When Stars Collide

Chapter 2: Battlegrounds

A tall, stately woman with brownish blond hair, dressed in an expensive executive outfit that managed to show off her long slender legs, was getting a lot of attention from the students surrounding her as she walked the college halls. And it’s not such a wonder since she’s the kind of individual that has that magnetic aura that would automatically be noticed even by a large crowd. Her complexion and attractive face also showed her Caucasian heritage, so despite the fact she is already in her 50s, people would still stop and stare at her.

If they dare to do so, that is…

Meanwhile, at the other end of the corridor, a younger, lanky girl with almost the same complexion and slender body type was walking briskly and without grace, while hurriedly checking out each and every room that she passes. Despite the said similarities, most can’t help but wonder at how different she was from the statuesque mature woman who was walking from the other side of the hall.

Also, one could also not help comparing the looks and air of both females.

The girl was strolling like a clumsy adolescent, her arms moving like a soldier’s while marching except there was less control. Her breast size was also about a size or two smaller than that of the older woman’s. The feminine looks of the one in her 50s cannot be mistaken despite her age and her very strong presence. On the other hand, the one in a tight turtle neck and stone-washed stretchy jeans had an almost manly-looking face. And with her constant boyish movements and very short bob haircut, it would be so easy to mistake her as male or even gay.

Dean of Student Affairs Gabriela Molave could make out the lass who seemed to be in a frenzy and felt a bit troubled herself. She was very familiar with this panicky, emotional lass and was now worried at the possible negative effects her presence would present. After all, this won’t be the first time that Ms. Alicia Cortez AKA ‘Zee’ would be a problem for her and for one particular professor under her wing.

As Gabriela was making up her mind whether she should approach or avoid Zee, the girl spotted her and started waving like crazy, her actions perfect for a theater stage with an audience of at least a thousand. She then started running towards the college dean while yelling “Ma’am!” repeatedly as if the woman she’s screaming at was blind and has not seen her already.  Of course, these actions were totally inappropriate for a university hallway but telling her to act appropriately has been proven ineffective and even moot.

Especially when it came to this “unique” girl’s current boyfriend…

Oh Emmanuel, I hope you’re ready to deal with Zee today because part of me does not want to.

+++++++++++++++++++++

“Alright class, may I have your name, age other important details of your life that you feel are worth sharing AND your social status.”

The class murmured in response, some students already practicing what they plan to say. Meanwhile, the woman who was left at the back row of the room was still giving Professor Emmanuel Antonio a piercing look.

Ohhh boooy, she’s gonna find a way to get back at me with this activity for sure. Just have to be ready for it. Well, at least she will be the last one to speak if I start from the front of the class…

”So let’s start with you miss,” Emman pointed at the first person at the front row’s extreme right side. “Then we can just keep the ball rolling by having the one next to you talk until we reach the last one at the back, alright?”

Oh no, she has that smile. Damnit, why do I feel like my decision to make her the last one to speak is going to bite me in the ass?

He threw another glance at the smirking woman sitting in the last row, her curvy legs crossed and her eyes gleaming with merriment.

Yep, SHE will definitely be biting me in the ass somehow. Not that I mind...

Weirdly enough, this good-looking prof was not that bothered by the thought. He was actually feeling challenged, which made him more eager to finish the roll call and introductions so he can actually know more about her. If he was even completely honest with himself, he would actually like to talk to her after class if she’ll give him the opportunity.

Alexia watched Emmanuel intently. Even from the distance of her seat, she could clearly see that he was distracted by his thoughts. She would like to think it’s because of her facial expression which she is sure he has already read…

But that would be assuming too much.

Yes, Alex how could you even start thinking that way when you know he is in a relationship and so are you. No matter how awkward, loveless or cold your present love life is, that is no reason to go flirting with another man.

Alexia sighed and tried to concentrate on her classmate who’s currently introducing herself. There were really not that many people in the room. Regular classes for general subjects would usually be as many as 40 plus students. The major subjects would have half that number of pupils. Master’s has even less, but the students are usually more talkative and expressive than regular learners. So yeah, she would have to wait for around 20 to 30 minutes before she got to talk even if there are only about a dozen people in the room…

And there he is again, staring at me. Ok Alex, stop being so presumptuous. He is looking at friggin’ EVERYONE in this class. It’s just that he seems to be taking a longer time gazing at my direction than anyone else…

Alexia broke the stare that she and her professor were suddenly sharing.

Ok, just STOP it, Alex!

Emmanuel suddenly felt excited at Alexia’s stare and instant reaction…

Yes, she looked away! Won that round!

“That’s all I have to share, Sir Antonio,” quipped a student from the middle of the second row.

“Huh? Oh, yes thank you. Next please,” Emman replied while pointing at the next speaker.

Don’t flunk your classes’ first impression of you Emman! And for goodness’ sakes, what round did you win? A staring contest with a woman you just met? Is there even a game here? Play that game and you might find yourself in the same situation you found yourself two years ago… Or even worse! So stop, ok? Just STOP!

The distracted professor grabbed his water bottle and took a long swig just to contain the mental conversation in his head.

Need to concentrate. What the hell is happening to me?

”Class, we might have to shorten our introductions, ok? I don’t want us using the whole four hours of our session just for this. You’ll get your chance to talk in class when we eventually have our discussions.”

There, time to speed things up a bit…

+++++++++++++++++++++

Dean Molave’s tone was cold and cutting, “Miss Cortez, can you please avoid speeding through the halls. There are ongoing classes and you are disrupting them with your incessant shouting.”

”Oh, so sorry Ma’am. I just can’t risk you not noticing me.” was the noisy girl’s chipper reply.

”I think it would be impossible for me to not notice you the way you’ve been running and yelling from the other side of the corridor…”

”Exactly ma’am, so you were able to see me because of that. So it’s all good now, I’m no longer running and yelling.”

Gabriela heaved a sigh of displeasure which did nothing for the childish female in front of her. She was about to point out the many flaws in the lass’ explanation but just clamped her lips shut and shook her head in defeat.

Ugh, nevermind. As I said, she won’t accept any kind of correction and it would be too much to ask for her to change her mind at this point.

“Point taken, Alicia. Just don’t do it again. Now, what are you so intent on telling me you had to interrupt all the classes in this wing with your recent actions?”

”It’s Zee now Ma’am. Please call me that instead. And I needed to talk to you about Professor Antonio.”

And here we go. I should have expected this anyway.

”And what about Emmanuel? He’s having classes right now and you shouldn’t be intruding.”

”I know Ma’am but he didn’t send me his schedule for this semester and I have no idea where to find him.”

”Well, the class schedules are still not permanent uhhhh… Zee. Don’t expect him to give you anything yet until late enrollment is finished.”

+++++++++++++++++++++  

“Ok, that's all I can say about myself, Sir.”

”Good, so let’s move on to the last student at the back?”

Alexia’s smirk was back in full force. She’s just happy that she had enough time to make up her mind on what to say and even practice it in her head. As she stood up to speak, she made sure her volume was loud enough for the professor to hear since he’s quite a distance from her.

”I’m Alexia Mikael, born and bred in Rizal. I’m a mother of three grown-up children, the youngest being an undergrad in this same school. I have my own business and so do my kids. I’ve decided to go back to school to finish my master’s degree and all my children are fully supportive of my endeavor.”

“Your age please?” Emman tonelessly interrupted.

What the heck… Is he trying to intimidate me? Well, that won’t work. I’ve handled worse, believe me you, Professor Antonio.

The surprised look on Alexia’s face lasted for only a moment, “I’m 45, turning 46 this August.”

”Oh a Leo. No wonder…And only ten years difference too.”

”What, sir?” asked the puzzled female student at the back.

”Nothing.” Damn, did I just say that aloud? “Social status?”

”Complicated.”

Everyone in the class laughed at Alex’s reply. Everyone, except for the professor who only smirked at the woman’s cheekiness.

“Ma’am Mikael, I’m not asking for your sss status. It just so happens that I’ve had students flunk or drop my course due to relationship issues. That being said, I would like to minimize these kinds of situations by being aware of the possible circumstances my present pupils may have that can affect their grades.”

Alexia almost bristled at the word “ma’am” but she kept her smile in place and her voice pleasant, ”Fair enough. As I’ve said earlier I have three children from a previous marriage and I'm currently in a relationship and that is the one that's complicated.”

”Ah, alright. Thank you.”

”And it's Ms. Mikael, Alexia, or even Alex. Drop the Ma'am... please.”

Both their eyes locked. Emman slightly grinned while the speaker’s challenging smirk returned.

Damn, I think I’m starting to like you already, Alexia!

”Alright, you may sit down now, Ms. Mikael. Now, I'd like all of you to share your interpretation of the word…”

Alexia did not sit down… yet. She had every intention to interrupt her new professor.

”Excuse me sir, but we would also like to know your full name, age, other important details of your life and your social status,” she sweetly requested, her naughty smile now going strong. “I think it’s only fair.”

The whole class exploded in guffaws and giggles. Even Emman couldn’t stop himself from shaking his head and chuckling.

Ok, it's official, Alexia. I REALLY do like you.

“Alright, fine!” began Emman while watching the impish lady finally take her seat. “You already know my name. I’m 35 years old, currently living within campus. I finished my doctorate last year and was recently hired in this university due to the fact I am the youngest graduate with a doctorate in this college. And yes, my relationship is ALSO complicated.”

His students reacted with mocking groans and a few laughs. Alex raised her hand. Emman motioned her to put her hand down but she ignored the order.

”Geez, ok! I am in a relationship too and like yours, Alexia,” he stared pointedly at the woman who had her arm still raised. “It's also complicated. Is everyone happy now?”

Alexia put her hand down while the students managed to quiet down. And yet everyone was still smiling, including their prof.

”Now, everyone, can we finally start our lessons, please?”

The laughter hasn’t left his voice.

Her name is really nice… Alexia.  

The amusement in her face hasn’t faded either.  

His name is really nice… Emmanuel.