Professor Richter's Rules

by Jessa York

  “To say what exactly? Thanks for lying to me?” My stomach twisted and hurt again as I thought about how much Jake had kept secret. Had he ever loved me? Or was he just stringing me along until I passed his class?

  She spun around, resting her hips against the cupboard, butter knife in her hand. “Paige, he was so upset. You should have heard his voice when he spoke.” Her head tilted as her voice took on guilt trip mode.

  I had heard him at the door. “Upset that I finally found out why he’s been helping me?” Dean Miller’s voice telling Jake I needed to pass or he’d lose his job ran through my brain on a constant loop.

  Mom shook her head slowly, pursing her lips together. “Right or wrong, you need to talk to him.”

  “I don’t. He wants to clear his conscience. That’s on him.”

  The bread in the toaster popped up. She sighed, turning around to butter it. “Sometimes people we love disappoint us. Communication is important especially during these times.”

  Stopping mid-butter, her knife hung in the air as though she were waiting for me to reply. I couldn’t. At that moment I wanted to tell her I didn’t love Jake. That would be a big fat lie, though. If I didn’t love him anymore, my heart wouldn’t hurt like this.

  “Fifty-seven?” George asked, peering over my arm at my exam. “Not bad, Flores.”

  “Not great. I needed better.” Crap. All of this money and effort and I was still going to fail. Holding back tears, I folded up the stupid test, shoving it in my bag.

  George’s hand lightly touched my arm. “You’ll get there, sugar. Now don’t go getting discouraged.”

  Her kind words did nothing to help my mood. Watching Jake as he taught the class was a new kind of horrible torture. Knowing he’d only helped me in order to keep his job, hurt me somewhere so deep I was unable to climb out of the pain.

  As I kept my eyes on him, my mind wandered to all the times he’d come over to tutor me. All that time I’d thought maybe he’d been interested. Instead, he’d deceived me.

  What was left of my broken heart hardened. How could he do that?

  “Not feelin’ it today?” George asked, tapping my desk with her pen.

  Turning my head to her, I said, “No.”

  She nodded, pursing her lips. “How about we have a study session later on? After my afternoon lab?”

  Her offer brought a sting to the back of my eyes. “That would be nice, thanks.”

  When class was finally over, George packed her things faster than I did. “I’ll text you,” she said, racing off before I could say another word.

  Over the speakers I heard, “Miss Flores, please stay after class.” A flush covered me, thinking of being alone with Jake again. Part of me wanted to leave. If I didn’t talk to him now, something told me he’d be at my house again tonight. That was the last thing I needed.

  Waiting in my desk, I watched the rest of the students file out of the lecture hall until it was finally just the two of us. Steeling myself, I grabbed my things before walking down the steps to him.

  Jake sat partly on the table, his eyes watching my every move. I stopped once I reached the platform. “What?”

  He exhaled, then took a deep breath before speaking, “We need to talk.”

  “No, we don’t.”

  “Would you stop acting so juvenile?” His hands curved around the edge of the table.

  Letting out a laugh, I said, “I’m not the one playing games, Professor Richter. Perhaps you should listen to your own advice.”

  Closing his eyes, he squeezed the bridge of his nose. “I said I was sorry, Paige. A hundred times. Are you not going to forgive me? I should have told you what was going on but—”

  “Yeah, but then you wouldn’t be able to save your job.”

  “No!” he shouted, slapping his hands down on the wooden tabletop. “You don’t understand. I—”

  “You tutored me in order to save your job. Admit it.”

  “That’s how it started, yes. But then—”

  I couldn’t listen to anymore of his lies. “That’s all I needed to hear,” I shot back at him.

  Our heads turned toward the sound of a door opening. Students began pouring in, ready for their next class. Without another word, I decided to leave.

  He called to me as I ran up the steps, dodging the flow of bodies in my way.

  Somehow, I was able to hold myself together as I hurried through the halls and outside. When I arrived at my car, I spotted a silver gift bag hanging on my rearview mirror. The glare from the sunlight bouncing off it made my eyes hurt.

  Removing it from the makeshift hook, I peered inside with caution. Confused, I reached in pulling out a stuffed unicorn. “What in the world?” I whispered to myself, looking at the small white notecard tied around its neck with a pink ribbon.

  Flipping it over with my fingers, it read, You’ll always be my unicorn. An envelope sat inside the bag with my name on it. The tears I’d held back now came rushing out, fighting each other to be first. Stuffing the stupid unicorn back into the bag, I chucked it on the pavement.

  Scrambling into the car, I drove off, getting as far away from Jake and that stuffed animal as I could.

  33

  Paige

  “Is Ivy meeting us there?” I asked Holly as I released and dropped the final curl from the iron. “I know Alex said he would pick her up if she needed a ride. Her boyfriend had to leave today, didn’t he?”

  Holly sat on my bed, staring forward. “I’m late.”

  Catching her eyes in my mirror, I said, “We’ve got at least an hour before we have to leave. That’s plenty of time to do your hair. I’ll help.”

  Shaking her head, she repeated herself. “No, I mean I’m late.”

  When understanding dawned on me about what she was really talking about, I saw my mouth turn into a large O shape. “Oh wow, Holly.” My heart beat faster as I spun my chair around to face her. “How late?”

  “Late, late,” she said, worry filling her face.

  “Let’s go out and buy a test.” Standing, I walked over to sit beside her on the bed. Our legs touching, I twisted, hugging her body to mine. “You’ll worry yourself sick until you know for sure. Did you tell Evan?”

  “No, and it’s just the worst timing ever.” Holly began crying, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. “I didn’t tell you guys the real reason we came here.” She sniffed loudly in my ear.

  Pushing back, I asked her, “What happened?”

  “Don’t worry, it’s nothing bad. My agent heard from Blade Bodwin’s people.”

  “What?” My hands flew straight to her shoulders, nearly shaking her. “Blade Bodwin? Thee Blade Bodwin? Big time, hot, movie actor, Blade Bodwin?”

  Nodding her head, she smiled for a split second before her face crumpled. “They asked me to audition in L.A. for a part in an upcoming movie of his.”

  Wrapping my arms around her again, I squeezed her tight. “That’s incredible, Holly. Why are you crying?” I let out a small laugh.

  “What if I’m pregnant? They aren’t going to want some young actress who got herself knocked up,” she mumbled into my shoulder. My heart sunk for my friend. Holly was probably right. All the women in Blade’s movies were gorgeous, smart, talented—and thin.

  “I don’t think they can discriminate against you for that.” Even to my ears that sounded weak. If there was one place that unjustly judged you by your looks it was definitely Hollywood. Getting a role in this caliber of film would be life altering.

  So would a baby.

  “You know what? The pharmacy is five minutes away. I’ll get my keys. We can be there and back in no time.”

  Her arms went slack as she backed away. Bending down to fish around inside her oversized purse, she sat up with a package in her hand. “I already went.”

  Sliding my hand on hers, I said, “It’ll be okay either way. Evan loves you and you love him.”

  Sad, frightened eyes gazed into mine. “I’m scared. I don’t thi
nk I can take it.”

  An idea popped into my head. “Buddy system?” I said, giving her a smile. When one of us really didn’t want to do something we’d all try and do it and make the task fun or get it over with quicker. One time Alex had to do a twenty-hour fast for some bloodwork.

  The boy was miserable. Ivy decided to have a snackless slumber party. Instead of pigging out on junk food all night, we all fasted. In the morning, we drove Alex to the lab then hightailed it to the nearest breakfast joint for pancakes with the works.

  That made her chuckle. “All right, you go first, then,” she said, ripping open the box. Tilting it on its side one of the three sticks inched out. Handing it to me, Holly laughed. “You’re a real friend, you know that?”

  “Absolutely. I don’t pee on sticks for just anyone.” Getting up, my stomach hurt for Holly. Here she was about to start her life of wedded bliss with the man she loved and the opportunity of a lifetime flies into her lap. Everything was going so well for her. Finally. After how she’d grown up, the girl deserved a break and I couldn’t be happier for her.

  But if she was pregnant—I had a feeling she was right. Blade Bodwin would likely pass over a pregnant actress.

  She and Evan were so in love, I knew without a doubt he would be happy about a baby. What I wasn’t sure about was how my friend would feel.

  “Are you timing?” Holly asked, her hands clutching together in front of her, a nervous look on her face.

  “Two more minutes,” I said, wishing I could fast forward the clock for her as she paced around my tiny room.

  Her head rolled back. “It’s taking forever.”

  “You’ve lost weight. I read once that when women lose weight sometimes it screws up their cycles.”

  “My agent told me I had to if I wanted to be considered for a part in a major film. I’m working out almost every day now.”

  I straightened up. “See? I bet that’s what it is. Nothing to worry about.”

  She looked at me, sighing. “I guess we’re about to find out.”

  My phone beeped, signaling the end of the timer. “Do you want me to go in and look?” I offered, the butterflies in my stomach fluttering now.

  Taking a deep breath, she announced, “No, I’ll go.” Then she marched into my bathroom like she was going to her doom.

  “What?” Holly’s voice echoed into my room.

  I wiped my sweaty palms on my jeans. “Would you come in here already? I can’t wait any longer.”

  In she shuffled, a test in each hand, her head turning from one to the other. “I don’t understand.”

  Jumping up, I pulled both tests from her hands. One had a very distinct, extremely bold, pink plus sign. The other one had a minus. “Oh my gosh, Holly,” I said, trapping her body with my arms, hugging her tight. “I’m so happy for you. Congratulations.”

  “Paige, you don’t understand,” Holly said, her hands moving me away. “I put my test on the top. I’m sure of it.” Her face frowned at me, confusion written all over it. “That one is yours.”

  She grabbed the positive test out of my hand, holding it out. “It can’t be,” I answered right away. “You must’ve gotten them mixed up.”

  “I don’t think I did? Are you late, too?”

  The world around me began to spin as I tried to think back to when my last period was. “I’ve been so busy, I can’t remember.”

  Holly moved me backward. When I felt the back of my knees hit the bed, I gladly dropped down. “It can’t be. We used protection. Well, except—”

  She handed me the box. I looked at it like it was on fire. “No, I don’t want those.”

  “You need to take it.”

  “There’s only one left. We should go buy some more so you can take another one, too.”

  “Process of elimination. Now drink up so you can pee again.” She handed me the bottle of water from my nightstand, fear prickling at my scalp. It couldn’t be. I can’t be.

  My mind continued to race as I tried desperately to remember when my last cycle was. An icy panic spread up my extremities as I shuddered.

  I took it from her, feeling like I was going to be ill. “That’s why I can’t fit into my pants. This whole time I thought it was because I broke my foot and couldn’t move around as much. And my boobs have been so sore.” Weeks of soreness but no resulting period. God, I was so stupid.

  “You look beautiful,” Holly said, tapping her finger on the outside of my water bottle.

  Taking the hint, I swallowed down half of it. “Am I glowing, Holly?” I asked, feeling the burning tears at the back of my eyes begin.

  “Drink. Whatever happens, we’ll deal with it.”

  34

  Paige

  Whoever named it morning sickness was a freaking liar.

  This was all-damn-day sickness.

  Of course, the absolute worst time of day was right before lunch. Which also coincided with calculus class. Every day for the last week I’d had to get up in the middle of it, rush off to the bathroom and get sick, returning right after.

  Whenever I got up, Georgia would ask if I needed help. She was so nice. The sympathetic look she gave me each time I left and returned made me fairly certain she knew what was going on. I wasn’t fooling her.

  One day she even covertly gave me some saltine crackers. They didn’t even remotely quash my nausea but the thought behind it was nice.

  I’d hoped after a while I’d start to feel better. Two weeks of leaving in the middle of class was getting ridiculous.

  “How you feelin’, sugar?” George asked me as she stepped over my feet.

  “Better. I think I’ll be fine today.” I smiled at her, praying my optimism would be proven true.

  “If you need anything at all, you just ask,” she said, taking a sip of her coffee as she settled into her seat. She’d stopped offering me a cup after last week. One sniff had me bolting out the door to the bathroom.

  Twenty minutes into class, I felt the familiar cold sweat begin to cover my body. Breathing took more effort as I swallowed almost constantly. Fidgeting and shifting in my seat didn’t help either. The more I tried to fight it the worse I felt.

  Rushing out of my seat, I bolted for the nearest bathroom making it just in time. If there was anything worse than being ill in a public restroom, I couldn’t think of one at the moment. After I flushed, I turned the lock, sighing loudly as I stepped out toward the sinks.

  Pulling down a good chunk of paper towel I stuck it under the cool water. Using my hand to divert the spray, I rinsed out my mouth just like I did several times a day.

  “You’re pregnant?” I heard a deep voice say, several yards to my left. It made me jump away from the counter.

  Slapping my hand on my out of control heart, I said, “You scared the crap out of me.” Jake stood near the far wall staring at me, hands in his pockets.

  “Answer me, Paige,” he said in a hoarse voice, demanding an answer.

  I’d hoped to keep my secret a bit longer, but apparently the cat was already out of the bag. “Yes, Jake. I’m pregnant.”

  He stepped backward like he’d been shot. “But we used protection. How did—”

  Folding my arms in front of me, I sauntered over to him. “If I were to guess? I’d say the shower probably did the trick. But that’s just my guess.”

  His head fell forward. “I-I-oh my God.” His eyes cast downward along with the slump of his shoulders made me angry. Was he really this disappointed to be having a baby with me?

  “Are you going to,” he raised his head, “keep it?” The last two words were barely audible. Did he want me to not keep it?

  “I don’t need your help. I—we—will be just fine. Lots of women have babies on their own,” I said, the stabbing pain of embarrassment shooting through me. I was now a pregnant, teenage statistic. The one thing I swore I’d never ever be.

  “So—you’re keeping it?”

  I wanted to smack him. Was he for real? “I’m keeping the baby. You do
n’t need to be involved at all. I can do this myself.” My backbone straightened—how, I didn’t know. Because right now all I wanted to do was lie down on the floor and cry.

  Bawl for my lost opportunities and for disappointing my mother and myself. Most of all, myself. My throat grew dry. I was bound and determined not to turn into an emotional mess in front of Jake Richter.

  His body leaned against the tiled wall, his torso sliding down until he sat on the floor, legs out. What a drama queen. “Grow up, Professor Richter. This isn’t all about you. If you’re too embarrassed of us nobody has to know you’re the dad.”

  His eyes met mine after I said the last word. We stared at each other for an awkward minute. I’d pretty much said all there was to say. From the look of things, he wasn’t exactly jumping for joy.

  Rolling my eyes at his reaction, I decided to leave him alone. There was nothing I could say or do that would change things. Striding back to a mirror, I used the wet paper towel on my face. Lifting my hair off the back of my neck with one hand, I wiped there as well.

  That was about as good as it got these days. Feeling every bit as disheveled as I looked, I decided to leave. Walking past Jake, his hand suddenly darted out to grab my leg. “Please,” he wheezed out, his tone almost—desperate?

  His grip tightened on me. “What do you want?” I scowled down at him.

  “Sit. Just for a second,” he said, staring up at me with pleading eyes. Good grief. The man looked downright pathetic.

  “Fine, but not too long. I have to get my stuff.” Walking around his legs, I joined him down on the cold floor.

  He grabbed my hand with so much force it scared me. “Thank you.” Inhaling, he continued. “I know all about your right to choose. I get it. It’s your body, Paige and I respect that.” His eyes searched my face.

  “I also couldn’t be happier that you’re keeping—our baby.” I squinted at him as he squeezed my hand even harder making me wonder if he was going to break it. “Thank you.” His eyes were wet now. I couldn’t really compute what was going on.