Carissa had had concerns about her practical engineering exam. Mostly because she was so clumsy and feared she might pinch her finger or drop the tool box on her foot. But she hadn't imagined she'd land in the Academy's Med Bay with an electric shock, which she had only survived because she was unsure and wanted to have a look at her personal notes on her PADD. Had she actually been working on the cables of the shuttle's interior she'd probably be dead now. Funnily, one of her biggest concerns was that she might didn't pass the test because she had to leave before it was over and got injured. The cadet who had brought her here explained the sickbay cadet hat she suffered from a shock that she got during the exam. The future doctor nodded, left and came back with a hypo which he injected into her neck.

"There, this tranquilizer should help you"

"Tranquilizer?" she asked "Does that help against an electric shock?"

"An… oh. Oh" he lowered the hypo and rushed away, coming back with one of the nurses who instantly went to check up on her.

"She seems fine. Just make sure she doesn't have burns or so"

"Is it bad I gave her the sedative?"

"I don't think it should cause any problems" at that time, she couldn't know what this hypo would set into motion…

-oO0Oo-

Carissa wasn't sure if she could have returned to the test if she had not gotten the sedative but thanks to it she was at least positive that they couldn't deduct points from her performance because her injury was not her fault. One of the cadets in her group must have reactivated the energy without telling her so that she could make sure she was nowhere near the cables. She doubted that she just didn't hear it. A part of her was quite bored because there was nothing she could do. Well except for watching how the cadet who had given her the tranquilizer was having his exam or how a lot of other cadets came here, claiming they felt nervous or nauseous because of the exams. She wondered what these people would do if they were out in space and encountered an actual problem. But she didn't dwell on the matter for too long because she surely would be someone to worry too much in such situations. Much to her surprise she got a visitor about three hours later and when she recognized him to be one of her Professors, Spock to be exact, she felt herself grinning broadly. Also the biofunction monitor bore witness to her ecstasy upon seeing him. Because unfortunately she had to admit that she had fallen for him a few months ago, which probably was because he had defended her against Oliver and his bully friends.

"Cadet Wiley" he said, slightly bowing his head

"Hi" she squeaked and leaned back in her pillows "It's nice to see you, Sir"

"I trust you could recover sufficiently?"

"Uh yeah... I guess. They told me I can leave soon" he gave a nod and removed his hand from his back, holding out her Academy PADD to her "Oh" she said "I must've forgotten it in the shuttle. Thank you for bringing it, that's very nice of you" he started explaining that it had gotten damaged when the energy was reactivated and that he had to do some slight reparations "Aww that's really cute" she cooed, taking the PADD from his hand "I'm bored, you know, but now I can call my friends and ask them to come" she let out a giggle "We're gonna throw a party"

"I doubt this is a convenient location for a party"

"We just need some decoration. And you can stay too"

"This will not be possible, even in case I wanted to attend it. Are you certain you are feeling well?"

"Yes, yes I do. I feel fantastic" she patted her bedside but he probably didn't get her cue or ignored it. Instead, his eyes flickered to her biofunction monitor.

"Your heartbeat rate as well as your pulse appears accelerated"

"Yeah" she chuckled "I'm just happy to see you, you know? But it's so sweet of you that you're worried about me" she pulled up the blanket to her chin and grinned at him. "I like you a lot" she found herself muttering "You're perfect. On the outside and inside" again a happy smile was on her face "Will you stay with me?"

"Cadet Wiley, this will not be possible. There are matters I am obliged to attend to. Unless there is something you require of me?"

"Hm… not really. But… am I in trouble because I had to leave during the test?"

"No, it has not been your fallacy. For this reason you shall be evaluated by the work you were able to accomplish until you were injured"

"Sounds fair. Thank you" she held out her hand and squeezed his lower arm.

"There is no reason you need to be grateful. I wish you an imminent recovery"

"Thanks" she slurred and managed to add a 'professor' in the last moment. When she saw him walk away, she sighed happily.

-oO Stardate 2257.146 Oo-

When Carissa woke up, she needed a few moments to remember what had really happened the past day and what had only been a dream. Unfortunately, as much as she tried to prove that it had not actually happened, she had to realize that she had indeed try to hit on Professor Spock and let out a groan, burying her face in her pillow.

"What's wrong?" Nicole asked, while eating a sandwich on her bed and looking at something on her PADD

"I really have fucked something up"

"What's that supposed to mean? What did you do?" somehow, she couldn't bring herself to tell the truth

"I got the sedative and uh… I hit on one of the doctors" Nic snorted with laughter

"Don't worry about this. I bet they're used to it"

"I hope so" she said as she slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes. She considered what she had to do and while she just found she should let it slip, a part of her knew that it would be correct to go and apologize to the Vulcan. Although he probably wouldn't have considered the things she had said as advances and already knew it only happened because of the drug she had been given. Nevertheless, it couldn't hurt to go there and tell him she didn't mean it. Surely she could just tell him that she had no idea why she had been saying those things because she did not feel anything for him.

-oO0Oo-

All day, her mind wandered to the talk she would need to have with the professor and she had to actually banish them during her exams. But finally, the day ended and she found herself on the way to his office. A part of her wished, he wouldn't be there, so that she could do it another time or just leave it be. Maybe she should just send him a message? No, if she actually came to his office, he probably would believe her more, she thought and she sped up a little that she couldn't change her mind. But when she asked for entrance to his office she started to wish he wasn't here. When the door slid open, she almost jumped and her heart almost skipped a beat.

"Uh, I hope I'm not disturbing you or so, professor"

"No Cadet Wiley, you are not"

"Oh good. Well uh, to make it short, I'm here because of what happened yesterday" she cracked her knuckles "In sickbay, I mean. I know I've been saying some weird things and all when you were there and they were not appropriate, professor. Therefore, I wanted to apologize and I hope that I didn't insult you or so. Because I did not mean any of the things I said. Okay no, I do find it very kind that you personally took care of my PADD and returned it to me and asked how I'm doing and I also am grateful for it and appreciate that, Sir"

"I accept your apology, cadet, but I assure you that it was not necessary"

"Not…? But I don't remember all I said and what I remember was quite embarrassing. I assure you that I don't know why I said such things"

"I do not think this is the truth"

"Huh?" she felt her heartbeat increase and she swallowed

"I am certain that there was truth behind your words and that the sedative you have received merely made you express what you were thinking"

"Oh God" she howled and buried her face in her hand. She hoped he'd just dismiss her. A part of her wished she would be free to leave whenever she wanted. She still wasn't that used to wait to be dismissed, it had been completely new for her when she arrived at Starfleet and she almost got into trouble when she had just walked away from a staff member in her third week before she had dismissed her.

"Cadet Wiley, I did not mean to make you feel uncomfortable in any way. Have a seat" he gestured at the chair opposite him and she did as he said although she didn't want to.

"I know it's just… well uh the topic. Oh God" she felt tears in her eyes and bit her teeth together, hoping she could keep them back. "I'm sorry" she muttered

"There is no reason to apologize, I can understand that the situation is not quite pleasant for you. However, I assure you that you are not in difficulties." she only let out a hum and begged he'd just let her go. A part of her regretted not just having written him a message.

"I uh… don't mean to be rude, Sir but… is there something you want me to do? Or discuss with me? Because I somehow can't see what I'm still doing here, I mean I apologized and all"

"There is something I wish to inform you about"

"Oh" she gave a nod "Does it have to do with the exam? The engineering one?"

"Not entirely. Rather with its aftermath" so the events in sickbay, she thought to herself

"Okay. And that thing you need to tell me is?"

"I have reflected your confession carefully in order to decide how to proceed"

"Will you report me?"

"What should I report, cadet?"

"Dunno? Inappropriate behavior? Flirting with staff? Inappropriate advances?"

"Cadet Wiley, I assure you that you are not the first cadet to develop affection for a member of the faculty or who has attempted to bring said affection to display"

"Oh" she gave a nod "But if you said you need to determine what to do… what are you referring to?"

"The truth is, Cadet Wiley, I have grown to care for you more than I initially believed. Upon reflecting yesterday's events and your confession, I have come to the conclusion that I am experiencing likewise" she blinked and tried to process the words. Was he actually saying he liked her back?

"I-I don't mean to be rude but… I don't think I am totally able to understand what exactly you mean"

"I am quite certain that I have developed affection for you that exceeds normal relationships between a student and professor"

"Oh. What kind of affection? I-I mean friendship or romantically too?"

"Romantic affection, I believe. Can I conclude that your affection for me is a romantic as well?"

"Uh yes" she gave a nod and looked down, not sure what to say "I… uhm appreciate your honesty, Sir. But what shall we do now? I mean… I think we should just forget about this and pretend like it had never happened and continue as usual"

"That would be highly illogical, seeing that from what I have learned about human courting rituals is that if two individuals have discussed their feelings for each other and discovered they are mutual, they will enter a relationship"

"Uh yes that's correct. But… I don't think this would be possible in our case. Not-not that I don't want to but I mean… there surely are regulations that forbid it"

"As a matter of fact there are not"

"What?" he cited the regulation about fraternization in general that said that fraternization with higher ranking officers was allowed, as long as no one benefited or was put at a disadvantage because of it at work. "Okay that does make sense, I mean Starfleet doesn't want to forbid love and all… but aren't things different at the Academy?"

"There are… recommendations" he said "Since Starfleet Academy has the purpose to prepare its cadets for service in Starfleet, the regulations concerning fraternization merely suggests that any kind of unprofessional relationships should be avoided"

"So you mean that it's not strictly forbidden? I mean as long as no one benefits or has a disadvantage because of the relationship?"

"Precisely"

"Oh alright. I really thought there was like this huge rule that all kind of cadet-professor relationships are strictly forbidden and you'll immediately be kicked out of Starfleet if you do this"

"Your assumption is incorrect. The sole instance concerning relationships that will get you expelled from Starfleet are such that are illegal by Federation law. However, this does not exclude that, should a possible relationship be discovered, the concerned individuals will not face expulsion"

"By illegal you mean things like non-consensual stuff or to start something with someone who's underage?"

"For instance, yes"

"And you're saying that even if someone noticed we are in a relationship we only might be kicked out of Starfleet?"

"I do not believe both of us would be required to quit service"

"Oh, makes sense" she gave a nod

"However, I wish to ask whether or not you would like me to court you" she almost giggled at his words but felt a sickening feeling in her stomach

"I-I don't know. Not because I don't like you or so… I'd say yes immediately if you were a cadet too but… I don't know" she sighed

"I understand that the fact that I am a member of the faculty makes you uncomfortable but I assure you that it shall not alter anything of our professional relationship. In fact, I would deem it wise if we did not talk about anything that relates to your education"

"Okay that sounds good… but what about favoritism? I mean… can you really swear that won't happen? Or what if something bad happens between us and you devaluate one of my essays?"

"I can assure you that neither of this will happen in case you choose to start a relationship with me" she gave a slight nod

"What if I do something unprofessional during a lesson? Will you just break up then?"

"No, I would bring it to your attention and give you a second chance. Should I realize, however, that it causes you problems I might be forced to take action and end the relationship because I do not wish that either of us needs to bear the consequences"

"Okay" she looked down "And I want you to know that it all sounds nice, the relationship I mean. But… it's all so sudden and there is a lot to consider. I mean" she sighed "this isn't a no. But it's not a yes either. But it's more of a yes… uh can you give me some time to think about it and make a decision?"

"Certainly, take your time, cadet" she gave a nod and she saw how he leaned back slightly "If there is nothing else you wish to discuss, you are dismissed"

"Thank you" she said and got up, slowly walking to the door "Have a nice day, Sir" when the door closed behind her, she almost leaned her head against it. Instead, she sped up until she was back in her dorm. Luckily, Nicole still wasn't there. She plopped down on her bed with a sigh and rubbed her face. What was she supposed to do?

-oO Stardate 2257.148 Oo-

Two days later, when she had seen Spock again at the exam in his course she almost couldn't focus. A part of her was mad at him that he didn't even seem to pay attention to her at all and acted like nothing had happened between them. The more rational part of her thought this was actually quite good because if they could remain on such terms during lessons if they were in a relationship, no one would notice. She smiled at the thought and found her thoughts drifting away to the professor. So she shook her head to banish the thoughts and focus on her exam. A part of her almost imagined he'd call her back after the exam but he only dismissed them all and started to pack his bag as always. With a sigh she left the classroom and only listened halfheartedly to Nicole and Lucie who were discussing their answers. Slowly, they trotted to the library, when the Vulcan professor walked past them. Carissa looked after him for a long time and somehow she couldn't believe that this stoic man had admitted he liked her. She smiled and wondered what he would be like in private. Actually, she had a chance to find out; by saying yes to the relationship. But again worries came up because of his position and sighed.

"What's wrong with you?" Lucie asked

"Dunno. The test's still on my mind"

"Oh you think you fucked it up?"

"Probably" she lied because this time she actually had quite a good feeling about it.

"Don't worry. It'll come out just alright. Besides, I'm sure you could survive with one insufficient grade, huh?"

"Of course" she didn't like to admit that she would hate herself if that happened. She had told herself to reach a total score of 75% at the end of her four years. They arrived at the library and started studying for the next exam tomorrow but again she couldn't concentrate. What if she accepted Professor Spock's offer but he wouldn't want her anymore? She gulped and felt sicker. And that was when she decided that she had nothing to lose by giving the relationship a try. Of course some of her worries had also been about whether a relationship would be good because she barely even knew him. She had a feeling she only knew like three things about him that didn't have to do with Starfleet. His name, his half-human heritage and that he grew up on Vulcan. Hell, she didn't even know how old he was. It was likely that he was over 40 years old because Vulcans aged slower than humans did. She sighed again

"What's wrong?" now Nicole asked

"I don't know… you ever had a situation where you had to make a decision and both options made you uncomfortable in a way?"

"Yeah. Of course. Which one are you talking about?"

"I… don't want to talk about it"

"Okay. If you want to hear my advice… if you can't decide, listen to what your gut tells. Or choose the option that does less damage. Let's say you have to decide if you need to stay in Starfleet but walk around naked and the other option is to quit… I think you could give the naked thing a try and if it's nothing you can still leave" she chuckled

"How the hell did you get that idea?"

"Dunno?"

"I bet it is because of her stupid professor ranking she's still doing and now wants to see what people look like under their uniforms"

"No" Nicole squealed

"Oh so maybe it is about the cadets this time?" Nicole looked down

"Oh I take that as a yes. What's his name?" Carissa asked, nudging her side

"That's none of your concern"

"Ah don't worry, Carrie, we'll see him when they're on their first date"

"Oh yeah? You haven't even told us where your girlfriend lives!"

"In the same town I come from" Lucie sighed happily

"Only a couple more weeks and you'll see her"

"I know. Anyways, Carrie, I agree with Nic, just do what you think is right. And if you need better advice… just tell us, we want to help you"

"I fear that's not something you can help me with"

"Oh okay. Just take your time for the decision" Carissa gave a nod and tried to focus again, but then found she just had to talk to Spock and get to know him a little before she could make her final decision. So she gave a light nod and got up

"Where are you going?"

"There's something I forgot" she lied and when she felt bad, she told herself she would need to lie a bit more often after she had accepted Spock's offer. She rushed to his office and was a bit surprised when she was called in "I hope I don't disturb?"

"If you did I would have asked you to return later" he said "have a seat, cadet" she gave a nod and sat down

"I'm here because of the discussion we've had two days ago…"

"I remember. Could you make a decision?"

"Kind of? I mean I would like to try a relationship but… I noticed I don't even know you at all. What if we don't work out?"

"It is understandable that you wish to get to know me" he put his PADD away and placed his hands on the table "please ask"

"Uhm… just a couple of minutes ago I've been wondering how old you are. I mean… you don't look old but Vulcans kind of age differently, slower, right?" for a while he was silent

"Vulcans consider information about age as rather personal and private"

"Oh, I'm sorry, you don't have to answer… I-I'm sorry" she felt her face growing hot. Great, did she just have to put her foot in it with her very first question?

"However, I understand that this is different around humans and in order to make you feel more comfortable, I will answer the question. I am 27.39 terran years old"

"Okay uhm that means your birthday was somewhen at the start of that year or at the end of it?"

"Correct. It is on the 6th of January"

"Oh okay" she gave a nod "I've actually turned 21 a week and a day ago" he raised an eyebrow "Somehow, a part of me is surprised… I'd have thought you were older" she gave a shrug "Anyways… uh what things do you like to do in your free time?" he slightly tilted his head, asking what she meant by free time "You know, time you're not occupied with working, teaching or correcting stuff or preparing a new lesson"

"I understand" he told her about his meditation or that he sometimes cooked "I also enjoy music, chess, art, science magazines or classical Earth literature"

"Okay. I like music too, but only when I listen to it. No one in my family is really able to actually make music and I've never heard my Dad sing. Nicole once told me that my singing sounds like a walrus that's being tortured" she chuckled

"Where has your friend heard what sounds a walrus that is tormented emits?"

"She hasn't"

"Then how has she been able to compare your singing to said sounds?"

"Okay you have point… she kinda can't. And I don't even know what a walrus sounds like but I don't think she wanted to make an accurate comparison. It was more like a joke" she tapped his desk with her fingers "Now I actually want to know how a walrus sounds like" she made a mental note to check it out this evening. "But if you allow, I could tell you some things I like to do. I mean unless you don't want to hear about me. I just thought it would be fair if I tell you something about myself too"

"If I was not willing to learn more about you I do not believe that a relationship would be fortunate"

"Makes sense. But you don't want to be in a relationship because you heard that is what humans do? I mean… if you don't want to be with me that is okay"

"No, I am still sympathetic to the idea. You are correct that it is fortunate and logical to first become more acquainted with each other" she smiled and told him about her own hobbies before asking what his parents did. They talked for about an hour but Carissa had already decided after half of it that she at least wanted to give the relationship a try. But finally, he told her that he needed to get some work done. She felt disappointed but gave a nod, cracking her knuckles before looking at him.

"Yes, by the way" she said

"What are you referring to?"

"Your question if I'd like to be in a relationship with you. It's yes, I want to give it a try" she smiled "I enjoyed talking to you a lot"

"I agree that it was enjoyable and it is good to hear that you still wish to be in a relationship with me. Yet I must admit that I am not quite familiar with human courtship customs"

"We don't need to do everything the human way… we just need to do what we're comfortable with. Maybe we can try to find a day where we can meet again to just talk about what our relationship should be like?"

"That sounds agreeable. Are you free on Saturday?"

"In the afternoon" she replied, not wanting to tell him that she wanted to sleep in and would go to a party in the evening

"Very well. Will you come here, to my office, at 1400 hours?"

"I can do that" she gave a nod and was already searching for an excuse she could tell Nicole. She might also needed one for today. But she chose not to think about this now and smiled at Spock but frowned when he held out his hand to her

"Is it not custom for humans to shake hands after agreeing on something?"

"Oh err yes… sure. But from what I know Vulcans aren't well… touchy"

"I believe it would be logical for me to get used to it" she bit the inside of her cheek and shook his hand.

"But you don't need to feel forced. We don't need to have a relationship that's based on physical contact if it makes you uncomfortable. At least in the beginning. To be honest, I don't know what I think of all the cuddle and stuff either"

"Very well. See you on Saturday, at 1400 hours"

"Yes" she agreed and left his office with a huge smile on her face.

-oO Stardate 2257.150 Oo-

Of course a part of her was worried if it was the right decision to agree to the relationship just like that. On the other hand, she found she had nothing to lose. Except for her career at Starfleet but that was only if someone found out and they were unlucky. She did wonder how long they could last and if it would be even possible for them to work out. After all they had grown up on different planets and she hadn't actually had much contact with Vulcans before. A part of her held the hope that maybe he would be more human than she had believed after she got to know him. She arrived at his office and combed her fingers through her hair and tried to smooth her clothing a little before she asked if she could come in. Somehow she had the feeling like his office looked different than usual but that probably wasn't the case.

"Good afternoon, Cadet Wiley" he said, gesturing at the chair in front of his desk. She gave a nod and sat down, cracking her knuckles

"Can I say something that might is quite bold?"

"Certainly"

"I-I think if we meet privately, we should just go without all forms of formalities. That just sounds… wrong" he was silent for some moments, then gave a nod

"That sounds agreeable" she smiled

"Great. Then you can just call me Carissa, if you like. Or one of my nicknames. People call me Carrie, Cassie Carsi and all that stuff"

"I believe that Carissa will be most suitable" she gave a nod and almost felt a shiver down her back when she heard him say her name "You may call me Spock"

"Just Spock? I mean… isn't that your surname?"

"Vulcan names are quite different from humans" he also explained that the other names he had probably were unpronounceable for humans, so they just went with their 'main' name.

"Oh okay. But then there's actually that 'oh' sound in your name. I mean I've heard other cadets or professors pronounce the o in your name more like an 'ah' sound and I was quite confused because I was certain it would be pronounced as an 'o', at least for humans so I thought maybe it was an 'ah' sound because it's Vulcan"

"I see"

"Okay but we're not actually here to discuss names. But rather the set-up of or relationship. Although we could consider the agreement to not use formalities when in private as one point on the list too." She took her PADD from her bag and glanced at him "uh… I hope it isn't weird that I'm taking notes?"

"It is not. In fact, I believe it to be quite reasonable" he took out his own PADD and she bit back a smile.

"Did you think about it a bit? I mean… what things are you comfortable with to do? I totally understand if you'd prefer to wait with physical contact"

"I have to admit that I am not truly familiar with the nature of human relationships and therefore do not know what one can contain. I have, however, made a list of the points I consider to be important"

"Actually… I made some notes too about what we should discuss. But back to your question. Human relationships can actually be very different. Some are more like a friendship… others are just almost based on physical affection. And people also proceed at different paces. Like some people will end in bed together after the first meeting and others wait years until they're both ready" she gave a shrug "There is not 'the one' relationship, they're all different. But what about relationships on Vulcan, what are they like?"

"The sole romantic relationship we have is the one we share with our bondmate. Most Vulcans are bonded with a suitable partner at a young age and they will become mates when they are ready"

"So basically something like arranged marriages? I mean, after they became mates they are married, right?"

"That is an acceptable comparison" he also added that some Vulcans also chose their own partners but the things they did was the same, they were bonded, then became mates.

"So you mean as long as they're not mates they usually don't do anything 'romantic' together most times?"

"Correct"

"Okay that's good to know. I mean… humans usually can do basically anything they want before they get married. Some people even have kids together, yet they're not entirely sure if they are even together at all. But anyways… back to the topic. I suppose you don't want to do typical 'Vulcan' things that mates do on your planet?"

"Affirmative"

"Good. And just that you know, if I ever do something that you don't like or gets too much for you… just let me know. I don't want you to feel obliged to do something just because I'm ready for more. I know exactly what that feels like" she sighed when she through of her ex-boyfriend who had persuaded her to do things she hadn't wanted.

"Are you implying you have been in a relationship before?"

"Yeah. But he's been too pushy, that's why I ended things. And therefore I want to assure you that I don't want to force you to something… I might just try something to see if you're okay and if you aren't you have to let me know, okay?"

"Then I shall inform you if I feel uncomfortable"

"Good"

"I do have a question"

"Go on"

"What is the term humans use to refer to their partner in relationship?"

"That actually depends on the stage of it… I mean... if you're married it's husband and wife. If you're betrothed you can go for fiancé and fiancée or betrothed. But if it's nothing official just a relationship like we probably are in it's boyfriend and girlfriend. But that's like the official term, I mean when they're talking to each other, they usually don't use that as nicknames or so"

"Then what nicknames would be appropriate?"

"That's up to the couple. But it can be anything from baby, to honey or darling. But to be honest… I'm not too happy with most of these names"

"I understand and find it preferable to not use them as well"

"Good" she gave a nod "And something else… somehow I don't want to set us boundaries. Like to determine 'and that's the furthest we go'. I think it's better if we just do it by trial and error and be like 'let's just try something and we can stop if it's not good'. If that makes sense"

"The main idea does sound quite reasonable"

"Unless there's something you can say that you absolutely don't want to try. But don't worry I don't want to do everything either right now. I'm not making that mistake again"

"Very well" she gave a nod

"So what about meetings? I mean… where would it be safe to meet?"

"I suppose my office would be convenient"

"Yes. Because my dorm isn't quite good and neither are the teacher's lodgings. And we also shouldn't go out in public" she sighed "but hey, do you have a private messaging account?"

"I do. Why are you inquiring this?"

"Because then we could use that one to set up dates. Or we can just call each other and talk. I mean Nicole, my dorm mate isn't always in my dorm but you actually being there wouldn't be safe. But we could still talk to each other. Wait" she rummaged her bag until she found the small paper block she carried around and wrote down her contact details on them before ripping out the page and handing it to Spock "Here" she said "We might want to consider not using our real names, just in case someone can see the messages. Or maybe initials will do" she gave a shrug. Spock gave a nod and then promised he'd make sure to create them a secured network so that no one could spy in on their conversations or trace calls back. Carissa was a bit unsure and thought maybe that attracted even more attention but she said nothing.

"Is there something you wish to do?"

"What do you mean? As in what to try out? Or what we can do when we meet each other?"

"The last option"

"Oh good question… I thought we could talk. Or maybe we can just sit together and I do some homework while you correct some essays or prepare a lesson. We don't have to speak a lot. Or we play chess or another game. Or watch a movie together" she let out a slight giggle "any objections?"

"No I do not believe so"

"Great. So, is there something that aroused your interest for now?"