Disclaimer: Twilight and the characters belong to Stephenie. Only this little plotline is mine.
Edward and his wife Tanya are having trouble conceiving. Bella is in desperate need for money so she can finish her degree.
The Surrogate
Chapter 9
BPOV
I'd made it to the last class of the semester. All I had to do was hand my paper in at the end of Professor Cullen's class and I'd be done until the New Year.
I was overcome with sadness. I didn't have a class with the Professor spring term, which could very well be my last at the university.
I couldn't give up hope.
The stairs seemed daunting as I descended towards the front of the lecture hall. I waited until the last student departed before approaching Professor Cullen.
He was busy putting papers in his bag and didn't see me until I was standing before him. I took a few seconds while he was distracted to admire him. Professor Cullen was still quite handsome for a man in his mid forties despite his slightly absent minded demeanor and rumpled clothing. His blonde hair was highlighted by gray at the temples giving him a distinguished air. Blue eyes finally noticed me crinkling at the corners.
"Oh hello Bella. I was just checking for your paper…oh thanks." He said as I handed him the finished product. He looked concerned now that I had his full attention.
"What's got you looking so down? You're usually the one I can count on for a smile." My sadness must have been apparent.
"I've received bad news and I'm afraid it's entirely my own fault. I somehow overlooked the deadline to renew my scholarship from the Masen Foundation. There was some new requirement I wasn't aware of. By time I noticed I'd received a letter notifying me that my scholarship will not be renewed for fall term."
"That's terrible, Bella! Somehow that doesn't seem fair not to mention you're one of my brightest students." Professor Cullen came around the podium and gave me a one armed hug. "There must be something that can be done."
Slightly embarrassed I dug in my pocket for a tissue to wipe the evidence of my tears but he was quicker. I dabbed at my eyes.
"I've made an appointment to speak to Mr. Michael Newton who is head of scholarship administration. Hopefully there's a way for me to appeal."
"I know Mike. My son and he went to school together years ago. Let me know if you need a recommendation of any sort."
I looked up distracted by movement at the back of the lecture hall. There stood the copper haired fellow from this morning. Flushing bright red I needed to escape.
"I may take you up on that." I mumbled. Fearing an accident if I took the stairs and desperately not wanting to encounter the beautiful man staring back at me I exited out the door at the bottom of the lecture hall.
