- Stay back! - she stops, and I turn to Aron. - Never again try to compare yourself to me because you're not half of what I am or a third of what I'll still be!
Aron settles down looking at the tip of the dagger. I released him and, pulling the dagger, I entered the elevator, leaving both of them with their eyes wide open. I remain staring at Aron while the door closes. I breathe deeply by leaning my head against the back wall of the elevator. I didn't know why I had defended Brooke, but I didn't like the way Aron had said he had ruled her out.
I walk into the apartment and go into the kitchen, grab a glass of juice and then throw myself on the couch. The cell phone rings and I see Viola inviting me to a party on the beach. I wasn't in the mood for anything, so I reject the invitation. Grabbing the glass, I proceed to my suite, where I take a long hot bath, put on a short shirt and a shirt, then head back to the living room. I decide to watch a good movie to relax, because I remember having a meeting with Keller the next day. I was curious to hear about it. It would be the first day in two weeks that I'd show up in your class. I'd take the notes with some friends and study for the exams. Sometimes I'd take my class notes with the girls I used to fuck in the closets.
After being betrayed two years ago, and because of what happened to my mother, I just got trauma from relationships. A hot fuck was all a girl would ever have of me. I had rules about girls. I never spent the night with one in my apartment, so my bed was always mine alone. No girl knew my address and I never went out with the same girl more than once. In this way he avoided creating emotional ties. The only girl I talked to and befriended was my cousin, Viola.
I throw my arm over my face and, tired, I breathe deeply. I try to concentrate on the movie, but instead my mind flies to the image of a beautiful blonde, dressed in a blouse so tight that I barely let her breathe.
- You shouldn't be in my mind, Evans! - I whisper between my teeth. - You really shouldn't!
***
Sunday dawn went by fast and before I knew it, it was Monday. I was sitting on top of the auditorium, my favorite place when I attended class. From where I was, I could see Brooke, who spent the entire class being watched by our classmates. It began to bother and there were times when Professor Keller had to call the students' attention to him.
- That concludes our class today! - ...Professor Keller announces, after almost an hour of class... Immediately everyone starts storing their belongings and leaving the room. - Don't forget there'll be a lecture on the 16th. That'll count as a note, plus a letter of recommendation. I suggest you all be present.
Students grumble with frustration as the teacher collects their briefcase. Nobody liked those lectures, and I was just another one, sighing.
- Miss Evans, you're in charge of teaching the class in two weeks. - he says drawing Brooke's attention. She settles down collecting her things. - Don't forget to stop by my office before school's over.
- Yes, sir! Yes, sir! - she says, while some of the students fix it. Brooke ignores them, leaving people frustrated.
I smiled when I noticed that she had a great talent for not letting herself be bothered. All the students leave the classroom, but some girls are still waiting for me to leave. Keller pygmy.
- Class dismissed! - he says looking at the girls. - Except you, Mr. Taylor!
The girls grumble, tapping their feet as they leave the room. Brooke turns his eyes and walks out of the room looking down on me. I turn my eyes, keeping my seat in my place. I can see when Brooke comes out with a low head, literally sneaking up on the door.
I was surprised Brooke didn't address me when they bumped into us at the door. She just looked at me and followed me to her seat. I expected her to comment on the episode at the club, but she looked sad and embarrassed. I tried at all costs to ignore the mean comments that I didn't pay much attention to, but I knew it had to do with what I saw in the lobby of my building. Even his presence in the room was not enough to stop the buzzing. He had noticed that the girls whispered among themselves and pointed to Brooke, who didn't even seem to breathe.
Coming down from the auditorium, I stop in front of Keller's table, who starts his speech. After explaining why he asked for the meeting, I almost fall back with the blow I get.
- What's it like? - I mean looking at him with surprise. - What do you mean I don't have the average to complete the course? But I've been doing all the testing. I've got grades to get my degree.
- Yes, Mr. Taylor! - he says sitting quietly. - Nevertheless, I noticed that you have little presence in my classes and in those of some other teachers as well. As dean, I am obliged to suspend you, but as a teacher, I am obliged to guide you.
I breathe deeply.
