Among the Mirabilis(Part one of the trilogy)

Chapter 4

Today I'll be grading volleyball. During classes, I always wore sweatpants and sneakers and I would often do activities with kids. In gym there was only a class which Suzanna was in.

"Everyone stand on one side. Each of you will come out and do the jump serve, set pass, block, dig, and a setter."

They all stood on one side and went silent. There was always silence when I was about to grade because I was a strict professor. "We may begin."

One by one, they started coming out and got graded.

"Professor, be gentle with me." Someone whispered. I turned my head to see that pretty guy, hornet's friend. I looked straight into his eyes and he just smiled while the others were smiling and giggling.

"Go and do what's required of you. There will be no special treatment."

"Ooooooooooh..." could be heard from behind. He just comically clutched his heart and trough his smile said: "I am heart stricken by the fact that you are treating me like the rest."

"Silence. Go." I tossed a ball in his direction and pointed towards the court with one look. I glanced beneath my brows at his physique, he was about 185cm in height, hair was of a dark hazel-ish color, blue eyes with dark lashes. A voice so soft as if it is telling a story. It could be seen by the reaction of that he was wanted – If I can describe the pushing, whispering and sighs like that. The loudest comments were coming from Suzanna, and she was left out to be the very last.

When he was coming back from the court, he gave me the look and suddenly I felt something of a stage fright and heat rising to my cheeks. - What is it with me?

"Professor.." He stood next to me and leaned against the wall, searching for my eyes as I look down in my notebook in which I was writing my assessment on every student regarding the class and the activities they had to do. "Could you tell me what grade you'll be giving me? You must know that I did my best out there."

"It was good. Excellent even. The way you position your forearms while you're serving and a jump serve were perfect. Defense dig is very good, as well as blocking. All in all, deserving of a highest grade." He grinned and his eyes were shining, he looked in the direction of other students and returned the gaze towards me.

"How old are you professor?"

"26. Why? Careful young man.. You're a student, I'm the professor."

"Now, why'd you say that?"

"Go back to your friends. I have one more student left to grade."

"Your favorite one, I suppose?"

"Why did you say favorite like that?"

"I was being sarcastic considering what happened last weekend."

"Yes. I remember that." I replied shortly "but that was on a personal level and has nothing to do with school."

"We'll see." He said and headed towards his group but came back and whispered:

"You look as if you're my peer. Pity you're the only one who sees the age difference here."

Sweet lord, this kid is a complete refreshment for my single life.

"Stop with insinuations and flattery at once." I drew a line between us "This line is not to be crossed. You're free unless you think that I was gentle with the assessment of your capabilities on the field."

"I don't think you were gentle at all. But my abilities on the field are ridiculous compared to those out of school."

And with that our conversation ended and I could hear other students being very interested as to what we were talking about.

He turned to his peers, looked my way over his shoulder and said: "I was hoping for a better grade, but like always, she is stubborn."

That little seductive turd...

And now Suzanna "Step towards the court miss."

One foot in front of another while twirling her hair, she stepped forward followed by a cheer of support as if she was playing in an actual volleyball match, especially by the male part of the group. "Silence everyone." They went silent

"Now go, theoretical part first."

She looked at me in shock.

"Surprised? Tell me how many players are needed for one volleyball team? After that, you'll explain the functions and names of those players – And on top of that: Who invented volleyball and how did they come up with the name? I won't bother you with more than that."

"We didn't have to answer the theoretical part. Why is she the only one to do it?"

"Anyone who has the wish and consider that they should have done so may step forward. Whoever jumped in her defense may step over."

Silence

"I said whoever interfered with my job as a professor may step forward. This is the last lesson and I have all the time in the world." I was cold as always when it came to these things. No one is stepping out. I turned my head towards them.

"Very well. Then everyone will be answering the theoretical part."

The ones who didn't make any comments pushed forwards those who did, which were mainly the bees from the queen bee's hive.

"Now that everyone's ready, let's hear the answers. But first, an explanation – 'Why does Suzanna have to go first?' Simple! I already taught all this before and I have the right to ask by plan. After all, I'm not afraid for my favorite student. She is a frequent speaker, and if I remember well, I believe there will be no problems whatsoever. The floor is yours."

The arrows flew out of her eyes as she listened as to what I had to say.

- "Professor, I cannot believe that yo- "

"What? That you're my favorite student? Wasn't it obvious? I always tolerate your inactivity, comments and so on, but it is not fair towards others. And so that it wouldn't seem as if I am sparing you, I will ask you first. If you are not ready, it doesn't matter, I'll just ask you some other time – But then you won't be able to have a maximal grade because you already owe me a favor for putting it off."

- "So, I won't get an A either way."

"Why so pessimistic? Surely, it is impossible that you don't know." I put the accent on the 'impossible'

"What kind of wicked stepmother will I be if I wasn't unjust towards Cinderella?" I told her through a whisper. Her pretty cheeks went red and her hazel eyes were sending daggers.

Little turd... "So, what will it be?"

- "I'll answer the theoretical part next time." She hissed and headed towards the changing room.

"Apologies miss Suzanna, but we aren't skipping the practical part as well."

She furiously took the ball and I continued with the lesson according to plan and order. Check-mate!