Labyrinth

Chapter 6

My alarm blares in my ears. I didn't get much sleep last night and it's definitely wearing on me. I know I have to get up, though. I can't risk not turning up to lectures.

I get dressed in some comfier clothes today, some high-waisted jeans and an oversized t-shirt underneath an oversized hoodie.

I get my bag ready making sure that I have two separate note books - one empty for psychology and one with my previous law notes - with my pencil case and textbooks. My bag is really heavy today.

I set off, making sure to lock my door and within 10 minutes, I reach the university. I decide to make a stop at the cafe seeing as I have some time until my lecture starts. The door indicates my entrance to shop employees.

"Hi, what can I get for you?" The barista asks.

"Can I get a... Salted caramel latte, please." I respond.

She tells me how much it is and to wait two minutes.

Once I get my latte, I take it to my class and get settled in my seat near the back. I'm still ten minutes early so not many people are here. I take out all of my books, ready for the lecture.

I hear the door creak open and take my pencil case out of my bag. When I sit up, I see Nathaniel writing on the board, again something that I can't see.

"You really have a problem with listening, don't you?" Nathaniel projects.

I just shrug, "I don't like the front." I respond

"I can't hear you, Chloe." Nathaniel states.

I roll my eyes and go to the front, "You could've come back here."

"What did I tell you last night?"

"Which bit?" I act innocent.

"Chloe..." He gives me a knowing look.

"I'm not sitting there." I'm standing my ground on this one.

"How will you learn otherwise?"

"I'll catch up after. On my own, of course."

"Chloe, I'm trying to help you."

"I know and I'm thankful for that." I put my head down. As much as I want to do as he says, it's too much.

I see his feet come into my view and he takes my jaw into his grasp, "I will not be telling you again, Chloe. You are sitting at the front. Understand?" His voice suddenly very dominating.

I huff and go to get my stuff from the back. "This is unreasonable." I whine.

"And you will not argue with me." He states in that voice, that voice which leaves no room for argument.

"Apologies, sir." I'm definitely bitter. I take a seat in the front row, furthest on the left, meaning that I'll have to sit next to one person at most.

"Watch it-" He gets cut off as some students enter. He gives me a glare as he goes behind his desk at the front waiting for more students to enter.

Why did I do that? That's so embarrassing . I need to apologise at the end. But then it'll be more awkward. I lay my head down on the desk and think about what I could do.

"Alright, can everyone answer these questions in your notebooks." Professor Caine announces.

I try to drown everything else out and focus on his lecture.

After 30 minutes, Professor Caine walks to the front and asks for volunteers to answer the questions but, of course, nobody raises their hand.

"Miss Albright?" He looks in my direction, "Do you want to pick a question to answer?" I shoot him my best glare and answer question 3 on the board. "Good essay, miss Albright. Please stay behind so I can give you some more detailed feedback."