Page 9 of Back to Willow

“I hope it doesn’t happen again, Miss Hanlon. I’d hate to think my class is filled with spoiled brats.”

Fighting the urge to react to his offensive statement, I answer, “Looks can be deceiving, sir; I certainly was hoodwinked at first. But rest assured because it won’t happen again.Neveragain.” Turning away before he can respond, I rush out of the classroom.

Outside, warm air hits me but does nothing to help my burning cheeks. I’m probably blushing like crazy as the adrenaline of answering him back slowly wears off. I don’t know what got into me to answer him like that. I mean, he’s a professor; he can very well make it his mission to fail me.

Damn, what have I done?

“Girl…” the girl who had been sitting by my side–who hasn’t given me a name yet—tsksme when she gets outside. “I have never seen eyes burn with such fire like our professor’s after your reply.”

“Oh god. I don’t know what’s gotten into me. I don’t snap back or anything like that.At all,” I stress.

Ethan and Hazel appear by my other side. Her lips are tight, and her face blank, but Ethan chuckles, probably having heard everything—once again—and says, “Well, sometimes, there are people out there that bring a side of us that is usually buried deep,deepdown.”

His voice is slightly low and raspy, and his eyes glint with mischief, locking me in a brief trance. For a second, it’s like I’m hypnotised, but I quickly snap out of it.

“No chance,” I say with determination. “I don’t want a war with him. He’s the one calling the shots inside the classroom, and I can’t afford to fail, or my scholarship is gone.”

Oh god, now I’m stressed.

“Come on, then. I think some coffee and food will do you good to destress.” The intimidating brunette laughs at my nervousness.

“I feel like I should know your name before we take the next level in our relationship,” I joke lightly.

She chuckles and adds, “Friendship, you mean.” Then with a mega smile, she answers, “I’m Johanna!”

“Nice to meet you, Johanna!” I nod with my own honest smile before following the three of them to the café for a well-deserved break.

THREE

Willow

It’sbeentwodayssince that dreadful class. I used to love literature and all that comes with reading and deciphering the books, but I don’t think I’ll enjoy it as much this time around. He isterrifying,and still, he hasn’t left my mind. Even now at work, I keep replaying his petty actions in my head.

Why was he that awful? And why me? Sure, Johanna was loud, but there were a lot of other students whispering all around, and he didn’t even care. He kept his focus on me the whole time.

Despite this, all other subjects have been amazing. It’s everything I ever imagined. Every assignment that has been given has me eager to start it—even though I’m sure I’ll be crying in around a month or so.

Shilah breaks me from my trance. “Willow? A few customers have arrived at my table area, but Xico needs my help. Can you cover them?”

The crowd’s out and about tonight. All of the bright yellow booths are occupied, and new food plates keep coming out. Even the modern grey stools by the main counter are occupied with people eating. It doesn’t even look like we’re in the middle of the week. It’s almost as bad as the weekends.

“Of course. I’m on it.”

Secretly, the work is welcomed. Anything to keep my mind off these running thoughts. The couple is already seated in one of the booths, so I quickly attend to their drinks while letting them choose what to eat. Even though I’m fairly new here, this has been the kind of work I have been doing since before Dylan was born, so the agility to get things done is there.

When I got to Nana’s, I was determined to still get a job—even if just a temporary one, while already pregnant. And then as soon as he was six months old, I went back to work. Only part time at the beginning, and then full time after I graduated.

Working and studying online while still taking care of a newborn was the hardest time of my life. Especially before even turning eighteen. It was exhausting, but looking back now…it has been rewarding.

After giving the couple their drinks, I make haste to clean one of the booths that just became free when the entrance’s bell rings.

Once it’s spotless, I straighten and turn around to allow the client to sit down, running into a hard chest. The impact robs me of my almost non-existent balance as I hit my hip on the table in the process. But then, strong hands steady me. Flinching at the foreigner’s hold, I look up and…freeze.

Professor Adell.

“Uhm, I am s-sorry,” I stutter, stepping out of his firm grasp.

With an ever-present frown on his face, he nods. Then he proceeds to walk past me and sit down at the closest table, completely dismissing me.

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