Thunder and Lightning

Chapter 3: How to flirt and not look stupid

She arrived early to her urban economics class choosing an aisle seat close to the front. The students piled into the auditorium , still slightly recovering from the long weekend and choosing seats toward the back to make a quick escape if the class drew on too long . The professor, thankfully, came a few minutes later recognizing that the week after homecoming always had this effect on the students. The annoyed student came to class late but right before the professor came in. Returning the gesture he found the aisle where she sat and muttered "excuse me, may I pass please?'

Nzinga pulled her lips tightly together feigning irritation then turned her hips and knees away from him to let him pass. He walked through the tight space taking care to not step on her feet then plopped in the seat right next to her. Arrogant, she thought. The annoyed student pulled out his materials and waited for the class to begin.

The class was diverse. Nzinga had chosen this institution because of the beautiful treelined campus, it's proximity to the city and the deep rooted ties to the history of black americans. In spite of the school being historically black, the classes were often filled with Arab students from North Africa or the Middle East, several Asian and Indian students and the two tennis players - one from Ukraine and the other from Ireland. This rich demographic added to the discussions, increased innovation and was likely the reasoning behind Nzinga's choice of this school over other schools located nearby.

"Welcome back students! It's Tuesday so you have had at least one day to recover. Continuing from last week's discussion, let's discuss gender equality's role in sustaining growth in an urban economy". This specific topic interested the annoyed student. The class was meant to cover broad subjects to introduce business students to many topic areas, but this student seemed to dig into this particular subject, hungry for impacts and government solutions. Nzinga listened to the student engage the professor. His jaw clenched as he spoke and when an argument presented required thoughtful consideration he crossed his muscular arms across his chest, or he occasionally leaned forward on the desk with his elbows revealing his strong back.

"The UN believes that Gender inequalities are one of the largest barriers to economic growth" His immaculate notebook had scribbles of quotes and data. He continued "Specifically, it requires that not only women fight for opportunities to increase the workforce to decrease poverty in support of positive urbanization of cities, but it is also important that men specifically engage in the creation of equitable and fair business and law practices that take into account gender diversity in the work space."

"Interesting, what of those who say that the lack of education is the culprit and not bias against women?"

The annoyed student sardonically smiled before turning to Nzinga and responding, "If those in power are not scared of challenge, they would welcome the opportunity to compete against their equals. Not allowing educational opportunities for women and then saying that this ignorance is the reason women cannot participate in the labor force is the very definition of systemic sexism and privilege. I, for one, welcome the challenge."

Nzinga felt warmed by his intentful study of her. She turned away from him and focused on the professor.

"Ha! I like where you are going with that. Well class, that ends it for today. I'll see you all next time." The professor ended the class turning around to wipe the whiteboard covered in notes and venn diagrams. He always seemed amused at these conversations. Nzinga often wondered if this class was the highlight of his day. The banter between him and the annoyed student always grew intense. They seemed more like friend and debate partners rather than professor and student.

Leaving the class Nzinga stopped the annoyed student on his way out, "Hi, I'm Nzinga - I never caught your name" she said as she gently touched his shoulder, a shock zapped her fingertips. Nzinga squinted at the reaction.

"Badru." He turned and looked straight into her. His eyes were piercing and black as coal. But where she should have found energy, she saw pools of darkness. For all the moonlight the name Badru suggested, there were only shadows. Somehow, she found comfort in that as she stared back in the silence they shared. His presence didn't invade her mind or demand attention. It just was, waiting and listening. Students who hoped to exit the aisle changed directions as he stood and faced her.

"Hi Badru. Nice to have a name with an attitude" Her voice went up in that way girls do when they see something they like. No one would ever suggest Nzinga was shy or unaware of her affect of those around her. But he didn't smile back. He barely recognized her joke. But the darkness in his eyes softened a little. After a long pause, his eyes flicked up then down before grabbing his book bag. "See you later Nzinga"

Nzinga didn't flirt often, at least not genuinely, but his obvious objective of pretending lack of interest in her was humorous to Nzinga. Some girls might have felt rejected or at the least embarrassed. But that wasn't in her nature. She knew she was a good thing and she could see he was happy to have found it.

"Wait! Can i get your number, for a study group I mean?" Nzinga asked confidently removing her bag to grab her phone. She waited as he looked at her incredulously. "Don't flatter yourself , I'm just making sure that I'm at the top of the curve" she smiled sarcastically. He took her phone grazing her hand and added his number to her contacts then sent himself a text message from her phone so he could have her information as well. Nzinga 's skin tingled at his touch and his hands seemed to stumble a bit with the contact too. She smiled, taking a step closer to him, controlling their interaction and inhaling his rich essence that told his true feelings.

His step faltered backwards, then he regained his confidence and smiled. "Lemme know if you need anything," he turned on a heel and walked away.

How to flirt and not look stupid

Be yourself

Trust your instinct

Look in their Eye (that's where truth is)

Remember

You are the good thing

That was searched for

And if they pass

Their loss