14

The pass few days, professor has been ignoring me, and I've been ignoring her.

Every time in class, she'd quickly glance at me, shift uncomfortably, then look away.

Elijah's been sitting at the back of the class, too scared to even try to sit next to me again.

Me and him couldn't talk about Valentines much, because he's been busy with football, and the only times when we can chat is during class or very late at night. I'm too tired to stay up till one in the morning, so we barely talk.

It's been on my agenda for a while now, and I still don't know what we'll be doing together. Afterall, we don't have much time.

Valentine's is in two days.

The university rented out a venue for the Valentine dance which happens today after class. I'm positive Elijah will be there, since his brother will be the Dj at the place. Even though he's out of university, he volunteered to help. Just like some of the teachers. A lot of them have the guts to just be there to make sure everything's going smoothly and to have it under control.

Clicking my pen violently against my desk, my eyes stays on the clock against the wall ticking down.

The classroom's quiet, since everyone's busy writing a test. But, like perusal, I'm done. And professor knows it too. She looked up from her laptop, and locked eyes with me, holding it for a few seconds before I cleared my throat and looked away.

As I walked into the huge venue for the Valentine's dance, I was immediately struck by the look of it. The high ceilings and elegant chandeliers created a sense of luxury, and the soft glow of fairy lights added a romantic twist.

The entire hall was filled with excited chatters and laughter, as couples and friends mingled and danced to the music.

The stage was set up at the back of the venue, with the DJ right in front of it. Elijah's brother, Felix, standing there with headphones over his neck as he twist the music disks around while clicking away at his laptop.

Our eyes met for a split second, but in that moment a chill ran down my spine. It's like through all of these people crowded around me, he spotted me.

Felix sent me a small smirk continuing to play some sweet music as the people on the stage dance.

Seems like the dance floor is technically up on the stage, and there's tables here at the bottom where you can sit and chat while you grab snacks and drinks from the food table.

I made my way through the crowd, trying to at least get to a corner so that I can text Iris that I've arrived.

Suddenly, someone poked my sides from behind. I yelp, arching my back and turning around.

I met the cheeky, sly smile of Iris.

She stepped back, looking me up and down. "My, my... if I wasn't dating Xavier, I'd totally--"

"Please don't say another word." I chuckle.

She chuckles with, dragging me into her embrace. "Gorgeous."

She's just saying that because she picked out the dress for me. A red, silky long dress that has a slit, showing my leg. It has noodle straps which reveals my top part of my chest.

It's a V-neck after all.

"Thank you, so do you. You look stunning!"

She also has a red dress on, but it's shorter that stops right underneath her knees. The material isn't silky like mine, and the reddish color is more maroon than red. She paired it with red high-heels since her dress doesn't have a slit to reveal her one leg.

We pull away from the hug. Iris nudged my shoulder and nodded to a certain direction, making me turn my head.

"We're not the only ones who looks good." She said lowly.

My lips slowly parted, and I could feel as all the blood rush to my face.

Why am I getting warm.

Professor Garcia stood there with another professor, a drink in her hand.

The only thing that plays a shirt for her, is the black corset she has on, that wraps around her waist and lightly pushes her breasts higher.

She had a red blazer over that on, which matches with her heels and pants, business-woman-red pants. My eyes land on her necklace, a beautiful silver arrow necklace.

Iris whispered in my ear, "Close your mouth, you're drooling."

My eyes widen, snapping back into reality. If my face wasn't already red, it certainly is now.

I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand, embarrassed.

"I'm just kidding." Iris chuckle.

I groaned, rolling my eyes. "What is she doing here anyway?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Iris said, "She signed up to help with the dance. Well, probably not signed up. She was definitely forced to be here."

"She can't be here though."

"And, why not?"

"We've been ignoring each other after... you know, that time at the café."

"You're here to have a good time, Vic. Not worry about her!"

Suddenly, someone sneaked up behind me and started tickling me. I almost threw a fist before I heard Elijah's voice.

Elijah smiled, "There you are."

I turn towards him and flash a smile.

He looks me up and down, "You look absolutely stunning."

"Thank you." I smile softly.

Iris purposely step on his toe forcefully, making him wince. I, amused, watch as she nods to him and then at the dance floor up at the stage.

He nods back at her and reaches out to grab my hand, asking for a dance. Iris winked at me, and smiled, gesturing to go.

So, I walked through the crowd behind Elijah, hand and hand. I felt guilty leaving her like that, but as I looked back, I saw Xavier next to Iris.

I really hope to have something they have one day.

But now as I look at Elijah as he places his hands on my hips and sways with me side-to-side, I don't feel anything.

As I place my arms around his neck, I still don't feel anything.

Suddenly, the music changed to a slower melody.

Felix turned to the stage with a mic held up to his mouth. "Everyone dancing, on the count of three, I want you to switch with the nearest person to your left!"

He started counting down, and on the right cue, we switched. I just twisted myself to the nearest presence I could find. And suddenly, there was a firm grip on my waist, and my arms around their neck.

The moment my eyes met the red jacket, I immediately knew it was her.

Confused, I look up and met professor Garcia's eyes looking into mine. I took a deep breath in, twisting away from her before she pulled me back lightly. My eyebrows furrowed as she told me to wait.

"Are you even allowed to dance with me?" I mumble, rolling my eyes.

"Don't roll your eyes at me." She warned, "I mean..." She sighs, "Of course I am allowed to dance with me. Professor Hudson has been dancing with that girl for the past few minutes now. Why can't I?" She nods to the student dancing with the professor.

I take a glance at them, then back at her. "That's his niece."

Daniela paused, frowning for a second before shaking her head lightly. "Still doesn't mean I can't dance with you."

I shake my head, sighing, "Professor..."

"You look beautiful, Victoria." Her voice softens, "Truly."

I wasn't expecting such a compliment from her. It caught me off guard, and I found myself just getting lost in her eyes.

They were extra green, like it's enchanted.

I couldn't find the right words to reply, and noticed- no matter how hard I tried - I couldn't tear my eyes away from hers. Even more strange is when my eyes scanned her face, every inch of it. Her eyes, down to her lips.

A warm feeling flushed over my face again, that caused me to look down to my feet.

She's just trying to be nice to make up for everything.

"I'm sorry about the things I said. I have no right to speak to you like that." I look up to her again, clenching my jaw. She spoke softly, "And the things you said about feeling safe with me..."

"Forget about it." I respond, cutting her off, "Forget about what I said."

"I tried to, trust me." She said. I frown, trying to understand her.

She took a deep breath in, "When I was about your age too, my best friend died. He was more than a best friend. He was like a brother. Family. He gave me this necklace before he took his own life." She said, "So, I guess I know how it feels to lose someone you loved... And, I want to be here for you. No person should ever go through that alone."

Tears formed at the corner of my eyes. I swallowed dryly.

My body spoke for itself, and in a flash, I pressed my body against hers with my arms around her neck even more tightly.

My face disappeared into her shoulder as I silently cried, sealing my lips shut so that she can't hear my sobs.

Though, she hugged me back.

Her grip tightened around my waist, bringing me closer. That was all it took for something inside of me to snap.

Tears streamed down my eyes, rolling down my cheeks.

I take her blazer in my hands and hold it.

This was one of the few times I ever felt this warm before. This comforted, and comfortable enough to cry in front of someone.

Especially her-- the woman, besides my mother, that actually cares.

"I'm here for you." She whispers down to me.

I let out a weak chuckle, "Thank you." I sniff, pulling away.

She continued holding me, sending me a tiny, soft smile on her lips. All I did was let out a chuckle, wiping my tears away with the back of my hands.

"I guess I should apologize too." I said quietly, letting out yet another sad chuckle, "I'm sorry for snapping at you. You're right, you're my professor. I should listen to you."

She smirks playfully, "Yes. Yes, you should."

I smiled softly in the silence, just slowly swaying along with her like all the other people around us.

Turning my head to the side, still smiling to myself, I catch Iris staring at us through the crowd, amusement written all over her face.

I've never seen her like that before. She looks so proud, but so happy for me. She smiled before turning around and took Xavier by his hand, leading him away.

I continued smiling, then turned back to professor.

Again, we couldn't stop staring at each other.

When I realized we've been staring too much, I cleared my throat and loosen my grip around her.

"I'm going to get a drink." I said.

She nods, understanding, as she lets go of me.

I stroll down to the tables and get an alcoholic punch in a cup.

It got pretty out of control when Carol came along and began talking to me.

I wasn't paying attention with how much alcohol I've been consuming-- we were just chatting, and surprisingly, it was fun.

I haven't seen her in a long time, since the day in the bathroom.

Since she kissed me.

If Iris saw me standing with her, she'd kill me. Luckily, or unfortunately, (I have no idea if it's a good or bad thing) Cheryl and Bethany came dragging Carol back with them to the dance floor, gossiping.

I sighed, putting down my second cup of alcohol.

As I look up again, Felix was in front of me. I jumped, placing a hand on my chest.

"O-oh! You scared me." I laugh nervously.

"Didn't mean too." He laughs, and expand his arm for a handshake, "I'm Felix."

"I know who you are." I shook his veiny hand.

He's quite handsome.

He's very tanned, and has hazel eyes, his hair a very dark brown color and neatly combed into a fluffy middle part. I can tell his fit through his white T-shirt sticking to his chest and arms.

"I know who you are too." He grinned, "My brother's... girlfriend, correct?"

My eyes widen and I wave my hands in front of my face. "Oh, no, no." I chuckle, "I'm just Elijah's Valentine, that is in a few days..."

He starts smirking, "Oh?" He crossed his arms, "That's good, because you're really pretty-- no match for him."

I freeze before I got a rush of adrenaline. "Oh?" I started smirking too, biting my lip.

A tiny smile forms on his lips and he nods his head to the side, "Do you maybe want to get out of here?..."

"Yes."

Not wasting anytime, he gripped my wrist and lead me through the crowd, out to the hallway.