Between the desks

Chapter 46

Next monday...

Elizebeth's POV

I had a rough weekend. The hangover had lingered for two full days, a relentless reminder of my reckless choices. I swore to myself that I would take a break from drinking for the foreseeable future. My head throbbed as I finally crawled out of bed, each pulse in my temples a testament to the previous night's excess.

Today, I opted for my black jumpsuit, its fabric hugging my body comfortably despite the exhaustion weighing me down. I paired it with red pumps that clicked confidently against the pavement, a small reminder of my usual self, even if I didn't feel it. The drive to campus was predictable, the same route I took every day, but today felt different. I sipped my coffee—a bitter concoction I desperately needed—while navigating the familiar streets. The temperature inside my car was stifling; I had cranked up the heat to combat the winter chill. I loved autumn with its vibrant leaves and crisp air, but winter? Not so much.

To ward off the cold, I layered a knitted sweater over my jumpsuit, its soft fabric providing a bit of comfort as I braced myself for the day ahead.

As I parked and stepped onto campus, I felt the weight of my responsibilities settle on my shoulders. I walked straight to my office, clutching my coffee like a lifeline. The warmth from the mug seeped into my hands, a brief comfort against the cold reality of winter. Once inside, I busied myself with organizing the papers I would need for my first class of the week. Today was Amren's class.

Just as I was about to pour myself a fresh cup of coffee, I heard a knock on my office door. "Come in!" I called absently, my back turned to the door as I rifled through the papers on my desk. The door creaked open, and I heard a soft clearing of the throat, drawing my attention.

"Good morning, Professor," came Amren's voice, a mix of warmth and uncertainty.

I turned around, my heart fluttering slightly at the sight of her. "Good morning, Amren. What can I do for you?" My voice was steady, yet inviting, and I gestured toward the chair opposite my desk. "Take a seat, by the way."

She settled into the chair, her posture slightly tense, and I noticed her fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. I sat down, giving her a moment to gather her thoughts. "Uhm," she began, the silence stretching between us.

"I would like to apologize for last Saturday. I was harsh and out of line," she admitted, her eyes cast downward, clearly uncomfortable and ashamed.

"It's okay, Amren. We're even now," I replied, trying to convey my understanding with a reassuring smile. However, her expression remained troubled, and I could sense the anxiety radiating from her.

"No, it's not okay. You didn't deserve that. I just had a bad moment," she rambled, her words tumbling out in a rush. I felt a pang of empathy for her; I could see how deeply she felt the weight of her actions.

Reaching across the desk, I placed my hand gently on her arm, hoping to ease her discomfort. "It's okay, Amren. I forgive you." My voice was soft, sincere. I offered her a small smile, and for a moment, we held each other's gaze. I noticed her attention shift to my hand resting on her arm, and a warmth bloomed in my chest.

After a brief moment, I pulled my hand away and cleared my throat, feeling a flush creep up my neck. "Thank you, Professor," she said, and I saw her shoulders relax just a fraction.

"I'll see you in class, Professor," she said, a hint of relief in her voice as she stood to leave.

"See you in class, Amren." I waved at her as she opened the door, a soft smile lingering on my lips as she stepped out. The moment the door clicked shut behind her, I let out a deep breath, my heart racing. I hadn't realized how much her presence affected me until she was gone, leaving behind a strange mix of exhilaration and confusion.

Sitting back in my chair, I tried to process what had just happened. The encounter had shifted something between us, a subtle shift in the air that left me both anxious and hopeful. I couldn't deny the connection I felt with Amren, nor could I shake the feeling that our relationship was evolving into something deeper—something that made my heart race in ways I hadn't expected.