So chapter two is up, let me know what you think. Would you like to read other people's POV, if so let me know.
Characters are owned my Stephanie Meyer.
Quietly I took what appeared to be the last seat in the classroom. I tried to keep my head down not wanting to see how many pairs of eyes were on me as I made my way to the front of the class. Professor Cullen was already at his desk, pulling things out of his briefcase.
"As I said before my name is Professor Cullen and this is Medieval Epic and Romance. If this is not the class you signed up for this would be the time to make your way your way to the door."
My eyes were glued to him probably not the smartest idea since I was walking down the stairs to get to my seat, but he was just so beautiful it was hard to look away. As I made it to the last step he glanced up from the papers he had pulled out of his briefcase, giving me a small smile that I attempted to return. Hoping it wasn't the biggest grin of all time. As I took my seat I noticed to my left were a few girls that apparently thought it was summer by their clothing choice. I am sure even Alice would have issue with their short skirts and low cut shirts. When I glanced to my right I realized Jacob was staring at me with a huge smile on his face.
"Late on the first day, where did you fall and are you ok?" he whispered leaning closer than necessary to me.
Jacob and I had met almost a year ago at a frat party that was being held at his fraternity house. Alice and Rosalie both thought he was in love with me, but we were only friends and I had never thought of Jacob as anything different and he never showed that he wanted anything more.
"I didn't fall" I said acting offended. "Why didn't you tell me you were in this class?" I whispered back as Professor Cullen walked up the stairs handing out the class syllabus.
"I was waitlisted because the class was full, someone dropped out at the last minute and I got the spot. From the looks of it most of these girls probably don't know how to read or write and are more interested in getting into the professor's pants than learning about Medieval literature. Thank God you are not one of those girls" he said glancing down at my outfit.
I didn't have any plans on telling him that looking at Professor Cullen was an added bonus to the class. The way he had looked at my outfit I was second guessing what I had chose to wear. I had no plans on mimicking skanky Barbie next to me but maybe taking a little more time in the morning wouldn't be such a bad idea.
"This is the class syllabus you need to read it on your own time, it includes what is expected in my classroom, how your papers will be graded, when assignments are due, and reading assignments. I suggest you get a calendar and write this stuff down because I do not accept last assignments" this was followed by a few huffs of displeasure.
Professor Cullen stopped and glanced where they came from before he continued. "I will not coddle you through this class you are in college and are adults, I expect you to act as one. Once you walk out of those doors into the real world and get a job you will be expected to get things done on time and not a minute later. Although there are a few quizzes there is no test and the final will consist of selecting an author and a piece of their work to write a thirty page essay, the essay will need to include a biography of the author, then you must select one I repeat one poem or short story. Once you have made your selection I want you to interpret what you think the author was attempting to say in your own words. Please remember these pieces were written before modern day technology like computers, phones, ect. You will find further instructions in the syllabus. This is a sixteen week class, we will met here three days a week, my office hours are also found in the syllabus along with my office number if you need to meet with me please call and schedule an appointment."
"Maybe I should have stayed in my Chaucer class it didn't seem so demanding" Jacob said a little to loud.
Professor Cullen's eyes snapped up to the front row where I was sitting next to Jacob, by the look on his face he had clearly heard what Jacob had said and didn't appear too happy about it.
"This is not an easy class, it requires a large amount of your time, if this is not something that you can handle then I suggest withdrawing now before you waste my time or your own" he said looking away from Jacob and glancing around the class challenging the rest of the students. I wasn't sure how it was possible, but he looked even sexier when he was annoyed although I felt bad for Jacob. I was always terrified that one of my professors would hate me and make my semester miserable. As of now I had been lucky although Alice made fun of me and said I was a suck up, but I was ok with that as long as I stayed in their good graces.
When nobody made a move to leave Professor Cullen turned back to his desk picking up a book scanning in for a moment before putting it back down.
Broke the deep lethargy within my headA heavy thunder, so that I upstarted,Like to a person who by force is wakened;
And round about I moved my rested eyes,Uprisen erect, and steadfastly I gazed,To recognise the place wherein I was.
True is it, that upon the verge I found meOf the abysmal valley dolorous,That gathers thunder of infinite ululations.
Obscure, profound it was, and nebulous,So that by fixing on its depths my sightNothing whatever I discerned therein.
"Let us descend now into the blind world,"Began the Poet, pallid utterly;"I will be first, and thou shalt second be."
I closed my eyes listening to his voice, it felt like he spoke directly to my soul and I wanted to savior every moment. As his voice halted I opened my eyes to find him staring at me. My face flushed immediately and I sent a prayer to God that he didn't think that his reading of one of the most influential poems in medieval times was putting me to sleep. It felt like he was attempting to stare into my soul, his eyes didn't waver from me. I was sure everyone in the class could hear my heartbeat as it felt like it was about to come out of my chest. Someone clearing there throat brought us both out of our trances, his eyes swept around the room looking for the culprit before he began speaking once again.
"I would like everyone to open their books and find the poem that I started. Once you find it raise your hand, when you are called on begin where I stopped. Once someone else is called on stop reading and that person will start where you left off. If you haven't figured out the poem by what I have read you will have time as your classmates read. If you still have not figured it out by the end of the poem I will go ahead and warn you that you may have a long challenging semester. Now proceed" he said taking a seat on top of his desk.
Grabbing my book from my bag I flipped to the index and searched for the title. I knew this poem I had it memorized but that last thing I wanted to do is mess up with my over confidence. I glanced over at Jacob and realized he was staring at his book like it was written in a foreign language. Skanky Barbie next to me didn't appear to even have the book. Flipping to the page I skimmed along the poem until I found the spot that Professor Cullen had left off. Raising my hand I glanced around to see if anyone else had their hand up before I could scan the whole room he was calling my name. I focused my eyes on the words as I read, knowing that if I looked at him I would lose all train of thought.
And I, who of his colour was aware,Said: "How shall I come, if thou art afraid,Who'rt wont to be a comfort to my fears?"
And he to me: "The anguish of the peopleWho are below here in my face depictsThat pity which for terror thou hast taken.
Let us go on, for the long way impels us."Thus he went in, and thus he made me enterThe foremost circle that surrounds the abyss.
There, as it seemed to me from listening,Were lamentations none, but only sighs,That tremble made the everlasting air.
And this arose from sorrow without torment,Which the crowds had, that many were and great,Of infants and of women and of men.
The words flowed out of my mouth as if they were my own. Closing my eyes I continued, until I felt an elbow in my ribs. Opening my eyes I glanced over to see who hit me and why. Jacob was staring at me "he called on someone else" he whispered. Averting my eyes away from Jacob's face I looked at professor Cullen, I could telling he was fighting a smirk that was attempting to take over his face. I refocused my eyes back to my book trying to hide my embarrassment while attempting to discreetly elbow Jacob that was giggling like a school girl next to me.
"Hey what was that for?" he asked when my elbow made contact with the side of his arm.
"Stop laughing before I do it harder next time" I hissed at him.
The rest of the class I barely took my eyes off of my notebook as I jotted down notes and followed along as Professor Cullen read different poems. There were plenty of times that he asked for our interpretation of what he read but I kept my head down even though my thoughts were attempting to claw their way out of my head. I had to bite my tongue a few times when skanky Barbie gave her interpretations. Allowing my hair to fall forward I couldn't help but up glance up at Professor Cullen after she had mentioned Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in comparing their relationship to Tristan and Iseult. I tried to hold in my laugh but a small snort made its way out, Professor Cullen glanced away from Maggie Grey aka skanky Barbie to my left to look at me he let a small smile touch his face before he continued.
"Ms. Grey although I appreciate everyone giving feedback I suggest diving a little deeper when it comes to medieval literature or any literature in that case. Alright that is the end of lecture, read over the syllabus and I will see you on Wednesday."
I packed my books in my bag slowly, I looked up to see Jacob waiting for me. "You coming? Where is your next class, I will walk you there" he said picking up my bag once it was completely packed.
"I have to stay after, but my classes are over at two if you want to grab a late lunch" I said taking my bag back and placing it on my shoulder.
"Alright, call me when you are finished I only have classes until noon today" he said swinging his bag onto his back before exiting the classroom.
I stood awkwardly waiting until Maggie finished talking to him. He glanced up from his conversation with Maggie and noticed me waiting, I offered a small smile hoping they would hurry up so I wasn't late to my second class.
"Alright Ms. Grey if you need any more assistance please call and make an appointment within my office hours" he said letting her know that their conversation was over. Maggie didn't appear to happy about that although she played it off pretty well with her fake smile that was until she turned around and saw me standing there waiting to speak with Professor Cullen.
"You need to make an appointment if you want to see Professor Cullen there is no point in wasting his time trying to talk to him now" she practically snarled at me.
"Actually I asked that she stay after but thank you Ms. Grey I will see you in my office once you make an appointment" Professor Cullen said.
Maggie snatched her back up and stomped her way up the stairs after scowling at me.
"How long do you have before your next class?" he asked picking up his briefcase.
Glancing at the clock I realized I had less time that I hoped for. "About twenty minutes but it is in this building so it won't take me long to get there" I said hoping we would have a few minutes to actually talk before he hung another flyer and had girls with experience lining up at his office door.
"Alright well lets go down the hall to my office and talk quickly and set up a time for you to come over and meet my daughter" he said walking toward the door to leave the classroom. I followed closely staring at his delicious looking butt that was way to close and tempting. My hands were itching to reach up and touch it.
The walk to his office was quick, his office was fairly small but tidy. I could tell he had pictures on his desk but they were facing away from the chair that he had gestured for me to sit in. I was dying to pick them up and see if any held the face of a woman that he shared marriage vows with.
He took the seat behind his desk.
"So Ms. Swan I am assuming you are interested in the nanny job I posted since you took the whole flyer" he said not attempting to hide the smirk on his face. Apparently he thought my embarrassment was funny.
"Well I am interested as for taking the whole flyer I blame my roommate" I said wishing the blush that was covering my face would disappear.
"Well how about we start with you telling me a little about yourself where you are from, what you are majoring in and when you will graduate and your experience with children and then I will tell you a little about what I expect from you if the job is offered" he said crossing his foot onto his knee.
"Well I am from a small town a few hours from here called Forks, my parents still live there but I moved here after I graduated three and a half years ago. I live in an apartment a few blocks from the University with two roommates. I will be graduating in June with a Masters in English and Journalism. As for my experience with children I would have to say I don't have much, besides a few babysitting jobs I had in high school I haven't been around a lot of children" I said hoping he didn't tell me thanks for my time and send me on my way.
"Well I would like a little more experience, but what is most important is that the person is responsible and is someone my daughter will feel comfortable with and that will put her needs above all else when she is in their care" he said glancing down at one of the photos on his desk the smile that lite up his face was breathtaking. "I know you are short on time and need to get to class but there are a few things I think we should talk about before I attempt to set up a date for you to come to the house and meet my daughter. Would you be able to come back after class and we can go over what would be required if I were to hire you" he said sitting forward placing his elbows on his desk.
"Yeah I get out of class at one thirty today, I can come back then" I said trying to keep my voice neutral to hide my excitement.
"Alright I will see you then" he said with a smile.
"Alright bye" I said grabbing my bag and practically running out of his office before he could change his mind.
Over the next few hours I daydreamed through two classes and counted down the minutes until I was back in Professor Cullen's office. At times those daydreams turned into what we could do in his office more particularly on his desk. Once my last class was over I was not only excited to talk to Professor Cullen again but I was starving which triggered my memory on the lunch plans I had made with Jacob. I felt bad but I needed a job and I really wanted this one. I pulled my phone from my bag and sent him a quick text asking for a rain check as I walked. When I arrived his office door was slightly open. As I raised my hand to knock I heard his voice rise. I knew I should have given him some privacy but I couldn't help but take a step closer and listening.
"Tanya I am done fighting with you. I told you it was over, the sooner you sign the papers the sooner this will all be behind us" he practically yelled before going silent most likely listening to her response, I wish he had decided to have this conversation on speaker phone.
"Don't you dare tell me what is best for my daughter, maybe you should have thought about that before you slept with someone else. I am done talking to you about this. I am hiring a nanny, when it is your visitation with her it is up to you what you do with her when you have to work but I will not have you coming into my house and snooping around while I am at work while you pretend to be looking after our daughter" he hissed at her.
I could tell the conversation was coming to an end and figured it would be best to knock before it actually did. It may be obvious I was ease dropping if I knocked as soon as he hung up. Bringing my slightly shaking hand up I knocked quickly which caused the door to open even further.
Edward's eyes snapped up from the desk, gone was the man that had caught me from falling, or smirked at an insane interpretation of one of the most defining medieval poems of all time. That man was replaced with one who's eyes were hard and cold and who's body was rigid.
"I have an appointment and she just arrived" he said hanging the phone up clearly not waiting for a reply.
"Sorry do I need to come back?" I asked my voice low and timid.
"No, please sit down. Sorry if you had to overhear any of that, she was just reconfirming why I need a nanny anyways" he said trying to give me a reassuring smile that didn't even come close to reaching his eyes.
"So you have been the only one that has showed interest in the position, but I think we both have an idea why that is" he said. I was about to tell him I would re-hang the flyer once we were done that was until he started laughing. "I am sorry I was just joking with you, I am not sure why I ever thought it was a good idea to hang it up there, but I am glad you took the whole thing done. I like you Ms. Swan from the short period of time I was your professor in your introduction to literature class a few years ago to what I saw today in class you appear to be a well rounded and a responsible student. I am not sure how you are out of the classroom, but as long as my daughter is safe and cared for when you are responsible for her then I am going to say that it is not any of my business what you do with your free time. I want you to understand what will be expected of you if you take this position so I guess I should start there. That is if you are still interested" he said pausing allowing me time to respond.
"I am" I practically squeaked out.
"Alright well as you saw on the flyer I have a five year old daughter. Her mother and I separated six months ago, and are going through a divorce. I can't say that it has been easy on her and there are times where she acts out because of it. Up until recently my mother has been taking care of her but she suffered a fall somewhat like yours this morning, unfortunately for her no one was there to catch her and she broke her leg and has been on crutches since she had surgery last month. With Christmas break I was able to take the time off and stay at home myself and I suppose I put off finding a nanny until the last moment possible. My daughter is the most important person in my life and the end decision will be hers as to whether or not you are the right fit. I want her to have the most stability I can offer her, that is why I am requiring whom ever I offer the position to, to move in. You will work Monday thru Friday, she goes to preschool from eight to two thirty Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. She attends a creative arts school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from nine to noon. The weekends would be yours unless I have a function to attend, if that is the case you will be informed two weeks prior if I don't give you at least two weeks notice then you have every right to decline and I will find someone else or not attend. I will not monitor your grades Ms. Swan but if I notice you begin to fall behind in my class or if I hear from other professors that you have begun to fall behind in theirs I will have no issue with firing you. Although I love my daughter I will not let you ruin what you have worked so hard for to care for her, I will gladly take a leave of absence to find your replacement. You will be responsible for getting her ready for preschool while most days I will drop her off. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I will get her ready since my first class does not start until ten but you will be responsible for picking her up from both preschool and her creative arts class. We have a maid that comes twice a week that cleans the whole house, if you do not want your room cleaned just let me know and I can let Eleanor know. We can rotate who cooks dinner although I must admit I am not that great of a cook, my daughter will testify to that. Now that I have laid that all on you is there any conflicts with your schedule that would prevent you from taking the position?"
Pulling my schedule from my bag I looked it over and thanked God that everything seemed to fit.
"My schedule won't be a problem" I said doing a happy dance in my head.
"What about the rest?" he asked his voice low and somewhat unsure.
"Well there is only one problem I can think of" I said hoping it wouldn't be a deal breaker since it appeared to be a big problem.
"And what would that be Ms. Swan?"
"I guess there are two problems, the first one is I don't have a car"
"And the second?"
"You have to stop calling me Ms. Swan, if you decide to hire me please call me Bella. In fact if you don't hire me call me Bella. Ms. Swan is my mother, I am just Bella" I practically spit all of the words out at once.
"Well the first problem is no problem at all, I will provide you with a car and a credit card to pay for gas. You are free to use it on the weekends as well. As for the second problem I think I can solve that one fairly easy as well Bella. Before I decide I would like you to meet my daughter who I will have to be leaving soon to pick up. Are you free tonight for dinner?"
"Tonight, yeah tonight will work" I said already thinking about what I should wear to meet a five year old that I apparently have to impress.
"Alright since you don't have a vehicle shall I pick you up?" he asked.
"That is ok if you give me your address I can barrow my roommates car" I wasn't sure how I would explain my professor picking me up if anyone other than Rosalie or Alice saw me get into his car.
"Alright here you go, can you be there be six o'clock?" he asked handing me a slip of paper with an address and phone number written on it.
"Yeah six o'clock works for me."
"Well I will see you then, but I must be going before I am late" he grabbed his briefcase and stood gesturing with his arm as we walked out together.
"I will see you tonight then" I said walking away swaying my hips a little more than necessary. Alice was right if you have it use it. Before I made it to the door to exit I noticed Maggie sitting on a bench down the hall from Professor Cullen's office and by the look on her face she had heard our exchange.
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