#fox&hound

Prof: You don’t suppose I could sit there for a moment, do you?

Kendall looked up into the face of the Professor.

She glared angrily at Lacie across the yard, who in return, gave her a thumbs up and a wink. Why was she always right?

Kendall nodded at him and he sat down and launched into a story.

Prof: So, basically I was um, asked if you wanted to go to the party the Dean is throwing for honor students this week.

Kendall: I’m not an honors student, though.

The professor rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

Prof: Well, yes, but I told her out of all my classes, you are by far the most diligent and smart. I told her you deserved the high marks of being an honors student. So, she told me to invite you myself since I was, ahem, so keen on you.

Kendall could feel her face begin to warm.

Kendall: I, um, sure. Yeah. Would I go with you or...?

The professor cleared his throat and looked away.

Prof: It is unwise to have student/teacher relations. Even if we went as friends, the Dean would be sure to have us both removed. I will be sure to let you know the time and location, though. So be on the lookout for that.

Kendall nodded and the professor excused himself. 

As lunch time rang, the group set off for their normal seat outside. Eden still wasn’t up for participating in the chat. Kendall was happy about that. At least someone thought this wasn’t a good idea besides her.

Lacie: First, we will have to fix your hair and get rid of those blue nails. And then it’s time for your clothing! As soon as you come to school wearing my clothes, you’ll have all the boys’ attention. Including the Professor.

She wiggled her eyebrows at Kendall.

Kendall: I don’t need this. I don’t need any of this, Lacie. You’re making me upset. I just want to be left alone.

Lacie: Well good, because usually when a pretty girl is sitting alone, an interested boy will approach her. Watch, I’ll prove it.

She was right. Her friends were already waiting outside, arguing about something.

Eden: Lacie, he is like 10 years older than us. You’re insane. Don’t tell her to do that.

Kendall approached.

Kendall: Don’t tell who to do what?

Lacie’s face lit up.

Lacie: You! That’s who. I’m gonna set you up with Professor British Buns.

Kendall: Who..?

Lacie sighed.

Lacie: Professor Ceil obviously. 

Kendall looked over at Eden who sighed.

Eden: I don’t know where she got this idea.

Lacie: I saw you two last night. I’m not stupid. Secret meet ups? Girl, why didn’t you tell me you were into him?!

Kendall: I.. what? I went to the park last night and he was there too so we talked and then he walked me home. You guys both know most of the time this campus isn’t safe at night.

Lacie: Did you do what they do in the movies? ‘Oh no don’t take me. I’ll be fine on my own!’ and then he says, ‘no baby I will do it anyway.’ and then they go home and smooch!

Kendall sighed and Eden rolled her eyes, hiding a smile.

Kendall: I mean, part of that happened. I told him not to and he did.

Kendall led the way back to her apartment. She wondered what he would do now.

Kendall: Would you like to come in? I don’t really have much, but.. I know it’s.. polite to ask.

The professor smiled. 

Prof: Thank you for the offer, but I’m sure if I was caught heading into a student’s apartment with her, lots of rumors would go around.

Kendall nodded.

Kendall: I didn’t... think about that. You’re right.

They both stood there for a moment before the professor cleared his throat.

Prof: I should get going. Thank you for talking with me. It helped me as much as it helped you. I’ll see you when our class next meets.

And so they did. They walked all over the park chatting about school work and history together and before they knew it, it was dark outside.

Prof: Let me take you home. It’s the least I can do for keeping you this long.

Kendall’s face heated up.

Kendall: No, no, it’s fine. I’ll be fine.

Professor waved his hand.

Professor Ceil sat down next to her, a soft smile on his face.

Prof: Are you alright? 

She nodded.

Kendall: Why wouldn’t I be? I’m just... out for air.

Prof: I know anxiety can be hard to deal with, but it is something a lot of college students work through.

Kendall’s mouth dropped open.

Kendall: How do you know I have anxiety?

He laughed.

Prof: I know the signs. You have been in my class for almost a full semester. I know my students.

Kendall didn’t know what to say and she began messing with a lose string on the end of her shirt.

She wandered over to the park near campus. Yeah, there were still classes going on, but as long as she wasn’t in them. She would be fine here.

???: Mind if I sit?