My Professor (Hailee & Female Reader)

Ch 5. A Place Called Home

Mrs. Steinfeld POV

Anne rice. One of many authors who could reach into one's desires and own life experiences and end up turning it into a reader's pure gold. I rested my hand against the base of the mug and the other pushing my lens over my face while flipping through chapters of 'The Vampire Lestat'. Time seemed to slow down as I waited for my afternoon lecture. Not to mention the arrival of my husband who came back early on in the morning and left once I was fully dressed.

After assigning, grading, and looking over some of the students' progress I indulged myself so that I wouldn't linger on the topic I had been avoiding with Niall. The subtle 'I love Yous' and the 'I'll be home later' made a flicker of irritation find me once again begging me to act on it. Somehow, I find myself wanting to leave the house more than linger.

Time seemed to pass by when I snapped out of my thoughts - Flo's ringtone breaking the sound barrier of the shared but silent home. I smiled seeing the screen flash with her face. Accepting the call as I head over to wash out my mug.

"Hello Mrs. Pugh," I chuckle into the screen as the sun highlights her short platinum blonde hair.

"Darling! It's been so long!" She gushes. "How are you?"

"The usual. I'm surprised you haven't thought to show up unannounced."

"Ah, now I can't have you keeping an eye on my irregular schedule or so they call it." Flo chuckles.

"I still never understood why they decided to roll with that story. It's your job. You own them."

"Damn right I do. That however means nothing to them."

"So, what pleasure do I owe my beloved friend,"

"You know how I mentioned my amazing news last night..." I shook my head in response. "Well, I've decided that we all should meet up for drinks this week. How does that sound?"

"Sounds exciting." I giggle. "This doesn't have to do with your insane plan to get a certain bartender's number, does it?"

"Oh please. A girl never reveals her secret."

"How's the mister? Is he treating my girl, right?" She changes the subject. I bite back the need to let go of the overwhelming frustration of the past few months. Having been in between with my own heart and mind.

A woman can only take so much.

"Haiz..." I clear my throat for the better. Putting on a facade that only I could ever uncover or so I thought. "Love..." Flo sends me a pointed look that lets me know I can never hide from her.

"He's happy...with his accomplishments. And I cannot be any prouder. He...Niall puts a lot of faith and hard work into his father's career." I shrug.

I lean over the table suddenly feeling the weight on my shoulders that I've been holding on to for so long.

For the better part of life Flo was there since college. So yeah, getting anything past her was almost impossible.

"I think I remember asking how he was treating you, not if he's successful or not." The corner of her lips turns up as my head falls.

"Flo-... he's doing fine. We're doing fine." Fuck. Still not answering the question. I thought to myself. "We're supposed to be going somewhere for our anniversary. He's been so cryptic and it's just...ugh so frustrating." I lie through my teeth, running my hands through the soft curls of my hair.