Forbidden, page 1
Chapter 1
You’re going to be completely shattered.
Chapter 2
Professor Thompson is a complete dickhead!
Chapter 3
I am not nice.
Chapter 4
Sounds like you.
Chapter 5
That is incredibly rude.
Chapter 6
Don’t ask me stupid questions.
Chapter 7
Thank you!
Chapter 8
You ruin everything!
Chapter 9
I really don’t envy you.
Chapter 10
I am very serious.
Chapter 11
You will live.
Chapter 12
I am forbidden!
Chapter 13
We need to talk.
Chapter 14
Is there something wrong?
Chapter 15
They do mean something.
Chapter 16
It’s okay.
Chapter 17
Yes, you can count on it.
Chapter 18
Who was it?
Epilogue: Six months later.
Chapter 1
You’re going to be completely shattered.
The loud buzzing from the intercom jolted Imogen, awake. Pulling the covers back Imogen stepped out of bed and stumbled into the hallway.
“What?” Imogen says picking up the intercom phone, her voice still heavy with sleep.
“Let me in.” Caitlin her best friend replied.
Imogen pressed the key to let Caitlin in, a minute later Caitlin walked through the door.
“What do you want? It is only 7 am.” Imogen complained as she walked to the kitchen. She loved her best friend, what she didn’t love was the wake-up call!
“I came to wake you up for university. I know you; you will sleep through your alarm. Lectures start at 8:30 am.” Caitlin says hoisting her backpack onto her shoulder.
“I know what time class starts; I only needed an extra thirty minutes of sleep,” Imogen says with a yawn.
Caitlin scowls, the shake of her head causing her black curls to bounce. “You need to quit your job; it is making you exhausted.”
“I don’t think so, Caitlin I can’t quit my job. I have to pay for university, and working at the bar is my only way.” Imogen said. Not to mention bills Imogen sighed to herself.
“I know, I get it I do. But you're nearly falling asleep in lectures, if Professor Thompson catches you, well I don’t want to think about that.” Caitlin shuddered.
“I will keep awake, I will.” Imogen groaned.
Professor Thompson taught English literature, he was harsh and critical and he always seemed to pick on her. On the plus side, he was incredibly attractive: His dark brown hair was usually brushed back away from his face, showing the most gorgeous blue eyes. The scruff of his beard made Imogen want to stroke her hand down his face. Yes, she harboured feelings for him and they were intense. It had started a year ago when she was his brightest student before her father stopped paying for her tuition. Professor Thompson was nice to her then, often giving her praise. Then he turned into an arsehole once her grades had slipped.
Caitlin looked doubtful. “You better have breakfast. I will drive you after you have got dressed."
Imogen sat down on the couch with a bowl of cornflakes, shovelling them into her mouth.
“What time did you finish work?” Caitlin asked.
“3 am,” Imogen says around a mouthful of cornflakes. The quicker she ate, the quicker they got to university.
“You’re going to be completely shattered,” Caitlin said.
Imogen finished the last of her cornflakes. “I know, I will have to drink a gallon of coffee today. I am going to go and get dressed.” She said standing from the couch.
Imogen threw on her black trousers, and a white blouse and slipped on her black shoes. She took her copper hair and knotted it into a bun at the back of her head.
“Ready?” Caitlin asked when Imogen walked into the living room.
Imogen picked up her bag. “Yeah, ready.”
*****
“We have twenty minutes to spare; do you want a coffee?” Caitlin asked walking through the reception doors of the university.
“Yeah, most definitely.” Imogen needed the coffee if it helped her stay awake. About a week ago she had fallen asleep in one of Professor Thompson’s lectures, thankfully she had not been caught. The only reason she woke up was because one of the students dropped their course books.
Imogen sat down at one of the tables in the cafeteria, while Caitlin went to get the drinks.
“Here,” Caitlin said passing Imogen her coffee.
“Oh, thank you, I needed a large one,” Imogen says placing her coffee on the table.
“I know you did,” Caitlin says and she takes a sip of her coffee. “Have you seen your brother lately?”
Imogen shook her head while taking a long sip of her coffee. “No, I haven’t seen Scott in a while. He is always so busy working. He recently opened his own garage. Did I tell you that? I get so tired; you know I can’t remember.” Scott was two years older than Imogen. They weren’t close. Even when the family fell apart after their father’s affairs. Part of those memories were lost for Imogen, and no matter how hard she tried it seemed like a blank canvas. She thought the trauma the affair caused the family had put so much stress on her, that it made her forget.
“No, you didn’t. But if I need to get my car repaired, I know where to take it. Your brother is really hot.” Caitlin says with a smile.
“My god that is so gross. I don’t want to hear about you crushing on my brother.” Imogen says with an awkward look. Imogen knew Caitlin had liked Scott for a long time.
“Come on I am sure loads of people find Scott attractive,” Caitlin says.
Imogen made a gag-like sound. “Maybe so, but I don’t want to hear about it. Especially not his sexual encounters.”
“Maybe I will ask him out one day,” Caitlin said before taking a sip of coffee.
“Yeah, good luck with that.” Imogen slips out. She had a habit of doing that, saying the wrong thing.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Caitlin says her deep brown eyes locking on Imogen’s blue ones.
“Just ignore what I said, it really doesn’t matter.” And Imogen wished she never said anything at all. More often than not she’d speak before thinking.
“No, it does matter, because I want to know what you mean by that,” Caitlin said wanting answers.
Imogen gave a loud sigh. “Okay if you want to know?” Imogen says with a raised eyebrow.
“Yes! Now come on and tell me already!” Caitlin said getting more impatient.
Here goes nothing Imogen thought. “My brother well, he doesn’t like you,” Imogen says looking at Caitlin.
“What! What do you mean he doesn’t like me?” Caitlin says looking perplexed.
“Exactly what I said, he does not like you,” Imogen replies. She didn’t want to have to tell her best friend this.
Caitlin scowls. “When did he say this?”
“A while back,” Imogen responds.
“He told you this outright, did he?” Caitlin says with a questionable tone.
“Look I can’t remember how we got on the conversation okay.” Imogen sighed.
“Did he give any indication why he does not?” Caitlin asked.
“He doesn’t like that you talk non-stop, the way you try to subtlety flirt with him,” Imogen says.
Caitlin scoffs. “Well, you know fuck him. I don’t give a shit!”
“I am sorry Caitlin,” Imogen says reaching over the table to pat Caitlin’s hand.
“It is fine. Come on we need to get going before we are late for class."
Chapter 2
Professor Thompson is a complete dickhead!
Imogen sat in her chair, Professor Thompson had recently walked in and was now sorting out some papers on his desk.
The coffee Imogen had earlier clearly had not worked, because she could feel her eyes getting heavier and heavier. She could rest her eyes for a few minutes while the Professor sorted his papers out. I mean it wouldn’t hurt, right?
Professor Thompson turned to stand in front of his desk. “Right, we will finish off from where we were on Friday.”
Imogen heard the low gruff voice of the Professor, but it sounded distant. And before Imogen knew it, she had fallen asleep!
“Looking at the passage in front of you, can anyone explain what the author is trying to tell us? Can any of you differentiate whether the piece is meant as an influence, or is it manipulation?” Professor Thompson said looking around at his students. Then his eyes landed on Imogen Myers, whose head rested on her hands; eyes closed!
Professor Thompson took a stack of papers from his desk and walked to where Imogen sat. He then dropped the papers on the desk with a thud; causing Imogen to suddenly jolt awake.
“What!” Imogen said a little too loudly. Imogen was then met by her Professor’s eyes, his hands gripping the sides of her table. Shit, she had fallen asleep in class, and this time she had been caught!
“Am I boring you, Miss Myers?” The Professor's voice was cold.
Imogen shook her head. “No Professor you are not boring me.”
“Then explain to me why you are asleep in my lecture?” Professor Thompson said his eyes not leaving Imogen’s.
“I am sorry I never meant to; I was only meant to rest my eyes. I have been so tired recently.” Imogen replied. Stop looking at me she thought. It was uncomfortable because she knew everyone else was looking at her.
Professor Thompson gave Imogen a harsh look. “Maybe if you weren’t fornicating all night, you would not be tired!”
There were gasps from the students, and Imogen wanted the ground to swallow her whole. “Actually, Professor if you must know I was working.”
Professor Thompson gave Imogen a long hard look. “Fall asleep in my lecture again, and there will be consequences.” He said before walking back to his desk.
Imogen sat uncomfortably in her chair, staying wide awake for the remainder of the lecture.
****
“I told you not to fall asleep!” Caitlin said sitting down at the cafeteria table.
Imogen unscrewed the lid off her apple juice and drank some. “I know, but I couldn’t help it.” She hadn’t meant to fall asleep, but it was easier said than done.
Caitlin took a bite out of her burger and then swallowed. “I am surprised he went easy on you. Well except for that whole embarrassing situation.”
Imogen cringed. “Yeah, I am trying to forget the whole thing happened.”
“I know, it was like what the hell. I have to admit he is hot though.” Caitlin smiled dreamily.
Imogen rolled her eyes and picked up a handful of chips. Right now, she didn’t want to think about how hot he is. She was far too annoyed with him.
“Don’t you think so?” Caitlin asked with her chin rested on her hand
Imogen spoke around a mouthful of chips. “He would be hot if he didn’t have a stick up his arse.”
Caitlin began to stare at Imogen a look of warning came across her face.
Imogen didn’t pay any attention. "Professor Thompson is a complete dickhead, and I am sure he picks on me on purpose!”
A cold harsh voice came from behind Imogen. “My office now, Miss Myers.”
Chapter 3
I am not nice.
Imogen’s face turned a shade of scarlet; her Professor had heard everything she had said about him. She turned to see Professor Thompson looking at her with a deep frown on his face, showing a crease on his forehead. Professor Thompson Walked out of the cafeteria, and Imogen walked out after him.
Professor Thompson held the door open and then slammed it shut behind Imogen. “Do you think that is appropriate behaviour from a student?”
Imogen stood in the middle of Professor Thompson’s office. “No Professor I do not,” Imogen said.
“You have a habit of letting your mouth run off with you; I’ll tell you that much Miss Myers.” Professor Thompson said taking a seat behind his desk.
“I won’t let it happen again, Professor,” Imogen said in the hope Professor Thompson would let her leave.
There was no such luck there, his gaze focused on Imogen. It was cold and hard much like the man himself. “Come and take a seat,” he said taking a file from his cabinet drawer.
Imogen sat on the chair opposite the desk. “Was there something else?” She hoped not she just wanted to get out of there.
Professor Thompson placed the paper on his desk. “Considering I asked you to sit down, that would be a yes.”
“Right,” Of course there was.
“Why did you take English Literature?” Professor Thompson asked Imogen.
“The subject interests me, I like learning about old literature, and new. I hope to be a writer or a teacher.” Imogen replied.
“You are one of the worst students I have ever had.” He said in a cold harsh voice.
Imogen flinched like she had been slapped across the face.
“Your last thesis was atrocious. It had nothing to do with the subject that was set. Your grades have fallen embarrassingly low. The work you present in class is negligent, inferior and lacks any real intellect.” Professor Thompson said passing Imogen her last thesis paper.
Imogen took it looking it over with great embarrassment. “You could at least be a little bit nicer about it,” Imogen said sliding the paper back over.
“I am not nice, and I didn’t get anywhere by being nice either.” He spoke.
“Yeah, I know especially the way you spoke to me in class,” Imogen responded.
“What do you want Miss Myers, an apology is that what you are hoping for?” Professor Thompson said in a bitter tone.
“No, I just don’t think it is fair you get to call me out. Yet everyone knows what you are like.” Imogen said her mouth once again getting the better of her.
Professor Thompson clasped his hands together on his desk. “I know what you and everyone else think about me, and I really do not care!”
“I had a feeling someone like you would not care about anyone else, but themselves.” Imogen’s mouth would not quit.
“If you used this much passion in my lectures, you would more than likely pass the assignments. Yet you waste your time arguing with me, Miss Myers.” Professor Thompson said in an irritable tone.
“So, what do you want me to do?” Imogen says before there was a knock at the door.
A look of irritation came across Professor Thompson’s face. “Come in!”
A woman with long black hair walked into the room. “Grey, I wondered if you want to come for a drink after work.” She stopped suddenly looking at Imogen. “Oh, I am sorry I didn’t realise that you were busy.”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I am in the middle of something right now. I will let you know later today, about your invitation.” Professor Thompson answered.
“Okay thanks, Grey. See you later.” She said before walking out of the room.
Imogen raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t know you were seeing Professor Martins.”
Professor Thompson looked at Imogen with a scowl on his face. “I am not, and even if I were that is no business of yours.”
Imogen put her hands up. “Sorry I asked.”
“Now Miss Myers back to the subject at hand. If you do not get your grades back up you will end up failing this course.”
“If I fail does that mean I need to re-sit the whole course again?” Imogen asked.
Professor Thompson looked at Imogen as if she were ludicrous. “No Miss Myers I never let anyone re-sit my class. If your grades do not pick up then you will be dropped from the university.”
This was all she needed on top of the financial difficulty that she was already facing. “I understand.” was all Imogen could think to say.
“Where do you work?” Professor Thompson asked.
“What has my place of work got to do with anything?” Imogen asked looking a little confused.
“Answer the question, Miss Myers.” Professor Thompson’s tone was unavoidably disgruntled.
“I work the night shift in a bar,” Imogen answers quickly.
“I guarantee that does not pay well; especially with bills, and university tuition to pay for.” Professor Thompson says.
Imogen rolls her eyes. “I can’t say I am rolling in money.”
Professor Thompson leant forward. “I have a proposition for you, Miss Myers.”
Chapter 4
Sounds like you.
Imogen’s gaze focused on her hands, her eyes not once looking at Professor Thompson. Imogen wondered what he wants her to do, some mundane tasks that she’d end up hating. She’d have no choice but to quit university.
Looking up from her hands, Imogen asked her professor. “What do you need me to do?”
“You clearly need help with your grades, and in return, I need help too.” Professor Thompson said.
Imogen gave a bewildered look. “What kind of help?” Imogen asked.
Professor Thompson stood and placed his jacket on. “I need someone to work for me, in the evenings and Saturdays too.”
“Doing what exactly?” Imogen said with a frown.
“Cleaning my manor.” Professor Thompson replied.
“Who cleans it in the daytime?” Imogen says.
“My cleaner...”
