<br><br><center>*It’s your road and yours alone;
others may walk it with you,
but no one can walk it for you.
― Rumi*
</center>
<br><br><center>
*Jana McPherson* </center>
<br><br>The faculty lounge was strangely deserted for a Monday morning but I was somewhat relieved I'd have time to relax and decompress before my 11:00 am lecture.
I poured a coffee and sat before the fire in one of the soft huge leather armchairs. I hadn't yet been to my office or touched base with Clio to be updated on the departmental calendar and inevitable committee meetings―those were the one aspect of College routine I abhorred.
I always avoided departmental bickering and the politics of striving for recognition. I simply wanted to relax into the familiar routine of teaching and the give and take of the classroom.
<br><br>"I thought I'd find you here."
I looked up to see Quinn standing before me, coffee mug in hand. "Do you mind if I join you?"
"Quinn! I was hoping to see you. Please come, sit down."
"How did your morning lecture go? Looks like you survived."
"Ha ha, there were a few moments there when I wasn't sure I would. I refereed a shouting match between a feminist and Varsity football player arguing about whether Tess was a 'pure' woman."
"And the culture wars continue," she deadpanned. "Welcome to the 2021 classroom complete with gender clashes and competing biases."
"Well, the issue was resolved, momentarily, although I'm not sure Victorian attitudes are completely dead."
<br><br>"I overheard some students talking―seems you made quite an impression, as far as females were concerned."
I coloured instantly. Somehow Quinn always had the knack of locating my point of maximum vulnerability.
"We'll see how it goes after a few more lectures. I'm not sure either gender may be happy with me."
She smiled compassionately.
"We all have our flaws, Liam, but you have the ability to really reach students―that's why Clio contacted you. I know you'll be popular―students are still trying to get added to your class list, but I'll let Clio tell you all about that. She wants to see you this morning when you have a free moment."
<br><br>It was quite flattering to receive this encouragement, particularly from Quinn. The tension between us was gone and we spent a pleasant half hour renewing our friendship.
When she left I felt things between us were heading in the right direction. But I was curious to drop by Clio's office and find out about any late additions to my classes.
Usually, the course enrolment was settled and the only exception would be students having to drop out for various reasons. I'd expect subtraction, not addition.
<br><br>Clio lit up when she saw me. "Heard you had a lively morning lecture, Liam"
"News seems to travel fast around here," I laughed.
"It's ye olde campus grapevine," she smirked, "in that regard, not much has changed."
"I saw Quinn and she mentioned additions to my class roll."
"Actually, one person in particular. I wanted to ask you about her―a student named Jana McPherson."
<br><br>I was shocked when Clio mentioned her name and instantly went on the defensive.
"I recognize the name―what about her?"
"Jana is a mature student reaching back to pick up a few credits for graduate school. She petitioned to be in your Victorian Novel course but now has just asked to be added to your Victorian Prose and Poetry Course. Normally, I wouldn't permit such a late addition but she's very persuasive. I told her I'd consider it and notify her of my decision later today. I wanted to get your opinion."
"She's very bright and articulate and actually added to a class debate today. I have no objection."
"It seems curious, but we'll make an exception and designate her with special student status. It's a good sign though, because she's a candidate for a Rhodes Scholarship and has placed a vote of confidence in you. I hope it'll be a beneficial arrangement."
<br><br> I left Clio's office feeling validated and encouraged. I was energized by the prospect of teaching a Rhodes candidate, particularly one that admired me.
At the same time, it didn't hurt she was beautiful and found me attractive.
I could feel my resolve weakening, however, and reminded myself to maintain a safe professional distance whenever I was around her.
<br><br>It was hard to stifle my excitement though, after enduring a long period of isolation and then discovering I could still be relevant.
Besides, it was refreshing to to get positive feedback from women―it restored some of my self confidence that had been torn to shreds by my stalker.
Perhaps this was just what I needed―a little less condemnation and a little more admiration
<br><br> <center>To be continued…</center>
<br><center>© 2021, John J Geddes. All rights reserved</center>
<br><center>[Photo](https://www.provokr.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/jennifer-lawrence-portrait.jpg)</center>
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