Forces Beyond The Grave

8.6

"Lennox, can you stay behind for a second?" Professor Ashmont stood up from his desk as the students filtered out of the classroom. 

As Stephanie walked passed Lennox, she made sure to bump her shoulder from behind, giving her a bitchy glare as she left. Lennox frowned, keeping her eyes on her as the professor chuckled. 

"Don't let her get to you." 

"Why would I? Everybody knows she's only here because her dad said he'd cut off her trust fund." Lennox said blankly, making Ashmont exude an audible laugh as she looked at him. "I'm sorry I was late." 

"No no, that's not why I wanted to talk to you, I'm not that bothered." 

"Okay. Was there something else?" 

"Yeah, I just wanted to see how you were doing. You've been...distant, lately." 

Lennox didn't respond. She raised an eyebrow at him as he continued. 

"Come on Lennox, we both know you haven't exactly been the best student recently. I know you've got a lot on your plate, with your mom's anniversary coming up, and to be honest you're one of my best, if I'm not really that worried about your attendance. But you've been off your game in classes, distracted," 

"I know." 

"As happy as I am to afford you as many allowances as I can, the dean won't see it the same way. Is everything okay outside of college?" 

"Yeah, everything is fine." As confident as she looked saying it, the events of the last few days had been on repeat in her mind, causing a sort of...crack in her imaginary armour. 

"Are you sure?" 

"Yeah. Thanks for the concern professor, but really, I'm okay." 

"Okay. Lennox, you're such a talented girl. Truly, it's a pleasure to teach you, your dad must be over the moon to have his daughter be as good as he is. I don't want to see anything to your grades, there's so much ahead of you. If there's anything I can do, or that you want to talk about, you know where to find me." 

"Thanks professor."