After the official introductions, the new Calculus professor stepped down from the wooden platform with a small hop. She walked around the desk and sat in her chair, gaining a better view of the class. Pulling a notebook and pen from her backpack, a small smile played on her lips as she observed the students.
"Well, now that I've introduced myself, I'd like to know your names and the grade you received in this subject last year," she announced.
Starting from the first row, each student said their name, last name, and grade. Jenna widened her eyes, trying to hide her surprise at the poor results. She often smiled nervously and looked curiously at those speaking. I could almost sense the frustration in her eyes. With an exasperated sigh, the professor tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
In the blink of an eye, my turn came, as I was the last. All eyes turned to me, some curious, others annoyed.
I felt uncomfortable; I wasn't used to being the center of attention. I cleared my throat to steady my voice, taking a deep breath to avoid stammering in front of the class. I glanced timidly at Jenna, who was watching me with curiosity. The professor had her elbow resting on the desk, her head propped up in the palm of her hand. She gave me a slight encouraging smile, and her brown eyes seemed to pierce my soul.
"I…" I sighed, closing my eyes for a split second. I could feel the blood rushing to my cheeks. "Martina Black, 100," was all I managed to say about myself and my grade. I gave a nervous smile and hid my flushed cheeks behind my hair.
Jenna straightened up, looking at me in surprise. An inevitable smile spread across her lips, almost relieved to find someone who had a decent understanding of her subject. I glanced at Enid, who was smiling mischievously. The blonde clearly had something on her mind, and I wasn't sure I was ready to find out what it was. The professor stood up, pulling a stack of papers from her backpack.
"Well, now that I know who you are and your grades, we can have a quick test to evaluate your level," she suggested with a smile.
The murmurs of disapproval came almost instantly, and Johnny, our class president, raised his hand. Jenna gave him permission to speak.
"Professor, can we take it on Wednesday? Today's the first day of school… It wouldn't be fair to give us a test, it'd be cruel," he proposed, avoiding Jenna's piercing gaze, which had erased the smile from her face. "Would that be possible?" he added timidly.
"Come on, doll, don't ruin the good impression you made," said Edward.
Edward Smith, the most popular guy in school and a future football star. He had a reputation as a womanizer and wasn't afraid to flirt. It was clear he didn't even respect authority figures at school. Professor Ortega blinked, somewhat incredulous, before giving a mocking smile. Her eyes gazed at the blonde boy with disdain.
"Smith, right?" she asked absentmindedly, gripping the papers tightly. Her knuckles turned white.
Edward nodded, pleased that she remembered his last name. He looked at his classmates with smug superiority. Jenna approached him, leaning over his desk in a threatening manner. Her eyes were inquisitive.
Smith blushed under Ms. Ortega's deadly glare.
"Don't you dare call me 'doll.' Do we understand each other?" Jenna warned, tilting her head as she gave the boy a superficial glance. "Now leave my class, immediately," she ordered, pointing at the door.
Edward opened and closed his mouth several times, stunned by the professor's reaction. He stood up and left the room visibly angry.
"Wow, it seems our new professor isn't easily intimidated," Enid commented, amused.
I smiled, satisfied; that guy was an idiot.
Professor Ortega rolled her eyes, slightly annoyed. She sighed, her smile returning. I felt powerless; I genuinely regretted that she had to endure such a sexist comment. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Enid fidget nervously in her seat.
"After this unfortunate incident, we can proceed with the test," she announced, handing two stacks of papers to the students in the front.
Once they took their sheets, they passed them back until everyone had their test on their desk.
"You have exactly…" the professor checked her watch, squinting and frowning. "An hour and a half," she concluded.
I looked at the questions, surprised.
They were very easy, too easy.
We only had to solve five equations and a problem. I stared at the paper in confusion and raised my head toward Jenna. Almost immediately, the professor's gaze met mine. My breath caught, and I tried to ignore the pounding of my heart, which grew louder with each passing second. I raised an eyebrow, unsure if I should take this test as an insult.
The professor looked at me with a smile, clearly enjoying my reaction. She tilted her head, observing me with open curiosity. Meanwhile, she made sure her students weren't cheating.
Shaking my head, I looked down at my sheet, sensing Enid's frustration nearby. I placed the pen's cap between my teeth and, concentrating, began answering the questions, occasionally feeling the piercing gaze of those brown eyes.