Author Note:I didn't like the way this chapter turned out but I had changed it numerous times that I gave up and settled with what I had.
Disclaimer: I'm from Canada! I should have some stake in the show! But alas, I don't.
I sat up in my chair. The stiffness of my back was getting to me but at the moment I didn't care. I had an essay to done by Monday of next week. I looked at the clock pleadingly. 1, 2, 3. Class over.
I rushed out with the mob of people. I managed to get out without a scratch unlike most days. I sat down at the bench in the parking lot awaiting Dorothy.
"Casey?" I heard a voice from behind. I turned around in my place at the bench with apprehension. Mr. Harding. My professor. His hair was always in a comb over and he wore dorky suits and told really cheesy jokes, but other than that he was great teacher. He fiddled with his briefcase and stepped closer so I could over hear his question over the noise of the end-of-day discussions.
He furrowed his brows. "How are you handling the work load? I see you have been very hard and I enjoy your work but lately it seems…less than spectacular."
I felt my stomach tighten. "How so? What hasn't been as good as usual?" I wondered with concern in my voice that made it go higher than I would have liked.
He gave a full out frown. "Your points are good but you don't follow them as thoroughly as I would like." He explained with a calm voice.
I was getting upset. "I'll make sure that I make up for that. But I can handle the work just fine. I was even thinking of taking an extra class." I mentally frowned. No I didn't, I had no idea that I was thinking of taking another class. My eyes darted nervously as I laughed. "I have everything under control."
Mr. Harding nodded, although I knew he didn't believe me he walked off. "Remember Casey. If you have a problem then you can talk to me." He called over his shoulder.
I nodded as I saw Dorothy pull up in her Toyota. "Come on!" She called to me. I got up and sat in her car.
As she started the engine she stared at me with confusion. "Nothing happened? No fights with Derek?" She asked.
I inwardly shuddered at the mention of his name. "No." I replied with a little too force. "Sorry…" I mumbled.
Dorothy didn't hear my apology or didn't want to acknowledge it. "So, going straight home today?" She maneuvered into the highway.
I thought about going home. Derek would be going out with some bimbo tonight so I guess I could go home. Avoid him as much as possible then leave for Paris as soon as possible and never see him again. Somehow when I thought about going to Paris I felt my heart get that feeling, you know when feels like it on fire. Or it could have been that taco I had for lunch.
I grumbled about the messy apartment then gave an answer. "Yeah, I wanna go home." I let my head lay against the window.
As Dorothy pulled up next to my block I thanked her for the ride and got out. "I see you later." I strode towards my building.
I turned the key in the lock but didn't open the door just yet. I took a deep breath and sighed. I finally opened the door. I placed my things where they usually went and looked around the apartment. I couldn't stand it. I needed to clean. I needed everything to be where it was supposed to be.
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I heard the door open and Derek say goodbye to someone. I sat at the couch and at the carpet. Had I missed a spot when I vacuumed?
He casually made his way into the kitchen. "You cleaned." He stated matter-of-factly.
"You noticed." I gave a snarky remark
He grabbed the remote off the TV. "Yeah, every once in a while I see things."
"Like dead people?" I sneered as I got up and walked to my room. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Derek smirk. I rolled my eyes.
