First Crush, My Forever

Chapter 12

  I basically run to Dani's lecture room so there will be a little time between both of our arrivals. When I open the door everyone's attention is on me because they obviously thought it was Dani. I slide into the first available seat I see which just so happens to be on the front row and directly in front of Dani's desk. "You're lucky the professor isn't here yet because she doesn't like anyone being late." I hear from beside me and glance over to see a girl with auburn hair and glasses looking at me.

  "Yeah, then I got lucky."

  The girl laughs, "I'm Abby."

  I smile, "nice to meet you Abby, I'm Taytum. So have you had D... I mean Professor Howard before?"

  Abby nods her head, "yeah I had her last year for Creative Writing 2. She is a really good professor and she is never late so this is unusual." About that time I hear the door to the lecture room open and heels clicking against the floor. I look away from Abby towards the front and my eyes meet Dani's because she is already looking directly at me.

  I smile at Dani which she returns then she quickly looks away as she heads to her desk. "Good morning class, sorry I'm a little late. Give me just a minute to set my laptop up to project the syllabus and we will get started." Dani addressed us with a loud, authoritative tone. As soon as she was finished setting her laptop up she turned her attention back to us. "Welcome to Creative Writing 3, for anyone that doesn't know, I am Professor Howard."

  As Dani is going over the syllabus and what's expected of us this semester, most students were jotting down notes or important dates, like for exams or certain writing assignments. Me on the other hand, I am just watching her and never catch a single word. My eyes are automatically attracted to Dani and I just can't seem to look away. Her eyes locked with mine a couple times and she raises a perfectly sculpted brow in question but I never look away, instead I just smile.

  Once class is over I slowly take my time to pack up so I will be the last student left. I walk to Dani's desk as she is unhooking her laptop and notice a recipe website pulled up before she shuts it down. She stops what she is doing and looks at me. "Taytum."

  "Dani," I say in return to which she playfully rolls her eyes.

  "You need to pay attention in class, Taytum, I expect better from you." She grabs her belongings and we walk towards the door.

  I hold the door open for Dani as we leave the lecture room and start walking towards her office. I fall in stride right beside her and just so happen to whisper word vomit that I know I should have kept to myself. "I was paying attention, Dani. It's not my fault I have such an amazing, beautiful, hot professor."

  Dani laughs loudly at my comment because apparently she thinks I'm joking but I'm definitely not. "Wow Taytum, you have jokes again don't you? I have been called many things by students but as far as I know, never... hot. You always find a way to make me laugh."

  We reach Dani's office and she gets her keys out of her purse. Before she has a chance I grab her keys from her, unlock the door. "I wasn't joking Dani" She snaps her eyes to me and I watch the light blush coat her cheeks. "After you madam," I say as I open the door and hold it open so she can go in first.

  I watch Dani swallow and she finally looks away from me and walks into her office. "T-Thank you sweet heart."

  When I am closing Dani's office door, I feel my phone vibrating in my pocket. As I am walking to Dani's desk I pull my phone out and see mama is calling. I quickly swipe to answer the call since I know it must be important because she never calls while I'm at school. "Hey mama." I say and hear mom in the background causing me to laugh because it sounds like she is fussing about something.

  "Hey my baby, I just wanted to let you know that mom and I are getting ready to leave and head to Houston for a conference. We just found out about it this morning. Mom and two other teachers were selected for the conference and the superintendent wants me to go as well to represent the school as a whole. Sorry it's such short notice but we will only be gone for three days." I laugh because I realize that's what mom is apparently fussing about because she absolutely hates the teacher conferences.

  "Okay mama, you and mom be careful."

  "We will sweetie. Oh, your brother is staying with a friend tonight so you will have the house to yourself. We need to finish packing but we love you and will talk to you later. Bye my baby."

  I smile, "bye mama, I love you and mom too."

  When I look up from ending the call Dani is looking at me with a questioning look. "My mom's are having to go to a conference in Houston for three days." she nods her head in understanding as I take a seat in one of the chairs in front of her desk.

  "Hopefully no wild parties are in store while they are gone." Dani playfully remarks which just causes me to laugh.

  "Dani, as long as you have known me, I have never had a party while my mom's are away. This time will be no different. That's not really my thing anyway. I probably went to more parties in high school than I have in college."

  Dani laughs as she sits down at her desk and pulls a folder full of papers out of her laptop bag and opens it. "Come on and help me grade these essays for Creative Writing 1." I watch as she presses a button on a little remote that's on her desk and the light sound of jazz softly fills the room.

  I roll my eyes but take a seat in front of Dani's desk. "So you like looking up recipes, jazz and you're one of those teachers that gives work at the very beginning."

  Dani quickly glares at me. "Yes, I like finding different foods to cook and I love jazz. And for your information I like to know what type of first year writing students I'm dealing with. I like to know their skill level and their writing style. Now don't complain about having to work, you are my TA after all."

  I salute Dani which causes her to laugh then ball up a piece of paper and throw it at me. I laugh as I grab the offered part of essays to grade and settle back in the chair to get busy. "Oh, Taytum, I hate to do this again but could you possibly pick Kadence up this afternoon? I was going to ask when you stopped by this morning but then there was the whole falling incident and you getting hurt that I completely forgot. The English department head sent out an email early this morning for a mandatory meeting this afternoon."

  I smile at the thought of spending more time with KK. She is such a great little girl and she seems to enjoy all the games and activities we do together. "Of course Dani. Can I pick her up early again so we have a little more time to spend together?"

  Dani looks at me with a shocked expression. "You want to spend more time with a four year old?"

  I shrug as I lock my gaze with Dani's. "Of course I want to spend more time with KK. She is your daughter after all and... I hope I'm not overstepping but I love your daughter, she's amazing just like her mom."