College first and competitive, too many conquests tried me: I gave little but smiled a lot! Clothes a la charity shop became popular, its volunteers who ran them admired the flat-breasted touch of my body! That meant I had choices galore and – when out and about, won high praise sans pearls, gold and silver but – that came later.
The professor-tutor what’s his name oft talked to me as if I understood his touch and come again, smiling all the way to the vacant halls where he fed me free snacks and cuddle comfort – well, that was how it began.
He was my father’s age, had no wife but many friends – rich and charming. I was treated like a woman, a lady and duly encouragd to laugh at their games. One loved to chase me – often caught me; another would take me to wine bars that offered wines poured skillfully into large glasses – I learned to enjoy Malbec and others I never learned to spell in spite of many samples.
Yes, I learned to learn how life was when one appeared naive. Degree the best, passed the test; achieved second choice, after James Joyce! And I loved his work. ‘Wonder if he would have loved mine. Especially their references!
Now I run the company; it’s always busy – although clients come and go. But due notice is given, choices made, needs and the necessary duly recorded.
My staff is faithful, thorough and imaginative. Have what is needed in every part of the – let’s say, arrangement. People arrive apprehensive, leave smiling. And never a complaint made.
I plan to retire soon.. whilst I can. My children would like me to join them here, there or wherever. My lovers offer the same. But, my husband wants me to keep on working, whilst I can. Will see how he reacts when I disappear with my long ago professor. He taught, encouraged and inspired m so very well. He knew where my imagination came from and why I became .. another story.
Emma, this is a well narrated story of the history of your writer’s life where college took you. This glimpse into the past was quite stimulating to read. I loved how the life events unfolded and reading this story that felt like an entry for a memoir.
John
Many thanks, you found the thread running through time and kindly accepted the truth of my words. There is a future to come but with pauses for self reflection. More than that, I don’t know yet! Patience or adventure!?
I just found this… Oh! You write, such indigo between lines.
weirdly, this reminds me of someone that i used to love, from afar.