Page 76 of Unforgivable Ties

My teacher finished up her lecture with a colorful description of the nuances of reconstructive surgery, her eyes glinting with excitement. As usual, her enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself sketching out a few extra notes, despite my earlier discontent.

“Well, that’s it for today,” she said. “Please read chapter thirteen and answer all odd questions at the end of the chapter except number nine,” she paused, setting her lecture notes down on the podium. “And Stephanie Reinhardt, if you could see me after class.”

My stomach twisted with anxiety. What did she want from me?

“What is that about?” Preston asked from beside me.

Crap. I had completely forgotten he was there. That was another reason I didn’t like lecture days; it gave him more opportunities to talk.

“I have no idea.”

I picked up my stuff and walked towards the front without wishing him goodbye. The knots in my stomach twisted tighter and tighter as I drew closer to my teacher, hoping that it was good, or at least neutral, news.

“Hi Professor Delaney,” I said nervously, my hand tightening around my backpack strap as I got closer. “You asked for me?”

“Ah, Stephanie. I have some wonderful news for you,” she said.

The knots in my stomach eased. Thank god it was good news.

“Dr. Malden has chosen you to help perform surgery with him and his team.”

“Me?” I asked, pointing to myself.

Dr. Malden hadn’t come around since the initial speech he gave us. So, the person chosen to “help” him perform surgery must solely be based on grades.

I used the term help very loosely. All I’d likely be doing was sanitizing tools and cleaning up after.

“Congratulations,” she said, giving me a smile. “He asked for you specifically.”

My hypothesis about being chosen on grades was wrong. Perhaps he had read a paper I wrote or observed me in class, unbeknownst to me. My mind was reeling with possibilities.

“Why me?” I blurted out, still in shock.

“He didn’t say,” she shrugged. “But you are the top student in the class, so I’d imagine that has something to do with it.”

With my heart pounding like a drum, I nodded, unsure what to say. She sent me off with a light pat on the shoulder and a “Keep up the good work,” before turning back to her notes. I walked out of the lecture hall in a daze of disbelief, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

I had to tell Vincenzo.

I let out a little squeal and power walked towards his car, nearly bursting with excitement. As I hurried across the campus, even with melting snow and frigid cold, the day just seemed brighter.

He was waiting for me in his normal spot, blocking the loading zone. I was surprised he hadn’t gotten a ticket yet.

“Vincenzo!” I said, running up and giving him a hug.

“Steph?” he said, confused but returning my hug nonetheless. “You’re happy today. Normally you’re about to pass out when I pick you up.”

I launched into the day’s events, my hands moving excitedly as I talked about being chosen by Dr. Malden, of how Mrs. Delaney had praised me for being the top student. Vincenzo listened attentively, his eyes warm and a small smile on his face.

“You’re amazing, you know that?” he said, running his thumb along my lower jaw.

I pressed my lips against his, hungrily returning the affection. He wrapped his hand in my hair and pulled me deeper into the kiss, the other snaking up my stomach and resting on my chest.

“I said, excuse me,” an irritated voice interrupted us, and Vincenzo and I pulled away from each other.

A security guard stood next to us, his arms crossed and face set in agitation. I hadn’t even heard his first request; I was too deep into the moment with Vincenzo.

“I’m going to have to ticket you for being parked here. If you don’t move, I’ll be forced to call a tow truck,” the guard said, pulling out his ticketing pad and a pen.

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