july 6th

you amaze me

you amaze me 

Willow put her psychology book on the desk and turned it to page 47. "Experimental psychology" was the title, just when she read it, the loud sound of a ringing bell interrupted her. 

Professor Adler entered the lecture hall which made it silent.
"Good morning folks! Hope you're all doing fine. Turn to page 47, as you can see-" he took a piece of chalk and wrote on the big blackboard behind him -"Experimental psychology."

"Experimental psychologists use scientific methods to collect data and perform research. Often, their work builds, one study at a time, to a larger finding or conclusion. Some researchers have devoted their entire career to answering one complex research question.Often, personal interest and educational background will influence the research questions they choose to explore.In a sense, all psychologists can be considered experimental psychologists since research is the foundation of the discipline, and many psychologists split their professional focus among research, patient care, teaching or program administration. Those focusing their careers specifically on experimental psychology contribute work across subfields. For example, they use scientific research to provide insights that improve teaching and learning, create safer workplaces and transportation systems, improve substance abuse treatment programs and promote healthy child development...."

-"Any questions?" 

Willow's hand was the only one raised. 
"Miss Barker, go ahead."
"Can a single experimental psychologist focus on answering more than one question in their earlier career?"
"Interesting one..Many experimental psychologists focus mainly on  quote on quote easier questions in their early career and go to harder ones later one and many of them have only one or few worked on by the end of their careers."
"Thank you" she nodded and smiled

...
After the lesson, as the students were exiting the hall, Professor Adler touched Willow on her shoulder. 
She raised her head and looked up to him with her wide eyes.

"Miss Barker, could you meet me in my office after uhm.. 3rd period?"
"..Is there a problem?"
"No, not at all. I just think based on your interest and involvement in today's lesson that you could dig deeper into psychology and I would be glad to help you with it. As a professor I do love discovering young people who are curious and intrigued. You amaze me ."
"Wow, of course professor, I would love to."
"I will see you later then." They exchanged  smiles and both went out of the room.

…
Willow got a call from her mother which could only mean bad news.

"Hey mom."
"Hey honey, I didn't want to bother you but I probably won't be home when you come. Preston got into a fight with a boy from his school so I have to talk to the principal again."
"Oh God, is he alright?"
"He has a black eye, other than that he is okay."
"I'll talk to him when I get home. Try not to worry too much."
"Okay honey, have a good day, love you."
"Love you too."

…
Taking a deep breath Willow knocked on the door of Mr Adler's office.
His face lit up when he opened the door and let Willow in.

"I am glad that you are here, Miss Barker. Tell me, did you like today's lesson?"
"Yes I loved it actually, your way of teaching just gets me very intrigued in the matter professor."
"Oh do you?" He gave her a bright radiant smile.
"Would you be interested in learning more about psychology? I mean besides our lessons here."
"Could you explain it to me more thoroughly?"
"I was thinking..private lessons. It would be disgraceful not to teach you more since you are so interested and personally..I think with the right mentor you could achieve big things career wise."
"I'm truly honored professor Adler."
"Brilliant. How about we meet for a coffee tomorrow. 8pm at the Sunset Lodge?"
"I will meet you there." 
"I am looking forward to it.'' They shook hands and as Willow was leaving the office she was a little caught off guard by her psychology professor winking at her.

____________________________________

Esther Barker entered her son's school principal's office. 
She felt a lump rise in her throat.

"Hello Mrs Barker sit please." principal Smith said
"Hello, I would like to apologize for my son's behavior"
"Mrs Barker this is the 4th time Preston caused some troubles in school and here in Auston High we don't tolerate that."
"I know sir, I don't know what to do with him. Preston is a good kid but he has been through a lot and I would be very thankful if you gave him another chance."
"You are putting me in a hard position but maybe we could do something.. Perhaps if Preston visited our school psychologist."
"I think that would be good for him."
"He will have to visit our psychologist 3 times a week after school."
"Great, Thank you so much Mr Smith."
"It's okay but even with that he has to behave. One more trouble and he will be expelled." 

When Esther came home she found Willow and Preston talking.

"Hey, what did the principal say?"
Willow looked at her mother.
"Uhh..Listen, Preston I know you're not gonna like this but no excuses anymore. You have to visit the school psychologist 3 times a week after school."
"No Im not fucking crazy Im not seeing a shrink." Preston squeezed his fists.
"He said you're gonna be expelled if you don't do this you should be thankful."
"Preston look, you will do this okay it's not even hard you just sit there for like 30 minutes and talk to them."
"You have to stop getting into trouble honey." Esther rubbed her son's shoulder. 
"Fine! But i hit Jeffrey because he said something about dad he is a fucking asshole."
"I know but people are going to be assholes no matter what you can't hit your way out of that."
Willow raised her tone a bit
"Okay okay I get it, I won't do it again." 
"Good, are you kids hungry?" 
"Mom, why don't you rest and I will make pasta."
"Thank you hon, I'll go shower."
"Why don't you help me, Pres."

…
Later that evening
____________________

Willow got dressed, she did her hair and make up.
"Mom I'm going out with Emma. I don't know for sure when I'm gonna be back."
"Oh alright, have fun baby."
"See you later, bye!" She got out of the house and called a taxi to Sunset Lodge.

When she entered the hotel's cafe she soon saw Mr Adler sitting at a table. He caught a glimpse  of her and waved for her to come.
Michael shaked her hand and pulled out  a chair for Willow to sit down. 
"You look lovely, Miss Barker." 
"Thank you professor." 
"Call me Michael, now that we are gonna see each other more often." 
she thought how handsome he looked this evening.
"Oh okay! Michael." she laughed softly
…
Sipping their drinks, Michael and Willow talked a lot about psychology. With every minute passing , she fancied him more.

"I probably shouldn't have any more of this wine. I studied about it, red wine has a special effect on us. It makes us think and feel..funny." Michael licked his lips and gave Willow deep eye contact
"Yeah? What are you feeling then?" she chuckled softly
"mmm lots of stuff." he put a piece of Willows hair behind her ear and smiled
He rubbed her cheek gently and moved his face closer.

"I do have a room booked in this hotel and I got some really interesting psychology books up there, do you wanna take a look?"