IV


"All right ladies and gentlemen," Professor Hammond said as he laid the papers on his desk. "I hope you all put effort into your papers. Anyhow, let us begin with today's lesson. I hope I don't bore you." He said as he glanced briefly in Theresa's direction.

Theresa rolled her eyes and opened her notebook to a fresh sheet of paper and poised her hand so that she was ready to take down any important information. This time, Theresa found herself intrigued with the lecture. She intently listened to every word that Professor Hammond spoke. Theresa noticed that Hammond never looked at her once during the lecture. She found it odd, but instead of thinking about it she concentrated on taking notes. Before Theresa knew it, the bell rang to signal the end of the class period. "No homework tonight folks," Hammond said. "Instead, think about how much your grade will go down after I grade your papers." Everyone in the class groaned in response as they filed out of the room.

"Mrs. Crane," Hammond called as Theresa got up. Theresa grimaced. "Can I help you?" She asked icily.

"I noticed you didn't turn in your paper. Why is that Mrs. Crane?" Hammond asked as he stared at her keenly.

"I- uh," Theresa muttered. "I completed the paper, but~"

"Let me guess," Hammond said. "Your dog ate it?" He said sarcastically.

Theresa narrowed her eyes. "No," She said. "I left it at home."

"Let's see, you left it at home," Professor Hammond crossed his arms, "On your desk?"

"How'd you~"

"I've received my share of excuses as a professor, Mrs. Crane. I've heard that one a million times." Hammond said before allowing Theresa to finish her question.

"I'm sure you have." Theresa said. "Well my excuse is the truth."

"I'm sure it is." Professor Hammond replied looking at Theresa with a scrutinizing gaze.

"Why do you keep looking at me like that?" Theresa said irritated. "I caught you looking at me before class." Theresa said bluntly.

"That's because something's different about you. You seem so~" Professor Hammond waved his hand. "Happy." He said as if the word disgusted him.

"And what's wrong with that?" Theresa asked.

"Nothing." Hammond replied. "But you know, I think I figured it out." Hammond said stroking his chin.

"Figured out what?" Theresa asked confused.

"Why you're so happy." Hammond replied stroking his chin.

"And what exactly do you think it is?" Theresa asked warily.

"You had sex, didn't you?" Hammond said with a smirk on his face.

"Excuse me?!" Theresa said exasperated. "That is none of your business!" She cried.

"Oh don't get so worked up," Hammond replied as he walked back to his desk.

"I think I have a right to get worked up." Theresa retorted. "It was very inappropriate for you to ask me such a personal question."

"Well you asked, I answered." Hammond replied plainly.

Theresa glared at Hammond. "Why do you irritate me?"

"Because I find personal gratification from it." Hammond answered with a small smile.

Theresa set her books down on Professor Hammond's desk and looked him in the eyes. "Just to set the record straight- are you remotely interested in me?"

The question caught Hammond off guard. "Excuse me?" He asked.

"Are you- interested in me?" Theresa repeated/

Hammond laughed aloud. "Me interested in you?" Hammond burst into laughter.

Theresa frowned. "What's so funny?"

Hammond sat in his chair and folded his hands on his desk. His eyes were still twinkling with hilarity. "Why in God's name would I be interested in you?"

Theresa felt offended. "I~"

"You're a beautiful woman Theresa, but for one thing you're married~" Hammond sat back in his chair. "And secondly- I don't like you that much."

"Good," Theresa answered, "Because I don't like you that much either. Have a nice day Professor," Theresa called as she left his classroom.

"Wait a minute!" Hammond called.

"What is it now?" Theresa sighed.

"We haven't discussed the issue about your paper." Hammond replied.

"Oh yeah," Theresa said. She immediately regretted her last statement about not liking the professor.

Hammond looked at Theresa. "I'll allow you to bring your paper to me tomorrow,"

"Oh thank you professor!" Theresa said.

Professor Hammond held up his hand. "But in addition to that, I want you to write another ten page paper on reasons why you don't like me."

Theresa narrowed her eyes at Professor Hammond. "That should be easy." She retorted as she walked quickly out of the room.

"Women." Hammond muttered as he shook his head in bemusement.

~*~



When Theresa got home a note was posted in the doorway. Hey beautiful, Took Little E. with me to Crane Industries. Be back in a couple of hours. Love, Handsome  Theresa smiled. "My husband's so adorable." She thought to herself. As she filed through the mail that was on the table in the hallway, Theresa came across a letter addressed to Fox. Theresa turned the envelope in her hand. She detected a scent and brought the envelope to her nose. Sure enough, the envelope was scented with perfume. Theresa raised her eyebrow and turned the envelope over to read the return address. Audrey Glenn "I've never heard of her before." Theresa said aloud.

The sound of the doorbell temporarily distracted Theresa. She kept the letter in her hand as she went to open the door. Dylan stood on her doorstep. "Dylan!" Theresa said in surprise. "It's nice seeing you again."

"Likewise, Madame," Dylan said as he kissed Theresa's hand.

"Such a charmer." Theresa said smiling. "Come on in."

"Is Fox around?" Dylan asked as he entered the house. "Wow," Dylan whistled. "Nice place."

"Thanks," Theresa replied. "Fox deserves all the credit. He planned everything out."

"He did a good job." Dylan said as he looked around.

"Would you like a tour?" Theresa asked.

"Sure." Dylan smiled. Theresa and Dylan chatted as Theresa gave Dylan a tour of her and Fox's home. Theresa forgot all about the letter until Dylan asked her about it.

"What's that in your hand?" Dylan asked curiously. "You've been hanging onto it for awhile."

"What?" Theresa said as she looked at the envelope in her hand. "Oh, this." She said unenthusiastically.

"Something the matter?" Dylan asked.

"Well, this letter is for Fox." Theresa said slowly. "And it's from another woman." She frowned.

"Oh." Dylan said. "Well."

"Yeah." Theresa said. "It's scented with perfume and everything."

"I'm sure it's nothing." Dylan said as he took the letter away from Theresa and put it on the table.

"I hope it's nothing." Theresa mumbled still appearing to be troubled. "Would you happen to know an Audrey by any chance?"

Dylan cleared his throat. "A-A-Audrey?" Dylan stuttered. "Um," Dylan shifted in his seat uncomfortably.

"Dylan?" Theresa looked at him with a scrutinizing gaze. "Who is she? One of Fox's old girlfriends?"

"She wasn't exactly his girlfriend~" Dylan trailed off.

"Then who is she?" Theresa asked. "I want to know."

"Are you absolutely sure about that?" Dylan asked warily.

"Of course I'm sure." Theresa replied.

"Okay," Dylan said. "But don't say I didn't warn you~"

~*~