Crowley smoothed his jacket, looking at his reflection in the computer screen. "Would you like to be tempted to a dinner?"
CHAPTER 04 Professor Crowley and Mrs. Williams
Crowley's mood during tutoring days had improved significantly over the past year. Finally, he had something interesting enough to keep his mind off his longing. He found solace in tutoring a thesis that promised to reveal the cosmos in new and awe-inspiring ways. It was a challenging and intricate project that had captured his fascination, it stirred his intellectual curiosity and brightened his mood.
The thesis project had become more than just an academic pursuit; it had become a lifeline, pulling him from the abyss of his own thoughts. It was a revelation that the cosmos could be unveiled in new and awe-inspiring ways, and he had the privilege of guiding these two bright students on their journey of discovery.
Anna's vivaciousness, with her short blonde hair and striking blue eyes, had become a beacon of energy in his life. Her determination and intellect were undeniable, and though she was petite in stature, she possessed a resilience that shone through her vibrant gaze. It was a quality that Crowley admired, even if he never dared to admit it.
Then there was Jack, the quiet and enigmatic partner in this academic venture. With his average build, hazel eyes, and that distinctive bulbous nose, Jack seemed like an unlikely companion to Anna's exuberance. His dark brown hair, dyed ruby at the back, added a touch of eccentricity to his otherwise unassuming appearance. Jack's calm and collected demeanor often left Crowley intrigued, wondering about the thoughts that lay beneath the surface.
This particularly sunny afternoon, the trio found themselves in a bustling cafeteria during a well-deserved break from their work. Crowley sat at the table with Anna and Jack, sipping his warm coffee while casually observing their dynamic. A sly smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he took in their contrasting energies.
Anna ran her hand through her short blonde hair, her fingers fidgeting with a strand as she perched on the edge of the chair. "Well," she said with a mischievous grin, "Jack, what do you say? Any exciting plans for the weekend?"
Jack, didn't seem fazed by Anna's lively energy, glanced at her with a knowing look, their eyes briefly meeting before he answered. "Diablo IV," he replied in his characteristic succinct manner, a small smile playing on his lips as he nonchalantly shoved a piece of apple pie into his mouth.
Anna sighed dramatically, her shoulders slumping in mock disappointment, as she leaned back. "Jack, you and that game. You've been saying you'll take a break for weeks now." Her gaze shifted toward Crowley, her vibrant blue eyes holding a spark of something more. "I want to go dancing!"
Jack, leaned in slightly. "How about this, Anna? We can play for a bit, and then we go dancing."
Anna raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eye as she continued to fiddle with her piece of cake. "Haven't we heard that before? Last time, we never made it to the dance floor." She sighed, her voice carrying a hint of longing. "We played Diablo the whole weekend."
Professor Crowley watched their exchange with an amused twinkle in his eye. He couldn't help but notice the subtle undercurrents of their conversation, the unspoken desires and hidden intentions that danced beneath the surface. They were two pieces of a puzzle that seemed to fit together seamlessly, a puzzle that Crowley had the privilege of observing and occasionally influencing.
Jack's smile widened, and he shrugged. "Well, we can always try again."
"You are not helping, Jack." Anna remarked, her tone laced with annoyance.
Jack looked up at her. "Don't." His tone was tired, tinged with a slight sadness.
Anna, undeterred by Jack's apparent resistance, turned to Crowley with a hopeful expression. "Professor, how about you join us for a night of dancing this weekend? It could be fun."
Crowley, taking a long swing at his coffee, drained the cup and declined with a languid wave of his hand. "Ah, as tempting as it sounds, I have other plans for the weekend." The lie rolled from his tongue effortlessly.
Anna looked up at him, her blue eyes shimmering with determination. "I'm sure Jack would tag along if you come with us." She insisted, her words carrying a subtle undertone that Crowley didn't seem to catch.
As he leaned back in his chair, his crimson hair gleaming in the soft cafeteria lighting, Crowley mulled over the invitation. Anna's lively blue eyes had held an extra glimmer, a spark of something beyond mere enthusiasm for a night of dancing. She hadn't said it explicitly, but her words carried an undertone of longing, of wanting more than just a casual evening out.
Crowley had always been adept at reading between the lines, at picking up on subtleties and hidden desires. But when it came to matters of the heart, he often found himself inexplicably blind.
Crowley's mischievous glint returned as he leaned forward, his fingertips tapping rhythmically against the tabletop. "You know," he began, his voice dripping with playful intrigue, "you two make quite the intriguing pair. Mrs. Williams, your energy could power a small town, and Mr. Wilson, you've got that tranquil vibe going strong. Ever considered you might be a perfect balance for each other?"
Mrs. Williams glanced at Jack, a knowing look passing between them, while Jack's hazel eyes wandered to some distant point beyond. Crowley leaned back in his chair, content in the knowledge that he had woven another layer of intrigue into their lives.
Mrs. Williams and Mr. Wilson had entered Crowley's life like a breath of fresh air, a glimmer of hope for better days. Their academic pursuits had provided him with a welcome distraction, and he found himself genuinely looking forward to their tutoring sessions, even if he remained blissfully unaware of the intricate dance of desires unfolding before him.
The computers' room was illuminated by the soft hum of the machines, casting a faint glow over the two students huddled around the central console. Annabelle Williams, or Anna, as her friends fondly called her, was seated at the computer station, her fingers dancing over the keyboard as she inputted their latest set of mathematical equations. Jack, sat close by, ready to translate their calculations into code.
As Anna worked, she couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration. The journey to this point had been arduous, filled with countless hours of research and collaboration. But it was moments like these that made it all worthwhile.
And then there was Professor Crowley. He reclined leisurely by her right, one leg draped casually over the armchair. With his signature sunglasses on, one might have assumed he was dozing off. However, Anna knew better. She was well aware that he was intently focused on their work.
Annabelle Williams was a young woman of exceptional intelligence. But it wasn't just her smarts that set her apart; it was her unwavering infatuation with Professor Crowley. It wasn't merely his dashing looks that captivated her, though they certainly didn't hurt. No, it was his intellect, his swagger, and the way he lit up like a Christmas tree when he delved into the mysteries of his field. Anna had been nursing this secret crush since she first laid eyes on him three long years ago.
After over two years of painstaking effort, Anna felt that she was gradually making progress toward her ultimate goal: to make Professor Crowley fall head over heels in love with her. Yet, Anna was no fool. She had been quietly observing the man, learning from his interactions with others. What she had discovered was that those who approached him romantically weren't merely rejected; they were often ridiculed. This was the puzzle she intended to solve. Anna believed that the key to his heart was through friendship, a genuine bond formed through shared interests and mutual respect.
So, with a determined spirit, Anna embarked on her mission to get closer to him. The first step was to impress Professor Crowley, and she knew it wouldn't be easy. She had to immerse herself in her studies, attend every lecture, and make an effort to ask insightful questions. Her dedication also extended to her academic performance; she was determined to earn the best marks, proving herself as a formidable scholar.
Anna couldn't help but steal occasional glances at him. Professor Crowley's magnetic presence drew her in, and she found herself captivated by his every movement. As she watched, he leaned back in his chair, the leather creaking softly beneath him. With one hand, he absentmindedly tousled his hair, displaying his chest hugged by a grey t-shirt and framed by a black leather vest.
"Anna," he said, breaking the silence that had settled over the room. "How are we looking with those equations?"
Anna blinked, momentarily taken aback by the professor addressing her directly, she had been looking at him for too long. She cleared her throat, fighting to conceal her surprise. "We're making progress, Professor," she replied, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest.
Thankfully, Anna had a natural talent for mathematics, which made her pursuit more manageable. Once she found a suitable thesis topic and teamed up with her partner, Jack Wilson, things started falling into place. Jack's proficiency with computers complemented Anna's mathematical prowess perfectly. With her equations and his technical wizardry, they made rapid progress on their thesis.
Professor Crowley's lips curled into a faint smile, and Anna couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction at having earned his approval. "Excellent," he said, his voice smooth as velvet.
The day she presented the preliminary results to Professor Crowley marked a significant milestone in Anna's plan. She had successfully navigated the treacherous waters of academia, earning his respect and admiration. But that was only the beginning.
Now, her focus had shifted to the next phase: spending as much time as possible with Professor Crowley outside the classroom. And she was doing exceptionally well. Today was one of those afternoons. Anna relished these moments, cherishing the opportunity to be close to him, even if it was in a purely academic setting.
Jack, who had been quietly focused on his task, finally looked up from his computer screen. "I've got the code ready for the new equations," he announced.
Anna turned to him with a grateful smile. "Great job, Jack. Let's implement it and see how the simulations respond."
As Jack worked on inputting the code, Anna couldn't help but feel her heart flutter as Professor Crowley moved his chair closer to her screen. With a few inches between them, she felt like it was difficult for her to concentrate.
Professor Crowley, his sunglasses still in place, leaned forward, his fingers steepled thoughtfully over his bent knee. "You know, Mrs. Williams," he began, "your equations possesses a unique beauty. But it appears you've forgotten to include an 'h' in front of the parenthesis of '(v - v0).'"
Anna's eyes darted to her screen, and she quickly located the error. Having Professor Crowley in such close proximity had caught her off guard, causing her to become more relaxed than usual. "My apologies, Professor," she admitted, appreciating his keen eye for detail.
Crowley's smile widened, revealing a hint of his sharp wit. "Ah, you are tired. You have a true mathematician's soul, Anna."
The compliment sent a warm flush through Anna's cheeks. She hadn't expected such praise, and it only fueled her determination, seeing an opportunity in the comment, she turned her head and looked directly at him, trying to make Professor Crowley feel that she was looking him in the eyes, despite the sunglasses. "It's true, we've been here for hours." Anna tried to draw a tired smile on her lips. "We could go to a movie night or dinner." When Crowley leaned back, Anna feared she had made the wrong proposal. "Something to help the three of us disconnect."
"Done," Jack interrupted just in time as he finished inputting the corrected code, the computer began processing the equations.
As they waited for the results, the computer room's door creaked open, and a teacher, Professor Mitchell, peered inside. His eyes fell upon Professor Crowley, and he couldn't resist a teasing grin.
"Ah, Crowley, there you are," Professor Mitchell said, making his way into the room. "I was just passing by and thought I'd remind you about the Christmas dinner. You know, you're the only one in the department who hasn't signed up yet."
Professor Crowley looked up from the computer screen, his trademark sunglasses reflecting the soft glow of the machines. "I appreciate the reminder, Mitchell," he replied with a faint smile. "But as you know, I don't celebrate Christmas."
Professor Mitchell, leaned in closer, his voice carrying a hint of insistence. "Come on, Anthony, it's not just about the holiday itself. It's a chance for all of us to unwind, enjoy some good food, and celebrate the end of the year. Plus, you can bring a companion if you like."
Crowley sighed and made a tight smile, "I'll consider it," Anna recognized the expression he used when he lied to get a student off his back.
With a satisfied nod, Professor Mitchell patted Crowley on the shoulder and made his exit. As the door closed behind him, Professor Crowley returned his focus to the computer screen.
She had admired Professor Crowley from afar for so long, and now, here they were, collaborating on groundbreaking research. She couldn't help but feel that a friendship was blossoming, despite the professional setting. These moments were precious to Anna, fuelling her determination to inch closer to the Professor's heart.
The computer screen blinked to life, displaying the results of their calculations, and Anna's heart raced as she examined the data. Her eyes scanned the numbers, dissecting each variable and coefficient with precision. Beside her, Jack leaned in closer, his eyes fixated on the screen, his brow furrowed in concentration.
"Well," Jack began, his voice thoughtful, "we definitely need greater decimal precision here."
Anna nodded in agreement, her mind already racing with ideas on how to fine-tune their mathematical formula. She tapped her chin with her index finger, a habit that often accompanied deep contemplation. "You're right, Jack. If we want to achieve the level of accuracy we need for this thesis, we can't afford any margin of error."
Professor Crowley propelled himself up from his hair, and offered them a smile. "We have done good progress." He smoothed his jacket, looking at his reflection in the computer screen. "Would you like to be tempted to a dinner?"
"I'm starving." Jack answered.
Ana just smiled as her fingers toyed with a strand of her hair, trying to hide an unspoken yearning to step beyond the boundaries of academia. Anna longed for Crowley to see her not just as a student but as someone whose heart beat in sync with his own.
They gathered their things, surrounded by the soft hum of machines and the faint scent of paper and ink from the scattered research papers. Anna couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. She had worked tirelessly to reach this point, and her efforts were finally paying off. But she knew there was still a long road ahead.
The day loomed large, like an approaching storm, casting a mix of excitement and nervousness in the air. It was the eve of the big thesis presentation, and Professor Crowley's office was a hive of activity. Mrs. Williams, at perched on the edge of a chair, her energy practically vibrating with anticipation, her striking blue eyes unfocused with nervousness. Those eyes, and her short blonde hair always stir something deep within Crowley.
Beside Anna, Jack Wilson, with his hazel eyes and a perpetual air of tranquillity, exuded an air of calm that seemed to ground the room.
Crowley, in his usual attire of black with the signature sunglasses, leaned against his desk, exuding an air of casual confidence. His gaze shifted between his two students, taking in the palpable mix of determination and jitters that hung in the air.
"Alright, my young friends," Crowley mused, his voice a soothing, melodious baritone that held a hint of mischief. "Today's the day you showcase your brilliance to the world—or at least to the academic world." He offered them a reassuring smile that sparkled with a touch of devilry. "Now, let's go over your presentation. Anna, you'll kick things off. Remember, confidence is the key."
Mrs. Williams nodded, her blue eyes shining with a fierce determination. She stood up and began her presentation, reciting her portion of the thesis with precision and clarity. Her voice, though youthful, held a mature depth that resonated through the room. Crowley watched with a sense of pride as she effortlessly navigated through complex concepts and equations.
"Excellent, Anna," Crowley interjected as she finished her part. "Your clarity is impeccable. Just one thing, remember to breathe and pause when needed. It's all about pacing."
Jack, sitting beside her, gave a silent nod of agreement. He, too, had been engrossed in Anna's presentation, but his expression remained serene as ever. Now it was his turn.
Jack began speaking, his sentences concise and to the point. There was a quiet confidence in his delivery, a testament to his deep knowledge of the subject matter. As he progressed, Crowley noticed the intricate details of his research and the way he seamlessly wove them into his speech.
"Very well done, Jack," Crowley praised when he finished. "Your precision is commendable. Just remember, when you're on that stage, try to connect with the audience. Make them feel the passion you have for your work."
Crowley, feeling like a proud mentor, offered a few tips on handling stage fright and projecting confidence. He regaled them with invented stories of his own early academic presentations. His anecdotes seemed to ease their nerves, and by the time they left his office, there was a newfound sense of assurance in their steps.
Anna offered Jack an encouraging smile, her eyes conveying her support. They were a team, and their dynamic had evolved into a harmonious blend of intellect and camaraderie. It would be a shame to see them separated, they were the yin to each other yang.
Seeing them like this, as on so many other occasions in those years, Crowley felt alone. He realized that someone was missing from his life, but it was no longer a painful sadness. The emptiness had given way to routine. Or that's what he told himself. He had gotten used to the loneliness of walking through Saint James' Park, of dining in his kitchen, of going to auctions and art galleries to browse, of avoiding looking to his right in search of a response to a funny comment.
He was used to the blue eyes of his dreams. After years of dreaming about them, they were a routine that had grown familiar, like an old friend who offered comfort in its predictability and loved him silently.
The presentation day had finally arrived, and for Anna, it felt like the culmination of years of hard work. As she and Jack stepped onto the stage in the bustling lecture hall, a wave of anticipation washed over her. The room was filled with a diverse audience, including fellow students and esteemed academics, all eager to witness their research unfold.
Anna couldn't help but feel a surge of fear as she stood at the lectern. Her pixie-cut blonde hair framed her face, and the determined blue eyes scanned the room, dozens of pairs of eyes were on her. She could sense the collective curiosity in the air. The lights went out, leaving only the one that illuminated her and Jack. The sudden dimming of the lights shifted the atmosphere in the auditorium, and Anna felt her nerves calm down as she saw Professor Crowley sit down near the aisle in the second row. The light reflected dimly in the first rows, and suddenly the auditorium seemed much emptier.
Beside her, Jack, with his unassuming presence and hazel eyes, appeared calm and collected. They had known each other for six years and had worked side by side on that thesis for nearly four years. Anna offered Jack an encouraging smile, her fingers nervously tapping the edge of the lectern as she waited. She could feel the cool, smooth surface beneath her fingertips, a reassuring anchor. As they began their presentation, Anna's voice carried the weight of their research, with each word carefully chosen to convey their ideas with precision.
The audience listened with rapt attention, drawn into the world of their research. Anna and Jack had honed their presentation skills to perfection, seamlessly guiding the audience through the intricacies of their work. The room seemed to hold its breath, hanging on to every word.
When they concluded their presentation to a resounding round of applause, Anna couldn't help but exchange a triumphant glance with Jack. They had done it. Their hard work, late-night discussions, and shared dedication had paid off. Professor Crowley's guidance had certainly played a crucial role. She found him in the crowd, and his smile couldn't have been prouder, sending a surge of warmth through her.
As they stepped off the stage to thunderous applause, Anna couldn't contain her excitement. She was immensely proud of what they had accomplished together.
The teachers congratulated them, shaking hands with her and Jack, some asked them a question, which either Jack or she did not hesitate to answer.
Her mother appeared out of nowhere, hugging her tightly with tears in her eyes. Anna felt the warmth of her mother's embrace and the moisture of her tears against her cheek. "I haven't understood anything, darling, but you look beautiful," her mother whispered.
Her father joined the hug, more composed. Anna could see the pride in his eyes, and she felt the strength of his arms around her. "How proud we are of you, our dear Annabelle," her father said with a smile.
As the crowd began to disperse, Anna, who was engaged in a conversation with the head of the astrophysics department and her parents, saw Professor Crowley again.
He was semi-seated, leaning on the back of one of the seats in the auditorium talking to Jack animatedly, gesturing with his hands, and with the most beautiful smile Anna had ever seen on the professor's lips. Professor Crowley had just hugged Jack and added a friendly pat-on-the-back; Anna couldn't hear the whole conversation, but she could tell that they were speaking of going to dinner at the Ritz that Saturday, as he had promised them. It was going to be Anna's moment, to reveal herself as a woman to Professor Crowley, that night when he took her home she would use all her resources to provoke a romantic gesture in him, or at least desire. She knew that once Crowley crossed the threshold the rest would follow.
When she registered the head of the department had just offered her to stay at the university as a researcher, her attention immediately shifted to the man in front of her. Of course, he was going to take the job; it was the best way to stay close to Professor Crowley. The prospect of collaborating for the foreseeable future filled Anna with hope and excitement.
Can you imagine grieving for a loved one, when you don't even know they exist?
I ask for your patience, Aziraphale and Crowley will meet when the time is right. Quoting Agnes Nutters herself: 'When Heaven and Hell's two wayward sons no longer walk alone, their fates shall intertwine once more. The angel and the devil shall meet, their paths aligning at the Ryts.'