Halls of Ivy

The Universe Is Out To Get Me

Out of all the schools in the district, or in the country he is my lecturer. My. Fucking. Lecturer.

He descends from the stairs to my left, as his feet reaches the bottom step majority of the female's gasp or dreamily sigh in their case- including the old woman next to me. He shifts and walks off the higher level platform watching his feet move towards the front of the room, where the desk is- also where my fricking desk is facing him- in his left wing you could say.

Stopping at his desk he looks up at his focal centre "Laziness on assignments and lateness is not a way to pass my class especially on the first day". He turns his head to his right. There. He is finally looking straight at me. I could see a small twinkling glint in his eyes until they widen. Realization and recognition is all over his face. "what ar- what- erm" he stutters, clears his throat and adjusts his tie with his green inked hands. No wonder he has green inked hands, he's been teaching all through this week's courtroom. Slowly he shuffles across the podium and grabs the stack of papers handing them to the right side of the room. From then on he just avoids me.

I keep looking up stealing glances through class; he is quite the gentleman in his image yet no one knows the arrogance bubbling underneath his human flesh. Utterly narcissistic comes to mind. The two-hour lecture goes quite steadily compared to my previous two, and he covers majority of my questions in regards with courtroom such as attire, what our assignments are on and how we are marked. Overall he is quite the teacher- no wonder all these ladies swoon over him- I'm questioning what Katrina is thinking of him. As its time for us to leave, everyone begins packing his or her last bulk of class material and starts leaving, yet majority of the females are persistent in having a "intellectual" chat about law. I think they need a lesson or two on messing around with their teachers. This makes me huff as I leave towards the door. I reach the end of the room and exit straight out without being summoned back- at the back of my mind I wanted that and I have no idea why. Me and Kieran head towards the grounds and he mentions that Kat had to leave because of a family emergency but left her number for me incase she misses any material or just wants to talk. Hastily, I give my number to Kieran and tell him to exchange this info with Kat when he gets the chance. I have to race back home incase my deliveries have come so I cut the conversation short. Since I have class on Wednesday he tells me to meet him at costa 1 hour before fricking Rainford's session. I agree and run away to my apartment- my excuse about deliveries was lame as me- I just could not suffer a panic attack in front of the courtroom having Rainford a yard away from me. Faced enough embarrassment yesterday as well as today in class.

I arrive home and intake my meds. Calming down my racing heartbeat, I rustle up a sandwich and strip change in to my running gear. After eating I grab my water can and feed my plants, then place my trainers on and leave. I walk for 3 minutes, and then begin to quicken my pace leading to a running pace. Admiring the yellow leafy trees above me I take a different route, where my feet act before my brain can. Before I know it, I am in front of the old lady's house.

Should I see if she's okay? Would I seem creepy or stalkerish? Gosh why am I even doing this? I am supposed to hate the Brits. My stupid brain and me end up knocking at her front door. I see a figure approach the entrance and decide against my instinct to run away, only to be welcomed by the 4ft old lady I met not so long ago. Sweet.

"Hello darling! Come in, come in!"

I step over the threshold and follow the hobbling woman in to the living room, she welcomes me to sit down. As I perch myself on the armchair facing away from the door, the old woman mirrors me and seats herself opposite.

"I never did catch your name the other day"

"Isabella Ivers- Bella for short", the woman's eyes widen in surprise, I swear I saw a glint of satisfaction.

"My oh my! You my dear have just brightened my day! We share the same name!"

"Wow! That's outrageous, who would've known?"

"My full name is Isabella Maria Rainford, mother of two, grandmother of 3 and fourth baroness of Prince Ascott"

"Oh wow, that's an impressive title- would daughter of a Los Angeles Nurse and sister of an 18 year old drama queen compete?"

The lady lets out a deep bellowed laugh, glad to know I still have funny flair.

"Bless, so what can I do for this visit?"

"Well I was on my run and recognised your house on the way here, thought I'd pop in and see how you were doing since your fall"

"aww my dear Bella, you are always welcome here! That is very nice of you- I appreciate this, honestly, my grandson Nathanial is the only one who finds the time to visit and keep me company through his hectic schedule. He's done well for himself. Oh that reminds me, I am very sorry about how he treated you the other day. I did pester him to go out and apologise for his behaviour, I really hope he did?"

"Hope this is not awkward, but no he didn't. However, I must tell you- he is now my law te-"

"Gran! It's Natha-"

I don't even have to turn to realise the arrogant shit is behind me.

"You! What are you doing here!? First University and now here!?"

"Excuse me?"

The old lady is astonished at what she hears and waves her walking stick between us. "Stop! Nathanial sit down this instant. Bella please explain to me what is going on and why my grandson's knickers are in a twist". With that I burst out laughing at the pursed mouthed, arrogant model opposite me.

"Well Mrs Rainford, I am unfortunately your grandson's postgrad student- and in regards with his knickers- I honestly cannot comment or explain".

Glancing up to Nate I can physically see the steam flowing out of his ears, he is pissed.

"I am the one who is unfortunate to have you and your tardiness as a sole centre student of mine. Correction, I'm wearing expensive boxers which probably total up to the price of your hideous running attire."

"NATHANIAL!" The old lady screeches, "I will put the kettle on and make some tea, in the meantime, I want you to apologise to Isabella and make up for the trouble you have caused"

"Isabella? Is that her name?"

I don't think I can be ignored anymore than this.

"Yes, yes it is now hurry up", with that the old lady turns and hobbles down the hallway.

Keeping my eyes trained on Nate, I realise how he pulls on the ends of his tousled hair in reaction to his pent up anger.

I should start, "So..."

"So what? I don't understand why I keep running in to you, this American demeanor and mannerism you have really irritates the hell out of me"

"I think you have plenty of hell in you to find that you irritate yourself."

Why did I bother replying?

"Huh?" he says with the confusion spread all over his face. "What the fuck are you talking about?"

With the profanity seeping out his mammoth mouth in that British accent. I take this as my cue to leave. Picking my water bottle and heading out the living room to the hallway, I find myself outside in the chilly fall weather in a matter of second. Hell. That was hell.