Entangled Again || With Sebastian Sallow

Ch 16: Constellations

Juliet's POV

On my way to Astronomy Class, continuing to bite back my tears as best as I could, I was ambushed by Professor Sharp.

"Miss Brooks... a word?" he said in his low voice as he limped over to me.

I paused in my tracks, bracing myself for what was bound to be an uncomfortable conversation.

Ugh, now is not the time... as if I haven't been humiliated enough tonight!

"Yes, Professor?" I said politely, forcing a smile.

He cleared his throat, his gaze shifting uncomfortably from my eyes to the floor. "Juliet... Miss Brooks... I wanted to talk to you about what happened the other day in my classroom."

"Ok..." I said nervously.

"Flashing me was highly inappropriate. I know that you know that, but I can't stop thinking about it so I felt I should address it with you properly."

He can't stop thinking about it? Wow... that was awkwardly worded...

As if he read my mind, he hurriedly tried to correct himself. "I mean, I can't stop thinking about how improper it was," his eyes flitted away. Clearing his throat again, his embarrassment seemingly intensifying as he struggled to find the right words, he continued. "Need I remind you that I am your teacher and you are my student. It's important that we maintain professional boundaries."

I awkwardly shifted my weight, my face burning as I listened to his admonishment, totally mortified. "I know, Professor. I'm sorry to put you in such an uncomfortable position. I don't know what came over me. I assure you it will never happen again."

He looked away for a moment, a look of genuine concern etched across his face as he returned to my gaze. "You weren't... coerced into doing what you did, were you, Juliet? I would hate to think one of the young men you socialise with put you up to this. Or worse..." he tapped his wand against his temple, implying someone may have put me under a spell.

My eyes widened. "No, Professor, no-one coerced me."

He sighed in relief. "Juliet... what happened, it was wrong... very wrong..." his voice was low, tension was heavy in the air, and I was ready for the ground to open up and swallow me whole.

"Juliet Brooks! In trouble again?" Garreth Weasley's playful tone boomed across the hall as he approached us, a big goofy grin on his face. "What's she done this time, Professor?"

I don't think I'd ever felt more relieved to see that big goofy grin of his. He flung his arm casually around my shoulders, his stance exuding a protectiveness that instantly put me at ease.

"That's none of your business, Mr Weasley," Professor Sharp answered gruffly, seemingly irritated by his intrusion.

"Alright then, message received!" Garreth saluted Sharp mockingly. "Professor, I'm going to have to steal this one away, we have to head up to Astronomy class. Wouldn't want us to be late, would you? Unless you wanted to see us in detention again..." he winked mischievously.

Professor inhaled sharply, seemingly lost for words. I bit my lower lip and looked back up at him. "Thank you Professor, I appreciate your understanding on... the matter we discussed."

Professor Sharp nodded curtly, and turned on his heel, leaving the awkwardness behind. I breathed a big sigh of relief.

"Garreth, your timing!" I mimicked a chef's kiss with my fingers on my lips. "You just saved me, thank you!"

"You're welcome, m'lady! Or should I say, my 'Hallowed Hero'," he teased. "What was all that about with Professor Sharp? Seemed rather intense..."

"Oh, you know, just had a little chat about boundaries and professionalism," I replied flippantly.