Chapter 27

On Wednesday morning, Catherine had a few classes and afterward, she planned to join the lunch with department staff.

During the lunch, Janine was unstoppable. Although everyone was tired of her blabbers, no one was stopping her but joining the conversation occasionally.

-... which I think is not fair. I will definitely limit the number of recommendation letters I give to students. They should compete for it. I won't work on providing everyone with a letter anymore.

Professor Collins interrupted with a calm tone:

-Dear, I do not think it is fair. That way you will definitely put those students into lots of stress and I do not think that they will appreciate this on your course evaluation.

-Yes, but I have to do it. It is the end of the semester and all I do is writing reference letters when I have so many things to do. For those of you who does not know, I also have a personal life. You are all married and settled down but I still have to work for it. Catherine, you get me, right? Please support me.

Catherine stopped eating and looked around to see everyone staring at her. She knew she had to say something.

At this very moment, someone said "Hello" with a determined and cheerful voice.

Now everyone turned to Alexandra. "Why she is always around when I need her most?" Catherine wondered.

Apparently, everyone was happy to see Alexandra and invited her to join. She looked a little bit hesitant but said she can join for a short time. She sat down next to Professor Collins and put her bottle of water and apple on the table.

-Dear, it is not food. You should eat properly. Otherwise, you look very skinny.

-I'm not hungry, Professor. Next time, I will certainly join to your luncheon.

Catherine was looking at Alexandra and examining her. She had a bundle of leather and knitting bracelets on her right hand, she bought them separately in different countries while she traveled with Cecile. She always showed it to Catherine with pride. Her shoulder length haircut was contouring her face construction. She was good-looking and charismatic.

Alexandra looked at her and their eyes met. Catherine felt ashamed but Alexandra flashed her a friendly smile. At that moment, she heard Janine's hysteric voice.

-So tell me, I am right. Wouldn't you do so?

Alexandra looked thoughtful.

-You have a point...

Janine looked around proudly.

-...but we should put ourselves in those students' shoes. Of course, I never expected a professor to recommend me but I was happy to receive such a support. I was lucky enough to meet great academicians throughout my education. Every single one of them made me who I am today. It is due to them I feel a moral obligation to give back the society what I had until now. That is the reason I wanted to become an academician. If I am going to motivate someone else to do so, I'll be more than happy.

She smiled. Everyone sitting at the table looked at her with an adoration.

-Believe me, I understand you. However, this is the professional path we chose and this is the hardship that comes along with it. Hope you understand what I mean.

It was easy for Alexandra to win hearts of people. This is what made her stand among others. Not her books, not her academic achievements but the way she communicated with other people and made them feel about themselves.

After the lunch, everyone left for classes or offices. It happened that both Catherine and Alexandra shared the same route. While walking side by side, they both were silent. Alexandra ended the silence.

- She is pretty.

Catherine smiled at her briefly but did not dare to say anything.

-To tell the truth, I was taken aback when I saw her. I thought she is a student. She is quite young.

-Yes. She is.

Catherine uttered. She did not know how to support the talk but Alexandra was in her usual ampulla.

-Where did you two meet?

Why does she even want to know that?

-We were introduced to each other by a friend in a private party in Bloomington.

-Ow... Anyways, it is not my business. Just for you to know, you both look good together. I hope you'll be happy.

Alexandra was smiling. This melted Catherine's heart. Alexandra was always nice and sincere. Catherine never doubted about her being sincere. Her intentions were always kind.

-Thank you. By the way, thank you for not going into details about anything. I did not tell her about it.

-You mean our arrangement?

-Yes.

-Why?

-I don't know. I thought that way it will be weird and she might get jealous. I will totally tell her about that but later.

-Of course, it is up to you. But my advice is, don't do it.

-Tell her?

-Yes. Look, I won't tell anyone anyways. You should have told her in the beginning. If you did not, then no need after this moment. She won't trust you anymore.

Catherine looked at Alexandra thoroughly as if she was trying to analyze everything she just heard.

When Catherine was back in the office, she called Jackie but could not reach her. She texted her: "Let me know when you will get free."

She spent rest of the day at her desk, evaluating assignments. When she finished grading the last assignment, she realized that it was almost 6 pm. She checked her smartphone and saw no notification linked to Jackie. She got angry thinking probably she went partying with the cast members and executives. She texted her again: "Hope you did not forget me. Where are you? Are we going to meet today?"

She turned back to organizing her papers and lecture noted. Once she was ready and her desk was well organized, she received a text message. "I'm in the hotel-FYI". Getting it as a hint for visiting her in the hotel suite, Catherine replied: "OK. Will be there asap. Hope this is the last time "

When Catherine knocked on the door and when the door opened, she held out a bottle of champagne to Jackie.

-I thought we would need that.

-Ummm… Thanks.

Jackie went inside with the bottle and Catherine followed her. She did not pay attention that Jackie is not in a mood to talk. She immediately started teasing her and proposing activities, they can do for the evening. A short moment later, Catherine realized that Jackie is not talking and sitting on her bed calmly. Jackie was looking at Catherine as she was going to say something she does not dare to.

-What happened?

After a moment of hesitation, Jackie said with a calm tone of voice:

-Catherine… They did not sign the contract.