Spring [Completed]

ELEVEN

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HER

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chem•is•try

noun

1. the complex emotional or psychological interaction between two people.

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"Alright," I clasp my hands together and turn to face my class. "So, a quick recap. Who was the Greek scientist who was first known to dissect animals for study?"

I glance around the room of tired college students with a hopeful smile. Surely at least one was listening. My smile wanes as I sigh. Honestly, when I was their age, I wasn't too excited to learn the history facts of anything, let alone veterinary science.

"Anyone?" I ask, one last time. I'm about to give up when I see a pale hand shoot up in the back of the class. I smile. "Yes?"

Internally I cringe as all the other students, turn to glance at the petite girl as she stands. "Um, I-I want to say the answer is Alcmaeon, but I'm not entirely sure..."

Shaking my head slightly, I smile. "Please, remind me of your name?"

"Chelsea," she says, tucking a brown strand of hair behind her ear.

"Well," I said pacing the classroom, meeting the gaze of various students, "You all should take notes from Chelsea. Not only did she stand before the class and take a risk, she also answered the question correctly." I give Chelsea a reassuring nod as she takes a seat. "And she'll receive an extra three points on next weeks Exam."

An eruption of chatter spreads through the crowd of students as I smirk, making my way back to my desk.

"You can't do that." A voice shouts and I laugh.

"I can do whatever I want. I've been teaching this class for almost a decade. Don't be bitter because you didn't want to participate. Instead, let this serve as a lesson for the future."

Sighs of annoyance fluctuate around the room as I lean against my desk. "So, now that we've established what Alcmaeon did, who can tell me when this occurred?"

Every hand shoots up and I smile as the door at the back of my classroom opens and Ethan leans against the back wall.

A couple nosey students glance back as his eyes briefly catch mine. My throat goes dry as he crosses his arms over his chest, nodding for me to continue.

I clear my throat as I desperately try to expel the heat rising to my cheeks. "Okay, um, Renee." I say, calling on a girl in the front row.

"Well Professor Williams-Davis, according to your extremely informative lecture today, the answer is 500 BC."

I nod, suppressing the urge to roll my eyes that comes with every time she speaks. "Precisely correct, Renee." She stares at me expectantly and I ignore her as I stand, clasping my hands together. "Alright guys, I was going to get a head start on the BIA lecture, but I suppose that can wait until next class...I'll see you all on Wednesday." I say as my students start to gather their things. "Also," I add, "Expect your research essay grades to be in by Friday at the latest."