The Art of Forbidden Romance (Student x Teacher)

Chapter 40

Before the new semester started, I switched professors for Art History 102 to avoid Chuck. The alternative professor was notorious for being dull, and I knew I was going to dread class. Andy's class was now the only thing I looked forward to for the semester.

But when I walked into class my stomach dropped. I had forgotten about Chuck co-teaching this semester.

Chuck and Andy were standing in the back of the room talking. Both of them looked up when I walked in, Andy appeared happy to see me while Chuck's half smile returned similar sentiment but his eyes were heavy with exhaustion. I couldn't help the way my heart skipped at the sight of Chuck but my stomach twisted as I recalled what Paloma had said.

"Winona!" Andy said. "Happy last semester!" I ripped myself from my inner thoughts and forced a smile at Andy, trying to hide my anxiety and  avoiding eye contact with Chuck.

"Thanks Andy," I said, before moving to the opposite side of the room from them. Jackson and Joan arrived shortly after and I hid myself between them, trying to avoid Chuck's gaze. Joan and Jackson chatted about their holiday break and I participated half heartedly, constantly aware of Chuck's presence. I could feel his eyes on me.

"Alright everyone," Andy said. Conversations dissipated as Andy started class. He handed out the syllabus for the semester.

"In case everyone didn't know, next year I'm going on a sabbatical," Andy announced, eliciting a chattering of disappointed sounds from the class. "Chuck Hill will be taking over this class next year, not that it will affect any of you this semester, but he is here to co-teach with me so he can learn how the class works. If you don't know Chuck yet, he's a new-ish professor here with this being his second semester here. He's in the back if you need anything."

Everyone turned to look at Chuck except for me. I stared down at the syllabus in my hands. My right hand trembled as I held the syllabus, trying to resist the urge to look at the man I loved so much.

"I paired you all off into groups for this semester. This semester we will focus on the gallery exhibition portion of the class with the panel review. You will be in your group for the whole semester, and each of you will help one another with the set up and tear down of your exhibit," Andy said, starting to go over the syllabus.

Andy used the class time to talk about the gallery, what we were expected to do, and show some prior students' exhibitions as examples. He announced our groups as well - I was thankful to be paired with Jackson and Joan - before dismissing us a few hours early. I gathered my things quickly and tried to bolt out the door but Andy called me.

"Winona!" He called. "I just want to chat for a second." I took a deep breath and headed back to where Andy stood with Chuck.

"How's your hand?" He asked. I shrugged. 

"Better," I said shortly. Andy looked over at Chuck momentarily but I refused to look at him.

"How much time do you think you'll need to finish the portfolio?" Chuck asked me. I refused to look at him, looking down at my feet instead.

"I'm not sure," I answered. "I haven't been able to paint much. The hand tremors are an issue." It was a half lie. The hand tremors were an issue, but I had been painting without the soft cast for almost a week now - painting over all my original pieces. Andy patted my arm gently.

"Just keep me posted, okay? I want to make sure you're able to get everything done in a safe timeframe for your exhibition," Andy said. I nodded, looking up at Andy.

"I'll let you know," I said. Andy smiled and gave me a nod and I quickly bolted out of the room, not giving Chuck a single glance.

———

I stayed up late every night I could, painting over my original portfolio. I decided to go with the food theme, and my room became a science lab as I mixed paints with spices. Every painting stung as I covered it, trying to erase the way Chuck had made me feel over the last 8 months with paint.

The hours at work stayed shorter as the season was still off for the cafe. I worked as much as I could while still splitting hours with Angela.

About a month into the semester, Chuck came into the cafe. My stomach flipped when I looked up from my phone to see who had entered the cafe. I had spent every class ignoring him and avoiding him as much as I could.

"What can I get you?" I asked him as he approached the counter, an obvious tremble in my voice.

"I wanted to talk to you," Chuck said. I clenched my jaw momentarily.

"Did you want to order something?" I asked him. Chuck sighed and ordered his usual coffee and a slice of cherry pie. He took a seat at a nearby table and waited for his order.

"Winona," he said as I put down his drink and plate on the table. "What happened? One day you just... vanished." I refused to look him in the eyes.

"Let me know if you need anything else," I said calmly, turning away from him quickly. His hand caught mine and a jolt of electricity shot up my arm at his touch.

"Winona, please," he said desperately. "You don't answer my calls. You avoid me in class. You won't even look at me." I yanked my hand from his and turned to look at him. I blinked quickly to clear the tears from my eyes.

"You never called me," I snapped. "I haven't heard from you in over a month. I tried calling you so many times that day." Chuck furrowed his brow in confusion.

"What day?" He asked. I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

"Don't act like you don't know," I said quietly, my voice thick with the tears that threatened to spill out.

"Winona, I really have no idea what you're talking about," he said, his voice sincere. For a moment I wanted to believe him - my heart begging me to. But I rolled my eyes, choosing to believe he was playing me.

"Why don't you ask Paloma then? Why don't you explain to me why your divorce isn't finalized and why you lied to me?" Chuck's face paled and he opened his mouth to say something but I stormed off into the back room, not wanting to hear another word. I asked Juan to watch the front for me and I sat down in the office, sulking.

After a few minutes I heard the cafe door ring and I peeked out the kitchen door to see that Chuck had left. I returned to the front shortly after, cleaning up the coffee and pie Chuck hadn't even touched, and finished my shift.