Chapter 1 - Right where you left me
"Friends break up, friends get married
Strangers get born, strangers get buried
Trends change, rumors fly through new skies
But I'm right where you left me"
4 years later
Mr. Edmund Brown has been a professor in Harvard University for more than 30 years. And he had never seen a student that worked as hard as his assistant. He thanked for the blessing of having her interested in his line of research every day, since he was old, tired and had old and tired eyes. Every passing day, less students would develop an interest for the occult literature like she did.
While the girl fiddled nervously in his office chair, sitting in front of him, he finished reading her senior thesis. He finished the reading and took off his glasses, laying them on the mahogany table and rubbing his foggy eyes.
- And then? - she asked, holding her breath.
- Well, as always, Ms. Thompson, it is perfect. I wouldn't change a single comma. Actually, it is a waste for a graduation thesis, this could easily be your master's degree.
The girl took a deep breath and relaxed on the chair.
- Really? - she asked skeptical - even the part about 20th century Mediterranean demons?
- Well, that's somewhat a stretch, but I liked. I'm sure the evaluation board will like it too.
And that is a stretch, professor Brown thought for himself, since the board would hardly bother to read his students thesis, moreover the ones this big.
- But, what about...?
- Ms. Thompson. I've told you before. It is perfect. Besides, my dear, we've agreed that this would be the final version, have we not?
- But,...?
- No. - he interrupted her again. - No more buts. I've let rewrite it and polished seven times already and the thesis was good enough the first time.
- I know. But... however - she completed before he could interrupt her again. - I don't want it to be good enough, I wanted to be good.
He stood up and started gathering books so he could live early. She started helping him to tidy up the room.
- Haven't I told you this is a Masters equivalent? What do you want? A PHD in graduation?
She sighed.
- But I still have a month to finish it. I could improve it!
Professor Brown massaged the bridge of his nose.
- Ms. Thompson. - he pulled out a chair to sit in front of her. - I have been thinking if I should tell this or not. But here we go. You have to cut some slack for yourself. Relax. You're young and you spend all of your time in university sitting in this dusty room with an old man. - she opened his mouth to protest, but he cut her. - I know becoming a researcher in this area is your focus here. But you work twice as hard as any student here. If you keep this up, you will break. And I esteem you too much to let this happen. - he put his hand on the papers of her thesis resting on his table. - It is good. Trust me. It's actually better than I expected, even from you. So go, take a break, have some fun. I won't be needing you until Monday.
He got up and grabbed his briefcase to leave.
- But, I can organize your class for Monday.
Professor Brown laughed heartily.
- My dear. I think you have already organized my classes until my retirement. Oh, since you mentioned that. I've been thinking of turning you into a teaching assistant next semester. If you start on your Master's right away you can start giving some lectures in your area.
- Oh my God! Really? I'm so honored!
- But with one condition...
She sat back and nodded.
- I'm old, I'm tired, you push me too hard. - she blushed and looked down. - I appreciate you enthusiasm, but we both need some free time. So let's take it easy next semester, okay?
She took a deep breath and sighed. Agreeing with him. She took a hard look at the papers.
- And don't you dare touch these papers. Or spending the weekend on the library.
- Right, I was actually hoping you would release me earlier so I could help Blake with the diner today.
The professor sighed.
- Get lost, Samantha.
Sam has been really working hard since she enter the university 4 years ago. When she wasn't in class, she was studying on the library or working. In the beginning was because she needed to push disturbing thoughts away and work hard always helps to forget about troubles.
Later on, she got some friends, but her social life didn't improve so much. She wanted to focus on her studies. She even started dating college guys, but that was a fiasco. They were all uninteresting. Too young and frivolous or too old and arrogant. She couldn't even enjoy making out with the hot ones. Every time they got there, she had to stop them. She wasn't ready for that.
She felt bad for the really nice ones, like Pete. Don't matter how much she ignored him, he would always come back as an obedient dog and said he would wait for her as long as it takes.
- Took your time, loser. - Blake said as she entered the diner.
- Some of us have a real job. - she answered, making a face.
Blake and Emma were her best friends. He was the junior manager at the campus diner, which means he was the one who worked the worst hours, holidays, and every time there was a massive absence of employees. Those nights, which were usually Fridays, weekends, and holidays, Sam and Emma usually come for helping.
- And what are you wearing? - Blake continued without even listening to her. - Where is your uniform?
- I have the apron. But the skirt is too short.
- That's the point! The shorter the skirts, the higher the tips.
Sam rolled her eyes and walked away to fill the ketchup and mustard bottles.
- I would wear them if men would appreciate these sturdy legs of mine. - he showed off. - I'll give you Emma's spare.
- No way I'll be wearing those outrageous skirts. If you want my help, I'll be keeping my pants on, thank you very much.
The night spurt on in a hurry as Friday was one of the most crowded days and it was just them and the cook. But even so, Blake, Sam and Emma would always manage to chit chat between taking orders, making shakes and washing dishes.
- Oh my God. We're so proud of you! - Emma exclaimed when she told them about the professor's offer for her to start teaching next semester.
- My bestie a professor at Harvard! This is marvelous. - Blake hugged her. - Now you just need a man and you're done in life.
- Blake! I don't need a man for anything. Have you heard about feminism?
- It doesn't matter how much fun you can have with vibrators darling, they don't hold you after.
- Don't be crude, B.
- Come, on. Don't be prudes, you two. The professor told her to relax.
- There's other ways to relax. - Sam pointed out.
- Like? - Blake raised on eyebrow.
- Like... hum... playing chess.
- Oh, Lord... - Blake sighed and walked away.
- Or reading - Sam continued following him.
- All you ever do is read, S. - Emma pointed out.
- But I'll be reading for pleasure, not theory books.
- Well, we all know now why Samantha is the 28 year old virgin on campus.
- I am not! Just because I'm older than you and have other objectives in life. And here. We are studding in fucking Harvard! We can have sex later, that's once in a life time opportunity.
Blake sighed. Emma blushed.
- Come on, Sam. Just forget him already. It's time. We know this is all bullshit.
- Shut it! That's a really low blow, Blake. I'm over it, and you know it.
- Are you? Don't be mad, but I have to say it. You told us to.
- I was drunk!
- Yes, well, but you did. For me you still hiding under piles of book and it's all an excuse to hold on to the past.
- Well, the one who is always bringing him up is you.
- Tell me then, how long since you've been on a date?
Sam frowned trying to remember when another thought crossed her mind and she slapped her forehead.
- Damn. Pete! I forgot him again!
- Christ Sam. Just throw the boyfriend a fuck or break up with him.
- He is not my boyfriend!
- Does he know that? - Emma pointed out.
- Okay, okay. I'll tell him tonight.
- Since you're at this break up point in your relationship you could, you know, try it. He can be really clueless, but the guy is hot.
- And the younger they are, the better their stamina, if you know what I mean. - Blake blinked at her.
- Oh, that's why the fret boys you guys fuck don't last more than two minutes. - Sam asked.
- Well, two minutes the first time.
- Okay, Blake. Stop it. You're scaring the costumers. And Emma, cover for me. I'll take five and call him.
Sam took off her apron and left the restaurant to the cold air of night. The night was clear. But a cold wind chilled her bones. She took her cellphone out of her pocket and dialed his number.
- Hi, Pete. I'm so so sorry. Blake asked me to cover in the diner and everything was so chaotic that I completely forgot.
- That's not problem Sam. I completely understand.
- Pete, listen. I...
Sam felt a shiver down her spine that had nothing to do with the cold wind. Her powers, which had been dormant for a long time tingled inside her.
- Hello?
- Sorry. I was saying that... Pete, I don't deserve you. You've been so patient with me, but even so, I'm not ready yet for a relationship. And it's not you, it's me. I know this sounds a lot like bullshit but it is true.
- Can I at least pick you up later? So we can talk about it?
But Sam wasn't hearing anymore. She listened to sirens far away, her senses hypersensitive. A strong wind started to blow. Electricity floated in the air. And a known presence made itself clear to her.
- Yes, I talk to you later. I have to go.
Sam didn't even notice what she said before hanging up. She walked to the middle of the street and followed the voices beckoning her.