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Cody falls silent while I finally relieve Nico of the bar. I look up to find him staring thoughtfully at me. He nods to the dumbbell rack, and I head over, getting a slap on the ass from Nico.
“Don’t worry honey, I’ll always love you. Total douchebag and all.” I flip him off and approach my captain, suddenly nervous of what I’m about to hear.
“I didn’t think you came off as rude, Wes.” I sag in relief. “I thought you were your usual cocky-as-hell, charming self. But if it’s really bothering you, then you should ask her yourself. The most honest answer will always come from the source.”
No wonder my sneak attack was a failure. The man is white Gandhi.
“Thanks, Cap. I appreciate the input.” Cody slaps me on the back and bends down to pick up his dumbbells.
“Anytime, Wes. I hope you find out whether Triplikesyou or not.”
I’m cruising like a newborn sailor through my first week of classes when Friday decides to drop the anchor in the form of Professor Lee Anderson.
“Some of you are here today because this course is mandatory. Others chose Intro to Psychology as an easy way to check off their science requirement. Is that correct?”
The crisp voice echoes through the auditorium, drawing chuckles and sheepish nods from students. Between the tight suit, polished shoes, and sweet looking goatee; Anderson looks more like an investment broker than a psych prof. As a business student myself, that fact should give me a sense of companionship with the man pacing the floor, yet for some reason it puts me on edge. Call it foreshadowing.
“Well, I’m here to tell you that either way, this course will not be a GPA booster. In fact, I’d be surprised if most of you walk away from this class with a B, never mind an A. In the world of science, there is no such thing as excellence. Brilliant minds spend years analyzing the same data over and over for the sake of research, and still they come up short. The simple truth of the matter is: life isn’t fair. Therefore, I’m taking it upon myself to be the first professor to treat you students howrealscientists are treated: with much criticism and little reward. You will be asked to review work; you will be asked to redo work. Most of you will hopefully attain the satisfactory level, a few of you may even hit the exemplary level. But one thing I can promise you is none of you will achieve the excellence level. And that is the greatest lesson I can give you.” Taking a pause to drink water, Anderson sweeps his gaze around the room. I fight the urge to flinch when his gaze lands on mine.
Full disclosure: I’m one of those students who took this class because I thought it would be the easiest choice for my science requirement. Bio, chem, and physics require way too much effort so that left the choice of geology or psychology. And come on, serial killer documentaries versus rock formations? It’s a no brainer.
“If you are unable to handle my grading mindset, then you are welcome to drop the class. Those of you who choose to stay, however, will undergo such growth and development that your perspective of this fine institution may change, perhaps even your perspective of the world.”
The hot brunette I was chatting up earlier shifts her laptop so I can see the screen. All geology classes for this semester are full, leaving only the main three sciences as remaining options. Each with an additional three-hour lab, and in the case of physics, a one-hour tutoring session on top.
Fuck. I should have given those minerals a chance.
“Today we will begin by taking a look at-
BANG! The auditorium door flies open and a frazzled looking girl stumbles in, arms overflowing with textbooks and a box that suspiciously looks like the cafeteria’s unbelievable poutine. The golden streaks highlighting the chestnut hair are a dead giveaway as I watch my favourite pack mule juggle her way to an empty seat in the front row. Catching Trip’s eye, I blow her a kiss and grin at the scowl I get in return.
This class just got a little bit more interesting.
Chapter 6
Lou
That arrogant, son of a bi-
“And what might your name be Miss?”
I look up to find the most well-kept goatee I’ve ever seen towering over me. Sneaking a glance at my watch, I wince. Twenty minutes late. I knew I should have grabbed lunch after class. Hunger be damned.
“Lou Mackenzie, sir. I’m so sorry for being late, it won’t happen again.”
“I see.” I slump in my seat as the professor turns to address the class, praying my face isn’t as red as it feels.
“Today’s lesson is on a term called operant conditioning, a learning process that occurs when two repeating stimuli are repeatedly paired. I originally prepared a PowerPoint with some videos to go over with everyone, but thanks to Miss Mackenzie, now we have the opportunity for a real-life demonstration.” I freeze, feeling the entire auditorium look in my direction.
“The first stimuli of our demonstration is a student turning up late to class. Now, if this response is met unchallenged, there is no reason for such behaviour to change. Thus, using the general idea of operant conditioning, to reinforce the knowledge that tardiness will not be tolerated in my class, I condemn each and every one of you to a ten-page paper defining the advantages and disadvantages of such conditioning in a domestic setting. The paper is due on my desk by 9am Monday morning and will account for 20% of your overall grade. Remember to cite your sources. Now, please open your textbooks to page 367…”
The professor’s voice drones on as I slide further into my seat. The stares have turned into glares, and the animosity flowing my way feels strong enough to start a fire. The guy on my right shifts his chair as far away from me as possible. He can probably smell the shame wafting from my poutine.
The rest of the class goes by at a snail’s pace and as soon as we’re dismissed, I launch out of my seat and make a break for the exit. The last thing I need is a black eye from one of my classmates.
I head straight for the courtyard, hoping it will be far enough away to hide from my classmates’ hostility so I can finally eat my lunch. After all that, I still didn’t cure my hunger because I was too scared it’d turn into another conditioning moment.
Well class, given that Miss Mackenzie insists on eating her carbs instead of taking notes, every one of you will have to go on a carb-free diet for the rest of the semester.
