Deviance | 18+ | ✓ | REWRITING

i . [rewritten]

"That's due in 3 minutes," Ashly hissed, slapping Caleb on the shoulder, only provoking a chuckle.

"Hey, hey, it's all good... I just gotta save and submit..."

Caleb somehow managed to save the file and upload it in a record time that Marie had ever witnessed. The assignment wasn't too difficult - just an explanation of why the student took this class and a general understanding of abnormal psychology.

Ashly sighed. "I don't know how much I can help you out. I've heard this professor is really tough."

Caleb nodded. "A friend of mine said he didn't give out a single 'A' last semester."

"Really?" Marie responded in disbelief. Damn.

"But we're all seniors here, right?" Caleb pointed out. "We just gotta pass, graduate, and get the hell out of here."

"You know, I've also heard he's very..."

Ashly's voice trailed off as the door to the classroom opened.

Not many people could command a room to silence with just their presence. Expensive shoes hit the floor, each step exuding dominance and echoing in the room. Marie only had to move her head a little to see the man walking down the aisle towards the front of the room.

The black slacks and dark dress shirt he wore only accentuated his tall, well-built frame as he made his way to the podium in demanding strides.

Most in the room - girls and boys alike - were ogling the professor's beauty that would make God or Gods of any religion gasp, from his defined cheekbones to his chiseled jaw emphasize by a trimmed scruff. Everything was easy on the eyes. His brown round glasses sitting on the bridge of his nose complemented his lazy, warm-brunette waves which were effortlessly styled away from his face. If Marie had to put a number on it, she'd estimate the professor was anywhere from his late twenties to thirties. She had never seen a more objectively handsome man.

But that's not what mesmerized the young student. No, it was the aurora of sheer command the man carried with him. Marie knew this man never asked for anything in his life - he dictated it.

Long gone was the simple giddiness of having an attractive professor. Marie was thoroughly enamored. Curious. 

The student mentally cursed herself as her thoughts took a darker turn. She knew her therapist would have something to say about it, who was more than aware of Marie's self-destructive tendencies regarding sex and commitment. 

Marie definitely didn't need to spiral into an episode of self-reflection at the moment, so she refocused her attention to the front of the room. 

The professor removed his glasses and gracefully tossed them onto the podium. The class was silent, waiting for him to speak.

"Good afternoon. This is psychology twenty-two hundred, the study of deviant behavior. I'm Professor Nathaniel Dameron. Dr. Dameron is also fine, " His modulated, deep voice resonated within the walls of the room with ease. "Now, I know half the class is here to just pass. The other half are actually up for the challenge."

The sound of uneasy students shifting in their seats filled the air. Marie saw a glimmer of a smirk appear on the professor's face in response to the discomfort.

Marie blinked. She must've imagined that.

Professor Dameron continued. "This class will require a significant amount of your time and effort. We will delve into, study, and explore the human psyche. This class will go beyond textbook readings and psychological definition. I want all of you to bring your own analysis and thoughts. That's the true study of psychology."

The rest of the class proceeded as most first-day-of-classes go. Dr. Dameron went through the syllabus of the class, dates for midterms, and books needed - one being a textbook he co-authored himself. 

Looking around, Marie could tell this wasn't what some students expected and she figured she wouldn't be seeing them next class.

The professor continued into an introduction to abnormal psychology, both its modern study but also its dark past of stigmatization and scrutiny. Marie could listen to the man talk about anything, so much so that an hour had flown by in a second.

"I believe that's all I intended on covering today. See everyone Wednesday. You're all dismissed." Professor Dameron promptly concluded, relocating back to the podium and desk set up to his right.

"I'm fucked," Caleb grumbled, lugging his backpack over his shoulder.

"Hopefully I'll see you both here Wednesday," Ashly said, insinuating either Caleb or Marie would drop the class by then.

Before the three of them could exchange contact information or parting words, a sharp voice called out that almost put a stop to Marie's heart.

"Marianna Mor."

The student turned her head towards the voice, making direct eye contact with her professor. He motioned for her with a slight tilt of his head.

"See you guys Wednesday," Marie breathily muttered to her new friends, wondering what the professor could possibly want from her.