Richard led Alexandria toward the bookstore's coffee shop, where the lines were shorter. The Professor ordered a white chocolate latte and pumpkin bread, while Alexandria ordered a sugar cookie, almond milk latte, and a slight vanilla scone. The young woman would pay for hers, but Richard had none. He paid for everything before she could respond.
He then led her to a nearby table as their orders were being prepared. Alexandria felt her heart beating rapidly; she still comprehended that Richard invited her for coffee before working together. "So, I remember you telling me that you used to teach at Johns Hopkins University and that is an impressive position. What I'm curious about is you wanting to substitute at Yale for only short period of time. What will you do after the time is done?"
"Well, I want a change of pace and something challenging. I also enjoyed my time here as a student and alwa,ys wanted to return home to finally haveful life." Suddenly, the barista called Richard's name, and the two got their drinks and snacks and sat back down. "Anyway, I hope to work at Yale as a professor, even if it means part-time work."
"Good for you. You seem to know what you want in life. Not many people can say that since they have to work in jobs they despise to survive."
Richard took a sip from his drink. "Yeah. I am very fortunate to be in a situation where I have enough to pay my bills and still do things in my leisurely time."
Alexandria also took a sip of her drink and a bite of her scone. Judging from his social media account, she knew that he was adventurous. However, Alexandria didn't want him to suspect she was looking into his social media. "I feel like a stalker, " she smiled. So, what do you like to do during your free time?"
"Well, I am quite the traveler. I like to explore new things whether it be a city, town, or even restaurants. Although I do like having time by myself where I watch movies."
"Ah, so you are what is called and ambivert. You are an extrovert who likes to explore life, but an introvert who wants to be by themselves."
The Professor chuckled. "I guess I am but I am getting older and there are times I think about how it would be nice to see more of the world with someone else."
The young woman couldn't help being curious about his relationship status. "I agree. Traveling alone can be soothing, but the experience would be great to have someone who shares the same interests. If you don't mind me asking this, aren't you in a relationship?" Richard was silent, and Alexandria felt foolish for asking him a personal question. "Sorry, I shouldn't have asked. It wasn't my business."
"Don't worry about it. You were curious, and to answer your question, I used to have a girlfriend. We were together for three years, and I was going to ask her to marry me." Richard was quiet momentarily as if having hesitation in speaking further. "Before I could, she broke up with me. She was in love with one of my best friends."
"What!? That's terrible."
"I guess so. She fell in love with now, my ex-best friend on the second year of our relationship. He felt the same about her. My ex-girlfriend couldn't live with the lies and secrets and came up front."
The young woman couldn't help but notice the hint of sadness in his voice. It looked as if he truly loved his ex. It made sense to Alexandria since Richard was going to propose. Although deep in her heart, she was relieved that Richard was single. "I need to get myself together! He's still a Professor, and I'm still a student. I-I can't give myself false hopes." It was the first time she was attracted to someone she shouldn't have. "I'm sorry you had to go through that. I can't imagine the pain of being with someone who had feelings for someone else. By the sound of it, you're also not friends with your best friend."
"Yes, he wanted to keep in being friends, but I couldn't. Seeing them together would tear me apart. I found out by other friends that they became engaged."
"Oh, that's horrible. Is that the main reason you decided to come home?"
The Professor was about to take a bite from his pumpkin bread as he raised an eyebrow. He couldn't help but feel amazed by Alexandria's intelligence. "You could say that. It is interesting that you caught on."
"Hee, I am studying law and my dream is to be a lawyer so I have to learn how to make observations and conclusions."
"You did mention that. What motivated you to be a lawyer?"
Alexandria took a sip of her drink. "Actually, there was a former classmate that motivated me. We were in middle school and word got out that my classmate's dad was molesting her and the dad was put into prison. It has been on the news where the father claimed his innocence and three months later, committed suicide in prison since he was beaten constantly. Three weeks afterward, my classmate said that the molesation accusations were a lie. Supposedly, she was pressured by her mother to lie since her father wanted a divorce."
"Oh, that's horrible. I can't imagine the pain the father must have felt. Unfortunately, situations like that happen."
"Yeah, my classmate moved but when before my first day of the university, a friend of mine told me that she saw our former classmate homeless, hooked on drugs. She must have held the guilt for so long."
The two remained silent as they continued drinking and eating their snacks. "So, you wanted to become a lawyer to help those who are wrongfully accused?" Richard asked.
"Yes. The justice system is broken where many people are falsely accused for crimes they didn't commit. After working as a lawyer for a couple years, I then want to become a judge."
"Very admirable. We do need judges that are fair and just. Not only that, we need judges that a use their common sense. Anyway, we shouldn't stay on the sad topics."
Alexandria nodded. "You're right. Well, I guess I will see you later in the day then?" She stood up and was about to leave, but Richard also stood.
"Since we're both here, maybe we should start working now, so we can the rest of the day off. If you'd like of course."
"I would like that."
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