✤Chapter Eight✤

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✭Laurent✭

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"Good afternoon, class. I'm Professor Jameson, and I'll be filling in for Professor McAllister today," he announced.

"Please don't hesitate to ask questions if you have any," he said, finishing his introduction to the class.

"Um, professor, I have a question," a guy sitting in the second row asked.

"I'm all ears," Professor Jameson responded, turning his attention to the guy whose name I didn't know.

"Where is Professor Kayla McAllister? Has she quit?"

"Unfortunately, I cannot give you an answer to that question, but if you have a question about our topic of the day or anything else regarding this class, I will be happy to help," the professor replied, a faint look of disappointment visible on his face. I bet he didn't anticipate that the first question he would be asked would be about his colleague.

He set up his belongings and started teaching.

My mind raced. Where was she? Was she okay? I couldn't focus on what Professor Jameson was saying. All I could think about was her. My plan to catch her attention was falling apart before it even began. The lecture went on, but I barely absorbed any of it. I was too distracted, my mind wandering back to her, wondering why she wasn't here.

As the class ended, I packed my things slowly, hoping for some news about her. But none came. I felt a sense of emptiness as I left the auditorium. My day, which had started with so much anticipation, ended in disappointment.

Outside, I lingered for a moment, looking at the sky as if it could provide answers. I decided to send her an email, just to check in. Maybe there was a simple explanation, and I was overreacting. But deep down, I knew that my concern for her went beyond the classroom. I needed to know she was okay.

Leaving the university building, I immediately went back to my apartment. The place was not too far from the university and it was the most convenient way to keep my private life private.

I composed the email in my head. It would be polite, professional, and express my genuine concern. Maybe this was my chance to show her that I cared, not just as a student, but as someone who admired her deeply.

As I reached my apartment, I sat down and began to type, my fingers moving quickly over the keys. Each word was chosen carefully, reflecting the respect and admiration I felt for her. Before I sent the email, I read through it one last time, correcting some small mistakes here and there.

Subject: Checking In - Hope Everything is Okay

Dear Professor McAllister,

I hope this email finds you well. I was surprised and a bit concerned when I saw that you were not present in class today, and I wanted to reach out to see if everything is okay.

I have always appreciated your lectures and the passion you bring to the classroom, and I found myself missing your presence today. Your teaching style and the engaging discussions you facilitate have had a significant impact on my learning experience, and I felt a noticeable void in your absence.

I understand that there could be many reasons for a temporary absence, but I wanted to extend my concern and well-wishes. If there is anything I can do to assist during this time, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Additionally, as I was away last week and missed some classes, I am eager to catch up on any material or assignments I may have missed. I would greatly appreciate any guidance or resources you could provide to help me stay on track.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to seeing you back in class soon.

Best regards,

Laurent Bellamy

I hit send and leaned back, hoping for a reply soon.

My thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions, but one thing was clear: Ms. Kayla McAllister had become an important part of my life, and I needed to know that she was safe.

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I was asleep when I heard my phone vibrating strongly on the bedside table to my left. I looked at the time on my alarm clock and it was 4 am.

I groaned in frustration, wondering who it could possibly be, then my mind thought of someone in particular. Not many people in this place have my phone number and Professor Kayla is one of the very few people who has the honor of having it.

I immediately sat up, my heart accelerating with excitement. It's been three days since I sent the email and she hasn't replied yet. My mind has been running twenty-four-seven trying to figure out what must have happened to her or where she might be. But that, of course, is just useless and futile torture because I have no way of figuring out her whereabouts.

I took my phone in my hand to respond, but when I looked at the caller ID, an unknown number was displayed. This brought confusion to my mind, immediately dissipating the excitement that had invaded me earlier.

Anxiety took over as I answered the call. I didn't really expect that someone would call me this early in the morning. Of all the few people who have my phone number, some are too indifferent to even think about calling me at this time, and some wouldn't dare to bother me, especially at four-thirty-seven am.

I swiped my finger to the right to answer the call and put the phone to my ear, impatiently waiting to hear who was the person who disturbed my peaceful sleep.

"Hello?" A deep voice I recognized almost immediately resonated from the other side of the phone.

"Fuck," I cursed under my breath. Of all the people I imagined calling me, I never once thought it would be someone I hadn't seen in over two years. I didn't even know he had my phone number.

"George?" I asked, still astonished.

"Hey man, how've you been?" He asked, amusement clear in his tone.

"Why the fuck are you calling me at 4 am?" I asked.

"I just wanted to tell you that I'm in town and I'm excited to see you. Come join me at the usual club. I have some exciting news to share with you." I could feel the almost palpable amusement and excitement emanating from him. He knew damn well that he was pissing me off and he was enjoying it.

"For God's sake, it's four am, man. Can't it wait? I need the few hours of sleep I have left."

"No man, it really can't wait. I have exciting news and I'm leaving in six hours, so join me at the club on the main street, town center," he replied.

"Ahh," I sighed loudly. But I wasn't not going to meet my best friend considering that I haven't seen him in over two years. He probably had some good gossip and I wasn't going to miss it one bit.

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Hey lovely readers, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.

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Until next time.

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