MY FAVORITE RIVAL

CHAPTER 3

I had finally arrived: Here it was.
I opened the door and walked in, the classroom was of medium size, the walls were a dull purple color and were papered with common notes taken during class, posters with mathematical formulas and class photos.
I walked to the desk and arranged my things there, took off my coat which I hung on the chair and sat down to admire the empty classroom.

"Driinnn"

And there came the sound of my death and the beginning of my life, the bell.

Students were beginning to enter the classroom, I smiled at a few students who stared at me as they entered the classroom. After five minutes all the seats were filled.
Some were still talking about their business and some were babbling something as they stared straight into my eyes.
I attracted attention with two fake coughs, suddenly the classroom became silent. Everyone was staring at me.

Nicholas: ... - Good morning guys, I am Professor Nicholas Wave im--

I could not even finish the sentence that a student shouted interrupting me.

- Oh but where is Professor Kate (old literature teacher).

Nicholas: - please don't interrupt me anymore. As a matter of fact I was saying, I will be your new literature professor since Professor Kate had to change schools.
So-

- But why? oh guys please tell me this is not true.

The classroom was becoming a marketplace! Who was shouting, who was not paying attention, who was even eating!

Nicholas: - Guys! Quiet!
Let me talk. Okay?
Your old teacher changed schools, but that doesn't mean we couldn't get along well together right? Now we're going to do a round of introductions so you can tell a little bit about yourselves and what you think or even what you did last year and if you have any topics you'd like to go over again.

After a lot of reminders and a lot of chattering I was finally able to finish the round of names.

Nicholas: - Well now it's my turn!

I said, smiling at the class. Someone had actually started listening, while someone else was talking over it.
I sighed in surrender and spoke anyway:

Nicholas: - I am Nicholson Wave, I have been teaching for 4 years and I love literature and music. I am married to a woman I love very much and I hope I can find a class that loves reading as much as I do!
I hear some students laughing and others who actually looked happy.

The bell after 2 long hours finally rang, I couldn't even say goodbye to the kids because they were already leaving: how rude!

I gathered my stuff and ran toward the cafeteria, it was noon but I was starving!

I went to the food counter and admired the delicacies resting in front of me: a very good chocolate cake, a nice slice of lasagna still steaming and a delicious stuffed sandwich. Well, now I have to make a choice. I choose the lasagna and a glass of water, I was about to leave when the cook looked at me with a raised eyebrow and extended her hand.

I smiled and shook her hand, she sighed and said : "it's $14."
Oh. The first bad figure.
I was reaching for my wallet with embarrassment drawn on my face when someone handed her the money instead of me. I looked up and found myself in front of Professor Mallen- Rallen (?) Ah I don't care! I will not be embarrassed by him. I looked at him with a defiant tone and a fake smile:

Nicholas: - you don't have to worry, I found the money, just take back your $15.

Dylan: - ""Ah Thank you Professor Hallen, Please don't worry Professor Wave""
And it was $14 - he said with a veil of smile on his face - Good thing you teach literature. You know, it suits you.

I sighed and walked away to the first empty seat I could find. I sat down and placed the tray on the empty table. "Finally, some peace."
I was about to start eating when I heard a voice over my head:

Dylan - You didn't seem like the lasagna type, or the cafeteria type actually.

Him again! But is he following me?! I was huffing with rage!
I looked at him and replied in an accusatory tone:

Nicholas: - Pardon me, do you need anything?
I used the excuse to stretch his lunch money.

He went around and sat down in front of me.

Dylan: - now I can't even have lunch with my dearest colleague anymore? You know yesterday we didn't get a chance to introduce ourselves properly.

Nicholas: - You know what a disappointment... - I said under my breath and sighed surrendering to the idea that he would never leave.

He kept talking, but by then I was no longer listening to him-I hate him! He was always hinting at that beautiful- horrible smile, it makes me nervous!

Dylan: -so what? Earth to Nicholas! I asked you a question huh? Are you ignoring me?

Nicholas: - um what? Well yes! I mean..no! Ah...what did you say?

Dylan: - widened his eyes and laughed lightheartedly. You should be careful when someone talks to you, Mr. Professor. I asked you how it went with the class, you know usually those kids are little devils.

I looked at him a little puzzled by the way he spoke, but I quickly camabied my astonishment into a smirk:

Nicholas: - It went more than well, Professor ...

Dylan: - Hallen, Dylan Hallen.

Nicholas: - Professor Hallen.

He took a sip of his fizzy drink and looked at me.

Dylan: - I guess, I guess. But it would have been better if I had been able to teach the class next door.
He said as he finished sipping his soda.

Fortunately I was saved by the ringing of the bell that tintenno making everyone get up from the tables.
I internally thanked whatever deity existed and stood up sharply.

Nicholas: - Goodbye professor

He waved goodbye and continued eating his cake.

I ran to the bathroom and looked at my face in the mirror: I was a mess, my hair ruffled, my jacket open and my bag -
One moment. I had forgotten MY BAG!!!

I ran to the cafeteria looking for the bag, but it had disappeared along with the "I know everything" professor.

Oh no. What a mess