Hot Night With My Professor

Days passed when I only did what Ismael wanted. I go into his class and listen to his discussion. I’m trying to pass the activities that he makes me answer so that he doesn’t have to call me to his office after class. And I can prove that’s all he really wanted from me because he didn’t talk to me after our arguments in front of the casino. All he wants is for me to succeed academically so he can stop having headaches. He even acted like what happened that night never happened at all. And I’m here, trying to deny the fact that I’m hurting.

And I’m annoyed because I feel this pesty feeling. Is it because he made me finish so many times that he has this effect on me? Do I miss him? Do I want to be united again? Was that the reason I’m becoming like this? How about him? Do I really have no effect on him?

I sighed. I should stop having these thoughts. This is not worthy.

“Jothea,” I turned to the one who called me. It was Raviel. I flashed a smile when I saw him sitting beside me. “I heard you would be my partner.”

I frowned. “Partner? Where?”

“At our booth for foundation day.” I was stunned. I almost forgot about that thing. Wait, I am his partner?

“What do you mean by partner?” I asked more but he just smiled and focused his gaze ahead. I also put my attention to the front, where I saw Ismael staring at me blankly. What have I done? Why is he angry again?

I’m the one who should be angry because of the agreement between the two of us; it seems like I’m the only one being used since the case with Professor Sybill vanished after he broke up with me. Anyway, it’s my fault too.

*****

Foundation Day arrived and I realized what Raviel was talking about last time. Our booth is a marriage booth; it is like a wedding reception and everybody was invited to attend. Well, they are invited but they will avail of our buffet. What a bright idea, isn’t it? There are many food warmers lined up on the side with different foods. My classmates are in formal uniform serving our lively guests, and I can see they are all enjoying our set-up. It is said to be a control buffet. In fairness, everything was beautiful, and this marriage booth has the theme of a rustic wedding.

And speaking of weddings, I am now wearing a bridal gown. I was forced to! Because I didn’t cooperate with the planning and setting up, they punished me by pretending to be newly married to Raviel. I was wearing a simple off-shoulder laced gown and a veil while holding a bouquet of flowers, while my groom was perfect in a white tuxedo. He smiled widely while I frowned. Who wants to be a bride when heartbreak is overwhelming?

We were sitting here in the front. It’s a good thing there was no ceremony because I didn’t know what to do. They just made me wear the gown. They also fixed my face, putting on some light makeup.

And a while ago, I could see Savannah staring at me like she wanted to murder someone. She was full of envy but since she was a receptionist, she couldn’t do anything but look.

“Smile, aren’t you happy?” Raviel asked, surprising me. I know he became a friend but engaging in small talk is really new for me. I’m more used to arguing and blocking conversations. In short, people don’t want to talk to me so no one talks to me anymore.

“Honestly, I’m not.”

“Then you want to go to the casino after this?”

I smiled and shook my head. “Oh, I can’t go there.”

He frowned. “But why?”

“I just don’t feel like going today.”

“What about next time? You don’t have to worry about the money. We’ll just play. I will be the one paying, just to ease your sentiments and problems,” he insisted.

“Well, uhmm…”

“Jothea, Professor Ismael is looking for you.” I frowned at what I heard. “It’s about your grades. Go there after lunch,” said our president, who was the event organizer for our wedding reception.

I sighed. What did I do again? I was behaving myself and all. What could be the reason he wants to see me?

“Professor Ismael must really like you.”

I was stunned and quickly looked at Raviel. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“You must be his favorite student.”

I rolled my eyes. “That’s bullshit. Everyone knows how he hates me.”

He smiled. “He hates you because he likes you?”

I raised an eyebrow at him. “Are you kidding me? Stop feeding nonsense into my brain! You are so BI!” I hit him jokingly. He just laughed. “Well, I just said what I observed. Isn’t he the one who keeps calling you that time when you went to the casino?”

“H-how did you know?” I gulped. “Did you look at my phone?” I distanced myself from him.

“No, it’s just my hunch. Of course, he would be blamed because we went out during his class.”

I couldn’t speak. Was that the reason Ismael went out and followed me to the casino last time? Was it also because he doesn’t want to be blamed if something happens to us because he is our professor?

I let out a deep breath. Will everything I do cause problems for him? Do I no longer have the freedom to do what I want? Is that why he is calling me again? Is it because of my grades? My performance? I am trying my best to comply!

“Let’s go to our guests; let’s give them a word and act like a married couple,” Raviel invited me. He held out his hand, which I took. He helped me down the stairs to go to the tables and talk to the diners.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Somehow, I felt happy because they were telling me I was really pretty in my gown. If this marriage is not a project, they will suspect that Raviel and I really have a relationship because we look like a perfect match. I completely refused, while Raviel went ahead with his gratuity. When someone asked us to take a picture, I was compelled to refuse, but Raviel forced me, so I couldn’t do anything but face the camera and give my best soft smile.

Lunch ended and our president let me take a break. She was handing me food but I said I was going to see Professor Mondalla, which she almost forgot about.

“Alright, come back soon. We’ll resume after lunch!” she reminded. I just nodded as I walked away from the event. I held the lower part of the traje de boda as I walked down the corridor to Ismael’s office. Why is it that on all the days he calls me, he chooses to summon me while I’m still wearing something heavy?

Is he really torturing me?

I hold my heart; the beat is fast. I am anticipating what’s waiting for me when I get there. Will he complain again?

A sigh escaped my lips when I saw myself in front of Ismael’s office. I muster up the courage to knock on the door.

“Professor, Atacia said you were looking for me.”