Page 75 of Afterglow
Theo places a kiss on my cheek. “Princess, stop worrying. Take some deep breaths,” I listen. My diaphragm contracts then expands. “That’s it. What was your affirmation today?”
I told Theo about different techniques my therapist taught me. I thought they would help him, but now he is using this information against me. I stayed at Theo’s apartment last night, so I had to use my phone to generate an affirmation. “Am I good enough? Yes, I am,”
“You have nothing to worry about, Jaz.”
I smile, Theo’s calm and gentle tone keeps me grounded. My head turns as Professor Hart takes hisplace at the bottom of the lecture theatre. This is it. Theo squeezes my hand, reassuring me.
In the past, I hated people seeing the anxious and imperfect side of me. I thought I was impossible to love, but Theo always knows the right touch or word to remove me from the edge.
“Students, this is our last lesson of the semester and I can see most of you are excited to receive your marks for the research project.” The TA collates all our papers before our professor reads out names.
Waiting games aren't my strong suit. My patience is eating away as my leg bounces.
“Jazmine Allen and Theodore Knight,” We climb from our lecture seats to the bottom of the theatre. The TA and Professor Hart shake me and Theo’s hands. “Congrats to both of you. Jazmine, would you mind seeing me after class? I want to talk to you about something,”
My eyes bulge, glancing over to Theo. “Nothing bad, I promise.” Hart says to alleviate my worried expression.
“Okay, no problem.”
Class drags on forever. Although I only have myself to blame as I watch the clock every three minutes.
What does Professor Hart want to discuss? It could be a range of things but what is spinning me out, is the face he only wants me. Not Theo and I. Nausea washes over me and I tilt my head back.
Theo’s touches bring me back to the present. His hand rests on my thigh, preventing me from bouncing it. “Princess, you need to breathe.”
I count my breaths—another technique from my therapist. Theo being next to me is the reason I haven’t completely spiralled.
“That’s it everyone. Have a great break and I’ll see some of you in the next semester,”
Theo squeezes my hand for a final time. “I’ll wait for you outside, okay?”
A reluctant smile is plastered on my face as I nod. Walking down the lecture theatre has never been more nerve racking.
“Jazmine,”
“Professor Hart,”
“First off, I want to say how much I loved you and Theo’s thesis paper. I can see the effort both of you put in and it’s no wonder why my two best students got the highest mark,”
I beam. Holy shit. Professor Hart is extremely harsh on thesis papers because of his background in academics. “Thank you, Professor.”
“I also have a little surprise for you. I’ve had the pleasure of having you for at least one class since your freshman year and the improvement and growth you have shown is incredible. Don’t tell the others but I always saw a bit of myself in you, which is why you are one of my favourite students."
A woman rushes into the lecture theatre, looking apologetic at Professor Hart. She looks familiar but I can’t place her. “Sorry, James. I’m not late, am I?”
“No, you are right one time, Doctor. Jazmine, this is who I wanted to introduce you to.” The woman sticksout her hand, inviting me to shake. I take it immediately. “Jazmine Allen, meet Dr Kira Byrd,”
Wait. Byrd as in Cooper and Byrd. Holy shit. Stay calm, don’t overthink. I hear Professor Hart chuckle softly.
“Yes, Jazmine. What you are thinking is correct,”
“It is an honour to meet you Dr Byrd. I’ve read all of your papers, really anything Cooper and Byrd publish.”
She laughs. I’m assuming it’s my rambling or enthusiasm. “Thank you. I’m so glad I could meet you today. I want to ask what your plans are for senior year and post-graduation?”
My smile brightens. “Well, senior year I will finish here at Lakewood. As for afterwards I’m not too sure. My boyfriend will probably declare for the NFL draft and there are places all over America where I could work so I’m not too phased. But my dream is to work for Cooper and Byrd.”
“That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. Next summer I would love for you to do an internship under me. It will be tough but it will prepare you for a full-time position in the future.”
