Chapter 1

It all started because of a button. One small detail that was overlooked, for whatever reason, left undone.

Just under the time limit for class to be canceled, the professor rushed in. you could hear the class sigh in disappointment. Who could blame them; a three-hour Friday morning class was not an ideal time. Emma herself was starting to get excited at the prospect of spending the morning and afternoon at the beach. Los Angeles had been experiencing an unexpected heat wave in November, and she was looking forward to finally being able to take advantage of the unnaturally perfect beach weather.

Ever since she started her first semester, she had not allowed herself to let loose. With finals coming up, her stress levels had rocketed. Determined not to shoot herself in the foot, she decided it was time to blow off some steam. Her roommate Mary Margret was joining a sorority and had suggested attending a bonfire that evening.

Unlike Mary Margret who was from a wealthy family and whose father was paying her tuition as well as a substantial allowance for 'whatever my princess may need', Emma attended the university on a scholarship. Not only that, but although the scholarship was extensive, if she wanted to eat anywhere other than the cafeteria, or do anything other than study in her dorm room, it meant getting a job. She was lucky enough to score a job at the upscale casual diner 'Granny's' frequented by the California famous or notable. The only downside was that between studying and work, she just didn't have any free time. Not that she was complaining, she reminded herself. After the near disaster in high school, she was careful whom she associated with. Besides Mary Margret, her only friend since moving to the west coast was Ruby, the head waitress at the diner. Ruby was a loud, sultry, full of confidence that was enviable, late 20s something that Emma found to be reminiscent of home. Ruby for whatever her reasons had taken to Emma like a long lost sister.

So when Emma woke up that morning, to see the beautiful sunshine shinning through the window over her bed, she dreaded having to spend it all indoors. Surprisingly, Mary Margret was already up, having just come back from the communal showers.

Groggily Emma asked her: "Why are you up so early? I thought you didn't have any classes today."

Mary Margret rolled her eyes and huffed. "Emma, I swear you don't listen. As a pledge, I'm expected to do the preparations for the bonfire tonight. You are coming, right?"

"I have to work the lunch shift, but its Friday, so I'm not sure what time I'll end up getting off." Emma rolled out of bed, and began to gather her shower essentials.

"If you don't want to go, I'm not going to force it. I just think you're missing out on the great college experience. I mean, its only four short years, you refuse to pledge with me, and you haven't joined any clubs. What's the point? What will you look back on?" Mary Margret looked at Emma with concern in her eyes.

Emma stopped gathering up her things, and looked shocked at her roommate. "Hey! I want to go to the bonfire, I told you before I just didn't want to get in the habit of putting school on the backburner. But I'll be there tonight. I promise. I just don't know what time I'll be able get off."

At this Emma opened the door, "Chill, M&M, I want to participate."

Without waiting for a reply, she closed the door and headed to the showers.

Although she had decided that she was going to blow off some steam, she wasn't really convinced the sorority-hosted bonfire was exactly her scene. With that in mind, to Emma it looked like her Friday wasn't going to be a great day. The 8:00am English 101 class wasn't helping anything. The class itself was fine. As with any required 101 class, it was full of people from all majors. It was the Friday morning part that made the class her least favorite. While her dorm was just a short walk away, she practically sleepwalked every week there. Not an English major, yet by no means was English her weakest subject. As such, Emma was a slightly above average student. So far earning solid B grades on her papers, and A's on all the tests.

So after over two months of these Friday classes Emma wasn't sure how she never noticed it before. But today when she arrived the professor wasn't there yet. She took her normal seat in the middle section of the lecture hall close to the front. Even though it was an unpopular time, the class was full. Emma began to set up her space, by taking out a notebook, pen and highlighter, and lit book.

After a few minutes, Emma checked her phone for the time. Five minutes past the scheduled start time. Usually the professor was there waiting for everyone to take their seats, and yet today, she was nowhere in sight. The longer the class waited, the louder the room got.

"Looks like I woke up for nothing" Stated a boy from the back.

People began to pack up their bags. Five more minutes and class would be legitimately cancelled.

"Maybe my day just got a little better," Emma muttered to herself. Thinking that perhaps she would be able to head to the beach for a few hours before work. She began to put her things back in her bag, a smile on her face. Just before the time was reached, the front side door opened to reveal their professor.

"So sorry I'm late, lets not waste time and get started right away. We're going over the different themes in 'Oedipus Rex'." She spoke as she walked to the desk in the front of the room. As she did she took her laptop out of her bag and began hooking it up to the projector. And that's when Emma noticed it.

Whatever made the professor late, she still looked well put together. But in a rush she must have missed buttoning up her blouse to the usual respectable neck level. And today, when she leaned over to plug in the computer, Emma caught a glimpse of a black lace bra and perfect cleavage. Emma stopped breathing for a moment and took a moment to really take in her professor.

She had dark shoulder length hair, her eyes were dark, and she wore red lipstick that complimented her completion perfectly. Emma could objectionably say that her professor was beautiful. But it was with a sudden realization that Emma realized one thing: "Professor Mills is sexy."