by Joey Bush
“I see. I will be going. Nice to meet you, Jenna.”
Ryder looked to me for some sort of reaction after he closed the door.
“I couldn’t help it. She was being a bitch by talking down to you. You may not have picked up on it, but I know her tactics well. All that I really care about is you and Sammy. He liked you a lot. Like father like son.”
“I can’t be mad at you but I hope she doesn’t run her mouth,” I said and punched Ryder in the arm.
“Ouch—hey I owe you a spanking. Get over here naughty girl.”
Ryder chased me throughout his house. He caught up to me in his bedroom where he threw me down on his bed. He kissed me.
“You smell like ice cream,” Ryder said as he smothered me with kisses. “Conservative Jenna is cute and all, but let’s see what you have beneath these jeans. Oh, look here. No panties.”
“I have to do laundry. I’m all out.”
“I like it this way. Why cover up such a beautiful pussy. May I?” Ryder asked as he stroked me.
“You don’t have to ask permission, Ryder.”
It was Saturday night and I had nowhere to be. It was a fun night, as it usually was when we were alone. We had sex, rested, and played some more. Ryder had a drawer filled with oils, lotions, and emollients. We tried them all and I made a mental note of a few I could tell Eric, my bathroom buddy, about. The next morning, we slept in late and I finally presented Ryder with breakfast in bed. He was serious about the no jammies rule. My jeans and sweater sat in a crumpled ball in the corner of the room. I confidently marched around in the nude until it was time to leave.
I knew I had a nice figure, but, as any woman, I would make small enhancements. I was no Kim Kardashian. In Ryder’s presence, I felt perfect and proud of my body.
“Next week, like every time I’m without you, will be tough. Are you planning to come to class?”
“I will be there. You don’t think anyone in class knows about our relationship do you?”
“I don’t think so. We will just continue to be careful, which is getting harder each time I see you.”
“Call me.”
“I will. Drive safe, my love.”
I walked to my car. It was nearly impossible to walk away from Ryder when all I wanted was to run into his arms. I got in my car and drove back to campus. As I drove, the only thing on my mind was his final words: my love.
I relived my time with Ryder. I didn’t play any music because my mood needed no enhancement.
Chapter Ten
I rushed to class after a quick shower. There was no Eric and Diane, which was a shame, because I had to tell him about the products I discovered. I pulled on some workout clothes so I could hit the gym later in the day. The transition from being Ryder’s lover to being Professor Curran’s student would be difficult. Since we had sex and cleared up the honesty issues, things had become more serious. Someone finding out about us seemed so much more risky. Our hearts were on the line, along with Ryder’s job and my education. The stakes were high and getting higher.
Before leaving my room, I had a conversation with Kelly.
“Hey, Kel. Good morning and goodbye. We are rarely here at the same time.”
“I know. You seem to be gone every weekend,” Kelly said.
“Yeah. I have been moving at a frenetic pace.”
“You must have been working-out a lot. You are walking as if you may have overdone it a bit. It looks like you have taken up horseback riding.”
“Horseback riding? Sounds fun but I haven’t been riding a horse.”
I was still feeling the effects of my time with Ryder. Riding his muscular body took its toll, but it was worth having a hitch in my giddy up. I noticed something different in the air. There was something missing, and it was Kelly’s breath. There was no offensive odor emanating from her mouth. Shit, the girl didn’t even have morning breath. I was pleasantly surprised.
“We should plan on dinner some night this week. We can take a run and go somewhere in town if you’re up for it. I have a lot to tell you about,” Kelly said.
“Don’t tell me you’re dropping out. Is Kansas calling you home? Am I a horrible roommate?” I said.
“No. Nothing like that at all. I’m loving this place. I have been keeping myself occupied and I need some helpful hints.”
“Sounds intriguing. What’s up?”
“I don’t want to make you late. It is a long story and it can wait until we have more time.” Kelly threw her pillow over her head.
“Okay, I’m going to hold you to our get together later in the week. I’m going to meet Max before class and I will have to tolerate his obnoxious behavior once again.”
“Later, Jenna. Tell Max I said hello.”
I bounced out of Leach Hall. For the first time in a long time, I felt carefree. Ryder and I were on an even keel. I was feeling invincible.
****
“Where were you Saturday night? You weren’t in your room?” Max was waiting for me before class as always.
“I was busy and I’m exhausted and I’m not in the mood for you.”
“Did lover boy make you clean his balls?” Max laughed at his own joke.
“Jokes don’t get much older than that,” I said.
“Sensitive this morning, aren’t we?”
“Grab our seats behind your gal pal, Valerie. I’m going to grab a drink of water.”
I looked out the window near the water cooler. I knew Ryder parked his car out back. I intended to give him a quick hello before class. I didn’t see his vehicle so I joined Max. I would’ve sent him a good morning text, but I couldn’t locate my phone. I assumed it fell out of my pocket at Ryder’s house over the weekend. It was likely filled with messages from him. I hoped he didn’t think I was ignoring him.
“Did you get hydrated? I’m sure Ryder has been tough on you with the all of the golf stuff. It is more strenuous exercise than many think,” Max said. He looked at his phone. “Class is beginning late this morning. What did you do to the professor? He must be worn out from his weekend activities. You would know.”
“Shut up, Max. Did you notice the new do on our friend Rozi? I miss the messy ponytail.”
Corn-rows had replaced her ponytail. The girl was channeling her inner Bo Derek. The only problem was that there was no nearby beach. And it was autumn.
“Maybe a bird got caught in the thing and flew away with it.”
The room grew quiet as the dean and another man walked into the room.
“What the fuck is going on, Max? Why is the Dean here and who the hell is the guy with him? I don’t see Ryder anywhere.”
I thought that perhaps Ryder was ill. I got nervous because I had just seen him and he appeared well. We didn’t discuss chemo or cancer at all. There was so much happening with Sammy and Sally that I almost forgot about his illness. What if he had a relapse? I wished that I had my phone to call him. I hated that I relied on technology so much. It would have come in handy at that moment.
“For those of you who don’t know me. I’m Dean Meadows. I’m also known as The Mean Dean.” The others laughed. “I assure you, I come in peace. Professor Ryder Curran is on leave. I won’t get in to the reasons for his departure. I’m here to introduce you to the man who’s going to be teaching human sexuality for the remainder of the semester. Please meet Professor Allen Flynn.”
The rest of the semester?
The Dean walked off and Professor Flynn picked up where Ryder had left off. I didn’t listen to a word he was saying and neither did the rest of the class. Professor Flynn was tall, slender, and bald. He didn’t look like a human sexuality professor.
“Oh, shit. I was afraid something like this would happen.” Max squeezed my hand.
The chatter started immediately and I could feel all eyes upon me. I suffered through the lecture, not knowing if Ryder was alive or dead.
“I’m sorry to have met you this way but I hope to make this a seamless transition. Please take a copy of the r
evised syllabus. I’m not Ryder Curran but I’m sure I can competently fill his shoes.” He was clearly trying to make the best of his sudden start.
“He may be able to fill Ryder’s shoes but I bet he can’t fill you up the same,” Max said with a laugh in his voice. I wanted to throttle him.
“Max. One more word and I will knee you in the crotch, and you know I will.”
I gathered my things and rushed out the door, hoping to find Dean Meadows before he left. I ran into the hallway.
“Dean Meadows, may I have a word with you,” I called out.
He looked at me though he was expecting me.
“Come over here, Ms. Walsh. I thought I would see you soon. Follow me please.”
I followed him into a vacant classroom.
“Jenna.” His voice echoed.
“Yes.” I swallowed hard.
“You were seen kissing Professor Ryder Curran while playing Putt-Putt on Thursday evening—”
Those were the only words my brain could process before it shut down.
THE NEIGHBOR #4
Chapter One
All I heard were the words kissing and Ryder Curran. It was surreal, the dean stood before me, speaking. I could see his mouth moving but there were no words. A tingle ran down my spine, but it was unlike the feeling I had when Ryder touched me. That had been an otherworldly experience of a different kind. I was worried that I might collapse on the floor in front of Dean Meadows.
“Can you please repeat what you’re saying Dean Meadows? Am I being accused of something?” I asked as beads of sweat began to form. My workout clothing was meant to wick moisture. I suppose they didn’t test the garment in such extreme conditions.
“Jenna, this is a serious matter. I would like to meet you in my office at 2 PM. I will give you the opportunity to give me details about why you were seen kissing your professor. I don’t wish to continue this conversation with without witnesses or in a lecture hall. Can I expect to see you in Pratt Hall later today?”
“I will be there, sir. Do I need some sort of representation?” I felt as though I was being arrested. On television, the accused were advised to consult an attorney. I expected the characters from Law & Order to come barging through the doors.
“I would suggest you follow your normal class schedule for the day. Further instruction will be given to you at our meeting. I will let you get back to your day, Ms. Walsh.”
Dean Meadows left me standing alone in the lecture hall. There was no mirror in the musty old room. If there were, I would expect to see all color drained from my face. I fumbled through my bag for an energy bar. I felt faint and panicked. I craved my phone. I had to speak to Ryder before my 2 PM meeting.
I walked down the front steps of Tobin hall and grabbed the steal handrail. I needed the assistance to steady myself. Then I saw Max standing at the foot of the concrete stairs.
“Max. I really wish you had not stuck around.” There were small pods of other students gathering as if they expected me to make some sort of announcement.
“Where else would I be, Jenna? Something went down in there. I heard you were behind closed doors with The Mean Dean. Are you okay? You look like shit.”
“Thanks for pointing that out, Max. I’m going to skip the rest of my morning classes. I’m not a super religious person, but since you occupy an occasional pew, put in a good word for me with the man upstairs.”
He snickered slightly. “I’ll call you later,” Max called out as I walked away. Hundreds of eyes were upon me as I walked straight towards Leach Hall.
****
I walked into my room, which was vacant. I was glad because I had no desire to get Kelly Womack involved in my melodrama. I gathered my things for a shower and grabbed Kelly’s robe. I usually threw on an oversized t-shirt, but I wanted to be covered up. I wished I were in a cocoon.
I reached in the robe’s pocket and there was a note.
See you at theater at 6pm. Avoir mon amie
Kelly must have a man—sweet. I crumbled up the note and placed it back in the pocket.
The deluge of warm water was helpful. The morning made me hurt all over, both physically and mentally. My skin was sore to the touch.
“Hey, neighbor.” Eric’s hairy arm reached beneath the divider.
Shit. I wasn’t up for a conversation.
“Hey.” I couldn’t manage many words.
“Not very talkative today—something up? You are normally quite cheerful,” Eric said.
Diane had not joined him yet. I smelled the vanilla body wash I had shared with him before.
“Not feeling very cheerful today, Eric. I don’t suppose you have seen a stray iPhone?” I said.
“As a matter of fact. Diane found one in the parking lot, which she turned into the RA.”
“Did it have a tacky purple case with rhinestones?”
“Yes, it did. Diane is paranoid about breaking into someone’s shit, so she didn’t even turn it on. Did you activate the kill switch?” Eric asked.
“No. I’m not exactly a tech-head. I have no idea what a fucking kill-switch is. Thanks, Eric. You at least provided me with a small glimmer of light in an otherwise black day.”
“Ouch and it’s not even noon. What can be so bad? At least you have a good portion of the day ahead of you. There is time to turn things around.”
“Thanks.”
I heard his water shut off and then the door swung open. I was finally alone. At least I knew where my phone was located. I was certain it was loaded with messages from Ryder. Hearing his voice might have managed to sooth me.
I toweled off and got dressed. I put on a pair of beige linen pants and a silk blouse. I was tempted to wear tight jeans and a fuck-me red tank top. Dean Meadows already considered me a tart, why not dress the part. Instead, I decided to look like a virginal undergrad. I viewed my reflection in the mirror and then raced to the RA’s room.
“Hello, I’m Jenna Walsh from down the hall,” I said.
“I know who you are, Jenna,” Ruby, my RA said. It seemed as though she knew that I was fucking my professor. Maybe she had browsed through my phone. Thank god Ryder and I had not been sharing nude photos. Refusing to do so was the only sane decision I had made in the past months.
“I think Diane dropped my lost iPhone off with you.”
“Yes, Diane dropped off a phone. Can you identify it? I know that sounds absurd but I try my best to protect everyone’s privacy.”
“It is in a purple case that’s decorated with rhinestones.”
“That is the one. I will grab it for you.”
I tried to be cool but I pulled the thing out of her hands. It felt good to have the device. Shit—I discovered the battery had died, of course. I raced back to my room and connected it to my charger. It was hooked up behind my pink golf bag. I resisted the temptation to fling my clubs across the room. Kelly would consider having me committed if I was to pull that shit again.
Five new texts were from Ryder. I opened the messages.
Drive safe
Call me when you get home
See you in class. Gd nght.
No sleep. Miss U
MissU
The last message had come in on Sunday night. He had not attempted to reach me on Monday. There were no call attempts before or after class. What the fuck. I dialed his number—I was sent directly to voicemail.
“It’s me. Something is going on. I’m desperate here Ryder. I will have my ringer on. I’m meeting with Dean Meadows at 2 PM. Pratt Hall. Call me ASAP. I can’t go through this without speaking to you first.”
I left the message and called Ryder several times more. I left no more messages, but with 10 extra phone calls on his phone, he would get the hint.
I had hours until my meeting with the dean. Having taken a shower, a run wasn’t an option. I needed something to relax. Ryder was something that made me relax, but that was also off the table since he was nowhere to be found. I did the only thing I had left. I pulled a can of f
rosting from Kelly’s stash. Ew—butterscotch. It was better than nothing, so I dove in.
With my mouth full, Kelly walked in the room.
“Hello. At least you didn’t hurl your golf clubs around this time. What’s up? You are eating butterscotch frosting, so I know you must be desperate.”
“My life is crumbling down around me. You may end up with a single room if things go as I predict. I don’t need to tell you that this involves my golf instructor slash professor.”
She rolled her eyes. “We have been sharing this shoebox for almost an entire semester. I may be from Kansas but I’m not stupid. There is something going on between you and Ryder. Whatever is going on has dictated your moods in recent months. I can tell by your demeanor that this thing has hit rock bottom. I have offered my assistance and I don’t mind being left out but this time, I’m worried. You look like a goddamn school teacher—what is up with that?”
With Kelly standing before me with her arms akimbo, I lost it. The damn broke and I shared everything with my roommate, who had known all along. While sobbing, I recounted everything from the night we were first together to the night we first made love. Nothing seemed to surprise Kelly.
“This may come as a shock to you but I went through something similar back home. Why the fuck do you think I chose to attend school 2,000 miles away? “
My eyes popped.
“Oh, I would not have guessed.”
“I’m not going to fill you in on the details. It was my piano teacher. It was particularly sticky because I was 16-years-old. I made it through and my parents stuck by me. You have supporters even when you don’t think there is anyone on your side. I thought I was in love. He did not do anything lascivious and I didn’t have sex with the guy in his office. You have certainly taken it a step beyond what happened with me, but I get it.”
“I have been walking around thinking that I was the only one who ever fell in love with an older guy…teacher. It’s damn tiring, living a double life.”
She grinned weakly. “Can’t help but notice, you mentioned you love the man. That sets it apart from anything I experienced.”
“Did I say love?” I said. Even saying the word aloud scared me.
