Chapter 34
Summer did not pass quickly. It was slow like never before. Although Catherine needed a rest, she did not go for a vacation. Frankly, she did not remember when it was the last time she was on a vacation.
In the department, she was bored with on and on talks by Janine. Not only her but also the other department staff. However, no one ever told anything against. So did no Catherine.
In the evenings and weekends, she went for a walk with Ethan. Sometimes she would catch up with some of the colleagues. But nothing would replace her misery. The misery she would face right after going back home. She spent most of the time at home by lying down on her bed and staring to the ceiling. Occasionally, a few tears would form and move down her cheeks. She had no one to blame. That was her biggest problem. She let Jackie free and before Jackie, she dated only unreliable students with low self-esteem. Who could she blame now for all the things she is going through in her personal life? No one. Whatever happened, happened because of her.
When the summer almost ended and a new semester was going to start , Catherine went to the school to look at her new schedule at the last minute, right before the registration. Once she was in the department administrative building, she talked to a few instructors who were back from the summer holidays. She listened to their stories on how they spent their vacation amazingly and how she should have also used her vacation. She listened to the same talks over and over.
When she finally was able to look at the schedule, she heard someone's determined steps from behind.
-Professor Stark, you look pale and unrested!
When she turned around she saw the person who pronounced those words. Tall and slim, with dark short hair and blue eyes. She could not control it. She literally jumped forward.
-Alexandra!
Catherine cried aloud and hugged her without too much thinking. While squeezing her shoulders, Catherine thought that she acted in a rush and it does not look good from a side. When they parted, Catherine said blushing:
-I am sorry. It is just... So unexpected. When did you come back?
She looked at Alexandra once more. She had a shorter haircut than she had before. It was one of those mid-bob haircuts, which highlighted her neck and face. The new haircut was looking good on her. Alexandra's beautiful wide smile was making her looks even better.
-I was back yesterday, in the evening and went to bed immediately. I was very tired. I am still a bit tired but it is OK.
She continued on smiling.
-Catherine, I am happy to see you.
Catherine replied without a hesitation:
-Me too.
Although teaching staff would come near and greet Alexandra, both her and Catherine had a chance to escape and walk to the parking lot together. Alexandra briefly told her how her trip went, how she was disappointed when she was not allowed to go through Iran and how was Saint Petersburg. She told her about this all with a calm tone as if her adventure was not so adventurous. When Catherine asked about that she simply said:
-Well, when you grow up and get mature, of course, you do no yell and shout about it everywhere. It was a beautiful trip. That is it. I had several memoirs related to it and lots of photos. In case you would like to see them, just let me know.
She smiled. Catherine did not say anything but again replied with a sympathetic smile.
-Tell me about yourself. What did you do?
Catherine closed her eyes and yawned while stretching out her arms.
-What should I say? I fucked up my summer. Taught two courses at the school, went a few times out with some of the colleagues and spent some time with Ethan. That is it.
-You are a total party animal. Did I tell you that before?
Catherine laughed.
-Don't make fun of me. I don't have a lot of friends here. I can't go and party by myself.
-Well, I am back.
Alexandra looked at Catherine as if she wanted to say something. Anything. They were already in the parking lot, right next to Catherine's Porsche. Catherine put her hand on the car and looked at the other direction. Alexandra did not insist on anything but said with a low voice.
-Can you give me your hand?
Catherine looked at her with a surprise on her face. She did not rush to do anything or move at all. Only when she saw Alexandra's hand reaching out to her, she gave her hand. Alexandra took something out of her bag.
-It has no big material value. I bought it from Jerusalem. You know... I am an atheist. But sometimes I find spiritual and religious things fulfilling. I bought it at a small handicraft shop in Jerusalem. There I met a Rabbi and he told me a story of a guy who fell in love with a girl. However, their families were against their affair. So the boy had no other choice but to run away with this girl and never see his parents again or just forget her. He was not sure what to do. He talks to the girl and the girl advises him to toss a coin. So he does. The coin tells him he should run with the girl but the guy looks at the coin with a disappointment. That is when the girl understands. He never wanted to run away with her. Hence, whenever you are unsure, toss a coin and deep inside it will help you to decide, Catherine.
While telling all this, Alexandra tied a knitted brown bracelet around Catherine's wrist. After she finished the story, Catherine looked at her with an admiration. The only thing she could let out of her lips was "thank you".
After being back home. Catherine sat on the couch and reclined back with a smile on her face. She looked at the bracelet around her wrist. It reminded her Alexandra. Her tender touches while tying the bracelet and her slow but determined voice while telling the story.