The Phlebotomy Professor (Teacher x Student || Intersex)

7.

Sage;

"How are you just going to show up to my job like that?" I laughed as Brooke shrugged while we walked downstairs to the first floor. It was such a surprise to see her waiting outside of the lecture hall, but a pleasant one.

I know she's been trying to make more of an effort for me to see her, and I couldn't help but appreciate it. I could use a friend especially during times like this.

"I wanted to see my best bud, duh."

"You're a dweeb."

"But you love it. Come on, let's go get some margaritas and tacos. My treat. I managed to grab his American Express-"

"Jesus, Brooke. Let's go." We both laughed when I looked over and saw Novalie scurrying toward the exit. Brooke looked where I was looking before whistling lowly.

"That's a gem. That's her?" Brooke asked lowly. I nodded, both of us walking out of the building and toward her car. Novalie slipped into a cab and it sped off, leaving Brooke and I staring at nothing in particular.

"Did you give her the book and profess your love?"

"Yes-what? No! What are you talking about?" I hissed as we got into her car. I took the train to work today. It helped clear my mind sometimes to see other people with different backgrounds around me living their lives. It keeps me in the present time rather than being sucked into my thoughts.

"I saw the way you were looking at her, Sage. You definitely have a crush."

"I do not! I'm just worried about her. She chugged a five hour energy today and still crashed during the lecture." I hissed as I stared out of the windshield as Brooke drove off.

"Did you ask her?"

"She said she works late nights, but I don't know, Brooke. Something just isn't right. What job keeps you THAT exhausted? She's so smart and I hate to see it go down the drain because of some fucking job."

"You seem very passionate about this-"

"Brooke! That's not the point. Gosh." I hissed as I felt my cheeks start to warm up from being flustered. Brooke just laughed as she continued to drive toward the restaurant causing me to roll my eyes.

"She tried to give me money for the book-"

"Oh dear God. She's damaged goods. You always go for the damaged ones-"

"And you go for the rich ones that care about nothing but getting their dick sucked."

"Touché. But seriously. Give the girl a few weeks to redeem herself. If it doesn't improve, then there's nothing you can do except be the Professor you're supposed to be and do what you can. Try to offer extra credit, but also tell her she can't miss any labs or she won't get her degree. That's something you can't work around."

I sighed because she was right. There's only so much I can do and I don't want Novalie to fail. She's so smart and has such potential and whatever this job is was sucking the life out of her. Literally.

I hate to see such potential go down the drain. But there's only so much I can do, so I'll do my best to make sure she gets a good grade all while learning the content so she can succeed in her career.

We reached the restaurant and took a seat inside. I took off my lab coat and sighed as I lifted my sleeves. Brooke was scrolling through her phone and I rolled my eyes before looking out of the window.

I saw the familiar blue scrubs slip out of a cab, a young girl standing next to her causing me to furrow my eyebrows. They walked into the Trader Joe's and I blinked rapidly before looking at Brooke.