Cherié

Chapter 16

She played with her fingers as she shared the story of her time in the master’s program. She had grown attached to the department head, Edwin Toller, after being picked out of her peers to conferences and building openings. She even gave a speech at a gala held at the Convention Center.

With each part of the story my rage grew. She developed an emotional relationship that turned in to a mutual courtship between she and the department head. Inappropriate, but not against the bylaws in the code of conduct.

He however, was in a committed relationship with her teacher. They had spent time married to each other but divorced before Dr. Toller left to head the study aboard program connection collective.

His wife used that time to attempt to torture Cherié into dropping out of the program prior to Dr. Toller’s return. However, Cher met each challenge head on and seemed to like the complexity that came with the work.

That pissed her professor off. Somehow, she got a hold of Cher’s concept and waited for Cherié’s design to be presented to the teaching committee and identified it as her own.

Dr. Toller confronted Cher about it. “Dr. Toller, you asked to see me,” Cher said as she entered the department office.

“Can you make sure no one disturbs us.” Dr. Toller closed the office door behind himself and eyed her.

She stood so far away from him and his heart ached for her. “Why did you admit to something you didn’t do? What possessed you to go into that meeting with the dean and not demand to wait for me!”

She halted his movements when he reached for her. “She wanted me to.”

“There is no way in hell you’d ever get a job in this field! What the hell did she say to you,” he demanded.

Her eyes were filled with tears and she backed away from him. “I have a degree and I’ll find a job in a different field. I’m capable of taking care of myself and making decisions for myself. I don’t want to be here. I don’t want to be with you.”

He pinned her body to his desk with his. His tall frame covered her and she didn’t dear look up into his eyes. He helped her and raised her chin so their eyes met. “That’s not happening because that’s not what you want. None of this has been your choice. You’re doing what that b***h tells you. Why the f**k are you doing that?”

She reached up and kissed him. She wrapped her arms around him and took in his scent. “I hope you’re happy and you find a way to forgive me. Or understand.”

“I asked you a damn question are you going to answer me.” He knew she was telling him good bye. He refused it. He loved her. He needed her.

Then the door opened. “Dr. Toller, I know you’re very busy right now but, the dean has been waiting on you to sign the report,” Professor Siva Nilsson-Toller demanded. When he turn, she saw Cher behind him. She could see how close they stood to each other and she closed the door.

Cher hung her head and her eyes flashed at the growing bump her professor had. “What the hell are you two doing?”

Dr. Toller shook his head. “I’m fixing the mess you made.”

She laughed a humorless laugh. “You did this. You destroyed her future. And if you don’t sign this. The whole school will know just how much your little friend has been used.”

He covered Cher “You are going to be the one out on their ass. What did you tell this poor student to get her to agree to lie like this. Our problems don’t come here. Remember that promise.”

“You’ve been f*****g her for a year. You’ve been lying to my f*****g face about her. And I caught you in the act. So unless you’d like her next career to be porn star, I suggest you sign this and let her go.”

He smirked. “No, we’re both consenting adult to this relationship. And I’ll make sure anything you post or send anywhere is immediately taken down. Don’t go here.”

She looked at him as if she didn’t recognize him. “Why does she mean so much to you? Tell me!”

Cher pushed away from Dr. Toller and tried to excuse herself. “I’m going to go. I signed the affidavit and the statement. You won’t be bothered by me. Both of you.”

“Not happening.” Dr. Toller had a murderous look in his eyes.

Mrs. Toller narrowed her eyes. “I’m the one having your child. She couldn’t even make it to term and still you’re so ready to fight for this w***e. She doesn’t deserve you. She’s only a child.”

Dr. Toller looked like he was punched in the gut. He looked at Cher and he wanted to say so many things at once. “Bye,” Cher darted out of the door.

He didn’t follow her, but he showed up at her apartment. Cher looked into his eyes and saw they were red and puffed. He wrapped her in his arms. “I’ll do what you want me to. Just tell me.”