The Phlebotomy Professor (Teacher x Student || Intersex)

3.

Sage:

She's late again? It's the second week, I thought as I looked around my classroom. Everyone was here except for Novalie, the one student who was late and unprepared on the first day of class. Not to mention she fell asleep during the lecture.

I let her sleep since we were only going over the syllabus, but this week I won't be tolerating it. We were all adults who were tired, but you don't see me sleeping through my own lesson.

And lord knows that I could. I was exhausted, sipping my third cup of coffee in the span of three hours as I gave the class time to settle down. I had another sleepless night, but I didn't let it affect me.

The nightmares were bad again, the same scenario playing underneath my eyelids for the last three weeks. I wanted nothing more than to have an uninterrupted night of sleep, but I knew it was impossible right now.

I had a class to teach, so I pushed my personal issues to the side as I opened the text book to chapter one when the door handle jiggled causing everyone including me to look toward the lab door. I sighed and stood from my desk, walking over to the door and opened it slightly to see Novalie staring up at me with exhausted eyes.

"Sorry.." She whispered. Her hair was in a messy bun, but her uniform was on point, the blue scrubs holding her small body tightly along with the white lab coat. I sighed and stepped to the side, watching as the student scurried to the lab table where she sat alone.

I walked to my desk and opened the attendance sheet, checking her present before watching as she struggled to open her text book. Her hands were shaking from exhaustion and I couldn't help but wonder why she was so tired. I could tell she was young, the immediate thought of her partying coming to my mind causing my pity to subside.

Partying the night before class? Dumb decision.

"Okay, make sure you're ready to take notes before we start the lab. This chapter is just an introduction. We will be going over the OSHA and WHO regulations, as well as the importance of PPE in a lab setting."

I watched as everyone took out their notebooks, Novalie being the only one who flipped her syllabus to the back to take her notes causing me to furrow my brows.

Did she expect that to sustain her for the rest of the semester?

I started my lecture, reading from the textbook and writing brief notes on the board. I explained what to expect in a hospital laboratory, and to treat this lab the same way. I explained sanitation and the importance of it, showing the class an example of the iodine based soap that will be used in a hospital setting as well as the lab.

I could tell Novalie was starting to nod off, her head falling forward, but jumping back up as she blinked rapidly and started to write her notes. I tried my best to focus on the rest of the class, hoping that she would get it together before the end of the semester. She won't be able to pass if she wasn't giving the class her undivided attention.

"Okay, let's prepare for the lab. Everyone make a line at the sink and I'll demonstrate how to wash your hands in a proper lab and hospital setting." I breathed, walking over to the sink as everyone stood up, Novalie being the last student to walk over to the sink. The sleepiness in her dark eyes was profound, the student blinking rapidly to stay up as she waited for me to start.

"So..you turn on the sink..make sure the water is lukewarm to warm. Not too hot so you don't burn yourself, but hot enough to wash off any contaminants. You wet your hands, take the iodine block and start to scrub with the soap. Make sure you lather it on your fingers, washing underneath your fingernails and scrubbing up to the beginning of your wrists. Then you rinse off, take the napkins and dab your hands before using the same tissue to turn off the water. Avoid touching anything else until you slip on a pair of gloves to start your day."

I watched as each student practiced, nodding and giving them points for paying attention. Novalie was the last student, slowly walking up to the sink and turning on the water. She did everything slowly and I tried not to get annoyed, the students eyes closed as she scrubbed her hands with the soap. She washed her hands, grabbing the napkins and dabbing her hands before shutting off the water and stumbling back slightly.

"Whoa, take your time. Are you okay?" I asked quietly as she looked around, alarmed from almost falling to the ground. She nodded, and I analyzed her face for a second before nodding and watching as she walked back to her table. Her eyes were full of embarrassment and shame and I couldn't help but feel bad.

What is her deal?

"Next, we will be practicing the use of PPE. You first are your clothing guards, then your goggles and then your gloves. Why do your gloves go last?" I asked, watching as no one raised their hand causing me to sigh.

"Participation in this class is a major key. I need someone-"

"To avoid contamination since you'll be using your hands to perform any medical tasks." The sleepy voice slurred slightly causing everyone to look over. Novalie's eyes were half closed as she blinked slowly before looking around to see everyone staring at her. Her sleepy eyes met mine and I smiled slightly before nodding.

"Good. That's exactly it. Everyone grab their PPE one at a time and practice putting it on. Please use the order that I told you to use. I will be watching."

Everyone obeyed, grabbing their PPE and walking over to their lab tables. They all interacted with each other, helping each other tie their clothing guards and laughing with each other. I looked over at Novalie and saw she was the only one by herself, but she didn't seem bothered. She already had her clothing guard tied to her body, her gloves on her face and her gloves on her hands. Her head was bowed slightly as if she was asleep, and I left her alone as I waited for everyone else to finish while giving her credit for participating in the lab.

"Alright everyone..good work today. Next week we'll be moving onto the good stuff. I know you're wondering when our phlebotomy segment will start, but we can't jump into that until you learn the basics. If you're in my lecture class, we will be on the third floor in the lecture hall. I'll see you in a few minutes."

Everyone started to flood from the classroom except for Novalie who was still standing with her head on the desk, snoring softly. I sighed and packed up my things before walking over to the young woman's desk. I didn't want to touch her, though I was very tempted considering she was a beautiful young woman. But I knew better than that.

Not only was consent important, but I didn't want to make her jump by shaking her awake. I know how it feels to be startled and it isn't the best feeling.

So instead, I called her name softly. She didn't budge and I grabbed a pen, tapping it against the desk next to her ear causing her to jump up, her eyes still closed as she mumbled to herself.

"Claire, what's wrong?"

Huh?

"Ms. Carter." Her eyes flew open and she looked panicked as she looked around, her eyes looking at me. They were blood shot and exhausted and it made me shake my head.

"Novalie..this can't keep happening-"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. It won't." She stated strongly as she shook her head. I watched as she took off her PPE in a hurry and I swallowed hard.

"Is everything okay-"

"I'm fine. What classroom is the lecture in?" Novalie asked. Her voice was shaky and I couldn't help but be taken aback by the sudden panic that took over the young woman.

Why was she so startled? Is it from exhaustion?

"Third floor lecture hall..but hey..grab yourself a cup of coffee, maybe some sugar to help. Okay?" I asked as I placed an endearing hand on her shoulder causing her to swallow hard as her eyes met mine. She nodded slowly and I smiled before turning around and walking out of the classroom.

Such a smart girl. Don't waste it.