Forbidden Literature

4| First Impressions

Sara went on ahead in the class but was stuck staring at Dr. Andrews in bewilderment like earlier today. He was leaning against the desk with the look of ease; his deep brown eyes trapping me in place. I don't know why I wouldn't just look away. Something about him completely transfixed me.

Apparently I got a little too transfixed because I only came back to reality at the sound of him clearing his throat loudly.

"Would you like to take a seat and get started? Or do you prefer standing and staring?" his husky voice questioned sarcastically.

His little quip produced a few muffled chuckles throughout the room which made my cheeks warm up from embarrassment. Suddenly the familiar frustration I had with him earlier returned like an old friend.

"I got lost in the hotel," I informed walking to an empty desk near Sara.

"It seems that you have an affinity for getting lost," he smirked.

Oh how I'm really starting to dislike that smug look.

His words pulled me back to this morning when he talked to me about getting lost in my thoughts. The cocky look on his face then matched the one now, as if he has determined who I really am. First he says I don't grade things properly and now he claims I get lost frequently as if I don't know what I'm doing. He must think very lowly of me.

That has got to change.

I have worked too hard to get here only to seem like some bimbo. I decided right then and there that starting tomorrow I will never be late again. Maybe I'll even map out the hotel. But I won't get distracted no matter what and he will never make me feel inferior again.

After finishing up roll Dr. Andrews walked around room with his hands behind his back as he began the lecture. "Welcome to your first workshop. Now that I know most of your names, I guess it's time to introduce myself a bit. For those who don't know me, my name is Dr. Jasper Andrews, I will be teaching you how to enhance your skills in poetry writing this week."

Hearing his name something clicked. J.A. didn't mean Jane Austen in the slightest, it meant Jasper Andrews. Although he could be considered to have a little too much pride and prejudice. I mentally laughed at my own joke.

Dr. Andrews continued, "I am currently a professor at Bulfort University four hours from here. This will actually be my first year teaching there. I was selected by Ms. Harrington to attend the convention as a guest professor this year, so here I am. I have two published anthologies and one in the making. My first published anthology was when I was eighteen, right before high school graduation actually, and the second came out last year.

With a vast amount of knowledge on the subject along with experience, I am confident that I can help you find and tune your voice in poetry," he gave a small smile then slipped his hands into his front pockets before leaning back on the desk. "Simple as that. Any questions before we begin?"

Immediately a hand shot up and he called on the girl with long pink and blonde hair.

"What do you teach?" she asked

"At Bulfort?" he clarified and she nodded. "Well right now I am subbing for a friend of mine so I teach Experience of Literature," I could have sworn he glanced at me for some reason, "but my main teaching is in poetry, obviously. I also do a little Expository Writing and Themes in Poetry but that's about all for now." Another hand shot up. "Yes, sir?"

"How old are you?" came a squeaky male voice.

Dr. Andrews cleared his throat before answering, "I am twenty-eight years old."

"Where did you go to school to become a professor?" someone asked without raising their hand.

"I went to Pulvard University for three and a half years, then immediately got my masters in two at Richmond University. I just finished my doctorate last year at Richmond as well."