Page 4 of Learn Your Limits
CallMeCal:I came on here tonight for many reasons, but loneliness is definitely one of them.
CallMeCal:How do you typically spend your nights?
I don’t know what it is about this stranger that has me feeling comfortable enough to be a little more open. Admittingto loneliness, even in response to his own, is more than I would ever tell a stranger. Being vulnerable with another person always comes with a price, but somehow, being vulnerable with Milo just feels... freeing. The anonymity that comes with meeting someone online has me feeling like I could be anyone. I can be myself instead of being who I’m expected to be.
Chapter four
Emiliano
JustMilo:Cal, the only bad thing that can come of our conversation is dishonesty. I appreciate your vulnerability.
JustMilo:If I’m being good, I’ll spend the night with a glass of wine and a book or TV show. If I’m being bad, I’ll spend the night marking papers I definitely should have left at work.
JustMilo:And you, Cal? How are the young people spending their nights these days?
Conversation is effortless with Cal. And to think, here I was, disappointed in where my night started, only to have a short, yet curiously arousing conversation completely change my mood within seconds.
The first glass of wine I was nursing at the beginning of our chat turned into a second, accompanied by a charcuterietray I stole from the staff party. The show I’ve had on in the background—one of my favorites that provides more background noise than anything—has been awful at keeping my attention. I would like to say that I am not glued to my phone, waiting for Cal’s responses, but it would be a lie.
I have a good drink and food while speaking to this bashful beauty, and I cannot find anything wrong with my night.
There is something so alluring about Cal. It’s quite obvious he’s young and seemingly discovering himself. He’s fresh clay ready to be sculpted and molded by his life experiences
What I wouldn’t give to be the artist to give vision to his design.
CallMeCal:A few months ago, I would've said that I like to spend my nights partying with friends, but lately, that all just feels empty. My roommates are out tonight at some party, while I chose to stay in instead.
CallMeCal:Hmm... If I’m being good, I’ll spend the night losing myself in my art. After I finish studying and am caught up on assignments, of course. If I’m being bad, well... does talking to handsome strangers on a dating app count?
CallMeCal:Bringing work home sounds like a terrible practice, btw. But I'm sure once I land my dream job, I'll be right there with you.
Ah, so he’s a student.
A few thoughts are warring in my head. Given his age listed on the app, I thought there was a possibility of him not being a student at Oakhart. However, given the radius of the app and what he just texted me, he’s definitely a student.
Shit.
Pausing for a moment, I set my phone down on the arm of my couch. Closing my eyes and resting my head on the large backing of my seat, I breathe slowly and think for a moment.
Where do I stand on relationships between staff and students?
In all honesty, I never thought much of it because it’s none of my fucking business what two consenting adults do. There are several of my colleagues who have a strong opinion on themoralityof it all, but I call bullshit. Human beings are more complicated than a few outdated teachings on what is right or wrong.
I refuse to stop speaking with him. I haven’t been this enthralled by someone in a very long time, and I am determined to see where this goes. If more information comes to light and it turns out he is one ofmystudents, then I’ll reconsider my position. Maybe I should check the roster for the upcoming semester to see if any of my students are named Cal. But I’ll keep that in my back pocket for now.
Picking up my phone, I begin to type out my replies.
JustMilo:That seems like a drastic change in how you spend your nights. Did something bring that on? Perhaps a bigger course load for your degree?
Part of me hopes that I am not prying too much, while the other part is desperate for more information from him.
JustMilo:Hmm. It depends on how bad you’re willing to get with this stranger, I guess.
JustMilo:Also, I never promised I wasn’t terrible.
Fuck, should I have sent an emoji with that last message? Goddamnit, I’m notancient, I’m sure I could have found something to convey the cheekiness of the message.
With a slightly frustrated sigh, I toss my phone down beside me and pop in a piece of smoked gouda while I wait for Cal’s reply.
