The Professor

Fahmeen sat there, the blue lights above her head. Classmates besides her, strangers in front. The actors were busy with their work, while the audience entered except one. A man with blonde hair was looking at her. She felt incredibly nervous under his gaze. Quickly she looked away, attempting to focus on the play before her.

Yet, he was relentless. He wanted her to look at him. One quick look. He wore casual attire, hair tied back and looked a few years older. On either of his sides sat more older guys, all laughing and enjoying the play except for him. He still kept his attention on the one dark haired girl in the midst of the crowd.

Her hands held each other tightly on her lap, trying to ease the butterflies in her stomach. The material of her dress was no longer cool as her body heat rose. Everyone was oblivious to this exchange. This curious, dangerous exchange between the most unlikeliest of strangers. She was not used to attention from the likes of this man. But he was giving it to her and she had no clue what to do with it.

No longer could she enjoy The Tempest, as her mind was entirely occupied with him. She watched as he leaned towards the person beside him and said something, quickly looking her way. Immediately she looked away, but she felt their gaze. She wanted to hide, uncomfortable in their scrutiny. The blue lights now felt exposing, like they're giving away her location.

"Those guys are hot." Georgia said beside her. She has soft brown, long hair and blue eyes. They were close friends.

"They're so uncomfortable, they keep looking."

"Oh really?" Georgia‘s eyes lit up and she fixed her hair, sitting up to get a clearer view. Fahmeen smiled and shook her head "Yep. Especially the blonde one."

"Oh him? Nah, look at the one next to him." Georgia said, but Fahmeen didn't want to. Only he had her interest. She bit her lip and tried to refocus on the play.

It was the intermission, some of the audience rose itching to stretch their legs and use the restrooms.

"If only they had food. I'm so hungry." Georgia groaned, Fahmeen smiled.

"Me too." It was a shame really, the play lasted over three hours and there were no refreshments. Discreetly, she looked across the floor and watched her admirer stand up with his friends. She could see his outfit clearer now and he stood to his full height. Okay, he was definitely older than her.

He wore a plain white T-shirt and black jeans, and it was winter so he had on a toffee coloured bomber jacket. Closer and closer he approached as the exit was behind her. She stayed put, the idea of mingling with strangers was extremely off putting so her bladder could hold it. His voice was in range now, it was deep and he spoke clear and confidently. His accent was foreign, American!

Her gaze was on her phone as she tried to ignore his imminent pass by. She heard him say,

"No, I like it, I'm just focused on something else." Her heart beat loudly in her chest, she bit her lip feeling super anxious. Hearing his chuckle behind her which was low and deep, she let out a sigh and finally looked up. Her phone read 8:35, another one and a half hours to go.

Once everyone took their seats again, the play resumed and the room fell dark once more. She relaxed in the theatre's ambience, enjoying the late night out with her English Literature peers. There was something about late nights in the winter that was thrilling. The cab ride there had been fun, she kept quiet, choosing to enjoy the frosty wind on her face watching out the window as the other students talked.

Time passed and The Tempest ended. With the final bow, it was time to leave. Mr. Granger (her professor) stood, signalling their departure. She stood, as did her classmates.

She spared a look the stranger's way and he was already looking at her, while still seated himself. He leaned forward, forearms on his thighs, the lights now on brightening his face. He spoke amongst his company whilst keeping focus on her. His gaze upon her was selfish, not caring if she wanted or not. She turned, ready to follow the row she sat walking towards the exit doors. The red sign above signalled where to go, as the heavy influx of people calmly strolled out of them.

He walked down onto the main floor, towards the actors and shook a couple of their hands. She couldn't make out what was being said and the last thing she saw before leaving the theatre was his widened, disappointed eyes watching her as she left.

It was an early start. The class was all present without an empty seat today. She sat near the back with Georgia behind her. Mr. Granger was late. Nothing seems to be unusual, however, something felt different today.

Ten minutes later and still no professor.

"I say he's not coming. Class dismissed!" Joey said, heading out the door. He was always the first. A free period, however they had English again at the end of the day so what would that mean?

Who cares, you can do whatever you want now.

She spent the rest of the lesson on the computers and the rest of the day in her other lessons. And the final period came about. She thought about skipping it but as she walked past the door, she saw a full house. All her classmates were there and seemed to be completely interested in the person standing in front of them. She sure likes her professor but never was he that interesting. Opening the door slowly, it made a squeaky sound making everyone look her way.

"Sorry I'm late."

"Not at all, have a seat." A familiar yet foreign voice spoke out. His back was to her, dressing in a white shirt and his blonde hair tied back. Quickly, she realized who it was that got the class' attention.

She almost couldn't believe it was him. The guy from the theatre was their substitute teacher! As she walked to her seat, he turned around and once his eyes landed on her he momentarily froze. His pale green eyes widened ever so slightly, and she could see a slight flush on his neck.

"Er, afternoon. I'm your new professor, you can call me Rolf."