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I storm off and head for the bathroom. Once there, I turn around, with a frown plastered on my face and slam the door in his. I don’t wait to hear him exit or come after me like my treacherous body wants him to.
Today is my first day of classes. Welcome to the joy of teaching college kids. I’m so used to teaching elementary and junior high kids that my nerves are all over the place. Kids usually get rowdy, but with a calm, gentle voice, you can get them under control quick.
It’ll be weird not seeing them every day, but having that extra free time will help me keep on top of tweaking my lesson plans and grading. Nerves be damned, I know I’m gonna do great. At least that’s what I keep telling myself.
The whole fiasco of Wyck locking me in my room yesterday keeps trying to worm its way into my mind, but I refuse to let it.
“Remember to call me every time you have a break.” Bash says, breaking my train of thought.
“I will not be calling you every time I get a break. That’s overkill.” I chuckle.
“No, it’s not. I need to know my woman is safe at all times.” He growls.
“Uh, settle down. I’ll be fine. I’ll just be on campus, maybe grab some lunch with G, and go back until I get to come home. You have nothing to worry about.” I assure him.
“Athens, I won’t take no for an answer. You either do as I say or there will be hell to pay.” He barks again, and I have to wonder if he’s lost his damn mind.
“Now, wait just a minute here, Bash. I am not yours to command. Just like I brought my stuff here and moved in, I can move right the hell out even faster.” He makes his way to me so fast, that I almost think he’s going to backhand me.
“Athens, it will ease my mind if you do this for me, please?” He begs, giving me puppy dog eyes. How can I say no to that?
“Oh, alright, but stop trying to suffocate me. I’m a grown woman and can take care of myself.”
“I have no doubt about that, you sure did your thang last night.” He wags his eyebrows at me, smirking.
“Someone’s in a good mood this morning.” I laugh, grabbing my things. “Are we ordering in tonight, or would you like for me to cook when I get off?”
“Depends on how you’re feeling. I may have to leave tonight. I’m not sure yet.” He always says he has to leave when he tries to control me and it fails. I’ve gotten used to it, because that means I can do other things while he’s not here.
“Sure, just let me know.” I say, heading to the door.
“Aren’t you forgetting something, Athens?” Oh yes, a goodbye kiss. How silly of me to forget. I don’t know what it is, but lately, rolling my eyes at every little thing that annoys me has become a thing. Yet, I hold it in and peck his cheek when he grabs me around the waist, pulling me into his lap as he captures my lips with his.
“That’s more like it, baby. Don’t forget, Wyck and his friends attend the university, and you may have them in some of your classes. If I know my son, he will try and get under your skin. Don’t let him.”
“Oh, I won’t. I think I can handle them.” I say, opening the door, looking back as I say it before heading to my vehicle.
If Wyck and his little friends think they can intimidate me, they have another thing coming.
Time flies when you’re deep in thought. I’m just getting settled into my new classroom when the door crashes open. In comes a woman with beautiful, long, red hair, green eyes, and skin the color of french vanilla cream.
“You must be Athens Walker. Hi, my name is Cressida Collins. I’m right across the hall over there.” She says, with this bubbly attitude that I could get used to.
“Yes, that’s me. It’s so nice to meet you, Cressida.” I say, extending my hand out to shake hers when she pulls me in for a friendly hug.
“Sorry, I’m a hugger. My boyfriend is always telling me I need to stop because not everyone likes to hug.” She whispers as her smile falters a bit.
“Who doesn’t like a good hug?” I pull her back in, hoping to replace the almost frown with a smile. When we pull away from each other, I see it worked.
“Thanks, I needed that.” She beams. “So, what subjects are you teaching and at what times? Maybe we can get lunch, and I can fill you in on all the juicy gossip of Fraysier University of Cliffside Knights sometime this week?”
“I’m not really into gossip, but I guess it wouldn’t hurt to know what I’m up against here since I am new.”
“Me neither, but what is one to do when it comes knocking at your door? Some of these kids just need a listening ear, but they feel the guidance counselor isn’t the person to talk to.” Her voice is nothing more than a whisper, afraid someone will hear her even though we are the only two in the room.
“Maybe I should have applied for that position, because that’s like one of my super powers. I’m a great listener and can offer some helpful advice.”
“There is a part time position if you would like to inquire about it.” She offers.