Ghost Kiss

Lily

     It's been two days since our fight. He hasn't spoken or appeared to me in two days. I didn't mean it. I was just so mad. I'm not going to risk my grade for the semester just because he's jealous. I know he cares for me and wants to keep me safe. And I love that about him. I love everything about him. That's the problem. I'm in love with him. But it can never amount to anything.

     I'm leaving the house and just before I open the door I look around. There hasn't even been evidence of him around. I thought to check his room but it almost feels like an invasion of privacy now that I know he is there. Still, I've been talking just in case he's listening.

     "After class today I have my first tutor session with Professor Caius. I'll be home a little later than normal. Just thought you should know." No response. I just nod my head and leave. I head out to my truck and go to class as usual.

     After class, I meet Professor Caius in his office. I bring the textbook and all my notes with me, along with my spiral notebook to take any notes from his instruction. I'm ready to study and work hard and I want him to see that.

     I knock on the door. "Come in!" He calls out. I open the door and go inside. "Lily, I'm so happy you took me up on my offer. Please have a seat." He gestures toward the chair in front of his desk. I take my seat and get my notes ready. I have some questions already.

     "So I have a question for you," I make sure he has all my attention. He clears his throat and stands, walking around his desk until he's standing in front of his desk. Then he crosses his arms and leans against his desk. "What do you think I meant when I said 'originality'?" I try to think for a second. "I'm not sure. I did the research and wrote the paper myself. It was as 'original' as I could make it. That's why I asked you what you meant. I wanted to know how you interpreted it and get feedback." I thought my answer was well-calculated and logical.

     He smiles and shakes his head. "I see," he starts walking behind. Probably going to do a full circle. "That's funny because I wanted to know what you interpreted it as." I feel hands on my shoulders. I freeze in place. Why is he touching me at all? Then his hands start creeping down my front. Just before he's about to get really inappropriate, I jump out of my seat. "Professor Caius, what do you think you're doing? I came here to get tutored." He just laughs, "Why would you want to put in all that work when you can get the same result by doing something as easy as lying on your back?"

     Oh my god. Deacon was right. He told me he had a bad feeling about this guy. He told me that it was weird for a professor to hand out his phone number. But I didn't listen. He was trying to protect me. And I threw it in his face. I feel horrible.

     "Professor I think my session is done. I'm going home." He steps in front of me, "Come on, Lily. It would only have to be one time, anytime after that is just a bonus." I shove him out of my way and run out the door to my truck and head straight for home.

     I barge through my front door and lock it behind me. I run up the stairs to the shower. I have to get him off me. I scrub and scrub and scrub. I want no feeling left of him behind. I'm crying. I can't help it. I was so stupid.

     Professor Caius must give an almost failing grade to scare the girls into thinking they need tutoring to pass. I wonder how many poor girls gave in to him. Obviously enough for him to keep doing it. I can't believe I fell for it.