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“Yeah, maybe I’ll look into it. To answer your question, I will be teaching general chemistry and intro to biology.” I’m proud of my love for science.
“That’s fascinating.” She gushes. “I teach Art History and intro to drawing.” She ducks her head in… shame.
“Um, excuse me, those are some amazing courses, and if I didn’t have this major hard-on for science, those two were my backs up.” This seems to boost her level of self-esteem because she begins to smile. I’m gonna have to make it my business to find out what’s the reason she’s on this emotional rollercoaster ride like this.
Here I go again, interfering in someone’s personal life and trying to help them. Did she ask for my help? Nope. Is that gonna stop me from doing what I want? Not at all. I stifle a groan and continue listening to her.
“Thank you. Those have always been my two favorite subjects, and I thought what better way for me to continue my love for them than to teach them to others?”
“I totally agree.” My mind doesn’t have time to wonder as I start taking out my things to get ready for my first class.
“So, how about lunch?”
“Lunch sounds great.” I fish out my schedule and have a look. “I’ll be free around eleven-thirty on Friday. Does that work for you?”
“Sure does, my break is also at eleven-thirty. I’ll see you then.” She winks, heading back through the door.
Huh, she seems nice. Hopefully we’ll become friends. I put the thought to the back of my mind as students start filing in for class.
I’m sitting in a makeshift office, which I’m sure was once a storage closet located to the left of the podium, thinking how great my day was. Classes went well if I do say so myself. The kids were engaged, they asked questions, and each class assisted with picking their lab partners for the semester.
That reminds me, I pull my phone out of my drawer and notice ten missed calls and twenty text messages from Bash. I quickly dial his number, ready to ask him where the fire is.
“What took you so long to call me back, Athens?” He blasts into my ear.
“Bash, what is the matter?”
“I asked you to do this one thing for me. Keep in contact with me at all times. Is that so hard for you to do, Athens?” He shouts, and I’m completely taken aback by his attitude all of a sudden.
“What is the matter with you? I’m working! If I don’t take your call or answer your insane amount of texts, clearly it means I’m busy. I have classes to teach for God Sake!” I holler.
“Don’t you dare take that tone with me, missy. Now that I know you were just defying me, I will take care of you when you get home.” He hangs up in my face. Oh, no, this isnothappening.
For a split second, I think about skipping my end of day wrap up and organizing myself for classes tomorrow to give him a piece of my mind. The nerve of him, I am not his child.
After several minutes of mulling the idea over, that’s exactly what I do, pack up my things and head home.
“Bash! Bash, where are you?” I shout, slamming the door behind me.
“Excuse me, ma’am, Mr. Bash is in his study, on an important call.” Eddison informs me.
“Thanks.”
“Uh, ma’am, you can’t go in there.” He shouts when I take off in the direction of the study.
“The hell I can’t.” I’m faster than he is… Or so I thought.
His hand shoots out and grabs my wrist, swinging me around. “I said, you are not allowed in there, ma’am.” He growls this time. Oh, no he didn’t.
I move so fast that I don’t even realize I’ve kicked him in the balls. “Don’t youeverput your fucking hands on me like that again, or I’ll have them cut off.” I shout, taking back off down the hall.
“Bitch.” I hear him mumble before I round the corner, making it to my destination. If I had someone to tell, they’d sure teach him the proper way to treat a lady. The thought of what could’ve happened to him brings a smile to my face as I swing open the door and burst inside.
“What is the meaning of this?” Bash yells, ending his call.
“Oh no, please, don’t hang up on your important call on my account.” I huff.
“Athens, love, what seems to be the problem.” There’s that soothing tone I’ve come to love, but sometimes hate. It won’t work this time.