ECHOES OF FORBIDDEN LOVE | (ongoing and undergoing editing)

✤Chapter Six✤

✭Laurent✭

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It's been a week since I was off school, and I sure missed a lot. There was so much to catch up on, especially since it was the beginning of the trimester. Business and management were particularly challenging. Surprisingly, a couple of guys who I barely knew stepped up to help me catch up. I was taken aback when they approached me with offers of assistance, especially since I usually kept to myself.

I've been here for a year and a half, but I haven't made many friends or joined any fraternities. I preferred to stay alone, keeping a low profile. It helped me focus and ensured I could extend my time here without complications. It was a strategy I adopted early on, thinking that if I stayed under the radar, I could enjoy a quieter, less complicated college experience.

But today, something was different. Today, I felt a shift in my usual routine. The most exciting part of my exhausting day was that I was going to see my favorite professor, Ms. Kayla McAllister. I have to admit, over the past week, I missed sitting at the back of the auditorium, watching her teach with such passion. Listening to her voice, filled with confidence and vigor yet calm and soothing, was a highlight of my day.

I loved the discussions she engaged in with the class, even if I never participated. Watching her face switch expressions as she thought and listened to students' opinions was mesmerizing. But today, I was determined to join in one of her discussions to attract her attention. After a week away, I wanted to feel seen and heard by her. I wanted her to look at me, to listen to me, and to see the look of surprise in her eyes as I spoke.

Call it twisted or sick, but I didn't care. Ever since I saw her, I felt a strange attraction toward her. The simple idea of having her full attention brought me satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. Her presence made me want to attract all the attention, and her aura made me want to impress her.

I made my way to the auditorium ten minutes early to ensure I wasn't late. I was the first to arrive, so I chose a strategic seat. 

Something in me changed the first time she walked into the auditorium. It was like a part of me that had been sleeping instantly woke up. Around her, I wasn't hesitant with my movements.

When I first saw her, I thought to myself that I'd never seen anyone so beautiful and captivating. I know it sounds crazy to think such things about my professor, but I didn't give a f**k. I couldn't take her perfect image out of my head, and I couldn't stop thinking about how breathtaking she looked when we met that Saturday afternoon. I almost couldn't control my inhibitions. I felt like getting on my knees to worship her and tell her how good she looked, but I tried to stay collected and respectful.

She was really nice and looked so calm and collected throughout our meeting. If only she knew what was going through my mind. 

These feelings were strange to me. In my 24 years of life, I had never felt like this about a woman. I had never had so much trouble controlling myself and my emotions. Honestly, I didn't want to fight the feeling.

But then again, there was that voice deep down inside me telling me it would never happen. After all, I was a student, and she was my professor. She probably wasn't even thinking about me. She might be so busy with teaching and her own life that she doesn't dedicate time to romance. Maybe she's even in a relationship. But what did I know? Maybe I was just trying to find reasons to justify why she would never be interested in me.

I was pulled out of my thoughts when someone sat loudly beside me. I looked up and saw a young woman I had noticed in some of my classes. She had a confident air about her, one that suggested she was used to getting attention.

"Hey," she greeted, flashing a blinding smile and batting her eyelashes in a way that seemed to demand my attention. "I'm Lennon, if you didn't know."

I debated between putting her in her place and being nice. I knew what she was trying to do, and the second option was the better one to avoid any unwanted attention or accusations.

"Hey, I'm Laurent. Nice to meet you," I answered, trying to sound polite yet distant.

"Ooh, I love the accent. Where are you from?" she asked, leaning in slightly, clearly interested.

I heard someone snickering behind me. It was probably a bet she made with her friends. I had to be smart about this. "I'm sorry, but class is about to start, and I need to stay focused. I missed a few lessons that are surely important. We can meet and talk afterward if you want."

"Uhm, sure, no problem. I can give you my notes if you'd like," she offered, her voice tinged with disappointment.

"I prefer my own notes. I think the professor will kindly help me out."

The disappointment on her face was clear. I felt a bit bad as I watched her walk away, shame written on her face. I didn't mean to hurt or humiliate her. The words in my head didn't sound so harsh. I glanced behind me and saw her friends laughing and pointing in my direction. I focused my attention forward as the room filled with students.

When the door to the auditorium opened loudly, signaling someone's arrival, anticipation coursed through me. Finally, she was here. I straightened up, ready to engage and make my presence known.

But confusion and disappointment took over as I looked at the person standing on the stage. It wasn't Professor McAllister. It was a man—a man I had never seen before. He walked in with an air of authority, but he wasn't her. 

My heart sank.

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