LOVING PETER HEPBURN

The stifling heat smothered the atmosphere. Only a creaking floorboard invaded the monastic silence in the classroom. My eyes darted toward the window that is near me. I saw a tree branch silently dancing as the wind blows. And behind that tree, there was a couple that is very sweet to each other. Seems like they are very well suited romantically. It made me remember my first love, Peter. He was everything I ever wanted in a man. If I were to conceptualise a list of ten desired qualities in a man, he would score eleven out of ten. He was like a perfect puzzle piece. He showed me the deep meaning of love and with him I can say that everything was all perfect. But here’s the catch, it was all fine except for the timing.

“So, what do you think?” I glanced at Stacey, my bestfriend who’s talking to me. “H-Huh?” I said. “Aki, did you even listen? I said, I’ll go to the mall this Saturday. And you should come with me okay?” I looked at her and nod. Since I’m not busy this weekend and I also have no other schedules, then why not?

I looked at my watch, and it was 10:15 am. I saw my professor entered the room. As he walks in, I didn’t see any books or sheets that he usually bring. So, he’s not gonna lecture for today huh? That’s new.

“Good morning class! I know some of you are thinking why I didn’t bring any materials for today but you see, I have an announcement  to make. I will be no longer teaching in this university and that means I’ll be no longer your professor for this semester. You will meet your new professor this afternoon. Goodbye” he clearly said and went out.  I glanced at Ayesha’s group. They were laughing and from what I saw in their faces, they must be really happy that Mr. Tan, will no longer be teaching us. I mean, who wouldn’t? he’s known as the major terror professor here in the university.

“I’m so grateful that Mr. Tan will no longer be here! That old man doesn’t belong here” Mika said making faces at my direction. “Me too! But I’m curious about who will be our new professor in Math. I mean, is he handsome? Or is he younger than Mr. Tan? I’m excited to meet him ~kyaaah” Ayesha, my seatmate said while putting makeup in her face.The bell immediately rang. All my classmates went out, rushing in to the cafeteria except me and Stacey. We decided not to go since we don’t have the appetite to go there.

“Aren’t you curious?” Stacey asked me out of the blue. “Curious about what?” I said while arranging the things in my bag. Stacey stood up and walked straight to the teacher’s desk. “In our new professor of course! I hope he will be handsome as hell” She said with full of excitement.

It’s already 32 minutes passed the hour of 12 when I decided to go out. Walking my way over to the library, I notice a crowd gathering. Now, I happened to be pretty far but the sight was plain obvious. People from the university came rushing out to see for themselves.

“What’s going on?” I asked a random student.

“Ah, there was a new handsome guy who just came in. I believe it’s the new professor of class – A. Everybody went crazy over that guy”

“Oh my god. Really? Do you know his name?” I said.

The student smiled. “Mm, no. Sorry”

After what I just found out, I started to run. To where that might be, I knew I needed to get out of here. The wind whipped my hair back to my face while passing people, buildings and trees. Focusing on the building ahead of me I sprinted a bit quicker.

I’m already at the front door in my classroom. I immediately saw Stacey waving at me.

“Where did you go Aki? Our new professor is about to be in our class”

“I just went out to have some fresh air” I said trying to catch my breath.  Getting my bag from behind, I took the water bottle and decided to drink some water.

“Ehem, Good morning everyone!”

I turned my head trying to see if who was talking. It was the guy who just entered the room. His cheeks are chiseled like a finely-carved statue. His nose is perfectly symmetrical. His lips are slightly full and It highlights the dimples in his cheeks. Everyone gasped, including me. My mouth gaped open the moment I realize that the guy who just entered was my first love. Indeed, it was Peter Hepburn! Like what on earth is he doing here? I didn’t know he took education back then. I thought his dream is to be an Architect.

He looked every corner of the room until his eyes met mine. I bowed my head, letting my hair screen my face. Why do I feel so uneasy? Is it because he’s my first love and wanting to talk to him and clarify things between what happened since the day he left me?

Ugh, Aki! Don’t overthink too much!

“Hello everyone, I’m Peter Hepburn and I will be your new professor for this semester”

“AAAAHHHHH!” Everyone gasped and shouted. “Sir, I would like to ask if you already have a girlfriend? Wow, I can’t believe Ayesha’s being too straightforward. Like hello, I’m the ex here.

I don’t know but his presence seemed to buzz around me like a fly that you can never swat. Every word, movement and breath he performed seemed to infuriate me to no end.

“Um, yes I do have. Now, I want you all to focus in this class okay? Don’t mind other’s business that is not related in my class. Understood?” He said and gazed at my direction.  I heard everyone saying “awwwee”. After 1 hour of listening to his discussion, finally he’s now finished!