CAVING IN TO HIS SEDUCTION

Chapter Eight

AARON

The corridors of Hive University, a once familiar territory were now a place of desolation for me. After my sad encounter with Professor Campbell, a woman who caused an unexpected turmoil within me. I avoided her like a plague, not because I wanted to, but because she saw me as good for nothing and a menace.

I was embarrassed over the failed attempts to apologize to her and strike a conversation with her. She had spoken to me rudely, referring to my experiences at my previous university. All of this was because of my bloody sister’s interference in my life. If she had minded her business, I wouldn’t have to avoid professor Campbell.

As much as I wanted to be close to Professor Campbell, as much as I needed her in my life, I had to stay away from her to avoid further embarrassment.

At school one bright afternoon, I spotted Professor Campbell as a distance in the crowded hallway. The strong force that once pulled me to her now repelled me, I turned away and chose a different route to avoide crossing her path. I missed her warm smile, and the teasing glint in her eyes- things I once cherished now haunted me.

In the library too, where I exchanged playful glances with her, teasing her as she walked away from me, shoving me off. I found solace instead in the hushed tones of other students, warden off her sweet voice from my senses which left an emptiness that tugged at me. The lecture hall corridor which served as a corner for my amusing encounters with he now felt like a deserted stage.

Unable to bear the torture anymore, I resulted to missing classes. That way, I was sure to avoid her icy glare which stung at every single glance.. I immersed myself in late night parties, drinking and flirtation, all at the attempt to bury the desires that clawed at me.

I needed a distraction. Anything.

The fraternity house pulsated with loud music and dancing, with the promise of oblivion. Bursting through the door, I was met with the wave pf bodies and blinding strobe lights. I had become popular among the students and was recognized as the best party starter on campus. Girls materialized beside me, their eyes gleaming with the thrill of the chase.

“Hey, Aaron,” said a girl with bright pin lipstick, leaning in a little too close. “Haven’t seen you here in ages!”

I forced a smile. “Yeah , busy with school s**t and all.”

“Well loosen up a bit, cutie. I’m here to make you relax,” she giggled, batting her eyelashes. “We could use some excitement around here, you know.”

I went through the motions, the easy banter, the fake interest. But Susan’s face kept flashing through my mind, her sharp frown dissolving into something softer, something i couldn’t quite grasp. Was i thinking of her again? The thought of her made me weak, vulnerable and pissed. Besides, she was my professor and there was surely no way i could ever gain her attention. It was against the school rules but fvck the rules, i wanted her, all of her. If only she could see how miserable I had become because of her.

The girls touch felt like sandpaper against my skin, compared to how I felt by just staring at Professor Campbell’s face.

“Whoa, easy there,” a blonde interjected, shoving the pink lipped girl playfully. “He’s mine tonight, didn’t you get the memo?”

I sighed internally. The was getting old and boring.

“Actually, ladies,” I said, trying to be polite but firm, “I think I’m going to call it an early night.”

“Aww, come on. The party just started.” the blonde girl pouted, grabbing my arm. “just one drink won’t hurt,”

Disgust gnawed at me. “Thanks, but no thanks.” I gently freed myself from her grip.

The pounding music seemed even louder as I excused myself from the frat house, the air thick with the smell of spilled beer. The night air felt like a slap, momentarily clearing my head. The party’s energy, once inviting, now felt suffocating.

I retreated back to my home, the silence weighing heavily on me. Tossing the keys on the table, I sank onto my bed, the sheets rough against my cheek. Sleep, the one thing I craved now eluded me. Thoughts of professor Campbell flooded my mind like a broken dam.

But after the raw emotions of our last encounter, a heavy realization settled on me. Professor Campbell was a respected figure at the university, and me, a reckless student with a reputation for trouble. Our connection, no matter how intense it made me feel, was a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.

I squeezed my eyes shut, willing the image of her away. She deserved stability, someone who could offer her the kind of future I couldn’t guarantee, not her goddamned boyfriend either who had abandoned her at the restaurant. With a heavy sigh, I accepted the bitter truth- letting go was the only way.

The days that followed were a blur. I immersed myself into studies, I attended every lecture, taking notes meticulously. Yet, the lecture hall felt strange to me, I avoided her gaze all through the lectures. During her lectures, my gaze would compulsively dart to the corner where she usually stood, her voice echoing in my head.

I perfected the art of peripheral vision, managing to catch glimpses of her during mu commute or at the cafeteria, always surrounded by colleagues or students. My heart lurched in my chest every time, a traitorous flicker of hope battling against the resignation I had cultivated.

One afternoon, while skimming the stacks in the library, I bumped into a familiar face. It was Jessica, a vibrant redhead I had met at the fraternity party. With a dazzling smile, she launched into a conversation, peppering it with playful jabs and flirtatious glances.

“So…. Aaron,” she purred, leaning closer, “heard you ditched the party scene. Getting old already?”

I forced a smile, the memory of Professor Campbell’s touch sending a shiver down my spine. “Something like that,” I mumbled, eyes scanning the room for any sign of her.

“Well, maybe you just need a distraction,” Jessica winked, her hand finding my arms. “Tell you what, there’s this amazing new club opening downtown this weekend. Wanna come?”

I hesitated for a moment, looking at her. Part of me craved normalcy, the easy companionship that Jessica offered. Maybe, just maybe, it could help me forget. “Sure,” I finally said, a hollow feeling settling in my stomach.

Letting go of Professor Campbell was the right thing to do, I told myself, but he hollowness in my chest spoke volumes of the sadness and emptiness it had created.