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Post by Demeter on Nov 18, 2005 20:07:21 GMT -5
Flora's cheeks retained their rose tint to them as she reached over and shyly touched his hand with her own. She smiled softly. "So.." Silently she wondered where they would go from there - if they could go from there.
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Post by Palladium on Nov 18, 2005 20:29:27 GMT -5
"So . . ." Palladium echoed, a smile reminiscent of a schoolboy breaking out onto his face.
After several more moments had passed with their hands intertwined, Palladium slowly withdrew his, and then ran one finger across his lower lip in thought. Wryly he turned back to Flora and raised his eyebrows slightly, "I suppose we have even more to discuss now."
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Post by Demeter on Nov 18, 2005 20:41:14 GMT -5
"For starters, we need to keep this private," she said softly, carefully directing the convesation. "And we need to be discreet. The last thing we need is another display like at the dance." She blushed in embarrassment at her own reminder of her actions.
She could live for the stolen moments.
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Post by Palladium on Nov 18, 2005 21:16:00 GMT -5
"Is that how you want it to be?" Palladium asked skeptically. Shaking his head, Palladium continued, "I don't know if I can do that . . . or if it's even worthwhile." Seeing Flora's hurt expression, he cast her a wan smile, "Don't think I don't care about you because that isn't true - in fact the opposite is. I care about you too much. And in all honesty, I'm being selfish. You deserve better; don't argue with me on this - I know I am right."
Pacing back and forth, Palladium mused, "And could you imagine what you would do if word got out? No, people wouldn't look down upon you - at least not to your face. They'd tell you how this was all my doing - how you were unwittingly lured into a despicable plot devised entirely by me. And as for me? I'd be ruined. And everything I've worked for my entire life would be reduced to a pile of nothing." Stopping in mid-stride Palladium turned his full stare directly onto Flora, "I don't want to lie to you: I don't know if I'm willing to take that kind of risk."
Pausing for a moment to collect his thoughts, Palladium continued, "I don't mean to be indecisive or to send you the wrong messages, but I can't make a decision right now about all this. It's too soon." Dismally, he bent his head, "For all I know, you may just have a fleeting school girl's crush . . . and if I were to lose my good reputation over that, well, I don't know what I would do. But the fact of the matter is, I've already compromised my reputation in the heat of the moment . . . Flora, listen to me - I think . . . I think that it would be best for you to leave now. My first class of the day will be beginning soon and even more, I need time to think all this over - you need time to think this over."
Going over to the chalkboard to write down notes for his first class, Palladium turned his back to Flora, hoping she would leave before he took back everything he had just said.
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Post by Demeter on Nov 18, 2005 21:53:35 GMT -5
"If that is what you want," she said, her voice returning to the dead emotionless tone she had started with. "Just don't expect me in class later. I'm going to be asking for a transfer to another school." There, it was out.
She got up slowly and walked out of the room. She would maintain her composure until she got back to her room, where she could break down into tears and throw things. She was allowed, at least in her eyes she was. Then she would pack her things, and get ready to take the first train out of the area and head either for home or another school.
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Post by Palladium on Nov 18, 2005 23:06:25 GMT -5
After Flora had left Palladium wearily sat down.
So this is how it's going to be. And this is what I get for being impetuous. It figures as much. I've made a bigger mess of things; I shouldn't have spoken to Flora in that personal way. I should have remained professional. But I didn't, so now I have to find a way to run damage control. She can't leave Alfea; she needs to be here to more fully develop her powers. And I'll miss her. No. No, I can't think of that. Right now this can't be about me; this has to be about doing what is best for her. And as uncomfortable as it may be, the best place for her to be is here. With her friends.
So what now? Not that I need to ask that question . . . I already know what I have to do. I have to make sure Flora doesn't leave because she will if she gets the chance.
Shaking his head, thinking once again about Flora's pride, Palladium stood up and checked the clock. One hour before his first class. Straightening his jacket, he headed out of his classroom. It was time to pay Griselda a visit.
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Post by mileva on Nov 19, 2005 7:47:28 GMT -5
(OOC: That was so sad! *sobs*)
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Post by griselda on Nov 19, 2005 7:55:02 GMT -5
(An extremly suspicious) Griselda entered his office. "Professor, could I see you in my office? We have some rules of conduct to discuss."
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Post by Palladium on Nov 19, 2005 12:13:57 GMT -5
For once agreeing with Griselda, Palladium nodded, "I am afraid you are correct . . ."
Exiting his classroom, he locked the door behind him, and then followed Griselda to her office.
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