Chapter 13
Catherine was rushing to the class. Going through a long hall with students hustling, she was feeling uneasy. At this uncomfortable moment, she saw someone tall moving slowly in front of her and block her way. She wanted to say something could not since she did not see the face of the person. Once she looked at the figure more careful, she realized it to be Alexandra. She rushed to catch her.
-Hey! Why are you moving like a turtle?
Alexandra looked at her. She was sad. It was as if she did not expect and was upset to see Catherine at that moment.
-What is wrong?
-Sorry. It is just.
She looked at her hands. Catherine saw her holding a camera. It was badly damaged.
-Oh. I'm sorry. What happened?
-I was driving on my motorcycle and apparently, forgot to zip pocket of my backpack.
Alexandra's voice was very down. Catherine never saw her like that. She always looked sharp, witty and charming. Catherine would never believe that Alexandra can be so upset just because of a thing.
-I think you can find a master to fix it.
-Hardly. It is seriously damaged. Probably it will end up on my bookshelf as a souvenir.
-Then you will buy yourself a new one. What is the deal with it? I think you can afford one.
-I can.
Catherine saw her eyes almost filled with water.
-This one was a gift and I have so many memories attached to it.
Catherine hushed. She did not know what to say. She walked by Alexandra's side. She wanted to cheer her up but did not know to say or do.
-Look, if you are interested, we can go for a drink later.
Alexandra looked at her with a strange look on her face. Catherine could not read it. Either Alexandra was confused or disgusted by this offer.
-Did you forget what happened the last time we were out to have a drink?
Oh, she is confused, Catherine thought to herself in relief. Then she tried to play the way Alexandra always did.
-Like you did not like it…
Catherine smirked hoping to make Alexandra at least smile.
-I liked it. It was you, who was frustrated afterward.
A sad smile appeared on Alexandra's face. Then her facial expression changed.
-I am sorry, Catherine. I am not in a mood for …
She tried to express herself with a gesture but stopped. Apparently, she could not go on.
-I will go to my class. See you soon.
Catherine looked behind her while she entered one of the lecture halls.
In the evening, at home, Catherine thought about her encounter with Alexandra. What happened there? In a few minutes of talking, she saw emotional side of Alexandra, which she had never seen before. Moreover, trying to flirt with Alexandra also did not work. She backed off immediately. She was definitely not happy with this. Therefore, she decided to walk away from Alexandra for some time. Probably, that would give her time to elaborate on her feelings and maybe Alexandra will feel better.
A few days passed and Catherine spared her time in the department between classes and her administrative tasks in the office.
One time, when Catherine was leaving her office to go home she came across Janette. She was not thrilled by seeing her since she tried to skip conversations with the department staff recently. In addition, Janette was the last one she wanted to speak.
-How are you, Catherine?
Catherine smiled back at her trying to look natural as possible.
-Fine. How are you?
-Also, fine. So… How is your friend? She has been delaying her classes lately.
-Whom do you mean?
-Slonim, of course. Is she sick or something? Walters is worried about her.
-I don't know. Doesn't she come to the school?
-No. I thought you already knew that.
-How should I know?
-Well, I have seen you spending time together. Thought you might be close friends since she communicates only with you. With us, she talks briefly and leaves.
-She is a little bit introverted person. Probably, that is why. We talk from time to time but we are not that close.
-OK. Well, hope she will get back soon. I just wonder whether she is sick or is it her trick since she is such a star.
As soon as Janette turned her back, Catherine rolled her eyes. No wonder Alexandra avoids talking to you, Catherine thought to herself.
The next week while sitting in her office, Catherine heard someone knocking on the door. "Come in", she said with a loud voice.
The door opened. Someone came inside and shut the door. Catherine picked up at the visitor. Alexandra was charming her with a wide smile. She pushed her back to the door while holding two cups.
-Sudden career change. From now on, I am a coffee courier.
Catherine smiled though she tried hard in order not to. She wanted to play hard to get and Alexandra owed her that. Alexandra held her one of the cups.
-How have you been? They say you skipped your classes.
-I needed to relax. I was not feeling well.
-How is your camera?
-Like I said, it went as a souvenir to my shelf. I ordered a new one.
-I am sorry.
-That's OK. What did you do in my absence?
-Nothing special. Work-home mode was on and it still is.
Catherine responded short and quick.
-Is that the reason why you talk to me as if you would like to avoid me? If it is, I can leave. Just say it.
Catherine did not want her to leave.
-No. I'm just tired and stressed. I am glad to see you again, in fact.
-I want to admit. I missed you.
Alexandra was looking directly into Catherine's eyes. Catherine sipped her coffee and turned to her papers trying to avoid the eye contact. She heard the sound of the lock. She turned to Alexandra and saw her come closer. She bent towards her and put both hands on armrests of the chair Catherine was sitting on.
-I would like to help you to get rid of stress.
She moved her hands from armrest to Catherine's thighs and started moving Catherine's skirt up. Then she reached underneath of her skirt and started pulling her tights and underwear down. She was doing it slowly but Catherine could not resist or think at that moment. Her lips were slightly touching Alexandra's lips.
Before Catherine could say anything, Alexandra's head was resting on Catherine's lap. Catherine surrendered. She relaxed and put her right hand on Alexandra's back of the head while her left hand was squeezing armrest of the chair.