Thing to learn (closed)

Gwendolyn Ethelstan
Ex-Attendee of Queen Ethelburga's College.
18
5'5''
128 lbs.
Long curly hair colored in mixed shades of blond.
Seafoam green blue eyes with shards of gray in them rimmed with thick lashes.
Slim well toned body kept in shape and tight.
Knows that she has looks and brains but prier to coming to America was sweet and kind. Now she flaunts her looks and used her mind to strike out at people. She has little care for others feelings and cares not of what the Americans think of her.

As Gwen entered what the students call the higher forms of their schooling her Father was reassigned and the family was forced to move. And while the idea didn't bother Gwen at first it wasn't until she was told that she would be making the move as well that she lashed out in anger. Since the age of 11 she had been living at Queen Ethelburga's College and even had her horse boarded there. All her friends were there as was everything that she knew and loved, it was home. But there was no fighting with the parents when they both agreed in something. A different story if you were at ends with each other.

So three months later all their things were unpacked, school was starting and Gwen was miserable. She had no idea as to what this freshmen year standing was, there was a test she was forced to take before she started school to gage her learning. The lady at the desk kept telling her that her old school reports had no standing in the class assignments. No matter that her old College didn't run on 100's or 201's or whatever the old hag called them. There was just no telling the woman that she was in her sixth form or in her 14th year even. And to make matters ever worse she had to drive to school and her horse was nearly half an hour away. Oh and that was another thing, getting used to the driving in the states. They all drove backwards!

So with a large over dramatic sigh Gwen collected her things for school, dressed in her old uniform as her new school had yet to send her a new school uniform and got into the passenger--"drivers" seat and headed off to school. The frown on her face stuck as she parked and noticed that no one else wore a uniform. In fact it seemed that no one here even seemed to be wearing the same things. It was like a rave at the Factory. The knowledge of this only caused Gwen's frown to etch deeper into her skin.

"Oh you're back." The same old woman behind the desk moaned at the sight of the rude and demanding Brit. "Don't say a word. I have your classes right here. Don't say a word. In fact don't even open your mouth." She told the young girl as she shifted around in a drawer to pull out a piece of paper and handed it to Gwen.

With a charmingly fake smile on her face Gwen snatched the paper and looked down at it. To her it looked like a mix of random numbers and letters. A PHY 240 here and a CAL 113 along side a few other mix and matches. "Yeah this is grand." Gwen muttered after at last finding the room number to everything. "May I please have a map."

The old lady gave only a teeth filled grin and shoved another paper at Gwen.

"Well at least your attitude has brightened." Snipped Gwen spinning on a heel to leave. Her first class was a PLS 107 in building 4 room 28B. Gwen rolled her eyes and flipped to her map. It wasn't hard to find where she was on the map as to where she had to go. And after a few minutes passing Gwen walked into room 28B and sat down in one of the desks. Noticing that the teacher seemed to be no where around tho a briefcase on the desk up front told her that it, as she had no idea if the the teacher was a Dame or Gent calling it an It seemed fitting, had to be around here somewhere. Not that she cared or anything. Sighed Gwen running a hand through her hair as she took out her laptop and started that up. Readying herself for her first American class.

Professor Stansfield

Miles Stansfield
Associate Professor of Political Science
38
5’10”
170 lbs.
salt and pepper hair
intense blue eyes behind frameless glasses
not athletic but fit
he doesn’t consider himself attractive but he can be quite witty and charming
he has never been particularly a ladies man but women seem drawn to him
a bit of an egghead, not always aware of his surroundings, not the best social skills

It has been 12 years now since he got his first Assistant Professor position right out of grad school. Now he is 38 and hoping to make Full Professor with Tenure soon. He is very cautious and conservative, not wanting to make any mistakes in the classroom or in departmental politics that would endanger his chances at tenure. He is also cautious in his social life. He has never been married, having concentrated on his career, and while he has had a few relationships, he is not as experienced with women and sex as most men his age. However, he has a dormant sexuality that is waiting to be awakened. He is also somewhat jaded by the mundanity of both the students and curriculum he is expected to follow. His idealistic aspirations for true intellectual exchange and growth with young scholars have given way to disillusionment and disappointment.

It was the kind of crisp bright autumn day that makes the world seem so cheerful, yet Miles was conflicted. A new beginning was always exciting, something afforded on a yearly basis by the academic life, yet as the years rolled by and became eerily similar he found both his senses and intellect being dulled by the routineness of this existence. As he sat in his office waiting for the bell signaling his first class, he wondered how much longer he would be stuck teaching introductory level courses. At least this year he had been thrown a small bone by the department chair and given PoliSci 107, which was the Honors Program section of PoliSci 101 Introduction to Political Science. 107 was only open by invitation to freshmen with excellent high school records and ACT scores or students already enrolled with high standing in their prior courses. Miles was hopeful he would be able to have some intelligent exchange of ideas this semester as opposed to the normal class where the students were mostly bored and apathetic, taking the course simply to fulfill a credit not because of any real interest in the subject.

The bell rang and Miles crossed the hall and made his grand entrance, enjoying a brief illusion of power when the room suddenly went quiet as the students all looked up to see their new professor. He was pleased to find them already in their seats having been engaged in quiet conversations among themselves or just perusing their books or laptops. Must be because it is an honors class, he thought, a better grade of students, more serious and disciplined. That would be a welcome change.

He looked over the top of his glasses with a slight smile as he removed a sheaf of papers from the briefcase he had left on the desk before the students started arriving. His attention was caught by a young woman sitting alone in the row by the windows engrossed in her laptop not talking to anyone. It was not her beauty that caught Miles’ attention. He had seen more than his share of beautiful young women in his classes over the years. Although he did note that she was perhaps one of the prettiest girls he had seen lately, a tight shapely body and beautiful long flowing blonde hair. No, what caught his attention was her attire. She was wearing what appeared to be a school uniform that one might expect to see at a private school – a bright blue sweater over a white collared blouse, a blue and grey and yellow plaid skirt and grey stockings or leggings with plain black flat shoes. She looked so out of place among all the other students in their tshirts and jeans or other equally casual clothing. He suddenly realized he was staring as she looked up from her computer and briefly caught his eye before he turned his attention back to the classroom.

He turned to the board behind him and wrote “Miles Stansfield” in large letters then turned back to face the class. “Good morning. Everybody please turn off all electronic devices at this time, laptops, ipods, cell phones, and any other distractions. In my class you will be taking notes the old-fashioned way with pen and paper.” He glanced over at the blonde in the uniform again as he said “distractions” and tried to give her a smile but she had a very petulant, impatient look on her face as she closed her laptop. “It will be my pleasure to guide you through this introduction to the fascinating arena of Political Science. Can anyone tell us exactly what the study of Political Science encompasses?”

Was it necessary for a teacher to feel as if he still needed a grand entrance on the first day of school. It a tradition for Americans to make a fool of themselves in hopes the impress others, for it was not the way of the English. But still this man was her teacher and respect must be granted to those in that position. No matter how much Gwen felt they didn't deserve it.

“Good morning. Everybody please turn off all electronic devices at this time, laptops, ipods, cell phones, and any other distractions. In my class you will be taking notes the old-fashioned way with pen and paper.”

Gwen stared at this man with frustration. A pen and paper?!?! It suddenly felt as if time had traveled backwards. That instead of a college Gwen had returned to grade school. Back to the time when penmanship as well as notes were graded. A time where everything was written. But again he was a teacher and there for should be listened to. So as was asked Gwen put away her laptop and brought out a blank note book and pen.

“It will be my pleasure to guide you through this introduction to the fascinating arena of Political Science. Can anyone tell us exactly what the study of Political Science encompasses?”

"Political Science encompasses not only the actions of governments, political parties and the courts, but also political movements in society and in the power relations of everyday life. It deals with the theories and practice of politics and the description and analysis of political systems and political behavior. If you really want to get into it Political Science can be divided into four sub-fields. American Politics, the study of the American political system. Comparative Politics, the comparative study of nations political institutions, culture, and leadership. International Relations, the study of relations among nation-states, international organizations, and transnational actors, and processes. And lastly Political Theory, the study of conceptual underpinnings and value orientations in politics. Have I encompassed the term to your satisfaction?" Gwen's voice was bored and flat as she just tossed what she already know back at the man, Mr. Stansfield. In fact as she recited her knowledge she had her head rested on her pestled arm and was staring out of the window.

Miles stared at the young lady as she spat out the answer. First, because she had an obvious accent, obviously British. That seemed to explain the uniform. But more because of her attitude, the bored, distracted way she recited the answer without even looking at him, almost hostile in tone. So I’m getting attitude already, he sighed to himself, I was hoping the honors students would be better behaved. He knew he had to not only bring her down a peg, but also establish his authority to the whole class.

“Well, I’m glad to see that at least one person has prepared for class…by memorizing the Wikipedia entry,” he said in a voice dripping with sarcasm. He looked at the class and some students laughed, others shifted nervously in their seats. But it only elicited a glare from the young Brit.

“And you are Miss… ?.” he addressed Gwen.

“Ethelstan,” she answered curtly. “Gwendolyn Ethelstan.”

“Ah, I see,” Miles looked over the top of his glasses at her, walking toward her, then turning back to look at the class when he was right in front of her. “A descendent of the great King Ethelstan, no doubt? Just recently arrived here in the colonies, have you?” More nervous laughter from the rest of the class.

He went on before she could reply. “It is not I who you have to satisfy, Miss Ethelstan. Everyone in this classroom has a thirst for intellectual satisfaction, I should hope. After all, that is why we are here, is it not? In my class, we share our knowledge with each other and learn from each other. We do that through dialogue and the exchange of ideas, not by me standing at the front of the classroom and spoon-feeding facts for you to memorize and regurgitate back. That is the way we do things in America.”

Gwen continued glaring at him as he turned on his heel and walked back to the front of the classroom. “And by the way, Miss Ethelstan,” he added looking back over at her, “see me after class.” The other students would think twice now about giving any attitude in his class, he smiled to himself.

“So where were we then? Ah yes, what is political science? So who can expand on Miss Ethelstan’s definition, perhaps in your own words? How about some examples…” He went on with the class, but couldn’t keep from frequently glancing over at Gwen. There was something about her, something other than her bad attitude, that aroused his interest. For her part, Gwen kept a dour look on her face as the other students became engaged and did not participate further. Miles was relieved when the bell finally rang signaling the end of the period.

If only looks could kill Gwen wished as she stared down this teacher. He just wanted an answer, did he say it had to be from her thoughts? Was the answer not right if just recited? True that would have never had flew in her old school but this was American, what did they know.

But with no more will to part take in this study or at least this one class, Gwen stayed silent and just watched. The students were jumping in left and right, shouting over each other in excitement at times and all the while Gwen just sat back and watched.

When the bell rang the students gathered their things and left class. Some even had the nerve to glance back at her with mocking faces. Gwen clenched her jaw in anger. Better clenched then raging words of the poor folk. So as she was told Gwen stayed and didn't move an inch. He said see him, well Gwen could see him just fine from here. In the mean time she placed her things back into her bag and just waited. Totally inattentive to the man in whole Gwen once again stared out the window. What did this daft man want with her. If Gwen had cared a bit more she would have been worried as to what she had done wrong, as it was she cared not.

Miles watched the students filing out of the classroom, looking over the top of his glasses as was his habit, as he returned his stack of lecture notes to his briefcase. That had gone rather well, he thought to himself, the students really seemed to get into it once it got going. Maybe this honors class would be more rewarding after all. Then there was Miss Ethelstan, he sighed to himself. What to do about her? He had expected her to come up to the front desk and attentively present herself to him as soon as the bell had rung, as he had requested. That is what any other student would have done. But she was still just sitting there staring out the window, paying him no mind.

Looking at her again now, he realized she was actually quite a striking young woman, her long blonde hair seemed to have different shades or highlights, a nice figure, smooth long legs shown off well by her above the knee plaid skirt.

“So, Miss Ethelstan,” he cleared his throat to garner her attention before addressing her. Gwen looked over at him then stood up and replied without looking at him directly. “Yes, Professor Stansfield?” “Let’s go to my office, shall we? It’s just across the hall. Come, walk with me.”

He waited for her to slowly walk to the front of the room, then headed for the door with her following several steps behind. He unlocked the door to his office and pushed it open, standing to one side and making an open arm invitation for her to enter. She stepped in and he followed close behind shutting the door behind him. He indicated a rich burgundy leather chair beside his desk. “Please… have a seat, Miss Ethelstan.” She sat quickly but perched rather uncomfortably on the front edge of the chair while Miles settled into a large ergonomic chair behind his desk.

“That’s quite an attractive uniform,” he smiled, trying to break the ice. “Thank you,” she said flatly. Damn, Miles thought, he probably shouldn’t have mentioned her looks. Why did he do that? “So, Miss Ethelstan,” he paused before asking, “may I call you Gwendolyn?” She just looked at him without replying so he went on.

“So, Gwendolyn, first of all, welcome to America. I’m sure this must be quite a culture shock for you.” He leaned forward in his chair so he was much closer to her. “But actually I understand quite well what you’re going through. You see, I actually studied for a year at Cambridge, so I am quite familiar with your academic world back home. I read at King’s College under Professor John Dunn, perhaps you’ve heard of him? Quite well known for his work in modern political theory, he was basically the first to apply an historical perspective, reconstructing the work of John Locke, another famous British scholar who could be considered the “father” of political theory, I suppose.” He paused and caught his breath. Damn, he thought, I’m just babbling, she’ll think I’m a total egghead.

“Well, my point is, you are obviously a beautiful, intelligent, well-bred young lady, Gwendolyn,” he went on. Damn, there he went again speaking about her looks. Why did he keep doing that? “And I’m sure you will be able to adjust to our ways over here and perhaps find out we are not all total cretins. I’m sure that right now you must feel our schools over here are not as sophisticated and intellectual as what you are accustomed to. And I will concede many students in the American university system are not here primarily for studies and do not take their classwork seriously. But if you will just be a little patient and a little tolerant, I think you will actually learn to like it over here.”

Miles smiled again, hoping that he might be breaking down her aloofness a little. “And if there is anything I can do to help you adjust, find your way around, become more comfortable – anything at all – please don’t hesitate to ask, Gwendolyn.” He paused, waiting to see how she would respond.

Gwen sat still and silent all the while that this man spoke. He went on about attending Cambridge, as if that would impress her, and on about how he knew how she must feel. All the things that Gwen wished to say she kept a tight hold of and just relaxed as much as she was willing.

“Well, my point is, you are obviously a beautiful, intelligent, well-bred young lady, Gwendolyn. And I’m sure you will be able to adjust to our ways over here and perhaps find out we are not all total cretins. I’m sure that right now you must feel our schools over here are not as sophisticated and intellectual as what you are accustomed to. And I will concede many students in the American university system are not here primarily for studies and do not take their classwork seriously. But if you will just be a little patient and a little tolerant, I think you will actually learn to like it over here. And if there is anything I can do to help you adjust, find your way around, become more comfortable – anything at all – please don’t hesitate to ask, Gwendolyn.”

Smile and make him think you agree, Gwen told herself at last, growing tired of listening to this man. Not to mention that this was the second time that he had mentioned her appearance. Perhaps students weren't the only one's here with altered goals. "Yes well if that is all you have to say I will take my leave. Thank you today has been..." What had today been that wasn't a lie yet still positive. As there was nothing that Gwen could say she quickly changed the subject. "I have another class to make and I refuse to be late so if you please." Gwen stood up and offered her to Miles out of pure habit. As a second thought she had no wish for this man to touch her but what was freely offered could not be withdrawn without offence so Gwen left her hand out there.

Miles was pleased when she offered him her hand, even though she hadn’t given him any verbal indication whether what he had said made any impression on her or not. He stood up and took her hand clasping it lightly, then laid his other hand on top of her hand so that he was holding it. He looked into her seafoam green eyes and was momentarily distracted. What beautiful unusual eyes, he thought, then quickly came back to his senses.

“Well yes, of course, Miss Ethelstan.” He tried a slight smile while maintaining eye contact and not letting go of her hand. “Thank you for stopping by, I hope this was helpful.” God, Miles thought to himself, that was really lame, she must think I’m a real dork. And for some reason, he wanted her to like him.

She turned to go and he looked her up and down as she did, and again realized he was appreciating what a fine body she had, looking at her as a woman and not a student. And an especially fine ass, he noted as she turned, then chastised himself mentally for thinking that way. Stop it, Miles, he told himself. She’s just another student, you can’t think about her like that.

He walked next to her as she headed toward the door. “Well, I’m looking forward to having you in my class, Gwendolyn… and again, if there is anything I can do to help you adjust, please don’t hesitate to ask me. Or perhaps you’ll find that political science and political theory interests you enough to make it your major, I would be delighted to discuss that with you too.”

Gwen just gave him a polite smile and curt “thanks” before heading off down the hall. Miles watched her until she was out of sight, thinking again what an attractive woman she was. What was it about her that seemed to be attracting him to her in more than an academic way? He wasn’t sure. What he was sure of was that he wanted to see her again, and not just in class.

Gwen forced herself no to run to her next class to make sure she wasn't late and was disappointed and relived that she was late and got away with it. All of classes went by without a hitch and everyone of her teachers took a liking to her. None of them 'welcomed' her to America, pulled her aside or even had a problem with the many answers she gave out. In fact they all seemed excited to have a student like her. So why was it that she got a strange vibe from her first teacher, Professor Stansfield?

When her day was over Gwen walked slowly back to her backwards car, not at all looking forward to the drive home. As it seemed that even from this distance the roads were filling up with students and people just getting off work. With a faintly annoyed sigh Gwen took a seat that the closest beach and pulled out the book her was currently reading. Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth. She would wait out the road rush and hope that it got better as time went by. If not she would have to drive in this mess and that somewhat scared her.

Miles had had a long day, the first day of the semester always seemed so full and busy. The rest of his classes had gone well without incident, and despite the fullness of his day he was unable to get the young British girl from his first class off his mind. What was it about her that was making her stick in his mind? Was it because she had some real spunk that most American girls lacked? He was wandering absentmindedly across campus, thinking about his classes, maybe he should stop by the library, but he found himself heading for the parking lot where his car was parked.

He was startled when he almost ran into one of the many benches that dotted the campus. He looked up and noticed a woman sitting on the bench, then realized she looked familiar. Bringing his mind back to his surroundings, he recognized Gwendolyn. This seemed like more than a coincidence. Then he noticed she was looking up to see who had nearly run into her.

“Ah, Miss Ethelstan!” he exclaimed. “What a surprise to run into you – nearly literally, haha! Guess I should pay more attention to where I’m going, I’m afraid my mind was wandering a bit. You know how we absentminded professors are, haha!” he attempted some self-deprecating humor. Dammit, Miles, you’re babbling again, she’s going to take you for a fool, he chastised himself. “So how was the rest of your day? What are you reading?”

She gave him a rather short answer about her day and held up the book so he could read the title for himself. “Ah yes, Pillars of the Earth, a very good book, I quite enjoyed it myself. How far along are you? Do you like it?” She held up the book again so he could see how much she had read and indicated she was indeed enjoying it. “He really brings the Middle Ages to life, it’s quite fascinating really. I especially enjoyed it because gothic architecture is also one of my interests. So are you waiting for a ride home or something?”

Gwen indicated that she was merely waiting out the rush hour before attempting to drive home in a backwards car on backwards roads. “I see,” Miles empathized. “Well actually, I was just on my way to the Java Hut myself,” he lied. “Perhaps you’d care to join me for coffee while you wait?” he asked hopefully.

Was it so much of an answer if all she told her babbling professor that he talked too much? Gwen guessed that it wouldn't be and came to the conclusion that while sitting here by herself was fine the company of another was more enjoyable. Even if it was her professor. So with an over played sigh Gwen closed her book put it away and stood up. "I would very much like to accompany you to you destination. Perhaps have a cup of coffee or tea as I wait the traffic out. Thank you." Gwen stated formally, wanting to give no Miles no chance of a thought that she was here for other means.

Standing there with a rather bored look on her face Gwen waited for Miles to lead the way. It wasn't as if she knew where she was going. She wasn't all together sure as to what the Java Hut was but the title and his comment about coffee lead her to think it was one of then new age American coffee houses that spawned art, poetry and snapping. Minus the snapping and Gwen could see herself having a good time. But with the run of her luck it would be a total 180 of her hopes. That's not really true she told herself running through today's classes. With the exception of her first class the school day wasn't a total let down. There was potential in all her classes and that gave her enough room to hope. It was just Poli Sci that irked her and yet here she stood ready to go to coffee with this man without a sane reason in her head as to why.

His heart leapt in his chest when she agreed to go with him but he still didn’t understand why, after all she was just another student he kept telling himself. Nevertheless, he couldn’t help looking her up and down as she stood up to accompany him and noticing how cute she looked in her school uniform. Then he realized she was standing there waiting for him to lead the way.

“Very good, well, this way then,” he smiled at her, indicating a direction and starting out. “Silly me, you’ve probably never even heard of a Java Hut. It’s kind of the university’s version of Starbucks. But they also have teas, some very nice ones actually, in fact, I often get a Chai Tea Latte myself.” He looked at her and smiled as they walked and she just gave him a polite formal smile back. Dammit, I’m babbling again, he thought.

There was a short line when they got there but they didn’t have to wait long to get their drinks. Miles looked around and saw a couple of the cushioned chairs were free in one corner. “We can sit over there,” he indicated the seats and headed that way, Gwen following him. As they settled in their chairs, Miles couldn’t help but notice Gwen’s smooth long legs that were so well shown off by her above-the-knee uniform skirt. He caught himself quickly and looked up at her face and smiled.

“So, Miss Ethelstan,” he began. “I’m glad I ran into you actually. I’m afraid we may have gotten off on the wrong foot this morning.” Gwen just smiled politely and looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “I can see you’re a very bright young lady and I think you have a lot of potential. I would hate to see you waste it.” He smiled at her and looked at her over the top of his glasses as he sipped his coffee. “I understand how everything seems so different from what you’re used to, I felt quite out of place when I first got to England myself. So what brings you over here? Are you finding your way around ok, other than the cars and roads being backwards?” he laughed, trying his best to be light and friendly and hopefully get himself back into her good graces.

Gwen just waited her teacher out, maybe he would just run out of air and cease to talk. But there was little chance of that happening so she listened, nodded when she had to, smiled and gave to the point answers when needed. All the while she sipped her coffee, out of habit of a young age she ordered it black. There was a time a few years back when apartments were furnished with coffee makers and being the nonworking students that they were their coffee was black. Plus it was cool and hip. Tho now it was just a back addiction, something that she kept trying to tell herself that she would ease back from but never really did.

There was a moment of silence and it took Gwen a second to realize that Miles had asked her a question. "My Father was reassigned to the opening firm here and being the loving, caring family man that he is we all got to accompany him to the states." There was a hidden acid to her words even tho a bright smile masked her face. "I also managed to get myself one of those TomTom but I've yet to get the hang of it." Gwen sighed in annoyance, that little thing really bugged her so three days in Gwen yanked the main wire and shut the tronic box up. "But for all the pain it has been moving here I'm finding that I hate it more and more." Gwen stilled not having meant to say that. There was no hidden tone to her words or mask upon her face it was her words, her feelings that came out true. It surprised her that she had even said something like that aloud. More so that she was with a Professor from her school. "Forgive me." She said quietly distracting herself with her coffee. "Are you always this helpful and concerned about your students or am I being singled out again?" The question was asked from around the coffee cup and Gwen's eyebrows were raised in curiousty.

Miles listened as she answered his questions and could feel the bitterness behind the smile. It actually pained him to see how unhappy she was. Her last question caught him a little off guard because it came a little too close to the truth, but he managed to recover.

“No need to apologize, Gwendolyn,” he smiled, taking the liberty of addressing her by her forename. “I’m just sorry things have gotten off to an unhappy start for you here. You are a very attractive young woman and obviously have a good head on your shoulders, and for whatever reason I guess I am taking it a little personally that my country is not making a good impression and I’d like to do whatever I can to correct that.” He had leaned across the table so he was closer to her and could smell her perfume even though it was late in the day. Without thinking about what he was doing, he laid his hand on top of hers that was resting on the table.

“And while I do take a personal interest in all my students, I also won’t deny that I am showing you some partiality.” He took off his glasses and looked Gwen in the eye. “You are much more mature than the American students, and you have a certain vitality that I find very refreshing, Gwendolyn. I’d like to be your friend and help you get comfortable with being here, if you’ll let me.” Miles paused before he said too much. Because he really wanted to be more than her friend, in fact he had felt a stirring in his pants whilst sitting and talking to this young beauty and was afraid if he stood up he might be showing a bulge. That would not be cool, he thought to himself.

As much as Gwen wanted to hate his place, this school and his man there was truth in his words that in a ways touched her. Even when Miles placed his hand on hers she wasn't disgusted or appalled by the contact. And then there was the part that she was being showed favor and for reasons beyond her knowledge it made her feel special.

"Yeah. Okay. Sure." Gwen agreed nodding her head yes to farther show her allowance of the idea. "I don't see why not." Sitting back so that there was some distance between them again Gwen's gaze drifted to their hands. Miles' hand was still resting upon her's and Gwen had a feeling that if she didn't move it it would just stay there.

Like a flash of light during a moonless night Gwen came to an idea. A plan more so then that. In that moment she dropped all her walls, pushed all her hate for this place aside and wore the smile and face she would have been wearing if she were in a place like this with her gals. It was a dazzling smile that softened her face and brought a faint trace of color to her skin. With her free hand she carelessly ran a hand through her hair rested her elbow on the table, using it to prop her chin upon. "After coffee would you mind giving me a quick show around town? Please Miles." The last bit she added in with a half cocked grin, pouting eyes and a sweet song like plea.

The sudden change in Gwen’s disposition took Miles quite by surprise, albeit a pleasant one. It was like someone had flipped a switch inside her and suddenly the whole world was brighter. Her smile dazzled him and he felt the lump in his pants getting firmer as he found it quite sexy when she ran her hand through her hair then looked at him with big puppy dog eyes. He quickly regained his composure and smiled back at her.

“Goodness no, I wouldn’t mind at all,” he answered quickly, “I’d be delighted to give you a quick… tour.” He paused, almost having said what he really wanted to give her. He gave her hand a little squeeze, then removed it to push his glasses back on his nose so he wasn’t looking over them. “It won’t take long, all the interesting places are within a few blocks on a couple of streets, Gwendolyn. Or may I call you Gwen? Gwendolyn sounds so formal.”

“Of course you may, Miles,” she batted her eyes at him.

“Well, um, very good then, Gwen,” Miles replied with mildly nervous excitement. The thought of spending more time with this pretty young woman had his heart going pitter patter like a schoolboy.

Gwen drank the last of her coffee and stood up. “I’m ready if you are, Miles,” she announced, flashing him another smile and shaking out her long blonde hair. He caught himself staring at her again as she stood there waiting for him, admiring her tight trim young body.

“By all means,” he replied, standing up as she headed for the door, glad that she was in front of him and couldn’t see the bulge in his slacks. He hurried to reach past her and hold the door open, and she brushed against him as she passed, deliberately it seemed. “Thank you, Miles, you’re such a gentleman,” she smiled again. She latched onto his arm pulling herself next to him and he could feel the side of her soft breast pressed against his forearm. Miles felt his face flush.

“Um, well, yes, so it’s this way then,” he said as he stepped off in the direction of the town with Gwen still on his arm. “Let’s just have ourselves a little walkabout, shall we?” He put his hand over her hand that was on his arm as they walked, just barely brushing the side of her tit with his fingers as he placed it there. “So tell me more about yourself,” he chatted as they walked. “What interests you? What turns Gwen on?” Damn, that didn’t come out quite right, he thought. But Gwen gave him another sweet smile so maybe she hadn’t caught his unintended Freudian slip. He smiled back, waiting for her answer.

Gwen smiled her pixie little smile at Miles' slip up. It was as she had thought. He seemed to be crushing. The idea of making this a sport promised to brighten the dull and repetitive days. "What turns me on." Gwen mused softly tilting her head slightly to the side. "Well lets start with the interests first and see where it goes from there." So as they walked Gwen told Miles of her love of the Arts, Classical Music and Rock, her passion for horses, reading and writing and her new found liking of air soft, it helped with her anger of leaving home. She also told him of the things that she would like to learn and do to help fill her days. Like dance, taking up another language perhaps, rock climbing, cooking classes and maybe even striparobics.

"So enough about me what about you? Should I even ask you what turns you on?" Lifting an eyebrow in a casual jest Gwen shifted her weight towards Miles, bumping him lightly into the nearest street light pole. "I fear you might tell me so lets start with something simple. What the best way to get you off." Again the devilish smile was upon Gwen's lips as she asked her question. She was slightly surprised at how much fun she was having. It had been a good while since she took the time to talk to someone and get to know them. Go figure it would be her Proffesor that had eariler in the day given her trouble.

Miles listened with genuine interest as Gwen rattled off her long list of things she liked. Not only was he impressed with the variety and depth of her interests but her bubbly enthusiasm was contagious, making him feel young and energized. Most of her interests were exactly what he would have expected of a young British girl of good breeding, although her interest in playing with toy airguns was unusual. There seemed to be no end to the list of things she wanted to try. When she mentioned strip aerobics his mind returned to lascivious thoughts and he felt a stirring in his pants again.

He was so wrapped up listening to her that he was caught off guard when she bumped against him and pushed him against a light pole but more so by her seemingly impertinent question. Or had she just made a slip of the tongue too? Miles tried to get his mind out of the gutter, which was difficult with Gwen so close, her perfume, her wavy blonde hair, her seafoam green eyes all distracting him and causing his pants to get tighter.

“Um, well yes, that’s quite an impressive list of activities, Gwen,” he smiled, trying to stay on topic. “I’m afraid my interests may seem rather mundane when stacked against yours. I’m very passionate about political theory, but I suppose that’s only obvious. Like you, reading and writing as well as art and music. I too enjoy Classical music as well as what you would call Classic Rock. In art, I enjoy the Romantic Era but also particularly Impressionism. I have a bit of a fascination with the Nineteenth Century actually, including what I believe is a rather unique collection of Victorian erotica.” He hesitated. “Although I’m not sure I should be telling this to a student.” He gave her a little wink. “I’m not sure about ‘the best way to get me off’’, but I do find it rather stimulating – in an intellectual sense of course – to see the naughtiness that lies beneath the façade of propriety.” He paused, wondering if he had pushed the envelope too far.

"Well my oh my how I can't wait to post that up on my blog." Gwen smiled in jest. "Just what will the board members of the school say when they find out you willing tell your students about your passions for naughty truths behind masks and Victorian erotica." Her eyebrows were raised in a empty threat as she continued down the walkway with Miles.

Although this had started as a way to by pass time and fuck with a yank Gwen was finding that she was truly enjoying herself. For the moment that fact that Miles was her teacher, about twenty years older then herself and slightly graying and on the short side was forgotten and Gwen was just enjoying then person that he was. Even if her was kind of dorky in a cute and some what predictable way.

"So what are you taking me to first?" Gwen asked as they passed by with looked like a candle, book and craft story. She mentally logged the street names and stored it for later. Sad to say Gwen was a sucker for candles.

Miles felt his heart skip a beat when Gwen mentioned posting his predilections on her blog. Had he been a little too cavalier? He thought he had built up a rapport and could trust her. “Oh my,” he replied with a sarcastic tone, “you wouldn’t really expose me, would you, Gwendolyn? I thought I could trust you with my little secret.” He gave her another wink. “Maybe you just want to see my collection, is that it?” he queried with a nervous laugh. He still wasn’t sure how far he should go with his little adventure or how much she was interested in playing along.

Gwen just murmured a little “hmmm” then asked where they were going first. Miles looked up and they were in front of a little shop called Bell, Book & Candle. “Well, actually, this is one of my favorite little stores in town,” Miles replied. “They have a fine selection of books on all sorts of esoteric subjects plus lots of candles and other knick knacks. Do you like candles, Gwen? I often sit around by candlelight, I find it very relaxing. And of course, very romantic too with the right person,” he added with another cautious smile.

Gwen gave him an encouraging smile as he held the door open for her and they entered the store. She took in the potpourri of fragrances that wafted at them and looked around at the quaint shop.

Gwen wanted to laugh at Miles at the timing of his little speech. Wasn't she just thinking about how she liked candles and how she would have to remember this place for later and here Miles was opening the door for her. Because really whenever Miles opened his mouth it seemed that what he was thinking of saying and everything else in his mind seemed to pour out. In a way it was kind of cute. Like he was a little school boy not sure of how to talk to a girl.

"SO, not only do I have the confession of erotic collections but now I have flirting by means of candle purchases." Gwen smiled trying her hand at being a coy little minx. Powder of Lusts? The little wooden box just begged to be picked up. Plus Gwen wanted to know what made up powder of lusts and what it was make for. I mean sure the category of lust all in all boiled down to sex but most items of this nature promised to bring forth a certain reaction and Gwen wanted to know what that was. Still wrapped around the words of the powder box, which promised that with the use of this item the person this was used against would only be attracted and brought to passion by you, Gwen figured now might be a good time to dill the teacher. "How long do I get to keep you before your wife calls the cops in search of you?"

It was like a television sitcom where everybody seems to wait two beats for a character to “get” the joke. There was this pregnant pause, then Miles blushed and laughed nervously. “Ha ha! That was a good one, Gwen! I hate to disappoint you, sweetie, but there is no wife for you to worry about. Actually I’ve never been married, you see.”

Again he felt some trepidation about whether he was sharing too much personal information with a student. Miles was churning inside, he was so crushing on her and it felt like he had had a hard-on ever since they started walking, but he also felt slightly intimidated by her aloof British attitude. It wasn’t like he had no experience with women, but one moment she would seem to be flirting and the next acting as if she was going to report him for harassment. But she was so cute, both her looks and her actions, he couldn’t resist pressing forward anyway.

He reached out to tap her playfully on her side or hip but misjudged the movement and his hand ended up landing squarely on her trim round ass. “Oh!’ he exclaimed turning red again. “Sorry, Gwen, didn’t mean to do that, was just try to give you a little poke.” He laughed nervously again, unaware again of another Freudian slip. Looking around for a distraction he grabbed the nearest candle off a shelf pretending to be intensely interested in it. Unfortunately it was a rather suggestive phallic shape, so he just stuck his foot further in his mouth when he turned to Gwen and asked, “Do you fancy something like this?”

"I'll let you pass this once but do it again I'll charge you and I'm not cheap." Gwen then gave Miles a sad pity full look at his choice in a candle and raised her eyebrows. "Sometimes I do but not right now. Thanks tho." She smiled at him flashing him what she called her smoky wanton look as she patted his cheek lightly. And because so far this was just a game to her it was quickly followed with a small fit of giggles.

A quick walk through of the store and Gwen couldn't help but grab a basket and fill it with the goodies she had seen. So far that included a three wicked bee's wax honey pillar candle, an array of floating candle in a multitude of colors and scents and last but not least a set of Timber Wine taper candles. "Okay I have to get out of here." Gwen said at last as she backed out of one of the rows. She had only gotten about a quarter of the way through and by the looks of things she had about $80.00 of candles and knowing herself she could easily top $200.00. Not that money was an issue but still what was the need of so many candles? 'They're pretty.' She told herself with a shy smile on her lips as she made her way to the cash register. "Never let me in this store again." Gwen told Miles with a pleading look in her face.