his desk, studying a book on art history. He looked up, surprise and something dark that she couldn't quite explain flickering in his eyes as he saw her.

"Eleanor," he said, setting the book aside, "what brings you here?"

She took a deep breath, her heart pounding with a mixture of anxiety and excitement. "Professor Thornton, I wanted to ask if it would be possible for me to use the studio after hours. I have some ideas I'd like to explore, and I believe this space would be perfect."

He regarded her for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "Using the studio after hours is a privilege, Eleanor, but it can be arranged. I'll grant you access, but remember to be responsible and respectful of the equipment and materials."

Eleanor's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Professor. I promise to take good care of it."

That evening, Eleanor decided to use the studio after everyone had left to work on her latest project. She had settled into the studio, her brushes dancing on the canvas, her vision taking shape with every stroke. As she was engrossed in her work, Professor Alexander Thornton entered the studio quietly.

Eleanor was unaware of his presence until she heard the soft clearing of his throat. Startled, she turned to find Professor Thornton standing there, his eyes locked onto her art. Her heart raced, and she set her brush aside, trying to gather her thoughts.

"Professor Thornton," she said, her voice tinged with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty, "I didn't expect you to be here, i thought you had left."

He regarded her with a faint smile, his eyes still locked on her art. "Your work is quite captivating, Eleanor. I came to see what had you so immersed."

Eleanor felt a flush of warmth at his praise. She had admired Professor Thornton from the moment she stepped into his class. His unconventional teaching methods had unlocked new depths of creativity within her.

"Thank you," she replied, her voice steady. "Your guidance has been invaluable."

As the tension in the studio thickened, Eleanor's eyes met Professor Thornton's, and a charged silence hung in the air. The professor's appreciation for her work was palpable, and Eleanor couldn't deny the growing attraction she felt for him.

In that moment, as the art studio seemed to hold its breath, Eleanor looked at Professor Thornton like he was the embodiment of perfection. But she knew the boundaries that society and ethics imposed on their connection.

Yet, her heart betrayed her, yearning for the uncharted territories of desire. She knew it was wrong, but the magnetic pull of his presence was undeniable.

As they stood in the studio, Eleanor couldn't help but feel a sense of vulnerability. Her art was a reflection of her soul, and now, it was being laid bare before the professor, her desires and aspirations woven into every brushstroke.

The professor looked at her with the same dark look in his eyes he had earlier, he opened his mouth as if he was going to say something and closed it again, instead gave her the most beautiful smile she had ever seen, he placed a hand on her shoulder as a sign of encouragement as he left the studio leaving behind the scent of sandalwood and lemon that she was beginning to adore. She stare after him until he left her line of vision still enthralled by him as she was on her first day here.

Later that night, as Eleanor prepared to leave the studio, her mind was filled with conflicting emotions. The canvas of her life had become a tapestry of tangled desires, Eleanor knew that she shouldn't have desires to want to kiss her professor senseless, but she couldn't help it and she knew the decisions she would have to make would define her journey in ways she couldn't yet fathom.

AUTHORS NOTE: I'll be posting new chapters every Tuesday at 7:00pm WAT, I really would love to hear y'all thoughts. Don't forget to leave a comment.❤️❤️