Chapter 14

Catherine entered the class. She was all flustered and she was late for 10 minutes already. She needed to relax and take a steady breath. Everyone was looking at her carefully and she did not know what to say. She finally broke the silence:

-Sorry for me being late. Let us have a pop-quiz for extra 5 points. Please choose one of our already discussed topics and summarize your knowledge about it. You have 10 minutes.

While everybody was busy filling in papers. Catherine sat down at the desk. She was very anxious. She started to calm herself down. She remembered that she left Alexandra in the room. Once she recalled about her afternoon class she left the room without saying anything. Besides, what could she say? She did not understand what even happened in the room.

After she was done with the class, she returned to her office and discovered an empty room. She looked around. She saw the chair she was sitting while Alexandra... Catherine sat down. Thought a bit. They were flirtatious with Alexandra but she thought that was it. What is going on between them? She mentally tortured herself for a while and then decided to go home.

Catherine left the room and moved to her parking space. Once she opened the door of her car, someone with a low but determined voice asked:

-Where have you been?

Since Catherine did not expect it, she turned around in a rush and shock. Alexandra was standing very close to her.

-What the hell! Don't you sneak on me like that!

Catherine hissed at her.

-I am sorry. It is just... you left without saying anything.

Alexandra seemed surprised at Catherine's anger.

-What did you expect me to say? And, before answering that question, please tell what the hell happened in the office?

-Do you always ask that question after an orgasm? Because believe me, that is not the best way to say thank you.

-Thank you? For what?

-Wow! You are quite ungrateful. For pleasure, you had in the office.

Alexandra was once more flirtatious, seemed casual like nothing happened. This made Catherine even angrier.

-Oh, come on! No one asked you to do that.

-Maybe not verbally but...

-Could you just shut up and take me seriously?

Catherine put her right hand on her forehead and closed her eyes for a few seconds. She wished she never had this moment but it was unavoidable. She did not even know what to say. Her thoughts were disorganized.

-Coffee maybe?

Alexandra said it softly as if she was afraid of Catherine's reaction. Catherine looked at her and saw a puzzled face.

-I think it will be better to have a cup of coffee in a place where we can calmly talk without being interrupted or feeling uncomfortable.

Catherine did not say anything but nodded.

-Also, I think it will be better if I will drive you. Do you agree?

Catherine nodded once more and closed the door of her car. She followed Alexandra. They stopped across a metallic Mercedes-Benz. When they were inside of the car, Alexandra turned to look at Catherine as if to check whether she is OK.

-Do not forget to fasten your seatbelt.

The car started moving slowly. Alexandra focused on the road while Catherine watched the road. Why did she leave with Alexandra? It is not like they are going to solve anything. They tried to solve it once but apparently, they failed. What is she supposed to say now? What are they going to discuss? Just she tried to build a script in her head, the car stopped. She looked around to check whether they have arrived. Alexandra unfastening her seatbelt and the sight of familiar coffee shop assured they are on the spot.

She left the car and went straight inside. Once she entered, she remembered that she did not wait for Alexandra but she did not feel guilty. She sat down at one of the empty tables in a far away corner. Alexandra did not join her immediately. She went to the barista. Catherine did not see her. A few minutes later, Alexandra sat down at the table with two cups of coffee.

She looked at Catherine with an impression of a child who is lost. After looking around and at each other for a few minutes, Alexandra started the conversation.

-Look, Catherine...

Catherine looked at her. Alexandra looked as if she knows that she is guilty.

-Apparently, I have underestimated my people skills. I don't know why but I thought that... You know, we were flirtatious and I thought that we could hang out sometimes. Since you and I are going through stuff, I thought you would be OK with that. I would never have thought that it might upset you somehow. I wish I could understand it before and would not jeopardize our friendly relationship. I am really sorry.

She stopped and looked down. By her look and voice Catherine could tell that she feels terrible. Maybe she is right. She was always flirtatious and Catherine repaid the same in like form. She might confuse this and think of something else. At this very moment, Catherine did not know what to say.

-From now on, I think it would be better if we focus on our jobs.

Catherine did not say anything. Alexandra took it as a confirming sign. She sipped her coffee and joined the silence. They sat at the table about a half an hour. Once Alexandra finished her coffee she kindly offered Catherine a drive till school parking. Catherine did not say anything but again nodded.