BANE OF HIS EXISTENCE

Chapter 8:SLUT WHO?

MAYA

"That will be all for today's class, everyone. Make sure you do your revisions because you'll all be taking a test when we meet again. Have a wonderful day, and I’ll see you all next week," Professor Kidd announced with a smile, his voice resonating in the lecture hall after an intense two-hour session.

As we gathered our belongings—books, notes, and a few stray pens—I noticed the lively chatter of my classmates filling the air. They exchanged thoughts on the lecture while the sound of chairs scraping against the floor echoed as they hurried off to their next classes. I waved goodbye to a few friends, knowing we would catch up during lunch or during our free periods.

But my heart skipped a beat as Professor Kidd beckoned me over. Hesitantly, I approached his desk, my mind racing with possibilities. "What's this about, Professor? I haven't done anything wrong again (or at least nothing I’m aware of), have I?" I asked, a hint of anxiety coloring my tone.

The corners of Professor Kidd's lips curled into a gentle chuckle, his eyes glinting with amusement as he regarded me thoughtfully...

"You're perfectly safe, Ms. Jones. I apologize for keeping you here a bit longer, but I assure you, there's an important reason behind it." His calm tone and the reassuring set of his shoulders helped me take a deep breath, easing the tension that had built up in my chest. The knowledge that I wasn’t in any real trouble was a relief.

"It's no trouble at all, Professor. So, may I ask why I've been asked to stay if I’m not in any sort of trouble?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued. He shuffled some papers on his cluttered desk before pulling one out and extending it toward me.

"Like I said, Ms. Jones, you’re not in any kind of trouble. However, I do require your assistance with this," he stated, gesturing to the stack of documents resting between us. I exhaled softly, a mixture of surprise and intrigue bubbling within me. Given my reputation, I hadn’t anticipated this request, but I figured that helping a professor might not be such a bad experience after all.

"What exactly is this about?" I asked, studying the paper in my hand, feeling the crisp texture of the page beneath my fingertips.

“Here are the study guidelines for the entire semester,” Professor Kidd announced, his voice carrying the weight of knowledge and experience. “I’d like you to make copies of this and distribute them to your classmates so that everyone can prepare in advance.” With a slight smile, I accepted the stack of papers, my heart warmed by the familiarity of his presence, and I bid him farewell as I stepped out of the empty lecture hall, the echoes of our conversation lingering in the air.

Professor Kidd has always held a special place in my heart. Perhaps it’s the bond we share, rooted in the memories of my childhood, or maybe it’s the countless times he’s witnessed my adolescent misadventures. His paternal demeanor might blur the lines between lecturer and family friend, but I find comfort in it. Despite his stern guidance, there’s an undeniable warmth in how he treats me, and I can’t help but admire him.

As I strolled through the bustling corridors, I quickly sent a text to Eric and Sasha, letting them know I was heading home since my classes had wrapped up for the day. The campus was alive with students chatting and laughing, but my focus was solely on the rhythmic crunch of gravel beneath my sneakers as I made my way toward the parking lot. Just as I turned a corner, however, my heart sank; there stood Andrew, the one person I’d been trying desperately to avoid all week.

"Hey, Hossein. What's up, pervert?" I declared, allowing a dramatic pause to hang in the air, relishing the moment before I added with a mocking flourish, "Slut," as I dipped my head slightly in the direction of their female companion, who immediately scowled at me.