Disobedience

Chapter 3: Little Favor

Kimberly Jane

"Hey, Dr. Wencezlao."

Napatuwid naman ako muli ng upo nang pumasok si Dean Robinson.

"H-Hey, Dean." I cleared my throat and adjusted in my seat again. She sat on her swivel chair and placed her clipboard in front of her, her Tuscan yellow pantsuit complimenting her brown skin. Her framed education degrees hung on the wall behind her. "Sorry, the meeting took longer than I anticipated. Where is he?" She asked and her cinnamon shaded eyes landed on the empty chair beside me.

Napalunok ako.

"I," I had to clear my throat again. "I sent him to the disciplinary office myself."

"Oh." Was all she could say and eyed me for a moment like she was weirded out.  "He must've really got to you, huh?"

Yeah. No kidding. I bit my tongue.

"Dean, I want him out." I said that made her eyes go wide a little, her short curly hair framing her round face.

"I'm sorry, Dr. Wencezlao, I'm afraid I don't follow."

I took a deep breath and said, "I want Mr. Pierceton out of my lecture hall. I don't ever want to see him in any of my classes ever again."

She knew about what he did in my classroom since I texted her beforehand. Brianna cleared her throat.

"About that..."

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.

"Do you know that his brother is U.S Ambassador Dominic John Pierceton? I'm not gonna lie, the dude is hot."

I gave her a look.

"I digress." Bawi niya. "Well, the reason I brought that up is because the meeting that I was just in was with Mr. Pierceton—the older brother. He wants his younger brother, Elijah Pierceton, to be able to stay here at least for a year, with good behavior." She explained.

"Last I checked we are a prestigious private university not a detention center for juveniles, Dean."

She smiled at my sarcasm.

"You're right but Elijah is not just a 'juvenile', he is an international student, a Division One athlete recommended by UCLA and also the U.S Diplomat's sibling."

By the way she worded it, she is about to ask me to do something.

"And I don't see how that is my problem, Dean." Sagot ko.

She took a deep breath and leaned closer.

"Kim..."

"Uh-oh, you call me by my first name when you're asking me for a favor."

I knew Briana Robinson even before she was appointed as the new Dean of Saigon University last year, after the former head retired. I knew her since she was my professor back when I was pursuing my PhD. She was also part of the panel and she'd conducted and published many papers in the academic community all throughout her career, so I wasn't surprised when she took over the position.

"Mr. Dominic Pierceton pleaded me to have a professor or anyone I know in the academic community to guide his brother to the 'right pathway' since as we all know, he is a...work in progress. He'll only be here for one school year and I personally want you to guide him."

Natigalgal ako. After what just happened, I don't think that is a good idea but I shut my mouth.

"Briana..." I trailed. She reached for my hand. Her eyes glinting in desperation.

"Kim, please."

"Do I look like I spent years studying law and political science just to become a babysitter?"

She chuckled and shook her head.

"No, but that's why I think you are perfect for this little..... side project." She said. "You intimidate everyone in a good way. You haven't failed a single student ever since you started, I've seen your work as a Professor, and you never fail to impress me."

Hindi ako nakasagot.

"Briana, I don't think that this is a good idea."

"It will be since this is not just a little favor. Do you remember how many times you applied for a U.S Visa and every time you would get rejected because of your father's influence?"

Natahimik ako. I have been trying to go overseas to mainly have a space away from my father and also try to look for my birth mother, or any connection regarding her at all.

But my father didn't want that to happen at all. Knowing how powerful he is, I couldn't seem to get a visa anywhere because everytime, he would know and he would pull strings using his power to have me rejected.

"Well, since Mr. Dominic is U.S Diplomat, I made him swear that if I get one of my best professors to help his brother and if this little favor is successful, he will give you the visa you need, without a question."

"Are you seriously holding that over my head?"

"----Please. I'm begging you, Kim. With praying hands and teary eyes." She even closed her eyes.

Napatitig ako sa kanya at sandaling napalunok. How can I turn this down?

"Briana, you owe me big time." I said without even thinking too much. I have a feeling that I will regret this decision somewhere down the line, but I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

Napangiti siya nang malawak at napahinga nang maluwag. She knew it was my version of 'yes'

"For this school year, Elijah Pierceton is now your responsibility, Dr. Wencezlao."

I nodded and forced a small smile.

I just have to keep my cool, resist him, and keep everything professional and academic. It shouldn't be hard.

But fúck, just the thought of being alone with him again has me wanting to light a cold, fresh stick of cigarette.