A COLLEGE AFFAIR

FOUR

The third year students turned out to be a lot more well behaved. A proof of their years. There was still the occasional straggler, but it has not been so bad. As she had expected, teaching these students were more of a challenge and often times, she carried out extensive research before each of her classes.

During her third class, a shadow encased the door and Aurora turned to see the most compelling set of eyes she'd laid her own eyes on. The owner of the said eyes was not any less compelling with well defined features reeking of pure masculinity. Where did he come from? She did not hear him approach. Well, whoever he is, he was standing by the door of the class and she was looking at him dumbfounded. Silently chiding herself, Aurora put up her best professionalism but asked a little too loudly; "May I help you?" 'No,' was the reply. But even as he said so, the beautiful- for she could not say handsome- stranger walked into the classroom. Clearing her throat, she asked him; "Are you... a part of this class?" "Yes.'' He said simply and walked to an empty seat. Aurora flinched at the fact that she entertained fleeting thoughts of her student. When he settled, she asked him; "What is your name?''

"Number 54." He replied.

"What?" She asked not sure of what she heard.

"My name is number 54 on the attendance." He said calmly and someone snickered at the back. Aurora threw a stern look towards the direction before reaching for the list of the names of students. She scanned the list, turned to the next page, checked number 54 and called out the name she saw; "Mathew Calmer?"

"That's me." The stranger turned student replied. Another snicker rose from the same direction as earlier and without lifting her gaze from the list, Aurora infused a bit of steel into her voice; "If that person could step out and take over the class, it would be my pleasure, if not, forever hold your peace." The class was not interrupted after that but Aurora felt rather than saw the eyes of Matthew follow her. At the end of the class, as everyone moved out, she motioned to him and he came over. It was the strangest thing, but when he got close, she had the strong urge to lean on him and have him hold her. She shook off the unbidden image.

"You haven't been to classes." She said it not as a question but as a statement.

"Are you the new teacher?" He asked instead.

"Not so new anymore, I've been taking the class for three weeks now." He just nodded to this and the ensuing silence gave her that feeling again. She stood up ready to leave, but the posture brought her even closer to him. His eyes swirled and Aurora was lost. Picking up her bag, she walked to the door, turned to look at him and said; "Hope to see more of you in class Mathew." He smiled and Aurora's heart flew to her mouth.