Extra Credit

011: Elaine

EVANGELINE

I arrived at the library a little after 8 pm.

The university library is always open, and more active at night. No one batted an eye in my direction as I walked right to the science wing, picked out a book, sat down and took a picture. I sent the picture to my parents, and both of them replied almost immediately. Once that was done, I returned the book and walked out of the library, headed straight to the Humanities office.

I didn’t expect to meet Professor Arthur. But now, as his TA, I had full reign of his office. If anyone stood in my way, I’d flash my card and get away with anything.

As I turned down the corner leading to Professor Arthur’s office, I heard a sharp cry.

“I’m sorry! I swear on my life I won’t do it again! Dont let them know about this, I beg you!”

Cautious, I stopped, peaking my head out a fraction to see what was going on.

Professor Arthur stepped out of his office, dragging a young woman by her arm. He shoved her out like she was nothing, but that didn’t stop her as she latched onto his arm, looking up at him with tear soaked eyes. She was stunning, with thick red hair and a warm olive complexion. She looked familiar but I couldn’t remember where I’d seen her before.

“Niko please, you can’t do this to me!”

“You should leave,” Professor Arthur said. Even from the distance, I felt the chill in his voice. His eyes were hard and cold as he glared at her. “Get out before you embarrass yourself.”

“You’re really going to send me out? Over one small mistake? You need me, Niko. You need me!”

“The school has no shortages of models, Elaine. Don’t delude yourself.”

Ouch. He sounds so mean.

But wait, she’s the art model?

That makes sense! That would explain where I’ve seen her before. Excitement filled my heart as I watched. From what I was able to glean, and from how tightly she was pressing against him, she must have developed a crush on him.

I mean, I don’t blame her. Anyone would have a crush on Professor Arthur. He has that effect on people. But for her to do this?

My parents will skin me if they ever see me doing this.

If they see me here right now.

“Niko please!” Elaine cried out, her voice shrill and desperate. “I love you. Doesn’t that mean anything to you? Does the sight of mean pain do nothing to you!”

“It doesn’t,” was his immediate reply. “Relations between a teacher and student are inappropriate. You should have known better.”

Before she could say anything else, he shook her off and walked into his office.

She crumpled to the floor, sobbing, her hand over her heart like she wanted to rip it out.

Tears pricked my eyes.

I knew how she felt. I felt that way too, chasing after a man that didn’t care. But in my case it was Jeremy. Jeremy and his stupid behavior.

Gosh. I’m gonna start crying now.

Elaine got to her feet and wiped her eyes. She looked like she’d made a decision, and from the looks of it, a bad one. She brushed dirt off her clothes, stared at the office door with a longing and hurt look, before she turned and headed in my direction.

I quickly moved back, pretending to be doing something else. She walked past me without sparing me a single look.

“That was close,” I whispered.

Now, for the main reason I came here.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit worried. I’d just seen him throw Elaine out, who’s to say he won’t do the same for me?

My phone vibrated. I took it out, glancing over the text from my mother. [Be home in fifteen minutes or you’ll miss dinner.]

“How sweet, mother.” I whispered under my breath as I typed out a reply. Once that was done, I stashed my phone away, inhaled all the air my lungs could carry, then headed to the office.

I knocked.

And waited.

The seconds ticked by, no reply.

I knew he was in there. It’s past office hours, I shouldn’t be here. I should be at home, buried in my textbooks and wondering how to go about my assignments.

Instead, here I was.

About to make a decision that could very well ruin my entire student life if it gets out.

About to have s*x with my professor after the first time failed.

I wanted to bolt. I wanted to run and leave town and change my entire f*****g identity. I must be raving mad.

But the heat in my body doesn’t care.

The burn between my legs, one that’s growing stronger with every second I stand out his door waiting, I can’t ignore it.

I want Professor Arthur. And I’ll stop at nothing to get him. One way or another. Consequences be damned.

I knocked again. My hands trembled and the knocks came out weak. “Professor Arthur?” I called out. “It’s your wonderful TA. May I come in?”

Nothing.

For a second, I wondered if he’d jumped out of the window in the minutes it took me to walk up here.

Then, the door opened.

And he stood before me.

All six foot four of darkness, mystery, and blazing anger. “What do you want?” He hissed, all professionalism gone from his tone.

I swallowed. “I um…I was in the area and I thought to stop by and you know, say hello to my favorite professor.” I finished with a nervous laugh. “Did I come at a bad time?” I asked, like I didn’t just see him rip a woman’s heart to shreds with his words alone.

His eyes scanned me, lingering on my cute dress. Something flashed in those dark irises. And before I knew it, he grabbed my wrist and yanked me into the office.

“Miss Bramwell,” he growled, pressing me against the closed door, his eyes boring into mine, his body caging me. “What the f**k do you want from me?”