I awoke the next morning still wrapped up in Allison’s arms as she slept peacefully. I unwrapped myself from her arms and let her continue to sleep as I went into the kitchen. The cupboards were most definitely bare. I stepped back into in the bedroom to find Allison still fast asleep. I relit the fire and then proceeded to shower and dress warmly. Then I walked outside and made my way in the direction that I hoped would lead me into town. As I explored the little seaside village I was captivated. Most everything had been boarded up for the winter but there was still many shops open for the townies. I found a bakery and bought coffee and several Danish.
Upon my return I found Allison still fast asleep. I wanted to wait for her to awaken but my hunger won out since I was completely famished from last evenings activities. After I ate several Danish and drank my coffee I began to gather up the clothing that we had left laying around the living room. Then I curled up onto the sofa by the fire with some work from school. A few hours later Allison finally emerged from the bedroom. She could not look more adorable if she tried. Her hair was a complete mess and she had thrown on a tattered pair of sweats and a baby doll t-shirt that said, ‘Fight Like A Girl’.
“Sorry I slept so late.” She yawned as she stretched. “My body is still on west coast time.”
“S’okay.” I smiled brightly as she ran her fingers through her long raven tresses. “I’m sorry I fell asleep on you.” I apologized. “I couldn’t help it after …” My voice trailed off as I blushed unable to complete my words.
“I know.” She winked back at me.
We spent the rest of the weekend blissfully walking around town. The cold New England temperatures often proved to be overwhelming for us. We decided to only go out when we needed to eat. When we weren’t hoping into bed or the hot tub we spent the rest of our time together cuddling by the fire, where we shared our thoughts, dreams and our bodies. I realized that the time we had been apart had actually brought us closer together. I loved seeing her but the endless hours on the telephone not only made AT&T richer it had also enabled us to get to know one another. I was still dreading her leaving again. On Sunday morning we packed up, locked up the house and drove back to Haven. Allison had a flight back that evening.
As we entered the driveway we rushed out of car and raced towards the house eager to spend what little time we had left in bed. As we approached the front porch I was startled to see Cheryl Cooper exiting the house. I just shook my head in disbelief and waved off Allison’s inquiring look. As we entered the foyer Hal greeted us.
“Hello Allison.” Hal greeted her with surprise. “When did you get back?”
“I’m just in for the weekend.” Allison explained.
“That is nice.” Hal mutter as he shifted uncomfortably. “Look I know the two of you probably would like to be alone right about now, but I really need to talk to you Stephanie.” I nodded my head in agreement and understanding. The three of us went upstairs with a slight reluctance. Allison excused herself and went into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. Hal sat silently for a moment then he let out a heavy sigh and began to recount the details of the weekend. It would appear that had been a steady stream of female students coming and going from Caroline’s apartment all weekend. Most of which were clueless to the other’s existence. When some of them discovered that they were not as special as Caroline had led them to believe that they were it resulted in more than one altercation. It was apparent that Caroline had gone way beyond simply breaking the rules. This woman was some kind of predator. Hal explained that he could no longer remain silent. I told him not to worry I would go to Maureen first thing in the morning. Hal seemed relieved that he would not have to be the one to blow the whistle.
After Hal’s departure Allison turned to me. “She is sleeping with her students?” She asked in astonishment. “That will get you a ticket out of town very quickly.”
“I warned her.” I said with regret.
“Hey nobody wants to be a squealer.” Allison teased me. “Look I honestly don’t know if I agree with the policy or not but it is there and everyone knows about it. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been here a month or a decade you touch a student and you are out.”
“You don’t agree with the policy?” I was curious.
“Well it’s consenting adults and all.” Allison tried to explain. “Hell I had affairs with a couple of my professors.”
“Why am I not surprised.” I said absently. “Allison have you ever been interested in one of your students?”
“No.” Allison responded bluntly.
“Why not?” I pushed.
“Because they are … kids.” Allison admitted seeming to understand the policy a little better. I just smiled at her and then sighed deeply.
I would deal with Caroline in the morning at the moment I had more pressing matters on my mind. I wanted Allison naked. Call me selfish but that is what I wanted. “Professor Kendell.” I said firmly as I stood and took her by the hand. “Do you really want to debate this issue now?”
“No Dr. Grant.” She responded in a deep tone as she led me into the bedroom.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
The following morning I found myself pacing outside of Maureen’s office. Finally I summoned up the courage and knocked on the door. “Come in!” Maureen bellowed from inside. “Great she is already in a bad mood and I’m about to make it worse.” As I entered her office was on the telephone. She waved to me and I entered completely and closed the door behind me. “So there is no way you can return?” She pleaded in a frazzled tone. “I understand… . talk to you soon.” She hung up the telephone and slumped in her chair as she groaned in disgust. “I was in such a good mood this morning.” Maureen grimaced. “My kids actually made it out the door on time. That should have been my first clue that this day would wind up being a complete disaster.”
“I’m afraid that I am about to make it worse.” I said carefully.
“You’re not running off to California as well?” She joked.
“No.” I swallowed hard not certain how to tell her about Caroline. “It is about Caroline Jennings.”
“I already know.” Maureen said in a serious tone. “This morning three of her students came forward and admitted to having an affair with her.”
“Oh?”
“What an idiot.” Maureen groaned as she looked up at me. “I was just on the telephone with your girlfriend. I was begging with her to come back. Seeing you here I now know why she wasn’t surprised to hear from me.”
“What happens now?” I asked.
“The students are on probation.” Maureen explained grimly. “It could have been worse for them. They could have been dismissed.”
“And Caroline?” I question her with trepidation.
“I have to fire her.” Maureen stated adamantly. “I cannot believe she did this Stephanie. We almost hired her for the position we gave to you. One of the things that prevented that was that I had heard rumors that she had a history of seducing her students. When she came in to fill in for Allison I explained to her that there was no gray area in this matter.” Maureen’s telephone rang and she answered it promptly. “Thank you Grace … send her to my office.” Maureen concluded the brief conversation with a hint of remorse. “I hate doing this.” She said after she hung up the telephone and began to massage her temple.