The Teacher's Assistant

The Professor

"I am professor Devine. Today we are going to talk about something new in the world of physics.

Therefore, one could say we are going to talk about something new in the world; for indeed, physics is the world. But this world we shall discuss is not our world, in fact, it isn't anybody's world, neither time or space have control of it. I am, of course, referring to the quantum realm, a microverse populated by atoms and sub particles, a fourth dimension. It is the gateway to..." He paused as if he wanted to word his next statement perfectly. After the pause he changed his tone, "None of you would find it relevant knowledge."

Without really knowing why he would interrupt or even care, Peter spoke up, "I'd like to know" The professor didn't say anything; he just turned his head and looked at him.

He was being analyzed intensely.

The professor abruptly spoke, "How would you like to be my assistant Peter? Every teacher needs one, at least in high school they do. Back when I was a college professor, before I was let go I didn't have the luxury of a T.A. yet, now, I think it would be quite useful." He said with a curious hint of irony.

Peter made an effort to answer, but was cut off, "No don't answer me now, I want to talk to you after class."

**

There were three minutes left; everyone began closing their books and packing. Peter didn't, he sat and waited, the bell rang and the class hurried out in a flush. His mouth was dry and he gulped; this wasn't like him, he normally didn't care if a teacher wanted to see him after class. He didn't care if anyone wanted to see him anywhere after anything. But something about the lanking new teacher frightened him. He felt tense as Mr. Devine approached him.

"Peter? That is your name right?"

Surprised, Peter responded, "How do you know my name?"

"You're a person on this planet shouldn't I know your name? Shouldn't we all know each other's names?"

"That's impossible."

The professor smiled, "Don't question what is possible." He went on, "I have been working on something outside of this class and I want your help. I think you would be interested in this. Don't tell anyone about it, not yet at least." He walked over to his briefcase and began to open it.

"I trust you Peter. Don't ruin that."

"You don't even know me." Peter objected

The professor paused, "Oh I do." Then flipped the worn briefcase open with a "Click!"

The eerie feeling that had first cast its shadow over the room again spread out of the open case. This time it was accompanied by a dreadful excitement in Peter's heart. The professor reached into the dark leather box, "Here, take this."

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