Punching in a Dream | Closed

Professor Rogers gazed around the empty classroom with a certain amount of warmth in his gaze, a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the required textbook in the other. Morning light was creeping onto the surface of the desks from large windows that spanned the wall of the room. Steve, out of all the rooms on campus at Brooklyn College, enjoyed this room most of all. It felt more open and spacious and seemed more conducive to learning. He dropped his gaze back down to the words on the page as he lifted the coffee to his lips, reading over what had been the homework from the previous class. They were just covering the beginnings of the Revolutionary War, which Professor Rogers couldn’t help but to think had been one of his favorite sections to teach.

Once he’d finished reading over it, he closed the book and placed it to the side, allowing himself another sip of coffee. The first class of the day would be starting soon and while he was wide-awake, he doubted the majority of his students would be. He drew in a deep breath of air as he pushed the sleeves of his button up shirt to his elbows, checking his wrist-watch for the time before walking over to the door of the classroom and propping it open. There were few students meandering around the corridors of the building, though he would assume the quiet atmosphere would be broken soon enough. Steve sent a nod and a wave to a fellow professor as the walked past the classroom before he turned and strode back into the room, figuring he’d pass the time by grading a few homework assignments.

---

Violet was screwed. Not only did she not have her assignment for her Art class completely done, she was running about five minutes late. The cool wind stung at her cheeks as she sprinted across the campus grounds, her bag of art supplies and books rattling at her side as she deftly dodged around people that were walking too slow. By the time she’d reached the fine arts building, she was breathing heavily, but she knew she couldn’t let up lest she run the risk of being even later to the class. Her hair was falling out of the messy ponytail she’d pulled her hair up into and her scarf was beginning to slip from around her neck. The rubber soles of her combat boots squeaked slightly on the floor as she turned a corner. From the sight of the empty corridor, she knew art class had already started.

She came to a stop in front of the door, drawing in a few deep breaths of air before pulling the door open. Keeping her head down and allowing her hair to fall over her face, she didn’t bother to look up at Professor Barnes or the rest of the class as she stepped into the room. Violet immediately turned and stepped towards the desk, trying to keep the evidence of her running to a minimum as she found an empty seat in the front of the class—the only ones left were there—and slipped her bag from her shoulder as she took a seat. Bashfully, she tucked her hair behind her ears, shooting Professor Barnes a sheepish look before pulling out a notebook and pen to begin taking notes.

Evelyn had just finished up proof reading her final time on the essay for her American history class. Before leaving she had made sure to look good for class, she always made sure to look good no matter what she was doing. Evelyn was in love with history as it was her majors and was working part time for museum she would rack up extra brownie points with her history professors. You could say she was a bit of a teachers’ pet but really she was just trying to do well in classes. Maybe little too hard.

Walking to campus wasn’t a problem for Evelyn she lived right around the corner. She smiled waving at familiar faces, as she walked to class checking the time to make sure she wasn’t running late. Evelyn had a thing about being punctual to everything, clases, dates, Doctor appointments you name it. As soon as she walked through the classroom she noticed she was then first student there. Typical. She went to take a seat up front like always, “good morning” she greeted her professor with a warm smile.

---

Professor Barnes was standing in front of his side widow staring into the beauty of campus. Watching students walk by, he smiled taking a sip of his hot tea. Everyone was making their way into the classrooms and as he waited he thought of the lecture for the day. He looked over his notes and plans, he wasn’t much of lecture type professor he was more hands on. James enjoyed projects assigning students to do something creative. As he watched his students walk in he smiled noticing one of his students was missing.

James wasn’t a strict teacher most art professors weren’t at least all the ones ge knew. Walking to the front of the class pulling his hair into a tight man bun he smiled and greeted the class. “Right before we get into the next project I’m going to give an a lecture on the importance of expression..” he has began speaking with gen gen heard the door open and from the corner of his eye James noticed Violet walk in as quietly as she could he chuckled softly shaking his head. The girl wasn’t always late but she was a good student so he let it slide for now. He looked at her giving her a playful stare.

@ salander.

Steve drained the rest of his coffee and set the cup to the side, licking his lips to clear them of the caffeinated liquid. With a red pen, he made a few marks on the homework he was looking over, correcting a few of the facts in a short answer assignment. His gaze shot up from his work as he heard the first sound of footsteps entering the classroom. A small smile curled his lips at the sight of the student that typically showed up earlier than the rest for his class. If he had to pick off the top of his head who showed the most promise, it would be her.

“Good morning Evelyn,” he replied, setting the homework he was grading to the side and filing it away into a folder. He stood from his seat and rounded his desk, leaning back against the front of it and crossing his arms over his chest. Professor Rogers returned her smile, always liking to devote perhaps a little more attention to those students who seemed to have as big of a passion in history as he did. He thought that there was so much to learn from it, especially in preparing for the future. “Did you do anything exciting this weekend?” He questioned, merely making small talk before the class started.

---

The young woman’s pulse was hammering in her ears as she stared down at the blank page in front of her, drawing in slow, deep breaths of air to try and calm herself down. Violet hated feeling this sort of panic, especially when she barely felt awake to tackle it properly. Running a hand over her face, she huffed a sigh before bringing her gaze up from her desktop to find Professor Barnes staring directly at her. Her heart leapt into her throat at the attention directed at her and her eyes widened a bit.

She glanced around at the students around her, noticing that they were barely paying her any mind, and her deep blue eyes found the Professor’s once more. ‘Sorry,’ she mouthed, feeling more sheepish than ever and desperately trying to get any attention that she had on her away. Violet hastily looked away, gripping her pen in hand as she noted the stack of assignments on the desk and realizing that it was probably too late to turn hers, even if it was incomplete, in. Curling her lips in and biting them, she let her eyes slip shut for a moment, wishing there was some sort of reset button she could push to start the day over.

Evelyn was a good student, she always had been, she enjoyed going to school and learning. She was a bright student with a good head in her shoulders. As she’s flipped through the pages of her note book searching for her assignment that was neatly hand written she pondered about it for a moment. Maybe it would have been better typed? Evelyn brushed her thoughts away as soon as Professor Rogers started speaking to her. Looking up Evelyn smiled politely, gently brushing some hair from her face.

Evelyn hasn’t noticed how much Professor Rogers spoke to her, it was mostly related to history. He was passionate about history and she could see that. Evelyn had spoken to him about her love for all things history so perhaps that’s why he took an interest in speaking with her quite frequently. “Not really, I went to the library to check out some documentaries on the American Revolution, it was so interesting” she smiled. “I mean I did go out to dinner with a friend it that’s it, I mostly read. How about you sir? Did you have a good weekend?”

---

Professor Barnes didn’t like being a hardass and he certainly didn’t want to call out any of his students for being late. He would wait until after class was over to speak with them in private. If they needed help with any of the projects or book assignments he would always be available for them. He took a look at Violet who seemed stressed. Her face was red, from running to class he assumed. She was a good student, so he noticed. As he continued his lesson, Professor Barnes walked to his desk and quickly wrote a note, “see me after class,” before walking over and setting it on her desk.

James simply smiled at Violet accepting her apology but he still wanted to speak with her. He wanted to make sure everything was all right, it wasn’t like her to be late for class, Or if she was, Violet would let him know in advance. “All right, I know I usually give you time true projects, but this week, I want a report on why you took this class and why you feel so strongly about art. Shouldn’t be too hard, all I ask is that you write more than a couple paragraphs, this will be due, on Friday. So you have all week to do it.” He walked back to the desk and sat down to go over his plans while the students started writing.

Professor Rogers crossed his legs at the ankles as he kept his clear blue gaze on Evelyn, the smile never leaving his lips. He’d be lying to himself if he didn’t say she was an attractive young woman, and that had first caught his attention when she’d showed up—before all the students, naturally—on the first day of the class. It was innocent enough to recognize her as attractive; he had a strict set of morals and would never let it descend into anything that could potentially compromise his career. When he found out about her love of all things history, not just American history, he knew that she was an atypical student to the ones that just took his class because it fulfilled a humanities requirement.

“Really?” He asked, head tilting to the side slightly as he regarded her. “Were these documents about any topic in particular or just an overview of the American Revolution?” The lengths some of these students would go through, to spend their weekends enriching their knowledge of certain subjects gave him hope for future generations. He spared a glance to the door as a few other students arrived, nodding to them in acknowledgement. “I did, thank you,” he replied to her question about his weekend. “Most of it was spent grading papers, but I wouldn’t have taken the job if I didn’t enjoy the paperwork,” he offered with a grin.

---

Violet pursed her lips together as she pushed aside what had happened prior to the class in order to pay attention to the subject matter. She dutifully took notes, managing to keep her mind distracted until a note was placed on her desk. A sigh left her as her eyes slipped to it, reaching out and picking it up. Her stomach dropped as she read it, hoping that she wasn’t going to be in trouble for tardiness or for not turning in her assignment. She looked up at Professor Barnes for a moment, trying to decipher if he was mad at her, but couldn’t really read him. Again, Violet pushed all this aside for the sake of focusing.

She’d devoted herself to working on the assignment she’d been given, jotting down something she felt confident enough in to supply her with an acceptable paper once she typed it out onto her laptop. Once the class had finished up, Violet lingered behind, slowly packing up her things as the rest of the class filed out around her. She waited until the rest of the students left before standing, sliding the strap of her bag over one shoulder as she stepped up to Professor Barnes’ desk. “You…” She started, her voice quiet, barely enough to be heard throughout the room. “You wanted to see me, Professor?” She questioned softly, gaze leveled on him as the hand resting around the strap of her bag tightened nervously for a moment.

Evelyn smiled at her professor. She remembered the first time she walked into his classroom. Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree, he’s so handsome, and passionate. Evelyn would be lying if she said she wouldn’t mind spending a day with the man. He was well built, he must work out. She shook her weird thoughts away. The man probably had a wife or girlfriend, he had to looking the way he does and being the man he is. Evelyn sometimes found herself day dreaming in her other classes about the man, not often though she had work to do.

“It was an overview but it went into detail from the beginning of the revolution until the end. Really interesting stuff. My roommate had to drag me out of the apartment” she laughed. “Ah, living the amazing teaching job huh? I mean I can’t wait to do something with my history major, no idea what yet.” Evelyn smiled. Watching the rest of the class pour in.

---

Professor Barnes was finishing up grading some quizzes, as he thought about the young woman. He was concerned for her, which was rather strange because he didn’t know her well. Something about Violet had caught Barnes’ interest, it started with her artwork. There’s so much emotion into the artwork he was impressed. He sighed softly finishing up, watching the students leave after he had dismissed them for the day.

James was going over the next day’s lesson plan when he heard a soft whisper speak up. At first he couldn’t make it out but she spoke again and he looked up from his planner and nodded, standing up. Walking around his desk and leaning against it watching Violet for a moment. “Yes, I had noticed how you’ve been late the last couple of days and I was concerned, you’re never late to my class. I was just wondering if you’re okay.” He began speaking. “I’m not mad or annoyed I’m concerned. If you need anything just let me know and I’ll see how I can be of help, I’m sorry I didn’t mean I startle you.” He chuckled noticing her jumpy reactions.

Professor Rogers eyed a few of the students as they entered the room, knowing that the beginning of the hour or so of lecture he had was approaching with the seats being quickly filled in the room. A quiet laugh left him at what Evelyn had said, watching her with a particular sort of fondness. “As odd as it is for me to say this, you may miss out on too much of the present if you fill all your time with studying the past,” he told her honestly, causing a few of the students who’d been listening in to laugh a bit. “Though, your dedication is admirable, at the least. I’m sure you’ll do swimmingly on the pop quiz I have planned for the day,” he said, sounding all too chipper for the amount of groans that resounded throughout the classroom.

“Oh c’mon,” he said with a laugh, “how else am I supposed to make sure you guys are well-prepared?” He pushed away from his desk, grinning eagerly at the students. He focused once more on Evelyn for a moment before turning his gaze to the class. “I’ll give you all five minutes to look over the reading assignment from last class. Any students who are interested in earning a little extra credit, come see me at the end of the class.” The room was then full of the sound of rustling papers as textbooks were quickly poured over in an attempted at cramming in as much information within the allotted five minutes.

---

Violet’s bottom lip worried its way between her teeth as she stood in front of the desk, heart jolting a bit as Professor Barnes stood up and rounded the desk to stand closer to her. She stared up at him, drawing in a deep breath of air as he spoke, feeling the color drain from her cheeks. Despite his laughter and despite the fact he was not trying to punish her for anything, she felt guilty. Guilty for not feeling like she had it in her to give her all to the class, or any of her classes for that matter. She was tired and stressed and the semester wasn’t event halfway over yet. Swallowing hard, she tilted her head back, a few stray strand of hair slipping away from her face as she stared at the ceiling and willed herself not to get overly-emotional.

“To be honest, Professor Barnes,” she began, her raspy voice trembling slightly before she squeezed her eyes shut and tipped her head forward. A heavy sigh left her before she continued to speak. “I’m…exhausted and I feel bad that I’m juggling all this emotional baggage on top of classes and not being able to keep up. I feel like I’m coming to class and just wasting your time—all my Professors’ time,” she said softly, eyes feeling watery, but the tears never falling. “Thanks for offering, but I don’t want any preferential treatment just because I can’t handle my classes. It’s just been a bad week. I’m sure it’ll pass over soon.” She offered him a small, slightly-forced and unsure smile.

Evelyn sighed softly knowing he was right, maybe watching history documentaries on the weekend wasn’t such a good way to spend her free time. She could hear spelled behind her say something that sounded like “maybe too dedicated to the past and not enough on tbe future,” she rolled her eyes and shrugged her shoulders. Evelyn didn’t have many friends, mostly because she spent all her free time studying. It didn’t bother her that much, she was going to make a career out of her love of history. She knew she would ace this quiz, she always did. Her head was filled with history, math and science. She continued to read over her notes wondering, maybe if when tutored people she’d make friends. Also, extra cash is always a plus.

Evelyn put her things away after glancing her papers over once. She was ready for this quiz. Thinking maybe if she wasn’t such a bookworm she’s have friends, or a boyfriend at least. What kind of man her age likes book worms like her anyway? They’re all too busy drinking and partying. That just wasn’t her scene at all. After fifteen minutes and a quiz later Evelyn was the first to finish an ahe approached Professor Rogers’ desk handing him her quiz.

---

Professor Barnes stood beside the young woman who was now causing him more concern. She was stressed out and normally he would try to find some way to comfort a student but this was different. He cares, he placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it gently. “Hey, if you need to talk it out I’m here you’re not wasting my time okay. Come on have a seat.” James led the young woman to a seat and he sat in front of her, listening to her problems. Normally James would call a counselor or one of his psychologist friends to do him a favor but he wanted to help her.

James looked at her trying to think of a way to help Violet, “tell you what, I can try and help you with your art stuff and I know someone who could help with your other subjects,like a tutor.” Barnes stood up and grabbed some tissues handing some to Violet as he rubbed her back gently, trying his best to comfort the young woman as best he could.

The last thing Steve wanted to do was discourage a student from devoting themselves to what made them happiest. He hoped he didn’t discourage Evelyn to do just that. Still, it may have seemed like he was getting too close to his student, should he try to rescind on what he’d already said in front of the whole class. Soon enough, it was time for the class to officially start and he strode over to the door, pulling the doorstop out and allowing the door to shut quietly behind him. Drawing in a deep breath of air, he stepped to the front of the class. “Alright class, books away, pens out. This pop quiz is twenty questions, no time limit, so take your time,” he said, passing out the questions to the class.

Professor Rogers was continuing to check through some of the homework assignments when he heard footsteps approaching his desk. He glanced up, not surprised to see that Evelyn was the first to turn in the quiz. Taking the paper from her, he offered her a small smile as he set it off to the side. Soon enough, the last quizzes were being submitted and he stood from the desk. “Alright, that’ll be the end of today’s class. Be sure to submit any homework assignments on your way out. By next class, I’ll expect the comprehension questions on page 134 to be completed,” he announced, as the class began to pack up their things and empty out of the classroom.

---

Violet could have sworn that her heart stopped in her chest when Professor Barnes reached out and grasped her shoulder. Swallowing hard, she looked up into his eyes, lips parting slightly as she drew in a slow breath of air. Well…at least her mind was temporary distracted from how stressed she was by the fact her Professor, who she thought was very handsome was now initiating some form of physical contact. Numbly, she allowed him to lead her to a chair, in which she slowly lowered herself down into. By the time Violet sat, silent tears had made their way down her cheeks and she embarrassedly looked away. “I just…if I can’t handle this now, how the hell am I going to handle it when I have to work and someone’s got deadlines and requirements of me?” She asked.

A sniffle left her as he spoke, the mortification of crying in front of someone she barely knew welling up within her. She did appreciate the fact he didn’t seem too stymied by it. He was probably skilled enough with women to handle them when they got to the point she was at. “I think I’d like that, Professor Barnes,” she said quietly, a small, thankful smile curling her lips as she took the tissues he offered and wiped her cheeks with them. Though, his hand on her back, swiping up and down left tingles in its wake and had her stomach and heart fluttering rampantly. She stared up at him through her eyelashes, trying to figure out what was going on.

Evelyn stated hard af her notebook filled with notes about classes and schedules. She figured why not do the extra credit assignment even though she didn’t need it. She probably had a 100 percent in the class, she loved history so that wouldb’t be surprising. She waited for the class to clear out and noticed a few students had stayed behind to hear about the extra credit assignment. Some snickering about Evelyn being here, she paid no attention to them. This wasn’t high school and she was going to crack at pettiness.

Evelyn looked at Professor Rogers, “you know what Professor you’re totally right, I should spend less time with my nose in a book and get out more.i spend way too much time reading.” She grabbed one of the pieces of paper for the extra credit, “I mean outside of class, anyway, what’s the assignment?”

---

Professor Barnes was a good man who enjoyed helping his students with whatever they needed in and outside the classroom. He thought Violet was much too pretty to be so sad and stressed out. “You Can get through this, you’re a bright young lady with a good head on her shoulders, I’ll text my friend he has a brilliant student who would t mind helping you.” He nodded. James got up for a moment to get his phone and looked through his contacts to text Steve.

Hey Steve I need a favor, is that girl Evelyn still available for tutoring? I have a student who needs some help. I want to help her, let me know all right? Thanks! after hitting send James went back and took a seat in front of Violet, “it’s going to be okay, Violet, you’ll catch up and you can get back on track.” He smiled placing a hand on her own. He didn’t realize it for a couple moments, “oh sorry,” he quickly apologized and I’ll his hand off Violet’s.

Professor Rogers had his head down, beginning on grading the pop quizzes, while the students left the classroom. In fact, it was so quiet in the room, he could’ve sworn that no students had stayed behind for the extra credit assignment. His head shot up from his work when he heard Evelyn speak, brows raising slightly in surprise before a smile curled his features. “I don’t want to discourage you, by any means, Evelyn. It’s apparent you have a passion for history. I do, however, do want you to pass up fully experiencing this part of your life,” he told her sagely.

He set the unfinished quizzes to the side for a moment and looked up at her, leaning on his forearms as his eyes darted in between hers. “The assignment is getting to be a TA for me in my other classes. This means that you’ll help me grade papers, be available for tutoring focused in those classes, but also earn continuous extra credit throughout the course of the semester,” he said before a bright grin curled his features, cerulean eyes lighting up. “To be honest, I was kind of hoping you’d be the student standing at my desk at this moment. The paper in your hand is an outline of what your responsibilities would be. Look over it and bring it back to me signed, should you wish to become my TA.” The chime from his phone stole his attention away and he briefly glanced at the message. “On second thought, it looks like your expertise may be needed sooner rather than later. You’re still available for tutoring, correct?”

---

“I know I can, Professor. It’ll all seem like water under the bridge this time next year,” Violet said, pushing her hair back from her face as she heaved a sigh. “It’s just really hard to keep my mind looking toward the future when the present is this stressful.” When Professor Barnes stood, she kept her eyes on him, frowning a bit to herself before dropping her gaze down to her lap. She felt a bit pathetic, asking for help like this, but she knew it’d help keep her stress down to a minimum. “Thanks, Professor Barnes. I really appreciate it,” she said, offering him a small smile.

Her gaze followed him as he rounded his desk to sit in front of her once more. She nodded as he spoke, immediately noticing the warmth of his hand atop hers. Her eyes widened sharply, heart leaping in her chest as she froze. The feel of his skin on hers had her stomach in knots, though she knew he couldn’t have meant anything by it. Violet finally breathed out a sigh when his hand left hers. “It’s fine,” she told him. “No harm done,” she added with a shaky grin as she fought to get her pulse to an acceptable rate once more.

Evelyn was leaning against the desk behind her slim frame. Her arms crossed against her chest, “I’m not sure what you mean by that? I can’t focus on my studies and have a social life. It’s either one or the other. I’ve seen people try to do both and to be honest that’s way too much work.” Evelyn didn’t have many friends anyway, most people thought she was a bore anyway. “To be frank, i don’t have many friends anyway, I'm not good with people in general..” she sighed. “Sorry. I don’t mean to vent. I should keep my personal life out of the classroom.. anyway back on topic.”

Evelyn listened to Professor Rogers start explaining the extra credit assignment, so basically she’d be his assistant. The only difference was That she wasn’t getting paid, which kind of annoyed her. Evelyn sighed looking over then paper, she guessed extra credit points would help her a long the way. She looked up, “yeah I’m still available but I can’t take too many people i have a job that I need to report to on certain days, but I’m getting ready to quit so scratch that. I’m good to go. Why?”

---

Professor Barnes gave her a warm smile as he rubbed her back gently, “i know it seems bleak but you’ve got to have hope. Sooner or later your days will brighten up.” He thought for a moment before speaking again, “maybe That’s just the optimist in me.” James wasn’t sure why he felt the need to help Violet, it wasn’t just that she was a beautiful young lady, but she was talented and sweet. “Anytime you need help or someone to talk to my door is always open okau?”

James stood up as he read the text from his friend, “I’m sure you know who Professor Rogers is, he teaches history? He recommended one of his student students to help you. He says she’s brilliant and very kind “ he nodded. “I can set up a meeting if you want? “ he stood leaning against his desk with his arms crossed. “Or we can wait . Hmm maybe I should just get her number for you” He chuckled.