Awakening Abigail

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

"Let’s go Tiny" 

Abi pulled on the leash, urging Tiny to move from the tree he was sniffing. They were out for their daily walk, and Tiny was happy to move next to his boss, greeting the neighbourhood dogs with a wagging tail. Every now and then he'd look at his companion, nudge her hip to get her attention, and when she gave him an approving smile, he'd walk on, happy to be a dog.  

Abi enjoyed her Sunday afternoons the most. She went to church with her mother, had a nice meal with her and came home to Tiny, did her homework until they went for their walk. Abi was excited about the week ahead, and even though she didn't really understand why, she knew it had something to do with seeing Andrew again. After her ordeal in the supermarket the day before, she couldn't get him out of her mind. She shook her head, looked down at Tiny. 

"What's wrong with me boy? Last week I couldn't stand the man, and today he's running around doing cart wheels in my head?" Tiny stared at her, ears twisted curiously. His intelligent eyes looked at her calculating, and then, as if to give up on her, he shook his head, his ears flapping against his head. Abi smiled. Tiny enjoyed being the only man in her life. She never brought guys to her home, purely because she has never met someone important enough. She wondered how Tiny would react if he met Andrew... 

As if Tiny could hear what she thought, and decided that she needed a reality check, he moved his big body right in front of her's, bringing her to an abrupt stop. 

"Tiny!! Do you want me to fall?" Clearly he didn't like the idea of meeting Andrew. Abi couldn't help but laugh at herself. Here she was, dreaming about her attractive lecturer like a typical student. How could she of all people be so naive? This was only a crush, and she didn't intend letting him find out, or anyone for that matter.  

"Jeez, I'm such a girl Tiny! Look at me, all pathetic over a friendly lecturer, 8 years my senior! Next I'm gonna fall for the old man next door!"  

Tiny gave a happy yelp, and together they started to jog back home.

****

Monday morning Abi was a bit late, and as she entered the already full class, she could feel several eyes on her. Andrew wasn't there yet, so the class was still buzzing with weekend stories. As she made her way up to her seat next to Louise, she looked straight into Matt's cold eyes. A few girls she didn't know very well sat next to him, also glaring at her, whispering to each other. She frowned slightly, and slid into her chair.  

"So, what aren't you telling me Abs?" Louise's voice was a bit accusing. Abi looked puzzled. 

"What? What's going on L? Why are Matt and his groupie staring at me?" 

"You seriously can't figure it out?" Louise looked to the back, also making eye contact with Matt. 

"Uh, no? Please tell me?" Louise frowned at Abi. 

"Matt saw you drinking coffee with your's truly on Saturday." Louise gestured towards Andrew, who just entered. His eyes immediately met Abi's, and gave her a quick smile. Abi smiled back stiffly, intense aware of the eyes on her back. She turned to Louise. 

"Shit Louise! It was nothing; he basically forced me to go. And I don't even know if we stayed for more than half an hour!" she quickly explained the whole Saturday experience to Louise, not leaving out a bit of detail.  

"Ok students, settle down." Andrew was getting ready to begin with the lecture, and Louise quickly whispered to Abi.  

"We can talk after class." 

Abi nodded, and slowly turned her attention to Andrew. She didn't like the idea of Matt spreading stories. Especially stories about her and a lecturer. This felt like stupid high school all over again. Abi sat straight, and she had a determined look on her face. She wouldn't let Mat and his jealousy get the best of her. So what if he saw them together? There was nothing to hide, and Abi would not be intimidated by an gorilla like Matt. She relaxed a bit, and focused all her attention on the man in front. He was so self assured. He would laugh if he knew about the rumours.  

"Ok, so remember about your paper on the National Bank's cash reserve and why banks aren't very keen on keeping an excess of cash. It's due next week, and I won't accept late submissions. Miss White, could you come see me after class? I have test papers for you to mark." 

Abi nodded, a rush of relieve making its way through her. Now everyone knows that she is his student assistant, and she could kill the idiotic rumours....hmmm....or maybe she should kill the ass that started it. Abi smiled. Wonder if they'd send me to jail? I could say I accidentally thought he was an overgrown monkey...she shook her head. Nah, the overgrown part wouldn't fly. Louise leaned towards her. 

"What are you smirking about?" Abi glanced her way. 

"Nothing...just imagined how it would feel to kill Matt."  

"Abi!" Louise's shoulders started to shake, and she was trying hard not to laugh out loud. Abi smiled, but quickly sobered up when Andrew's voice sounded up.  

"Miss White. Are you and your friend paying attention? Because I don't recall saying anything even remotely funny."  

His voice sounded irritated, and Abi sunk back into her chair. Louise swallowed any laugh she had left. 

"Sorry Doctor." Abi sounded sincere, looking him straight in the eye. They deserved it. He kept her gaze, and Abi could see the slight disapproval on his face. He looked away and went on with the class.  

Abi felt like a dog that's been kicked. She knew he had justice to put her in her place, but she didn't enjoy it at all. She forgot that he was actually much older than her, and that, even though he was still relatively young, he had his doctor's degree, and she didn't even have a degree yet. Even though he acted like her equal when they were alone, he was still her superior. She quickly did some calculations to put their ages in perspective. When He was eighteen, she was only ten. The man had a lifetime of experience. She couldn't help but wonder exactly how much experience he's had.... 

Abi blushed again. How can she even think that! Of course he had experience with women. He's been a student; he must have had a few girlfriends. And it was no secret that college girls had no inhibitions. Abi had a grim expression on her face. Why did she care anyway? It wasn't like she was ever going to let him or anyone else touch her. Ever.

After the class she made her way to Andrew. Just before she reached the workstation, one of Matt's girlfriends walked next to her.  

"So Abi, do you call him Dr Cash in bed too? I can imagine things can get rather kinky."  

Abi stared at her, shocked out of her mind. She could see the surrounding people look at her, and she heard Louise's sharp intake of breath. Her blue eyes turned stone cold. 

"Just because you have such slutlike tendencies, doesn't mean you can include me in your sick fantasies. Please, I'm not interested at all. Go talk dirty to someone as low life as yourself.  “Abi then ignored her and walked away. She could hear the girl mutter something about her being a bitch, but she didn't stay to listen. She rushed out of the class door, totally forgetting about Andrew's request to see her afterwards.