Nick groaned inwardly once again.
"No, the Crusaders are not a band. How many times must I say that?"
Nick had serious thoughts about just whamming this student into agreement. The student in question was now redoubling her efforts to drive him mad by smacking her gum even harder then before and twirling her fingers around a lock of blond hair that he could have sworn looked and sounded like dry straw. Nick turned and walked slowly back to his desk, counting to ten under his breath and continuing his lesson as best he could. When he turned back to face the class the girl had her hand up again, her manicured fingers waving in the air like spider's legs. Maybe I should tell her to eat while I am at it. He thought quietly to himself. Nick did his best to thoroughly ignore her until a shrill voice thwarted his efforts.
"Professor Brabant? I have a question!"
"Yes?"
"Umm.....If the crusaders wanted Jerusalem....how come they don't own it now?"
Nick clasped his hands firmly behind him...Must not hit students, must not hit students..... He looked at his watch and checked the clock on the wall. Oh Thank God.
"You are all dismissed, have pages 78-120 read by next class and be ready to discuss."
Nick sighed inwardly and pinched the bridge of his nose as the students filed out of the room.
"Long night?" quipped a familiar voice from behind him.
"Darius!" Nick spun around to face his friend. "No, ignorance can just be tiresome sometimes."
"Tell me about it. Are you ready to go?"
"Go?"
"Yeah, don't you remember? You were going to keep me company again while I ate."
"Oh yes! Terribly sorry but last class distressed me somewhat. Of course, I am ready to go."
"All right, maybe I can get you to eat something this time. They really do have wonderful mashed potatoes."
Nick hid a grimace. "No, I am really not that hungry. I'll just have something when I get home..."
"You really should eat something, you don't look very good."
"That's exactly what my wife used to say." Nick chuckled and collected his coat. Then he and Darius strolled laughing towards the restaurant.