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Although… I don’t think any amount of time can prepare Athelia for what I’m going to do to her.
Chapter Twenty
Athelia
Freshman year, first week
I fiddle with the hem of my shirt as I sit outside Professor Kammes’s office. He’s my advisor, and I’m also taking one of his history classes this semester. I woke up to an email from him requesting a meeting after his office hours.
For the fifth time in three minutes, I check my phone. I can hear a muffled conversation from inside his office, so I know he’s not ready for me yet, but we’re ten minutes past when he asked me to show up.
My first class with him was yesterday. I sat in the front because I want the full experience, and I adore history. There’s so much to learn, not just about events, but about people and human nature. It’s why I want to teach it so badly.
But I’m beginning to wonder if sitting in the front was a bad idea. Professor Kammes spent an odd amount of time looking at me. If any of the other students caught on, they didn’t say anything to me, so maybe I’m over-thinking things. It’s what I always do.
The doorto Professor Kammes’s office opens, and a boy walks out. He smiles politely at me as I stand from where I was sitting on a bench.
“Athelia,” Professor Kammes says when I knock on the open door. “Come in. Oh, and close the door behind you, please.”
I do so with shaky hands. Professor Kammes and I have already had an advisory meeting. His email didn’t hint at what he wanted to speak to me about, so I’ve been on edge all day, worried I did something wrong.
“Take a seat.” He gestures to one of the chairs on the opposite side of the desk as him. “How’s your first week been treating you?”
“Pretty good so far.” I keep my posture straight as I lower myself into a chair. “Is something wrong?”
“Oh, no. On the contrary, everything is wonderful. I was pleased to see you participating in class yesterday. Your enthusiasm is unmatched.”
“Oh. Um, thank you.”
“Honestly, since first meeting you, I’ve been intrigued. There’s just something about you that’s so…different.”
For some reason, that doesn’t sit right with me. Sure, everyone has their special and unique qualities, but the fact that Professor Kammes isn’t being specific makes his words ring hollow. Besides, we haven’t talkedthatmuch.
“I’m not sure what exactly you want, Professor,” I say, trying to keep my voice calm and even. “Is there something you wanted to discuss about class specifically? Or with my schedule or something?”
“Oh, no.” He smiles, and the interest in his eyes as he looks me over makes me shiver. “I have a little tradition going—something I like to do every year. Between all the classes I teach, most of my students blend in. But every year, there are a few who stand out.”
Relief billows inside me. For a second, I thought this was about to go somewhere inappropriate, but now we’re back on track. “I see.”
“My time is limited, but I usually pick one student to deepen a connection with. Young people have so much to offer, you know? Enthusiasm, different perspectives, et cetera.”
“Right.” I shift in my seat. “Are you—did you invite me here to offer to have that connection with me?”
He smiles. “Smart girl.”
“What exactly would it entail, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Well, that’s the thing. It’s slightly… unconventional, if you get what I’m saying. I need to know you’reinterestedbefore I continue.”
The relief I felt moments ago vanishes. Professor Kammes is looking at me with hunger and greed, not excitement at helping a student succeed. “I…”
Professor Kammes stands while I try to find the correct words to turn him down. Is this going to affect the rest of my school year? How am I supposed to walk into class knowing he’s hadthosetypes of thoughts about me?
“I don’t offer this to just anyone, Athelia,” Professor Kammes says in my ear, and I realize he’s circled around the desk and is now standing behind my chair.
“Professor, I—”
“And this year, the moment I saw you, I knew you’d be it for me.”
