When Stars Collide

Chapter 14: Discoveries

The class reports were huge successes and so was the after-class party in the nearby pizzeria off-campus. You might say that all the students were so loyal to their professor that they already guessed what was happening between him and the woman he called to be their judge earlier.

Actually, there was a bit of a lie involved in the invitation. True, the students were supposed to invite their own judges and they have. Dean Gabriela Molave was there and she judged the presentations alongside Professor Emmanuel and Ms. Alexia Mikael. 

But there really was no need for a third judge. The muscular mentor just suggested it and the whole class ran along with it. 

Especially since they were all certified Zee haters. 

Quite understandable since this overdramatic immature girl was always trying to enter their classroom to take their professor's attention from their lessons. And the presence of a curvaceous, mature, and knowledgeable woman with their prof was truly a refreshing breath of fresh air for all of them.

So as the Dean said goodbye to the twenty-five students, her friend Alexia, and cousin Emman, since she had a meeting and can't join their after-school outing, the party of twenty-seven people had a great time while stuffing themselves with pizza and cola...

While having the time of their lives. 

"Mam, are you single or married?" asked one bespectacled student in jeans and anime-themed shirt.

"Sir, when are you gonna dump that girl of yours?" asked a teenage male who's secretly into guys.

"Ms. Alexia, you and Sir look good together," says a girl in a sexy mini-dress who squealed alongside her other squealing listeners.

"Wow, Sir Emman, I didn't know you can blush! Ahahaha! Kawai!" exclaimed the class' official cosplayer girl.

And like all wonderful activities, time flies when you're having fun so the students said their farewells three to five individuals at a time. It was around two and a half hours later that Emmanuel and Alex were left alone in their booth ordering coffee and still talking.

"Your students are quite amazing," said the businesswoman, her smile hidden in her tone as she stirred her newly served coffee.

"This is the more animated group and I allow them to have fun in class. Keeps the discussions lively and they feel more motivated to be creative with their work."

"Are you always like that with your students, Sir... I mean..."

"Yes, say Sir one more time and you're paying for our coffees," teased the Professor while adding brown sugar to his java. 

"Sorry... Emmanuel. So about your classes..."

"Yes, I do personalize my approach depending on the general personality of the whole class, and even focus on certain problematic students when necessary. And yours happen to be one of those unique problematic situations, Alexia."

Emman, at this point, is looking straight into his buxom student's large brown eyes with his own almond-shaped hazel ones. He catches her suddenly shy look for just a few seconds before she lowers her gaze back to her coffee. The sigh she lets out is so full of emotions and meaning that he swears he could feel them painfully bludgeoning his own chest.

"Si... Emmanuel, I'm really sorry if you seemed to have been dragged into my problems lately but I really think you shouldn't be too concerned with my more... personal issues..."

"And may I remind you that I care for my students so much so I am willing to be that concerned with their issues, personal or not."

"You might be stepping over societal boundaries though, and that can be problematic for you in the future."

"True, there have been situations where I believe I have gone beyond what is allowed. But I never do anything that my students have not agreed to. If anything, many have even suggested to me what I can do to help them in the first place."

"And what does the college say about this?"

"So far, our Student Affairs Dean has approved many of my activities and has been very forward with the other higher-ups in our University regarding my unique and even unorthodox methods of teaching. There have been no complaints from any of my students as well."

"I see... and as long as no one complains, you're safe to care about your students beyond what is required of you?"

"Tell me, how are teachers viewed in our society?"

"Ahhhh... is this a lesson outside the classroom, Sir?"

"Alexia..."

"No really, I know where you're getting at but I don't think I want to go there if it's going to be using my personal viewpoint on the matter."

"All viewpoints matter whether they are said inside a classroom or outside. SO, again... how are teachers viewed in our society in your own opinion?"

"They are mostly viewed as second parents and even as heroes by their students."

"And wouldn't you say that what I'm doing is considered heroic by some or even parental by others?"

"Which is why I didn't want to answer you because I was clearly walking into a trap."

"Is the truth a trap for you Alexia? I wonder... how on earth did you ever become so suspicious of saying your opinions that you actually feel it's going to be used against you in the end?"

The silence that followed was so tense that the woman finished her coffee within a few seconds, despite it still being scalding hot.

"I really need to go home, Emmanuel. Thank you for everything today but we do have a class tomorrow, right?"

The Professor sighed, "Yes, we do. And I'm sure I've taken you away from your work longer than expected. But thank you, Alex, for everything you've done for my students today. I owe you for that."

"No need Professor. I look forward to helping you out more. And since I have my own car, you won't need to bring me home."

"Yes, but I'll escort you to your car. I'm done with my coffee anyway," says the Professor as he signals to a waiter to bring him the bill. "And don't bother opening your wallet, Alexia. I'm paying."

It took about five minutes of putting up a fuss before the curvy woman agreed to what the broad-shouldered man wanted. Another five minutes later and the Professor was soon watching his most favorite student - or human - drive off in her midnight blue Civic. He was holding on to his mobile, which was already displaying a certain convo between two men that he so wanted to show Alexia...

And at the last minute, decided not to.

Based on what she just told me, I'm sure she will just think I'm being a weird stalker or tell me that I'm crossing the line. Looks like I will have to tell her about this through another channel. So yes, need to get home and deal with this more than a hundred text messages from my girlfriend. Sheesh... she really needs a hobby... or maybe a life?

As he climbs into his car, his mobile beeps. One tone was for the chat app and the other was from his messenger. He answers both, putting aside his plan to drive home on a temporary hold. 

Babykins, please, please, please answer me. You are scaring me! Where are you?

His reply: For the last time Alicia, don't expect a text from me when I have class. And yes, this is the only time we finished. Just go home if you're in my condo building. I won't have any energy or time left to take care of your needs.

The irritated Professor ignores the ringtone of his GF's reply, which arrived while he was in the middle of chatting with the app user.

Hey dude, hanging out at The Bistro at the Sunrise Mall. Feel free to join me if you're not busy. 

His reply: Sorry bud, need to take care of a few things that are family-related today and I really need to sleep. Have another appointment early morning. But hey, don't get discouraged and keep inviting me. I might be able to go one of these days.

Emmanuel then looks at both replies once the man he chatted with sent a response. 

Her reply: You're really a grouch! Fine, will try not to if you tell me how long your classes really are. Otherwise, still texting you. (angry face)

Seen.

His reply: Heh, don't make me wait too long or I might move on to my next victim. I know you're the shy type but I'm not a patient guy. Hope to meet you this week, man. (winky face)

Sent "thumbs up" emoji.

Finally, he texts someone special before he turned on the ignition...

Hey, hope you get a good rest. Don't be absent, ok. See you soon! (smiley face)

++++++++++

As Emmanuel's black Sedan drives away, someone in the shadows stares at the fast-moving vehicle with furious eyes. 

This angry individual walks over to the coffee shop just beside the pizza place after the Professor's car was already out of sight. She takes her things from a table near the door and goes outside again since she's already settled the bill before taking her order. 

The blond girl then enters her sleek red sports car, locks the door, and starts screaming out her frustration while hitting the steering wheel repeatedly.  Good thing the car is soundproof... 

She does this continually for five minutes before she takes a pill from her bag and swallowing it without water. Eventually, she manages to calm down and then drives away, her anger still burning underneath the surface while thoughts of hate and revenge replay continuously in her head.

You just wait! I'll get you for this! I swear it!