Chapter 16: Admissions
725 Words
They decided to talk after their class in one of the tea houses outside of their campus. There was one particular place that was into Zen and their tables, chairs, and serving counter was incorporated into an ancient garden. Its main attraction was a huge tree, probably centuries old, covering the whole garden's space with its thick leafy branches and very long vines like a natural canopy.
There were small alcoves within the garden where people can seek some semblance of privacy. These private spots are naturally soundproofed by the vegetation, small Japanese fountains, and wooden decor so it's perfect for couples that want to share their affections with each other...
Or admit secrets that may be more painful than it is pleasurable.
So this is why Professor Antonio decided to bring his still-shocked student to explain the video clips that were sent to her, in the hopes that she would not be avoiding him anytime in the future.
But of course, they couldn't avoid the awkward silence that followed the invitation he gave her after class. They both drove to the place in their respective rides which reduced the length of time they had to be together before they can actually talk. Now that they're at the said venue and facing each other inside a compact alcove meant for two, they find out that the level of stiffness between them has increased.
So how do I introduce the topic to her without sounding so defensive? Damn it I just want to kill Alicia for this!
So why exactly does he want to explain this to me? I'm just his student and his personal life is none of my business, really. Damn that girl, why would she do this to her own boyfriend?
Thankfully, a waitress arrives within seconds of them finding available seats. It made it easier to break the ice once she's taken their orders and has left them alone.
"Nothing happened between us, Alexia. Absolutely none. That's also another reason why I was never slapped with a statutory r**e case despite her hanging those pictures and video over my head for years now."
"Let me guess, she sends it to anyone who she thinks is a threat to her and her relationship with you, right?"
"Unfortunately, you are correct. And this hasn't been the first time she's done it."
"I see... And you happen to have had other flirtations in the past, Professor? No need to answer if you're not inclined to. After all, I'm just your student."
"You are now a friend to me Alexia, damn it! And yes, I can answer you honestly that I've had dalliances in the past as well. It's actually hard for me to turn down offers of temporary relief from this very complicated relationship that I currently have. But take note that I'm not justifying my affairs in the past. I'm just being factual about it because you seem to have been dragged into this complication of mine against your will."
"No worries Si... Emmanuel. I'm quite aware that you are not someone who just hands out his affections easily. Yes, you can be quite a flirt but only with those who are willing to take your flirtations seriously."
The Professor looks at his student with a relieved smile, "Thank you for reading me correctly Alex. You don't how much I appreciate that. The others who I have befriended... Well, it's obvious that they are no longer connected with me. I honestly can't blame them either. There is such a thing as too much drama even within friendships."
At this point, the waitress comes back to their table to serve them their orders. Both the muscled man and the busty woman waited patiently for the server to leave before they continued their conversation.
"I'm sorry that you have to deal with... something like her."
"Well, I'm sorry that you have to deal with... something like him."
"Him? Ohhhh, you mean JM. But I don't believe he's as bad as your girlfriend."
"Seriously, you don't seem to know much about your boyfriend if you think that, Alex."
"Excuse me? What do you mean by that."
"Promise me first you won't be angry at me for anything I might say against your BF."
"W-what? Why would I be angry at you... "
Emmanuel takes out his cellphone and shows her a screenshot of a conversation between two men. One was familiar to the female student, while the other was not.
- Writer
