I'm Normally Perfect (re-upload)

Chapter Five

The following morning it took some time to convince myself I hadn't dreamt the previous day. After my ablutions I wrote for hours in my journal and then a letter to Noni about my trip to London, relishing being able to tell her about Alex (she said I could call her that). Then I read my gift and re-read "The Kruetzer Sonata". I kept The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street with me at all times and took it out occasionally just to handle it. I tucked my jasmine scented handkerchief away in a drawer. Lavinia seemed to have deserted me entirely.

The first day of the new term I dressed in a green jumper (as she liked that colour on me) and dashed off to my office as soon as I had bolted down breakfast standing in the kitchen. Her draperies were still closed when I arrived and situated my things. I wrote—one eye on her window—and looked up just as she pushed the curtains back. She looked straight out at me, smiled warmly and waved. I'd promised myself that when I saw her I'd be nonchalant so of course I waved enthusiastically. She must have thought I was being goofy on purpose because she laughed and shook her head in amusement, I was glad to begin her day with mirth, whether intentional or not. Then we got to our private diversions. As I was packing up to go to a lecture she caught my eye and smoothed her hair down with her signature gesture. I took it that was her way of wishing me a good day and had to suppress the desire to skip to my lecture.

Upon returning to my table I found a folded note.

How was The Duchess of something? And your break?

Stop by if you are able, I'm free between 3 and 4.

A.

I looked up to see her seated at her desk, reading, and waited for her to look my way. I waved and wrote on the back in big block letters:

Wonderful & Ditto, Thnx

C U @ 3

I pressed it against the window. She leaned forward and squinted then grinned and bowed slightly. She then pointed to her book and I nodded. She read as I worked on a story and trotted off to see Professor Burrows at two. I held the invitation in my hand whilst I walked over then carefully placed the note in my coat pocket before knocking on his door. After I sat down he said without looking in my direction,

'How was your break?'

I nodded, not wanting to give too much away, 'Pretty good.'

'It must have been lonely here, I don't believe many remained over the break.'

I kept my tone light, as I figured that would bother him, 'No, I had the place to myself, mostly, it was rather peaceful, in comparison to the usual kerfuffle.' That was one of my new favourite "English" words, I had been keeping a list of new words in my journal.

'I see. Did you get any work done?'

'Some.'

He contemplated me before asking how my studies were going. And I told him fine. He said Dr MacBeth said the same thing when he asked her then he dismissed me.

When I reached the Head Porter's lodge, Mr Jeffries doffed his hat and said that Professor Pristin was expecting me. I was a little disappointed, as I'd wanted a reason to show him the note she'd given me. When I reached her office the door was open and she was seated at her desk. She saw me before I could knock, 'Hello there, come in.' She stood and crossed to me, 'I was a bit worried someone else would find my note before you returned.' She helped me off with my coat and hung it next to hers then gestured to the sofa, 'Your break was restful, I hope.'

'It was fine.' I put my bag down and sat. 'Yours?'

'Lovely. Tea?'

I sat in one of the chairs, 'Yes, please.' As she plugged in the kettle I tried to act as if I'd never been in there before. Gazing about I remarked in what I hoped was an innocent way, 'That's a pretty statue.'