Tuesday Tales - Word Prompt "Silly"

Welcome! We're back on the campus of Kensington State again and watching Professor Mark Garrette handle an impudent teacher's aide in my story, "Someone Like You." Today's prompt I'm wiritng to is "silly". When you're finished reading my excerpt, click here to read the stories by the other writers: HERE. 

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“Mary? What are you doing?” Mark drew his brows together.

“Oh, I thought you were planning a picnic,” she said, flashing a false smile at the professor.

“What business is that of yours what I’m planning? My actions outside the classroom are none of your concern. Please be on your way. I’m having a private conversation with to Miss Anderson.”

Charlotte could almost feel the dagger Mary Rhodes’ eyes shot at her.

“Sorry, sorry,” Mary mumbled as she hurried down the path to the left.

Charlotte’s nerves kicked up. “That girl has a thing for you,” she said.

“Me? What? No. No, you’re kidding. I’m old enough to be her father.” Mark made a dismissive gesture.

Charlotte stopped walking and placed her hand on his forearm. She looked up into his eyes.

“I’m not kidding. I’m completely serious. She has a crush on you. And she sees me as competition. She’s jealous.”

Mark stopped and placed his hand over hers. “Has she said anything to you?”

“Yes. No. Sort of. Not in so many words. But she’s been nasty. Called me a name. And I see her staring when you call on me in class.”

“This is too silly for words. Please ignore her. She’s less than nothing to me. I had planned to have her replaced next semester.”

“It’s not silly. It’s real. What if she goes to the administration?”

Mark shrugged. “We’ve done nothing wrong. Mac Caldwell knows we’re dating. I told him I wouldn’t favor you in class. And, although it’s been hard because you’re smarter than everyone else, I really haven’t. So I’ve nothing to worry about.”

“But if she lies…” Charlotte continued.

“Let her. We’ve done nothing wrong. We have nothing to fear. If we’re dating and it’s all outside the classroom, then it’s nobody’s business.”   

She removed her hand and they continued walking. Charlotte tried to smile, but didn’t feel as confident as Mark.

“So you never told me. Do you like egg salad?” he asked, sporting a half-smile.

“I love egg salad,” she said, stepping closer. He took her hand.

That's it for today. Thanks for stopping by. 

Tuesday Tales - Confident

 

Welcome! It's timem for Tuesday Tales again. This week, we're writing to the word prompt "confident." We have another episode of "Someone Like You." Yes, Mary has raised her jealous little head. See how Charlotte deals with it. Then hop on over and read the other stories by our great writers. Find them HERE. 

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Charlotte had a busy time. Three days a week, she painted every morning then rushed home to change and go to class in the afternoon. On days with no class, she knocked off painting early so she could keep up on her reading for the literature class.

She took copious notes but made sure not to raise her hand to answer questions, allowing the paying students to shine. Mark called on her anyway from time-to-time. She could always tell because he gave her a look, raised one eyebrow. If she had the answer, she’d either nod or smile. She appreciated his waiting for her go-ahead. She guessed he didn’t want to embarrass her.

Every time he called on her, Charlotte noticed a nasty expression on Mary Rhodes face. The gleam of jealousy darkened her eyes.

Charlotte wondered if Mary had picked up on Charlotte’s relationship with the professor. That wouldn’t be good. Mary had a nasty streak. Charlotte bet she wouldn’t be quiet about it and might even complain to the administration! That would mean trouble for Mark.

Of course, the president of the university knew about her auditing Mark’s class and probably even knew they were dating. If he didn’t mind, why should anyone else? Charlotte straightened up in her seat and forced herself to forget about Mary and concentrate on the class discussion.  She remembered her mother's words..."look  confident, even if you don't feel confident. No one will know."

When the class was over, Charlotte took her time packing up to leave. She felt Mary’s eyes on her, but decided she didn’t care. As she strolled outside to the quad, she heard footsteps. Out of breath, Mark had caught up with her.

“In a hurry?” he asked.

Charlotte smiled. “No.”

“Good. I wanted to ask you if you like egg salad,” he said.

“I do, why?”

“Trying to work out the food for our picnic on Saturday.”

“I love egg salad,” put in a strange voice.

Both Charlotte and Mark turned. There was Mary Rhodes, eavesdropping. 

That's all for today. Please leave a comment! Thanks for stopping by. 

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "GREEN"

 

 Howdy! Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week we have another excerpt from "Someone Like You." This week there seems to be an unexpected wrinkle to our blooming love affair. When you're done, please read the other stories. You'll find them HERE. 

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With her mind elsewhere, Charlotte approached the administration building, she pulled out her huge key ring. The building would be locked, but she needed to get in and check her supply of green paint for the bio lab. She'd outfitted a spacious closet, given her by the administration, adding a small bar and hangers for her painting uniforms and shelves for her tools and supplies.

“Oh, am I glad to see you,” broke through Charlotte’s dreamy haze. It was Mary Rhodes, teaching assistant. She scrambled up the steps to the front door and turned to face Charlotte.

“Hurry up.”

“Who are you and why are you here?” Charlotte asked. “I’m not supposed to let anyone else in on weekends.”

“I’m Mary Rhodes, teaching assistant to Professor Garrett. I have to drop something off at President Caldwell’s office.”

“He’s not here.”

“I’ll slip it under his door. It was supposed to be delivered on Friday.”

“What is it?” Charlotte turned a skeptical eye on the tall young woman.

Mary narrowed her eyes. “If it’s any of your business, Janitor Girl, it’s a proposal for a trip. It’s for Professor Garrett,” Mary said, frowning. “It’s important.”

“I’m not a janitor,” Charlotte said. She wanted to say if it was so important why wasn’t it done on Friday, but she kept her mouth shut.

“Whatever,” Mary said.

The keys jingled as Charlotte searched the ring for the right one. Once she opened the door, Mary scooted to the president’s office. She shoved a manila envelope under the door.

“Thank God!” She smiled.

“Don’t want to face the professor if you didn’t get it delivered?” Charlotte couldn’t resist.

“No. And don’t you go telling him it was late, either.” Mary glowered.

“I’m no snitch,” Charlotte said, chuckling. “You work with Professor Garrett?”

“Yes. I’m his teaching assistant. And if I play my cards right, I might become much more than that,” Mary said, tossing her long hair over one shoulder.

“What do you mean?” Charlotte asked.

“Well, he’s single. Widowed. Or didn’t you know?” Mary said. “He just might be looking for a bright young thing like me.” 

“How old are you?”

“Twenty-three, if it’s any of your business,” she snapped.

Mary rushed out the front door, slamming it behind her. Charlotte wrinkled her brow. She unlocked the door and went inside. The room was immaculate with everything clean and organized. But it wasn’t her supplies that worried her. Mary Rhodes. Charlotte wondered if Mark knew that Mary had plans beyond being his teaching assistant. 

That's it for this week. Thanks for stopping by.