Chapter 8
I could do nothing but follow Ismael. I was following his steps even though I didn’t know where we were going. Tsk. What does he need from me?
“Get inside my office.”
I looked at the door he was referring to. This was Professor Sybill’s office before. My breathing became heavy. Everything comes back to my memory, even my longing for him.
Ismael noticed that I wasn’t by myself so he grabbed the doorknob and opened the door for me. He entered first, while I was still having second thoughts about whether to stay outside or get in. It’s hard to go to the place you used to go with the person you love now that you are no longer with them.
“Sit,” Ismael ordered so I looked at him with my eyebrows raised. I noticed that he was treating me like a dog because of the way he commanded me to do anything, just like when he summoned me here without telling me the reason before hand.
“Why would I?” I complained.
“Then, just stand there. It wouldn’t be me who’d get tired,” he sarcastically rebutted.
He sat in front of me, where his table was. I saw the nameplate for his name. What does this mean? I thought he was just a sub-professor. Why does he have a nameplate here? Is he a regular now? Is Professor Sybill not coming back?
“Did you send me here to hurt me more?” I asked angrily. Even my teeth gnashed from annoyance. “To make it look to me that this is your office and you already have a name for this place now?”
“No,” he answered plainly, placing his two arms on the table and putting his hands together. “That won’t happen as long as you behave like that, Miss Alvandra. You’re here because I want you to cooperate with me. I know you hate me and you want me to be dismissed, but I won’t let it happen.”
“So, are you threatening me?”
“No, I am here to request.” I was too stunned to speak from what he said. Request? Did I hear it correctly? Why would a professor request something from his student? I doubt what he really wants. “I want this position. I want to teach here at Marcus University. And I don’t want you to be the reason why I will be dismissed. This is my first time teaching here, and they told me that if one of my students failed, it would stain my records. My students are a reflection of how I teach.” His face showed sincerity. What does Marcus University have and why does he like to be here anyway?
“No, just fake my records. You can pass me, I know, even if I complain.”
He shook his head. “Integrity, Miss Alvandra.”
I rolled my eyes. Why does it seem like his problem is my problem now? Did he really think I would follow what he wanted? He wants me to behave in his way? No way; now that I know his weakness, I might take advantage of it. I will make sure he is removed from here.
“I’m sorry, I can’t help you.” I said it firmly as I turned away from him but what he said next made me stop walking.
“Then I must do my part. Should I tell Professor Sybill about how you kissed me that night?”
I gulped. So now, he’s trying to blackmail me. “Isn’t that what a useless man would do?” I answered while holding myself back. That means it was confirmed that he was the one I was with that night and I kissed him. Then, is it possible that something really happened between the two of us? There’s no way! It’s nauseating!
“Aren’t I a useless man in your eyes already?”
I sighed. I really hate him to the extreme. I thought he was here to request something from me. Why do I seem to be at a disadvantage here? Why does he have to use what happened against me?
“It was a mistake! I thought you were Professor Sybill; that’s why I kissed you! Why were you there at the bar in the first place? Why did you help me? Why did you take me to the hotel?”
“Why? Should it be at my house?”
I grimaced. He should have only taught philosophy because he is very philosophical in a sarcastic way. Such an annoying human being! He’s draining my patience! If I could strangle him, I would!
“You shouldn’t have helped me because I can take care of myself. Also, I didn’t ask for your help.”
“And left you there being molested? You’re my student, after all. Why should I leave you?”
I lost the answer. I would have preferred that he irritated me rather than speak to me in this manner as if he were genuinely concerned. I am more and more at a loss for words against him.
I sighed. “What do you really want?” I asked hard. It’s boring to argue with him. It’s like if I don’t give up, he won’t let me rest either.This content belongs to Nô/velDra/ma.Org .
“I told you what I wanted. I want to stay here.”
“But I don’t want you to stay here. Why do you even want to stay here?”
“I have my reasons and I’m desperate.”
My tongue was lost for words after what he said. I can see in his eyes the depth of his desire to stay in this place, which I don’t have. Why would I want to stay here if what I will always remember is my longing for the person I love? I was only going in because I was hoping to see him come back or maybe get a hint as to where he was.
“If you want, I will help you locate where your professor is.”
I blinked in an instant. At that time, my tears fell because it was as if I had the hope of seeing Professor Sybill again. I fell to my knees and couldn’t stop crying. I don’t care if Ismael sees me crying because of a man. I don’t care what he says if I’m stupid. What I wanted right now was his offer. If he helps me find Professor Sybill… I’ll also help him make his stay here stable.
I noticed footsteps coming towards me. “Here.” I looked up and saw him handing me his handkerchief. My heart shattered. Why is he being so rude all the time and in an instant he’ll be this thoughtful?
“You shouldn’t cry in front of guys; they might take advantage of your weakness,” he said in a concerned manner. I reached for the handkerchief he was giving me and wiped it on my cheek.
“You won’t take advantage of me since I am your last card.” I stand. “If you don’t follow the agreement, I’ll definitely erase you here.”
He grinned as he watched my face, as if he were amazed at how I recovered from the moment of breakdown. “So, it’s a deal?” he asked.
I nodded. I was surprised when he extended his hand. I exhaled as I held his hand.
“You really love that guy, huh?” he still hissed.
“I do, so help me find his whereabouts in exchange for my kind behavior in your class. I also promise I won’t be an obstacle to your dreams.”
He smiled. “Right. You should behave.” I was surprised when he put his hand on my head and ruffled my hair. I glared at him. Am I a dog?