"I heard about what happened at the party." He began, "Was that necessary?…I mean, was it really that necessary for you to humiliate her the way you did?"
"I don't need you acting all righteous with me right now, Philian. If anything, Mabel deserved that and more." She defended. "In fact, your condescending 'girlfriend', at this point, deserves everything that comes at her. She's the last person deserving of empathy, if you ask me…"
"Okay, she's not my girlfriend. And stop thinking you're better than us." He said.
"I don't think so, Philian. But it is clear that I'm nothing like the two of you…so that says it all." She clarified.
"Are you ever going to forgive me for what I did? I don't appreciate you taking your bitterness out on Mabel…"
Eva stopped to look at him in disbelief.
"You really think this is about you?" She scoffed, "You must be delusional to think so, Philian. You think so highly of yourself that you mistake your fanatical beliefs for reality. You're pathetic!" She said, disgusted at the sight of him.
As he continued to trail her, in a desperate attempt to keep the conversation going, she entered the lecture hall. Disappointed, he turned and walked away, hoping to catch her again…
While the lecture went on, Eva couldn't help reflecting on the disturbing incident she had just experienced with him. She wondered why he always seemed to defend Mabel and still try to win her back. The whole thing appeared bizarre to her and only caused great confusion to her.
Does he realize they both wronged me? How dare he think he can expect anything from me?
She pondered on her thoughts, forgetting she was in class…
"Ms. Beckhams, could you please answer the question?" The professor said.
She knew she wasn't paying attention, and now everyone was awaiting her response to a question she barely heard…
"I'm sorry, Sir, but could you please repeat that?" She asked, looking embarrassed. She knew it was unlike her to get lost in class.
The professor shook his head in disappointment, and appointed someone else to answer the question…
What's wrong with me?
In a few minutes, the lecture ended and she was intercepted by the professor…
"Ms. Beckhams, I need you in my office now!" He said and walked away.
His tone was harsh, and she couldn't help but wonder what he had to say to her.
Bracing herself, she walked into his office…obliging him.
"Please, have a seat." He gestured to her.
An awkward silence consumed them. Until…
"Sir, I would like to apologize about class today. It's just that…"
"You're distracted…" He cut in.
Looking at him in bewilderment, she continued…
"I was going to say that I don't feel so well. But I will try visiting the school clinic soon, so you don't have to worry about the next lecture." She assured him.
He moved up from his seat, approaching her in a rather strange manner that made her slightly uncomfortable.
"Ms. Beckhams," he began, "you're an attractive young woman who should take care of herself. I don't think I'd forgive myself if you happened to pass out in my class." He said, bending down to close the space between them, his gaze meeting hers.
Her breathing increased rapidly.
"Uhm…I'm sorry, but I don't know what you're talking about, Sir." She said, trying to move her chair back.
Suddenly, he placed his hand on her thigh, trying to hold her back. She gasped in shock.
What is he up to?
"Isn't it obvious, Ms. Beckhams?"
"What is?" She said, her voice rising above her anxiety.
He smiled. Still looking her in the eyes, his hand began to caress her tenderly. He could feel the goosebumps on her skin, and that only motivated him more…
"I'd like to take my leave now." She said, gathering the courage to stand up.
"You're one of my best students, and I'm drawn to your presence. I'm drawn to everything about you, Ms. Beckhams, and I hope that you'll understand why I find you irresistible." He confessed.
"You must be crazy!" She blurted out finally. "Is this what you do to your best students? How dare you touch me and try to seduce me, Mr. Bane? I respect you, I think highly of you, and I always thought you were one of my favorite professors, but I don't feel the same way anymore. You're a pervert who shouldn't even be allowed to be in the academic world. Goodbye!" She blasted him, making her way out of the office.
Unfazed, he said his final words to her…
"Will you think of me later?"
She scoffed.
"You disgust me, and I hope you get caught someday." She banged the door on him.
She couldn't believe what had just occurred.
Omg! If he does this to other people, then he deserves to be jailed. Rotten perv!
She continued her walk towards the library. She felt overwhelmed by the events of the day. First, an encounter with Philian, and then another with the man she admired.
Could this day get any better?!
As she made her way into the library, she was met by Dunsin.
"Hi Eva."
"Hey Dunsin." She said, trying to feign a smile.
He knew her too well to be fooled by her pretense.
"Are you okay?" He inquired, moving up close.
Taking a deep sigh, she felt like falling into his arms.
"No, Dunsin, I'm not okay. I'm so exhausted, I'm not even sure I want to be here at all." She admitted.
Pulling her into a warm embrace, he knew she needed to be somewhere else. A place that felt safe enough to make her forget about her worries. A place to shield her from the eyes of the world…a place that felt like home…
"How about we go someplace else?" He suggested.
Looking surprised, she asked…
"Where do you have in mind?"
"Would you like to come over to my place?"
She wore a look of doubt, and he picked up on it.
"I know what you're thinking, but I assure you— I will not let you do something you're not comfortable with." He reassured.
Feeling hopeful and trusting in his words, she took him up on his offer.
They left the library, hand-in-hand as they chatted and laughed while they walked away…