The uncharted Waters

It was the last lesson of the day, and as Jade rushed out of the lecture hall, her mind was already racing ahead to the evening's unwelcome guests. Her mother's ever-changing parade of boyfriends had left Jade feeling like a stranger in her own home. She missed her father's steady presence, his warmth, and the sense of security he'd provided. As Jade hustled to the cafe near the university, she couldn't shake the sense of foreboding. Little did she know, fate had other plans in store. There, in the cozy corners of the cafe, she bumped into a familiar face: her professor, Dr. Ethan Anderson. It was the second time she had bumped into him, her cheeks reddened, she still remembered their first encounter in the library when they had bumped into two students having s*x in the most isolated section of the library. To her dismay, the professor had asked to follow him to his office after he had dealt with the students. In the office he asked her that she should not go to the library again and she should study in his office. At the moment, she had agreed with him, but she knew she was not going to do so. in her mind she knew that she wouldn't see him again and he probably won't remember her. What Jade didn't know is that Ethan knew who she was, he had wanted an opportunity to talk to her for sometime. He wished she had paid more attention to her surroundings. He had saved her from more college boys than she could have noticed. Some male students had received warnings from Ethan, but Jade had no clue of what was going on. Ethan knew every detail about her, he had investigated her and knew how her life was at home. When he learnt about his mother's new boyfriend, he knew he had to make a move. the man Jade's mum was dating was his friend and he owed him a favor. He requested to accompany him ton jade's house. He had made it his mission to saveher from her mother. ever since he had known of her existence, he had felt a sense of protection towards her. When Jade had noticed him, she had refused to take his order and requested hard collogue to serve him. when it was time to clock out, jade didn't waste any time, she had to rush home and prepare for the guests. it had been her duty to ensure that everything was set up to her mother's standards. he moment she opened the house she was greeted by a hot slap from her mother, "what took you so long brat, didn't i tell you to come home early today? Hurry up and go help Lola in the kitchen." On reaching the kitchen, she realized that Lola was sitting on the stool and coughing really hard. She moved closer and realized that her face was red and covered with sweat. Lola had tended the flowers in the garden and she was forced to work when the rain started. Jude knew that Lola was not okay. She sneaked to her bedroom when her mum was not looking to get medicine for Lola. She hurriedly got back into the kitchen, gave Lola the medicine and asked her to rest so she could handle the cooking. Jude was a good cook. She had learned how to cook after the death of her father. Lola had already started cooking and she had finished the hard part. she stirred the soup for a while and for a while and left it on low heat as she wanted to serve it hot when the guest arrived. she was setting the table for two when she heard her mother calling for her: "We have two guests at the table. Ensure you add another setting for the guests. " "okay mother" she responded in a monotone knowing that her mother had gone to glam herself. after setting the table, she went back to finish up the meal preparation. After cleaning the dishes, she heard the door bell, as she was going to get. She saw her mother rushing toward the door giving her a glare which she understood very well. she had to make herself scarce. She saw her mother put on a smile and wondered if she had a multiple personality disorder. she heard voice that sounded to familiar but she brushed it off thinking that she was thinking too much. According to her mother, she had to wait in the kitchen to be summoned, as if on cure she had her mother calling for her. The moment she entered the living room, she saw her mother cozied up to a man who seemed to be in his fifties. On turning her head, she wished the ground would swallow her up. Dr. Ethan was seated opposite her mother and her boyfriend. Unlike Jade, Professor Ethan seemed calm, like he knew she would be there. Of course, Jade's mother didn't miss the look the professor was giving her. In her heart, Jade didn't deserve any attention. she had blamed Jade for all her misfortunes. She was the reason why many men dumped her. They started showing interest in Jade. After she noticed this, she had cut off all of her allowances, wanting her to look ordinary. She had started admiring Ethan from where she was seated, and in her sick mind, she had to claim him. "What are you waiting for? Go bring the wine and glasses, and take the food out" Jade bowed her head and left the room to do as she was instructed. From her view she saw Ethan following her to the kitchen. "What are you doing here, sir" she asked in a timid voice. "I came to help you, and give the lovebirds some privacy." "But you are the guest, it is my duty to serve the guest." "I know" was all he said, and carried the glasses that were left on the counter. Of course, Jade had her guard up. she had seen alot of men pretending to want to help but they had other intentions. One had tried to force himself on her and she had cut him with her pocket knife. To her dismay, her mother had blamed her for it, saying that she had seduced him. From then on, she had vowed not to let any man who visited her house near her. It was something she didn't want to relive. when they got to the sitting room her mum pulled her aside and reminded her after serving the food, she should go to her room or she would pay for it later. On hearing the meaning of her mother's words, she felt a shiver run down her spine and scurried to the kitchen to bring out the food. All of this didn't go unnoticed by Ethan. He knew that her mother abused her. From what he observed, it was a common occurrence. "You have a very beautiful daughter. How old is she?" Asked Ethan "Thank you,she takes after me, she got nothing from her useless father. He was only a sperm donor." replied Jade's mother. Ethan scoffed inwardly. His Jade looked nothing like her. She was beautiful, but her beauty would not match Jade's. "How about Jade joining us for dinner?" asked Ethan. He was testing the waters and he knew that she would not allow Jade to join them for dinner. "I am afraid she cann't. She has some assignment to work on." To Ethan's expectations, she had not disappointed, she did exactly what he expected her to do. "What a cruel woman", he thought. Jade dished out the food, rang the dining table bell and left for her room. She took her drawing book and pencils and left to her safe place, the rooftop. She started sketching. It was a silhouette of a man but she did not know she was drawing. Her hands flowed freely on the paper. She was lost in her own world that she did not notice a presence behind her, the moment she finished drawing she heard a smooth voice behind her, "never knew that i would be this handsome." Jade was startled that her mouth hung open. She was so lost in her world that she did not notice when Ethan sneaked up on her. "You might catch a fly if your mouth stays open like that." Ethan pointed out. Jade shut her mouth close and bowed her head down, her cheeks were red. She did not know what to say. Ethan picked up the drawing book and tore the page of the book, "I will keep this for myself. I am sure i will not see it again. You really are a talented artist. I'm sure your mother is looking for me now. I will see you soon. " He ruffled her hair and left. It seemed as if she was just day dreaming. The only different thing is that there was a torn paper on the book. She decided to call it a night and go to her room. She was anxious of the last statement the professor had said to her. She let it slide and went to sleep. She would think about it the next day.