Brains over Beauty

ūnus

"And this class, is similar to Aristotle's explanation of the use of orgiastic music in the worship of Bacchas and other deities: it affords an outlet for religious fervor and thus steadies one's religious sentiments," Doctor Philip paused scanning the lecture theatre, eyes running over the faces my the occupants of my favorite class, Complex Philosophy, before continuing, "Now that's about time, and before you leave I have posted the results of your essays online, please contact me if you have any questions," his eyes stopped and met my steady gaze before speaking, "Miss Collins will you please stay back and I will see the rest of you next week."

I let out a slow breath before gathering my pen, notebook, laptop and sliding them into my bag. I got up and confidently made my way to the front of the lecture hall. Doctor Philip is my favorite lecturer he is incredible knowledgeable, as one would expect after twenty years of teaching, however he maintains a passion for teaching that many his age have lost. As I approached his desk he stood picking up a white binder that had my name printed on the front. I had once asked him what it's purpose was and he had smiled and stated that he made them to keep tabs on 'outstanding' students. "Miss Collins, thank-you for staying back" I nodded, silently urging him to continue, and he smiled a hand moving to adjust his glasses, "I just wanted to speak to you about your most recent essay, your topic was extremely interesting and your insight was eye-opening," he paused waiting for a reaction and I allowed a small smile of thanks to make its way onto my face which he returned, "I have started an application to submit it to the Philosophy Board of Education to use as an exemplar for a top high weighted result and just wanted to check if that was okay with you?" I let out an inaudible sigh and pushed my wire framed reading glasses up before painting a smile on my face and replying, "Of course, that is fine with me sir, thank-you for doing so." He smiled, "Your welcome, I shall complete the application and send it off then, I'll let you know when I hear back from them." I nodded, expressed my thanks again and we said our goodbyes.

As I made my way out of the lecture hall I sifted through the information I had just absorbed in the lecture. This praise was not unusual, I had often received similar honours throughout my schooling career. I held an IQ of 170 and an eidetic memory, so school came easily, this resulted in teachers and lecturers often being forced to give me more complex assignments to complete in order to challenge me. As I exited the building and began walking through the intricately designed marble buildings to one of the many libraries the University of et Sapientia had to offer, my musings were quickly interrupted, by a high pitched squeal and the feeling of a pair of arms being wrapped tightly around me from behind. From the familiar floral scent that swirled around me, I immediately knew who it was. Jade Bianchi. Jade was about the closest thing I had to a best friend. Having known each other for over 13 years, Jade has become a consistent companion and presence in my life. "Mil! Finally I've been waiting for you, how was your lecture?" She exclaimed as she loosened her arms around me, allowing me to turn and face her, I smiled at her as she pulled away, "It was good Doctor Philip had some interesting views on Aristotle," she nodded as we continued walking to my usual haunt in the library, "how was Capri?" I implored curiously. Jade had recently returned from a three-week-long trip in Capri with her parents to visit her grandparents. "It was beautiful, you really must come with next time Nonno misses discussing art history with you," she said pushing a strand of her glossy, blonde out of her face before letting out a gentle laugh, "My efforts to talk to him about my chemistry lectures fell on deaf ears, he still thinks its witchcraft" I felt a laugh bubble in my throat and inch its way onto my face and my heart warmed a bit at the memory of Jade's Nonno. An image of the last time I saw him flashed through my mind, sitting on the Bianchi villa's cobblestone balcony with his salt and pepper hair and his deep, kind eyes sparkling as we discussed the Renaissance movement, despite his old age he still held his wits and was always open to sharing his deep knowledge on Italian art history. "Next time," I promised, "I didn't want to miss any school" Jade nodded in understanding as we reached the large glass doors that lead into the Philosophy library.