39 Round 1 (2/2)

Because internally, I was!

Habib chewed her morsel of lunch while I sat across with my cola in hand. When I thought she had the opportunity to listen to me, I let it out,” Professor, I didn't, no-I couldn't score what you said I should get.”

”Don't get roundabout, just say you couldn't score seventy percent.”

I was amazed at her ability to go from a cute bubble to a rigid rock in a second. I took a second to compose myself and mirrored her statement, ”Yes, I couldn't score that much. I had a lot of work to take care of-”

”I'm sorry miss, this is not a counseling session. I don't care if you couldn't. all I am considered is the blight that one result will have on the overall integrity of the university.”

I composed myself yet again.

”That, is what I wanted to talk about. Is there any way-”

”A lot, Miss. There are a lot of ways that this can be corrected. You know, study harder next time, don't blame it on you, et cetra.”

I tried to compose myself.

”Actually Professor, I don't appreciate the taunting tone you use when you address me…”

Habib cut me off and said,” Well then, you are in the wrong place, miss…”

”Madonna”

”…Miss Madonna. This is my office. And this university is mine for the caring. So, it does have a significance to me when I say something. I mean, if a single statement can shatter you like that…”

”It didn't do anything to me! I'm just saying that I deserve respect like any other human being.”

”And I'd give it to you, if you earn it.”

”Well, frankly, I do think I earn more than you.”

”And yet, you are sitting across me because I hurt your pinky little ego.”

The explosive banter stopped right there. We were talking over each other so furiously, I thought we may have a fight. Fortunately, nothing of that sort happened. We were just staring at each other. I saw how her face tightened when she was so involved in the topic. She was looking stern, like a real teacher who had dealt with bratty students one more day.

But the point was that we were getting nowhere.

I was growing tired of sitting, so I left the seat and swung her office door outside when she said 'Wait.'

I turned around to see her, who now had her hands folded. I closed the door and walked over to the table once again.

”Are you doing any extra curricular?” she asked.

I shook my head sideways.

”Mmm.” She put her hand on her lips which made her seem like she was thinking. Anyway, fished through her file and handed me a paper.

”Here, this is the new test program that I want to implement on students with a grade upgrade. Now, I have come up with a prototype, and you'd be my first testee. If, of course, you are up for it.”

There is was again, that smug comments about my abilities.

”Yeah, I'd do it if it bumps me up to seventy. So, what exactly would you have to do?”

”I teach evening classes four days a week. I will need you to be present for them. You will observe the methods of my teachings and make notes of my lectures. You will compose all the details into an essay and will give the draft to me. Then there will be a private session between you and me at my home. I'll e-mail you my address.”

I was more bewildered than before,” Why is there a lecture at your place?”

She smiled and dryly said, ”I don't know, maybe we'll find out.”