And If I Say Yes? Student/Teacher Relationship

10

Chapter 10

I quickly diverted my eyes to the rest of the classroom so I wouldn't get caught after finding out the truth. 

"Professor Donovan is a New York Times Best Seller, and he even has several articles about him and his book from USA Today. So today we will discuss Wasted Love by Nicholas Donovan also known as your Professor for this class." I said while chuckling. 

"Whoa, wait a minute. Professor is an author?" A kid with spiky black hair asked. 

 I chuckled again "Yes, and a very talented one." I answered back. 

"Since we only have an hour in today's class I want you all to listen very carefully, because there will be a short 2-3 page paper due next class." 

From the corner of my eye I could see Nicholas physically stiffen his body, but why? We are only discussing his book that he had written 4 years ago so what's the big deal. That's when I realized, he must be shy about people talking about his work. 

"So I want everyone to visualize this with me okay. The main character in the book goes by the name Liam, and Liam came from a wealthy family and when I say wealthy I mean stinking rich."

"Must be nice." A lady with black hair past her waist said. 

I nodded my head in agreement then continued. 

"Liam was set to take after his fathers company within the next few years although he grew up in a family with two older brothers that despised him and a younger sister that adored him. The two older brothers were envious because their father always felt like Liam would be most suitable to inherit the company, a position normally passed down to the oldest son in the family. 

"I would be so pissed if I was the oldest. That's not fair." A blonde guy in the front said. 

"Let's say you have a company that has been making a great about of money, but you're oldest child didn't have the business aspect down like you're second child. Wouldn't you trust the company to your second child because there is a major chance that it will survive long enough to be passed down from generation to generation?" 

"Yeah I suppose you are right" the blond said. 

"So now after a few years Liam meets the love of his life, her name in the story is Beatrice Moore. She came from a upper middle class family and attended the rival college to Liam. The father never approved of the relationship because of her background. He felt like she was always manipulating Liam, and that he didn't have a back bone when she was around. When Liam turned 21 and finished college the father demanded that Liam leave his girlfriend of two years. Liam refused but the father insisted that he marries Beverly, his fathers childhood friend's daughter. Ultimately Liam decided that he wanted a life with Beatrice instead of his fathers riches. Would any of you do that for love? Leave your family, wealth, and inheritance for love?" 

A handful of students raised their hand. "For those of you that didn't raise you're hand, what's you're reasoning." 

A women in the back with pin straight hair answered. 

"Love is great and all but love comes and goes. Money is the only thing that you can trust and the only thing that seems secure." 

I nodded my head in understanding. "What do you have to say for those that disagree with this young lady?"

A petite girl with tight black coils in her hair responded. 

"I feel like money is what comes and goes. Love is what is constant." I shook my head in understanding again. 

"Ms. McLarin, what do you think is more important. Love or money?" A lady with dark freckles asked. 

 "I thought I was the teacher for today." I said with a laugh. 

"Hmm, money or love? I guess which ever one you won't regret 5 years down the line."

The classroom filed with laughter

"Long story short, the book ends up talking about how Liam and Beatrice gets married at a court house, and how Beatrice ended up working at a cafe while Liam became a publisher. Eventually Beatrice had found out that she was infertile and this came to be a huge strain in their relationship. Liam was okay with having no kids because of his love for her, but all in all Beatrice over the years began to resent Liam for some unknown reason. She had many affairs in which he forgave but then she turned to drugs. Cocaine, Meth. Molly, and then eventually Heroin. It took 5 years for Liam to say enough is enough. After finding Beatrice unconscious on the bathroom floor due to an overdose, Liam filed for a divorce. So my question to you guys and make sure you write this down. Was his decision to leave his family all worth it? I expect 2-3 pages on that very question I just asked by next class." 

Before the rest of the class left,  I caught a glimpse of Nicholas leaving the hall through the back door.

I wonder what he thought of my lesson.