I'm Normally Perfect (re-upload)

Chapter Twenty-Five

'I don't know. That's funny. You should ask Professor Pristin. Anyway, what do you say? About going out some time? There will probably be some great films at the Ultimate. Or we could go to a pub or whatever you want.'

He was far too eager for my comfort, but I only said, 'Maybe, I don't know. I'm working on a project for Alex, and I'm behind in that as well.' He snorted and was shushed by some students, 'She's put you to work? Earning your keep?'

'Not really. I offered to do it for my own peace of mind.'

'Do what?'

'Organise her library.'

'Oh, right. That's sounds boring as shit, Catherine.' He was shushed again, this time he shushed the students in return.

I laughed at that, covering my mouth with my hand, 'It's not, actually. Not to me. I love organising. And there are books everywhere.'

He shook his head, 'You are a queer bird, Catherine Perfect.' He checked his watch, 'Alas, I must leave you now. I have a meeting with my tutor.'

'You just walked up two flights of stairs.'

He shrugged, 'If only for the pleasure of your company.' He kissed the back of my hand and bowed deeply. Then grinned like a moron and dashed out to the irritated looks of a smattering of students who then turned to gaze accusingly at me, as though I'd been the disruptive one. I shrugged and went off to my table, vowing to make major progress on my new story, though it was turning out to be far more difficult than I'd originally imagined.

I scribbled on for most of the morning, occasionally sitting back, frustrated, and watch Alex writing or reading in her office. If she looked over when I was watching her I'd wave and she'd smile the dimple smile. A balloon would fill in my chest every time.

After noon I had the ever-increasing joy of meeting with Professor Burrows for our usual check in. As I marched over to his office I wondered if I would be tied to him for the duration of my academic career or just until the end of the year. I tried to figure out a polite way to ask. Once I took my seat in his office he asked without looking at me, 'Your break? How was it?'

'Brilliant, thanks.'

'You went to Tillington I presume.' He still didn't turn to me.

'Of course. Alex taught my to ice skate.' I smiled at the memory.

He flicked his eyes toward me, though nothing else moved in my direction, 'Did she?'

'Yep. She's a fantastic skater.'

'No doubt.'

I heard a note of derision in his voice and smiled, 'Why do you say that?'

He swivelled in his chair to face me. I believe he'd gained a bit around the middle over the break. 'Your Professor Pristin has always been something of a...hellion. Why don't we leave it at that?'

I had to suppress laughter, "hellion" is about the last word I'd use to describe Alex.

'Because she's adept at ice skating?'

He tilted his head down and peered at me over his spectacles, humourlessly, 'You haven't known her as long as I have, and I'll thank you not to be so smug, young lady.'

'I wasn't being smug, Professor, I simple can't picture Alex riding about on a motorbike or something.' The picture of Alex all in leather, on the back of a Harley almost made me laugh again and I bit my lip.

Apparently, he didn't find the scenario amusing, as his expression deflated even further, 'Riding about on a motorbike is not the only way of being subversive.' He turned back to his papers.