Forgive us Our Sins

Chapter 5

I walk out of my lab class discussing how terrible the teacher is with my lab partner. It's the professors first year teaching, she has a very thick accent and doesn't understand half the things we are doing. "I just hope I can finish the lab report, it's gonna be pure bullshit" she says

I laugh and nod "I wish I understood what we were actually doing" I say and we both nod in agreement "I'll see you next week" we part ways and I text Derek that he'll need to pick me up from work tonight since Finn drove me to school.

Thankfully my job is on campus and a short walk from my lab class. I've worked at the library for a few months now. I honestly love it. I tutor people, read books in my free time, and it satisfies my OCD when arranging the books. I've had jobs in restaurants, retail and one office job but the library so far is my favorite. As I walk to work I soak up the surprising warm sun and feel a buzz in my pocket. It's a text from Derek saying he'll be there at 7. I don't bother responding as I walk in.

"Hey Becca" I smile and wave to the red headed girl with big glasses, she's worked here longer than me and trained me when I started

"Hey Esme" her wave is big and excited and braces like her teeth as she smiles

"Is Burt in?" I ask praying for a 'No' answer

She smile sympathetically and nods "yeah, got here a few minutes before your shift"

I try to contain my eye roll as I clock in and sigh "of course" I say under my breath

As if he sensed my presence Burt walks around the corner "Esme" he purs my name "good afternoon"

A forced smile makes its way into my lips "Hey Professor"

"Esme I told you to call me Burt" he instructs. Ever since I started working here he has come to do his 'work and grading' in between classes, even though he has a perfectly good office. He's not only a professor but on the council for English majors and the director of the Library. He's not an unattractive man, he's in his late thirties, dark hair, slightly balding in the middle, dark eyes and a charming smile. Although typically kind his attention is unwanted. He knows I have a boyfriend but that has yet to stop him, not to mention he's married with three kids. I really like this job so I put up with it...it's not that bad most days.

Becca smiles and walks away to place books in their rightful place, leaving me alone with him. I stand behind the checkout desk as he leans on it, getting closer to me. "Are you wearing a new perfume?" He takes a deep breath

"Nope" I shrug trying to seem busy as I skim through recites

"What about your hair? It seems different" he tells me and slowly makes his way around the desk. He leans up against it and crosses his arms across his blue button up.

I brush a stand of my bangs out of my face "I did get it trimmed" I tell him and he smiles

"It looks great" his hand comes up to meet my waist but I dodge it and walk over to the printer

"Well I should get to work" I turn back and tell him

"Maybe on your break we can get something to eat?" He asks standing and coming near me again

"No, I think I'll be good, Finn is bringing me food" I lie

He frowns deeply "you're still with him?" disgust lines his words