Chapter 36
After their argument, Catherine did not see Alexandra nearly for two weeks. Although she tried her best not to come across her, she also wondered whether Alexandra did the same. She was angry with her but she was also upset not seeing her around. What happened to that flirting and playful young woman who would jump at her at the first chance? What did change her so much? Catherine had two possible answers to that question. First, she might start dating someone and that was the reason why she did not like the idea of having a casual sex. But Catherine did not want to believe in that. Alexandra herself denied it. Why deny when she can say it to Catherine? Second, Alexandra might be angry with Catherine because of Jackie. It was she, breaking the arrangement after all. Thus, the night at the apartment was a vindictive plot against Catherine.
All of these was driving Catherine crazy. However, she did not plan to do anything about it.
After a few more days, Catherine was parking her car in the university parking lot when she saw a black motorcycle parked at the far corner of the parking lot. When she left the car, she looked around to spot Alexandra. There was no sign of the latter.
When she entered the university building, she deliberately started walking slowly to carefully look around.
-Professor Stark!
Catherine turned around to see Professor Smith.
-Hi...
Catherine felt uneasy because of the unexpectedness.
-Hello there. Are you looking for someone? You were walking very slowly.
-No... It's just... I have something in my mind. That is why I decided to take my time and not to rush to the class.
-Oh, I see. Mind if I join you?
-No. Please.
Two women started walking in the same direction.
-So, are you getting ready for the annual department night?
-Which night?
-Well, we had it last year. You were there.
-Oh... That... Well, I did not receive an email.
-No one did. They usually send it a week prior to the night.
Catherine remembered the last department dinner. There she met Alexandra the second time and got her business card.
Walking with Professor Smith, Catherine was able to spot Alexandra. "Finally!" she thought to herself. While Professor Smith was talking her ear off, she was staring at Alexandra with a hope that she will see her. But she was looking at the other direction. Catherine lost the last hope. Just they were passing by Alexandra, Smith said with higher voice volume:
-Hello, Professor Slonim.
Alexandra turned around and came face to face with Catherine. She nodded her head in the direction of both women meaning to respond to their greetings. Then she turned to the person she was talking to. Catherine saw her talking to the same girl who interrupted them the last time. "That bitch is getting what she wants", Catherine thought.
Once Catherine was nearby her classroom, she said goodbye to Professor Smith but did not rush to go inside. She was sneaking on Alexandra. When Alexandra moved towards the exit, Catherine went after her.
Alexandra was sitting on the motorcycle and was putting her helmet on when Catherine grabbed it.
-Who the hell do you think you are? Why do you act like this? I totally do not deserve it.
Alexandra was silent.
-And now you are not even talking to me? Why? What did I do? Did I do something that offended you?
Alexandra did not even try to make an effort for the sake of a conversation.
-Go to hell, Alexand...
Catherine yelled but her voice broke. She threw the helmet at Alexandra who caught it immediately and stepped quickly towards the building.
-You are a dumb blonde.
Alexandra yelled and Catherine turned around furiously.
-What?
Alexandra laughed nervously.
-You are dumb.
Catherine did not understand what is happening.
-You should understand why I am acting like this. If you don't, it is your stupidity.
Catherine was aggressively tuned at the moment. She was keeping herself from jumping on Alexandra and beating her.
-If you could explain yourself, I would. It is stupid of you to think that I should understand everything going in your head.
-You mean you don't get it, right?
Catherine did not and she was wondering.
-You mean, you do not understand that I have feelings for you?
While talking, Alexandra took off from her motorcycle and came closer to Catherine.
-All this time... I have been doing my best to get your attention. I have been pitching you with information on my past and myself to make you feel the same way I do. I tried to make you be my confidant so you could have feelings for me. I got close to you, got into your bed, I did it so we can get closer. But you did not care. You ran away once you had a chance. And even after that, I was nearby you to support you when you had a problem with your girlfriend.
Catherine was beyond surprise.
-You said you are OK!
-Because it did not matter... You would still leave. Because you are in love with HER. I can't sleep with you. I cannot become your toy for satisfaction. It is too hard on me. And if you don't get it, then it is my fault to fall for the wrong person.
Alexandra jumped back on her motorcycle and put her helmet, and moved away in a one quick motion.