I'd done this before, so I figured it would be a breeze. But the new student orientation at a four
year college turned out to be an all day affair. All summer, one could say. It's amazing when you go for
these things. You kind of don't know where you are supposed to be one minute from the next, but
somehow, you always find yourself in the right place. Eventually, I was taking English and Math entrance
exams, and that was when I saw him sitting way up in the front of the classroom, helping to pass out the
papers. I raised my hand as I was missing a paper, and instead of passing it on down the row, he brought
it right over, trying to make me look him in the eyes, but I steadfastly kept my eyes on the paper he was
bringing. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him smile a mischevious smile, and I couldn't help but smile
too. However, I quickly got to work on my calculus. During the exam, I raised my head up a couple of
times to find him looking at me. Wasn't he getting on my nerves! Where was he from? Didn't he know it
was bad manners to stare. I was kind of enjoying it though.
When the placement exams were done, we all stood around outside the classroom waiting to see
in what math and English classes we would place. It turned out I didn't have to take any English classes,
but I would need to take calculus. He came around to where some students and I were talking about our
majors.
"Ah, that's a pretty tough major." He said when he heard what mine was.
I turned around to look at him.
"Well, you just work a little harder at it." I said.
"If you need any extra help, I can help. I'm always around here." He said. "And by the way, my
name is Joe. Joe Lewis"
I didn't answer him because I wasn't sure whether or not that was a line.
I decided to take one summer class, and I chose economics. Guess who should show up in class
too? Joe, that's right! He acted surprised to see me. I ignored him and pretended to be very studious. I
don't think it was very convincing. Summer school is intensive enough without thinking about kicking it
under the sheets all hot summer long . It must be the heat, I thought. Summer heat has a way of turning
up the heat in everything. At this rate, I'd need freon to keep me cool. I turned my attention away from his
long hair and wicked glances and made some hard notes in my book.
That weekend, I went out to a club with some friends. I hadn't been out in some time. I thought it
would do me some good; I'd be able to flirt with some men without feeling pressured and get the
hormones to stop raging within me. A kind of placebo effect. Cheat the hormones that you are getting it
on just so they can be quiet for a while. After a few less than comfortable dances with guys breathing
heineken down my neck, I sat down because half drank guys were not doing anything for me. And there
was Joe, sitting right across from me. This guy was crawling all over the place. Tonight would be a cold
shower night for sure. I turned to sit with my back to him, but presently, someone slid into the seat next to
me.
"Having fun." Asked Joe.
What was I supposed to do with this guy? This was so not kosher. He really shouldn't be talking to me. I
was filled with pure alarm
"It's a nice place." I said trying to sound noncommital.
"How is class going?" He asked.
"You know how it's going. You are there."
"Well, I'm just wondering if you are enjoying the class or not."
"It's okay."
"You are very good in class you know."
"I know."
He laughed at this answer.
"It must be an easy subject for you." He said.
"It is an interesting subject for me." I said still alarmed but hoping I was hiding it well.
I asked him to dance, if only to make him shut up. That was quite a big step asking him to do that, but I
knew he couldn't very well do it. Anyway, he wasn't surprised when I asked him and he seemed almost
grateful that I did. Since he seemed to be enjoying himself so much, I decided to let the river overflow its
banks and hold nothing back. The bump and grind got bumpier and grindier, and we became hotter and
hotter. So I kissed him. Smack dub right in the mouth, and he hungrily responded. This was truly
breaking all the rules. To hell with the rules! Need I say we danced every dance together in a lip-lock? No,
I didn't think so.
I gave Joe my number, but didn't talk to him again for the rest of the weekend. I was a mass of
nerves on Monday morning. Girls behaving badly. I didn't know if I'd be able to look him in the eye. You
know those summer classses. Four hours! Four painful hours I sat in my corner trying my hardest to
ignore him which wasn't easy at all. What, with him being so talkative in class. I was not my usual
participating student that day. When class was over, I got up to leave as fast as I could, only to feel
someone grab me by the arm and yank me back in class.
"What?" I asked.
"You were quiet today." Said Joe.
"I'm kind of tired today." I said.
"I'll give you a ride home."
"I have my own car."
"Okay then, why don't you let me take you out for coffee this evening before you go home?"
Give the guy a break I thought. At least he talked to you after seeing you on Saturday. It was the longest
coffee break I'd ever had. I was leaving there at 8 p.m.
"I really have to be going." I said, looking at my watch. "I have homework to finish."
"Well, it's not due till next week."
"That's true, but it's still late in the day. Have to get ready for tomorrow."
I got home feeling ecstatic and in no mood for homework. So I went for a run around the block to
help me focus. I couldn't let this thing with Joe, whatever it was, distract me from my studies. I know, I
know, it's such a passe thing to say. But you see, I didn't want Joe to think I was in anyway being
purposely tardy because of him. Anyway....
I met Joe for coffee every day after school after that. On Friday, he asked me over to his house for
dinner, and like a lamb going to the slaughter, I went. I had a ton of homework, and was hoping to finish
it on Saturday and Sunday. But Friday evening merged into Friday night, into Saturday, into Sunday, into
Sunday night, and I was still at Joe's house! I did try to do my homework, don't get me wrong. I really did
try.
"Joe, I really need to get up now and do some work." I would say, shoving off a naked arm from
around me.
"Don't worry about it."
"I don't want to take advantage or even seem as though I'm taking advantage of this situation as
an excuse not to do any work. I'm sure you have some work to do too."
"Well, Cathy, I don't care."
"But I do."
"Well, don't."
And that would be the end of that, and no homework was done.
On Monday morning, we drove to school together. I was terrified of being seen. I still hadn't
done any homework. This was going to be a bad week. In class I held my head in my hand and ignored
the clamor as everyone handed in their homework to the teacher. He looked at them and called out to us
who hadn't handed in theirs.
"Martin, where is your homework?"
"Ummh, it's in my car."
"Could you go get it?"
"Yes sir." He said amid snickering from the class because we all knew there was no semblance of
homework in his car.
"Julie, where's yours?"
"I didn't do it." She said. Atleast, she was honest.
"And may I ask why?"
"I didn't have any time."
"Mmh!"
"And Cathy, where is your homework?"
"I didn't do it either." I answered wishing he could spare me this nonsense.
"And why, pray tell, did you not do it?"
"Professor Lewis, I was very busy and didn't quite get round to doing it." I said, barely managing
to hide a smile.
"And when can I expect it?" Asked Joe
Well, if Joe wanted to play games, then I was going to play along.
"As soon as the guy I'm seeing gives me a minute to breath, I'm sure I'll get it to you!"
The rest of the class burst out laughing little knowing how much meaning there was in this seemingly
harmless banter between the professor and I.
It was a hot summer. A hot summer affair with my unmarried college professor. I passed the
class, he didn't pass me. I am a good student.