Chapter 2 #2
“While I appreciate your eventual presence, Mr. Kahale, let’s make this the first and last time. This course demands serious commitment. I won’t tolerate late arrivals, which disrupt this learning environment. Not to mention, are disrespectful to your fellow students.”
I turn the tables on him, sending all eyes his way, and a slow smile spreads across his face, knowing exactly what I did and why I did it.
He nods, though his expression suggests he’s enjoying the attention, not at all embarrassed at my attempt to single him out and make an example.
Something I learned to do a long time ago, after a particularly brutal semester at community college, where kids didn’t care about getting a degree except for a select few.
The room settles back into a cautious silence, but the damage is done. If I don’t immediately show control and leadership over my classroom, I will lose their attention and respect for the rest of the semester.
It’s something I’m unwilling to let happen, not over some pretty boy who obviously doesn’t care about this class. As I resume the lecture, outlining the rigorous projects, lab requirements, and exam dates, he raises his hand.
“Professor . . . ?”
“Rossi,” I clip, casting him daggers before running a hand over my smooth ponytail to convey my disapproval.
His gaze traces the movement until my hand rests against the podium’s edge. If this guy is trying to rattle me, he’ll have to try harder. At my age, I’ve been propositioned enough by men of all ages to know when they’re interested.
“Excuse me, Professor Rossi, beautiful name, by the way. Do I detect a hint of an accent?”
He smirks, gathering a few annoyed huffs from his fan club in the front row.
“Do you have a question for the classroom pertaining to the courseload, Mr. Kahale, or are you simply intent on interrupting? I’m sure your parents paid a lot of money for you to be here and expect you to pay attention.”
I fix him with a look that conveys my growing impatience. He looks around the room, licks his lips, and leans forward. The student in front of him leans to the right at his unwelcome proximity.
“Although I appreciate your concern for my family’s financial capabilities, I can assure you that their expectations of me are rather high, nearly unattainable.”
He chuckles, shaking his head slightly as if entertained by our exchange and fueling my irritation.
“But let’s not have that stand in the way. I assure you, Professor Rossi, all my attention is on you.”
A hushed murmur ripples through the room at his innuendo. I straighten, my resolve hardening like carbon under extreme pressure and high temperature.
“Mr. Kahale, your attempts at charm are misplaced and inappropriate for this setting. This is an advanced-level class at a university, not a rager at a frat house. If you cannot conduct yourself with the professionalism this learning environment demands, I will have to ask you to leave.”
The room falls silent, the air taut with the tension of a stretched wire between him and me. His smirk fades, replaced by a flicker of surprise, perhaps not accustomed to being addressed so directly.
Some people lack discipline.
He is one of them.
Maybe his rebellious nature is his way of fighting back against their control.
At this point, I couldn’t care less. Preferring for him to remain silent for the remainder of the class and for the good of the other students.
He straightens, his playful demeanor shifting as he assesses the seriousness of my tone.
“I was just trying to lighten the mood, Professor. No offense meant.”
“Mr. Kahale, while I appreciate a light-hearted approach when appropriate, now is not the time. We are discussing the foundational elements that will guide your success in this course. I suggest you align your priorities accordingly.”
I pause, letting my words sink in, hoping to steer him back to why we are all here. He nods, slightly chastened, and sinks back into his seat. There’s a note of genuine respect or at least an acknowledgment of boundaries.
Turning back to the rest of the class, watching the exchange with rapt attention, I clear my throat and start again.
“Now, if there are no further interruptions, let us proceed with the outline of our lab requirements.”
I continue detailing the syllabus, explaining the rigorous expectations and commitment required to excel in my course. As I dive into lab partners, a hand shoots up from the back of the room, and I fix him with a look that clearly communicates my dwindling patience.
“Again, Mr. Kahale?”
“I promise this relates to the class.”
He stands, a smirk playing across his lips while he adjusts a silver necklace around his neck.
“About the lab partners, are we allowed to choose, or is it more the Professor deciding kind of thing? If the latter, which I hope, I’m very willing to be partnered up with the most experienced chemist in the room, if she’s willing.”
I take a deep breath, ignoring the tension between us, blatantly aware that this is a pivotal moment.
“Mr. Kahale, you should consider whether this course is right for you since you cannot commit to the basic requirements of punctuality and respect. In fact, please remove yourself from my classroom immediately. I suggest you find a different course more suited to . . . you.”
His smile fades.
His eyes harden when realizing the finality of my decision. Surprise flits across his face again, perhaps other professors tolerated his antics, but I will not. This is a prestigious institution, and respect is a foundational pillar here.
He looks around the room, his hand clutching the back of his neck, before moving away from his seat. The room remains silent, and the atmosphere is thick. I wait a heartbeat, then refocus on the remaining students.
“Let’s continue.”
My voice is steady despite the anger at his audacity raising my blood pressure. I’m not letting some kid ruin my employment chances and a shot at potential tenure.
As he passes by the podium, he pauses and looks at me. He gives a mock salute, two fingers to his brow, but I do not acknowledge it. I turn away, focusing on the rest of the class.
“In honor of your classmate’s departure, I’ll let you select your lab partners since we now have an even number of students.”