by Amy Stephens
Going around the room, each student took a turn stating their name and briefly shared a little something about themselves with the class. Most of the students had been out of school for many years and were coming back to either finish their degrees or begin a new one. While most of them did appear to be close in age to my parents, there were a couple of students who had just graduated high school within the last couple of years. I did feel a little better by the time class dismissed knowing my classmates were serious about their studies and not just attending to appease their parents.
Our first assignment was made and I found myself eager to get started on it. Since I was taking four classes I needed to stay on top of things and not put them off until the last minute like I was known for doing back in high school. Going out and partying were priorities back then but not so much the case now. I had already made up my mind I wouldn’t be looking for a boyfriend either. Judging by what I’d seen so far, cute guys were non-existent here so why not focus more on my grades. As for finding a boyfriend, well, I’d have to look elsewhere.
Since my boss had to rearrange my work schedule around my evening classes, I was only able to work a couple of hours during the day now. So much for that theory of saving money for college. I’d barely be making enough money to cover food and gas. The trendy boutique inside the mall did most of its business during the evening and on the weekends, and since there were already a few girls working only on the weekends, my availability left plenty of time for homework.
On the drive home, I called Monica and we chatted for over an hour. I missed her so much and was jealous of all the new people she had met so far, including the good looking guy in her science class that she had been paired with. I didn’t even want to discuss the students in my class. If I became remotely interested in any of them, it would be with one of their sons and not them.
No. I didn’t want to go that route either.
Monica was even planning on asking the guy out once she got to know him a little better, if she even waited that long. Honestly, Monica didn’t meet a stranger so why did she get to have all the fun?
I made my way upstairs to my mom’s second floor condo. No one was home yet so I fixed myself something to eat. My sister Beth came in a little later from being next door at the neighbors and we chatted for a bit before I turned in for the night. Mom had gotten in the habit of coming home later than normal and neither Beth nor I bothered to wait up for her anymore. We were pretty sure she had started seeing someone already and we really didn’t want to be placed in the middle once dad found out.
The next day at work was crazy. One of my co-workers decided to call in sick so we were short a person. Between the manager and me, we did our best to take care of business but it did get hectic at times. I glanced down at my watch and noticed it was already after four o’clock. Shit! I had less than an hour to get to class out on base.
My plans had been to leave a few minutes early to allow myself plenty of time to get to there. Me, always the worrier, still felt uncertain about going to the military base. And here I was, running late.
With both of my classes tonight being on base it sucked that I was running behind and that I’d left my schedule printout at home. I couldn’t remember the classroom numbers and wasn’t exactly sure which of the buildings I’d need to find. My mind drew a complete blank. On the day I had my I.D. card made, the officer had given me directions for the building I needed but I had failed to write them down. Why me? I seriously doubted I’d get lucky that tonight’s instructor wouldn’t frown on tardiness either.
I wish I could’ve changed into something more comfortable but my black skinny jeans, V-neck sweater and open toe booties would have to work tonight. I wouldn’t really be overdressed since so many people came to class straight from work wearing business attire, but after wearing this outfit all day, I was ready for my oversized t-shirt and yoga pants and flip-flops.
Pulling up to the guard gate, I flashed my I.D. at the gentleman just like I had been instructed to do. He noticed my school sticker in the front window and saluted me. The gate arm lifted and I pulled forward. That had been easy enough but I wish I’d taken the time to ask him for directions. Just seeing him in his military uniform caused my stomach to feel queasy. I knew I’d eventually adjust to seeing guys in their dress uniforms but until then, I’d just have to deal with the nervousness until it subsided.
I drove around a couple of blocks careful not to get too far away from the main entrance in case I got lost. Nothing seemed to resemble classrooms though.
Just when I was about to give up, I noticed a guy jogging on the side of the road I had just turned down. Turning back around, I pulled up beside him and rolled my window down. At first, the guy didn’t hear me because he was wearing earbuds and listening to his I-pod while he jogged, but then he removed them when he noticed I’d slowed down.
“Excuse me, but I seem to be lost. I’m looking for the Bishop University building. Could you possibly point me in the right direction?” Thank goodness this guy was dressed in a normal t-shirt and running shorts, and not his military apparel, or I’d never have been able to stop.
Hold on a minute.
Damn, if all the guys on this base are as hot as this one, my semester may have just gotten a little bit better. I need to stop looking at the uniform and focus more on the individual. There might be hope for me after all.
“Of course, ma’am. Just go straight ahead to the four-way and take a left. It’s two blocks down on the right.” Ma’am. He called me ma’am. He flashed me a killer smile and I could feel my cheeks blush.
“Thank you. I really appreciate it.”
As I pulled away, I glanced in my rear-view mirror at him. He cut across the street and I eventually lost sight of him. I’d sure liked to have caught his name.
I couldn’t believe I’d let myself get so easily distracted like that. Time was of the essence and I needed to focus so I could find my way. I couldn’t worry about a good-looking guy jogging down the street, sweat dripping from his body, running shorts with toned legs…..okay, you get the idea.
I made the turn just as he’d said and there was the campus building down on the right. Bishop University Campus was written just above the main entrance in big bold letters. I felt like an idiot for not being able to find it.
I pulled into the parking lot out front and made a couple of loops looking for an available space to park. There were several spots up near the front of the building right next to the handicap parking but they all had signs stating they were reserved for certain military officials. Frustrated, I pulled back out of the lot and up behind a small compact car that had parked up next to the curb along the side of the street. Hoping it was okay to park here, I grabbed my bag and headed for the entrance. Time was of the essence and I was late.
Looking down at my watch, I was officially ten minutes late for class. God, I dreaded walking inside the classroom. The last thing I wanted was for everyone to turn and stare at me. I’m sure the instructor would probably ask for my name and I surely didn’t want to be singled out in front of the entire class. Please, just let me slide in at the back of the room and take a seat in the rear. I promise I won’t be late again.
Since I had left my schedule at home, fortunately I remembered the name of the teacher and looked for the name up on the board just outside the elevator. Thank goodness for this board since there was no one seated at the information counter.
Jordon 202.
Rather than wait for the elevator, I took the stairs in search of room 202. I was prepared to see about twenty or so students in the room, similar to that of my English class, but what I found when I opened the door was more like fifty students and every single seat looked to be occupied. Then I remembered what my advisor had told me about being the last one into the class. Ugh. I prayed this would get better.
The door hinges made a terrible squeak as it closed behind me and all heads immediately turned to look in my direction. No sneaking in t
his classroom, that’s for sure.
I made a quick glance around hoping I could spot a chair to sit in but there was nothing available. Rather than cause another scene, I slid in behind the back two rows of tables and made my way over to the right side of the classroom, careful as I stepped around everyone. I placed my bag down on the floor up next to the wall and pulled out my World Religions book. It weighed a ton so I propped it against the window ledge long enough to pull out my notebook and a pen. But before I could do anything else, I accidentally bumped my textbook sending it crashing down to the floor. The sudden loud noise startled everyone and all heads, once again, turned to look at me. No doubt, I was getting good at getting everyone’s attention tonight.
I felt my face redden and I couldn’t stand to see everyone turn around and stare at me again. Quickly, I kneeled known and took a seat directly on the floor. Hopefully the instructor would allow a break between the first and second hour of class and I’d be able to apologize for coming in late and disrupting the class.
Not really able to see very much from my view from the floor, I looked around the classroom and noticed the majority of the students were men. Some were dressed in their standard military attire of dark blue slacks with a lighter shade of blue shirt and super shiny black shoes, but there were also several dressed in dark gray jumpsuits too. I wondered why they were dressed differently but figured they must be part of some elite group here on base. For all I knew, maybe these were flight suits or something. I tried not to stare but there were a couple of them who were absolutely gorgeous. I was surprised to see so few women taking the class but, like me, they probably hadn’t been keen on this particular class either.
I struggled to hear what the instructor was saying and found myself flipping through the pages of the textbook. A few of the pages had creased when the book had fell to the floor so I tried to fold them back in place. I paid too much money for this book to start looking tattered now.
The more I looked through the book the more I found myself dreading this class. The subject matter just didn’t appeal to me at all. I never knew there were so many types of religions throughout the world.
The gentleman sitting in the seat closest to me passed a copy of the syllabus over and I jumped, not expecting it. Had I been so caught up in my book that I hadn’t heard the instructor say something?
I nodded my head to thank him for the handout.
I scanned over the front page and couldn’t believe all the expectations of this class. I realize it’s a general studies class but it’s not like it’s going to really be beneficial to my major. There were so many projects, essays and exams listed I really started to wonder if I had made a mistake in selecting this class over one of the other choices. Was it too late to go back and change it?
Chairs started shuffling across the room and I looked up to see several of the students stand and make their way towards the door. They were leaving their things on top of their desks so I assumed this must be a break and not the end of class. So much for thinking it could be over already.
I stood and stretched my legs. Just as I bent down to grab my things from the floor, I noticed the instructor walking towards me.
“Nice of you to join us.” He said to me as he stopped right in front of me. He was dressed in jeans and a button down shirt, not at all what I had expected for a religious class. I guess, in my mind, I had expected to see someone dressed in a suit or something more appropriate for church on Sunday. He was probably in his late fifties and had a receding hairline.
I extended my hand out to him. “Hi, I’m Erica Kennedy. I am so sorry for disrupting class earlier. I had a situation at work then I had trouble finding the building once I made it on base.”
“I understand. Glad you could make it. I’m Professor Jordon. Did you get the class syllabus I passed back to you?” I noticed his forehead wrinkle when he spoke.
“Yes, I did. Thank you.”
“Since I covered it first thing and you weren’t here yet, read over it and if you have any questions see me after class. I’ll be glad to go over anything with you.”
I was appreciative of his offer considering there were so many students in his class. I’m sure he hated having to repeat himself multiple times and had limited time for one-on-one discussions.
“I will. Do you know if there are any more seats available? From what I could see, they all appeared to be taken.” I hated having to ask him but I couldn’t sit on the floor for the remainder of the class.
“Once everyone returns from their break, I’ll see what we can do Ms. Kennedy.”
I felt really silly standing in the back of the classroom holding my things while waiting for class to begin again. I watched as everyone made their way back inside and to their seats. It was obvious the guys wearing the gray jumpsuits hung together so they must be some top-secret group. It’s too bad they didn’t mingle with the others but maybe the group doesn’t allow it. I didn’t see any women wearing the jumpsuits either. Maybe they’ve got secret rules or something. Who knows? I spotted a handful of people in regular clothes and, while we were of the minority, it felt good to see two of them were females. The ratio of men to women in the class was interesting and if we’re putting dibs on anyone, I’d like to know more about the ones in the jumpsuits. Ha!
The classroom was laid out with rows of tables placed together with two chairs per table. Since the class was so large, some of the tables had squeezed in a third chair and it made them look cramped. Once everyone was finally seated, Professor Jordon brought an extra chair from out of the corner and placed it at the end of the second row. One of the guys wearing a gray jumpsuit stood up and motioned for me to take his seat. Score one for me, huh?
I slid in behind everyone on that row and made my way down to the seat the he had offered. He slid the next chair over and everyone in the row shifted until we were all seated comfortably with enough room between us.
“Thank you.” I told him as I placed my bag and purse underneath my chair. It was nice of him to make room for me.
His eyes met mine and for a moment I felt like they were sucking me in. They were a deep chocolate brown that almost looked black against his pale white skin. His dark hair was slicked back and secured at the base of his neck with an elastic band.
I found this a little interesting since I wasn’t aware of the military allowing guys to have ponytails. It wasn’t a long ponytail since it stopped just at the top of his shoulders but when I looked around at several of the other men dressed just like him, I noticed they too had similar hairstyles and not the buzz cut that was traditional of the military. Maybe this wasn’t a military group after all. Or what if they were a secret service group disguised as someone else when they went out on a mission. I’d have to look more into this.
The guy appeared to be in his late twenties or just slightly older and, from what I could tell, he looked to be extremely physically fit. His upper arms were bulging underneath the jumpsuit’s short sleeves and it left me to wonder what the rest of his body must look like underneath that jumpsuit. His shoulders were broad and if I leaned just slightly to my left, I’d be able to touch him. The suit wasn’t too snug, but it clung to his body in all the right places. I was so caught up in his appearance I hadn’t noticed class had already started back up again.
Professor Jordon directed the class to open their textbooks to Chapter One and he began lecturing to the class. I flipped open my spiral notebook and immediately began to take notes since I’d missed out on what was said the first hour of class. I found myself sneaking glances over at ponytail jumpsuit guy and I was thankful he had been nice enough to make room for me to sit. Not everyone had been so generous.
My fingers started to cramp from all the notes I had written so I placed my pen down for a moment. I opened and closed my hand a couple of times to work the stiffness out, then wiggled my fingers around before I picked up my pen again.
To my surprise the guy lifted his notepad up and angled it so I could
see the couple of notes he had taken during the brief time I had my pen down. This was nice of him to share his notes without my asking and I needed to make sure I thanked him at the end of class. I scribbled the word “thanks” at the top of my page and pointed to it. That would do for now.
He nodded as he glanced over to see what I had written. He smiled showing a perfect set of teeth. When I smiled back I noticed there was something written on the front left pocket of his jumpsuit. I couldn’t make the words out from the angle I was sitting but I became curious to know what it said. I made it a point to find out later.
Professor Jordon stopped his lecture from the textbook and began handing out more paperwork pertaining to our first project assignment. I was thankful for the moment to put my pen down since I wasn’t used to note taking at such a rapid rate. It had never been this way in high school.
I leaned up in my seat and stretched my arms out in front of me. Propping my elbows on the edge of the table, I glanced out of the corner of my eye and tried to make out the writing on his pocket without being too obvious. Curiosity was getting the better of me. I could make out some kind of symbol or image in the middle of the front left breast pocket and in a half circle shape just above the picture were the words “Falcon Club.”
Hmmm. I wondered what kind of club that was. While I wasn’t familiar with the military or any of their programs, I still figured it must be some private club or organization and the guys were allowed to wear these outfits in place of their traditional clothing. It still didn’t explain why several of them had ponytails but I liked looking at them nonetheless. I had never dated anyone with long hair before since the preppy kids I had associated with back in school were all into the trendy look, but I could possibly do the ponytail thing.
