We're in This Together

Episode 61

"Miss Alison, the Chancellor is requesting your presence," the assistant from the Chancellor's office entered my lecture room and announced while I was teaching my students.

"Is the Chancellor expecting me?" I inquired, to which she responded with a nod. "Certainly, I'll be there in a minute," I replied, and she swiftly exited the room. "Alright, everyone, please continue reading about psychological drawing until I return," I instructed, capturing their attention with a clap of my hands.

"Yes, Professor!" they all chorused in unison. Then, I quickly retrieved my phone from the table and slipped it into my pocket. Before leaving the room, I made eye contact with Julia, who sat at the front of the class, her expression filled with concern. I gave her a reassuring wink before swinging open the door and stepping out.

Without hesitation, I hurried towards the Chancellor's office, my mind consumed with thoughts about why he wanted to see me, nerves gnawing at me. Upon reaching the Chancellor's office, I took a deep breath, composing myself before knocking on the door. After a brief moment, I heard the Chancellor's voice from inside.

"Please, come in," he said. I exhaled a sigh of relief and smoothed down my clothes with my palm before entering the room.

"Hello, Miss Alison," the Chancellor greeted me as I entered the room. "How was your lecture? Did I interrupt?"

"No, not at all, sir. I was just about to begin," I replied, softly closing the door behind me. He was seated with another man who initially had his back to me until he turned around, flashing a wide smile.

"Hello, Jennifer!" Seb greeted me enthusiastically.

"Seb?" I responded in disbelief, a slight frown creasing my brow.

"Please, have a seat, Miss Alison," the Chancellor said warmly, and I quickly took a seat facing Seb. "It's truly an honor to hear that you're collaborating with Mr. Sebastian Vettel," the Chancellor added with a warm smile as I settled in.

"I appreciate the compliment, Sir," I replied with a small smile.

"I'm also honored to be working with one of Oxford's finest professors," Seb chimed in, eliciting a proud chuckle from the Chancellor. Seb then retrieved an envelope from his bag, adorned with a red stamp and the organization's logo. He delicately placed it on the table and handed it to the Chancellor. "This is the official invitation for Miss Jennifer from our organization," he explained as the Chancellor accepted the envelope. "And we've already extended another invitation to Miss Jennifer," he continued, receiving a nod of acknowledgment from the Chancellor. The Chancellor then proceeded to open the envelope and read its contents.

"So, the reason for your visit..." the Chancellor began, carefully reading the invitation letter.

"I wanted to show respect towards Miss Alison and Oxford, which is why I'm here to discuss a request regarding our campaign," Seb explained to the Chancellor, while I nervously observed their interaction. The Chancellor remained silent, engrossed in the letter, heightening my anxiety. After a few moments, he nodded slowly and placed the letter back on the table.

"Are you here to request time off for Miss Alison?" the Chancellor inquired, addressing Seb.

"Yes, absolutely, Sir," Seb swiftly replied, met with a nod of acknowledgment from the Chancellor.

"And what about you, Miss Alison?" he turned to me. "Are you aware that the campaign will run for nearly a month?"

"Yes, Sir, I'm fully aware of the campaign," I replied.

"So, how many weeks of leave are you requesting?" he asked me. Before I could answer, I quickly glanced at Seb, who was also awaiting my response.

"I believe one month and two days should suffice," I replied. "One month for the campaign itself, and the extra two days for travel preparations before and after the event," I explained, receiving a nod of understanding from the Chancellor. After a brief moment of consideration, he resumed the conversation.

"Very well, I've decided to grant you one month and three days of leave," he announced, retrieving a form book from his drawer. "I'll need you both to sign here," he said, indicating where we should sign to acknowledge the approved leave. It was a form of acceptance and acknowledgment regarding my time off and its relation to the organization.

"Thank you, Mr. Chancellor," Seb expressed his gratitude as he received the letter.

"Thank you, Mr. Chancellor," I echoed.

"Today is Monday, correct?" the Chancellor confirmed, checking the calendar on the table.

"Yes, indeed," Seb confirmed.

"In that case, you can begin your leave starting from Friday. Will that work for you? I assume you'll need some time for preparations," the Chancellor suggested, directing his question to me. I nodded in agreement.

"That's perfect, sir," I replied with a small smile. We exchanged a few more pleasantries before I prepared to return to my lecture.

"I must excuse myself now for my lecture," I said politely, standing up from my seat, with Seb and the Chancellor rising alongside me.

"Of course, you have your responsibilities," the Chancellor acknowledged.

"Until we meet again, Miss Alison," Seb remarked with a smirk.

"Thank you both," I replied with a wide smile and a nod. "Please excuse me," I added before swiftly making my way to the door and exiting the room. Once outside, I couldn't contain my happiness and indulged in a small dance of joy.

"Yes... Yes... Yes," I whispered to myself, dancing until I noticed the Chancellor's assistant watching me from her desk. I froze in embarrassment. "Um... Hello there," I greeted awkwardly with a small wave. "Lovely weather, isn't it?" I added, attempting to diffuse the awkwardness with a smile. She remained silent, observing me for a moment before finally breaking eye contact to retrieve a book from her drawer.

"Yes, the weather is lovely. And it's good to see you so motivated and happy," she remarked with a small smirk.

"Oh, thank you," I responded with a giggle. "I should get going now." With a quick wave, I left, bidding her goodbye before swiftly returning to my lecture room and resuming my teaching.

"Professor Alison!" Julia called out to me, rushing over from behind as I walked towards the parking lot, wrapping up the day.

"Yes, Julia?" I turned to her, acknowledging her presence.

"Is everything alright with the Chancellor?" she asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Yes, everything went smoothly," I reassured her, and we continued walking together.

"Goodbye, Professor!" another group of students greeted us as they passed by.

"Goodbye, guys!" I waved in return. After they passed, Julia resumed our conversation.

"So, when are we leaving for Australia?" she inquired.

"We're scheduled for this Saturday. Our flight is at 8 p.m.," I informed her, and she nodded in understanding. We walked together until we reached my car, but before we could get in, I remembered our plan to meet her aunt. It was important for her aunt to know me, especially since Julia would be traveling with me for her competition in Australia.

"Julia," I called out to her before she could head to the passenger side.

"Yes?" she responded swiftly.

"Did you already inform your Aunt that I'll be meeting her?" I asked.

"Yes, Professor. I already let her know," Julia confirmed, to which I nodded.

Glancing at my watch, I noted that we had ample time to meet her aunt before I needed to pick up Adie from school.

"Let's go now," I suggested, opening the car door to slide into the driver's seat.

"Now?" Julia asked, surprised.

"Yes, now. Come on, hop in," I urged, making it clear we were heading there right away. Julia quickly complied, joining me in the car.

"Oh, my Aunt will gonna happy to meet you, Professor," Julia exclaimed with a wide smile as she fastened her seatbelt.

"I'm glad to hear that," I replied with a chuckle, fastening my own seatbelt before starting the engine. We exited the Oxford compound and headed straight for her aunt's apartment.