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~"
~*~
