Story Excerpt

Professor Nicholls leaned closer, his breath warm against her cheek. “Let’s just say I can give you some extra work to do, that the other students won’t get offered, it can help raise your grade quite a lot, you could even get an A”

Lucy wasn’t positive about what he was implying but she had a good idea. She took a step back, creating space between them. “I need to think about this,” she managed to say, her voice trembling slightly.

Professor Nicholls’ gaze held hers for a moment longer before he nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips. “Take your time,” he said, his voice low and seductive. “But remember, opportunities like this don’t come around often.”

With that, he disappeared back into the crowd, leaving Lucy feeling exposed and conflicted. She stumbled out of the party, the cool night air slapping her in the face as she stepped onto the porch. She knew what he was suggesting was wrong, but the temptation was too strong. The thought of losing her scholarship and the humiliation of returning home was unbearable.

Tiffany found her outside, looking lost. “You okay?” she asked, her eyes full of concern.

“I… I don’t know,” Lucy replied, her voice shaking. She told Tiffany about her conversation with Professor Nicholls, the unspoken offer hanging in the air.

Her friend’s eyes widened. “Oh my god, seriously?! He could get into serious trouble.” she whispered. “He is kind of hot though,” Tiffany added with a wink.

“Tiff, this isn’t a joke. If I do this, I’m throwing away everything I’ve worked for.” Lucy’s voice was shaky, the gravity of the situation weighing on her.

“I know, I know. But, think about it. If it means keeping your scholarship and being in Delta Chi, isn’t it worth considering?” Tiffany’s voice was filled with the kind of pragmatism that only comes from navigating the cutthroat world of college social politics.

The night air was cool and crisp, a stark contrast to the sticky heat of the party inside. Lucy took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. The scholarship, her mother’s pride, the sorority… it all flashed before her eyes. The pressure was suffocating.

The next few days were a blur of indecision and fear. Lucy couldn’t focus on anything except the offer Professor Nicholls had made. She saw him in class, his eyes seemingly boring into her, and she felt the weight of his proposal with every step she took. She knew she had to decide soon, before the situation spiraled out of control.

Finally, unable to bear the uncertainty any longer, she sent him an email. “I’m willing to put in the extra work,” she wrote, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. “Please let me know what you had in mind.”

The reply came swiftly. “Meet me in my office after class on Thursday,” he instructed.