Part 17
Robyn Hughes sat low in her seat in the back of the room, her eyes alive, as she studied her lab group from across the classroom. She was a psychology major, and had made a habit throughout her life studying the actions of people around her. They were all absolutely fascinating to watch…and her lab group in particular had so many complications, it brought an excited grin to her face.
Of course, none of them knew how she studied them…Robyn had made it a habit in life to remain unnoticed as well…and that had worked out fabulously in this class, as she was free to observe unnoticed, without any complications.
The rest of her lab group sat together in the middle of the lecture hall, two rows in front of her, and across the room. Max Evans had been the first to walk in, and she found it interesting the way he had initially slumped into his seat. Apparently he was much the same as her…he obviously didn’t want to be noticed. Of course it wasn’t working for him quite as well as it was for Robyn. With his handsome, strong exterior, he stood out, and had obviously caught the attention of some of their peers.
Robyn grinned in amusement as Leslie Murray entered the classroom, and turned straight towards Max like a magnet, immediately claiming the seat beside him, while Adam West wandered not far behind her. This was going to be a beyond complicated situation…one of those ridiculous love triangles that should have been stopped before it had even begun. Leslie was obviously interested in Max, and saw Adam as nothing besides a friend, while Adam obviously wanted more, by the longing looks he was giving Leslie.
And then there was Max. Robyn couldn’t help feeling sorry for Max. He obviously wanted no part in this love triangle...from what she saw Friday afternoon, Max’s love life was already secure…even if it was with their teacher.
Studying Ms. Parker as she walked in, Robyn couldn’t help being intrigued by their teacher. She didn’t seem like the kind of sleazy teacher with low morals, who would just sleep with a student out of nowhere. Ms. Parker seemed like a genuinely good person…so why the relationship with Max? Robyn answered her own question instantly. There were no why’s in love…and from what she had observed on Friday, Max and Ms. Parker were definitely in love. So why the secret student/teacher relationship? It just didn’t make any sense.
Robyn couldn’t help wishing that she could just sit them down and throw a bunch of questions at them…but she didn’t want to scare them by acknowledging their relationship...so instead she’d just continue to observe quietly…and unnoticed.
"Okay…have a great day!" Liz dismissed the class as she finished the day’s lecture.
Max was up in an instant, books in hand, as he squeezed past Leslie and Adam trying to get out as quickly as possible. He could feel Leslie’s eyes on him throughout the whole lecture, and it was making him very uncomfortable. He and Liz had already set plans on when to meet at the end of the day, so at the moment he just wanted to get away from Leslie as quickly as possible.
On his way out the door, he shot Liz a secret smile, the one that he knew made her insides boil…and not for the first time, Max found himself regretting that they couldn’t be together at school like that. It was just for one semester though…once he passed this biology class, he and Liz were free to do as they pleased.
"Max!" Halfway down the hallway, he heard his name being called, and he groaned, turning around to face Leslie.
"Listen, Max…if you’re not doing anything I was thinking maybe this evening we could go get a drink or something…there’s this really great club I go to…"
"Thanks…" Max replied, trying not to sound mean about turning her down. "But I don’t drink."
"Oh!" Leslie replied. "Ummm…well how about dinner then? There’s this great Mexican place…"
Max smiled gently at her, taken back by her advances, but still trying not to hurt her.
"Listen, Leslie…I really appreciate the offer, but I really can’t. I’m actually moving apartments this week, and I just don’t have any spare time at all. Thanks though."
"Oh…okay..." Leslie replied. "Well, I guess I’ll see you in class then."
"Yeah…see you then." Max rushed away quickly, trying to get as much space between him and Leslie as possible. God, how he wished he could just tell her: "Sorry, I’m in love with our teacher!" He hated all of this sneaking around…hiding their relationship like it was something to be ashamed of. He was proud to be able to call Liz his own, and he wanted to be able to shout it out to the world: "I’m Max Evans and I’m in love with Liz Parker!"
Only three more months…he hoped he could make it that long.
"Hey Leslie, are you okay?" Adam asked. He had seen all that had taken place out in the hallway. After Max had walked away, Leslie had run off, upset, in the other direction…Adam suspected that Max had really hurt her…and when he found her sitting on the back steps of the science building, her eyes red from tears, Adam knew he was right.
"I’ll be fine…" She replied, wiping her eyes angrily.
"Come here." Adam suggested softly, as he pulled his arms around her in a comforting gesture. "Look…I know what it’s like…when you have feelings for someone who doesn’t return them. It makes you feel like scum…like the lowest life form in the world. But you have to realize that you’re not. Who knows why people get attracted to the wrong person? It’s just one of many screwed up things about life."
Leslie turned and smiled up at Adam. "Thanks...you know, that really helps. You’re a really good friend, Adam. I appreciate it."
"No problem." Adam replied genuinely. "Listen…why don’t we go out for dinner tonight…drown our sorrows in some drinks. I’ll help you get your mind off him. Come on…it’ll be great."
"Okay…that would be nice." Leslie grinned. "Meet me here at 5:30?"
"I’ll see you then." Adam replied, giving Leslie one last hug before he headed off to class.
