"Gifted" was the word that Kristina carried around with her all day; from class to class, across campus, during study breaks and at lunch. No, she didn't carry it around, she owned it; she floated on it. That's how the Professor described Kristina when she finished reading her piece that day they had the classroom all to themselves. Kristina read her piece to a room of empty chairs without a whole bunch of eyes on her except for the pair that watched her from behind. It was a relief to not look directly at the Professor as Kristina read. There was also something mysterious - seductive even - knowing that the Professor was behind her, nearby although Kristina couldn't see her; close enough to hear her sigh and make slight movements, yet far enough to not touch.
As she walked aimlessly on the campus grounds between classes, a secret grin formed on Kristina's face when she remembered the Professor putting a hand on her shoulder that day and saying, "In all my years of teaching, you are one of a handful of bright lights I've come across who have so much potential." She squeezed Kristina's shoulder ever so gently. For days afterward, while she showered or got dressed, Kristina absently touched the impression the Professor's fingers had left there.
Kristina didn't miss a class since. She showed up every week, participated - sometimes or not. She just mostly went to watch the Professor. How her mouth moved and lips formed words, how her head tilted when she was really listening, how she walked the aisles; her gestures and hand placements.
Kristina was always the last to leave class and to share a quick over-the-shoulder smile with the Professor as she walked out the door. There were never any words to say, "Thank you for being…." whoever she was becoming to Kristina.
*ping*
Kristina scrambled in her bag to read the new email that arrived in her inbox.
From: Forsyth, Parker (Prof)
Forsyth. Foresight. The Future.
Is this a sign? Kristina thought.
Kristina's heart beat a little faster. She took a deep breath as her finger hovered over the message ready to tap it open. She looked around to see if anyone was nearby. God forbid a friend surprised her by reading the Professor's message over her shoulder. In fact, Kristina didn't want anyone to know that the Professor sent her an email.
Kristina spotted a tree with just the right amount of shade to sit under. She might was well be sitting down when she opened it.
What did she send me?
Seated comfortably on the slightly dewy grass, Kristina took a swig from her water bottle to refresh her parched throat. She looked at her phone again.
From: Forsyth, Parker (Prof)
Subject: Available for Office Hours
She wants to see me...alone.
Kristina tapped the message open.
"Hey history class girl!"
Kristina jumped out of her skin at the sound of an enthusiastic voice intruding her moment.
"Nice day to skip class, huh," said Eager Eyes as he settled himself cozily beside Kristina who quickly slipped her phone into her bag.
"Ya," Kristina answered trying her best not to look or to sound annoyed. "Actually I'm not skipping. I'm cramming for a test next period. I have a test next period...in about an hour so I, uh, I need to continue cramming."
"Oh, it looked like you were swiping left, swiping right. That sort of thing. That's why I came over."
"My notes are on my phone. Really...really important notes. I actually want to pass this class. So…"
"Say no more. Say no more," he said getting to his feet as quickly as he had sat down. "So, I'll see you around then?"
Without answering, Kristina sardonically smiled Eager Eyes on his way while he stared longingly at her as he backed up, one slow step at a time. He turned on his heels just in time before he smacked right into their history professor, Wooly Face, who happened to be crossing the same path at that moment. They did a clumsy side-step, quick two-step around each other; their near collision made Kristina laugh. Then she remembered.
The message!
Kristina grabbed her phone out of her bag and tapped.
From: Forsyth, Parker (Prof)
Subject: Available for Office Hours
Dear Students,
The salutation fell with a thud in Kristina's chest. It wasn't for her. It was for everybody.
What was I thinking? Why would she send me a personal message? It's not like I'm special or anything.
Being around the Professor made Kristina feel special.
Dear Students,
I'm cancelling this Friday's and next Tuesday and Wednesday's classes due to an unexpected matter that I need to address out of town. I will be unavailable and unreachable by email the entire week leading into midterms.
In order to make up for this disruption to my and your schedules, I have office hours available tomorrow for one-on-ones if you have questions or need guidance as you prepare for the exam.
As I teach three classes, spots are limited and I can't meet with each of you before I leave. Tomorrow's my last day on campus until I return the following Monday so I encourage you to sign up at this link soon.
Sincerely,
Professor Forsyth
Kristina re-read the word, "one-on-one", which made her blush. Clicking on the link, Kristina scrolled down the booking schedule.
Filled with a student's name.
Filled.
Filled.
Filled.
…
Every spot was taken. Kristina scrolled back up the schedule just to make sure. Every. last. one. She thought for a moment, then Kristina scrolled down to the very last time slot which read:
3:45 pm Jeffrey C.
There was no way that this whats-his-name was going to be the last person to see the Professor before she left for a whole week. No way.
Sorry, Jeffrey. There's just not enough room in this time slot for the two of us.