The Professor
Matthew made the arduous trek back to Georgia, a combination of flights, bus rides, and layovers.
Matthew’s stepfather had been a man of few words. He worked hard, took care of his family, and lived a simple life. He loved his beautiful wife and prioritized her over everything.
At the funeral, Matthew gave a short speech about his late stepfather's love and devotion to his family and how much they will miss him. Without him, the road ahead would not be easy.
* * * * *
It took weeks of backbreaking work to get the farm back in shape. Matthew promised his mom he would keep things running until the harvest. After that, they would sell everything and use the proceeds to start over in San Diego, where his maternal grandparents lived.
Getting up at the crack of dawn, Matthew took care of the multitude of crops and animals. These were responsibilities that he used to share with his stepfather, but now they were his alone.
After the first month, Matthew got help from the seasonal workers that his late stepfather had contracted with. The migrant workers had worked on the farm for many years, so they didn't require supervision.
With relief from much of the farm responsibilities, Matthew was finally able to register for classes at the local community college.
To pay for tuition and books, he managed to get a baseball scholarship. Matthew was a natural at sports and used practice to release some of his pent-up stress. In addition, he also got a part-time job at a local restaurant.
Unfortunately, Matthew got distracted and fell behind in his schoolwork. One of his professors even wrote to him.
Matthew,
It looks like you’re on track to fail my calculus class. I suggest you drop my course and retake it in the future. Pls see me this week.
Professor Hubbard
* * * * *
Dropping the class was not an option for Matthew. He couldn’t afford to lose his athletic scholarship, especially when the farm wouldn’t be cash flow positive until after the harvest. Therefore, he decided to plead his case in person.
When class ended and Matthew made his way to the front, Professor Hubbard noticed how good-looking the kid was up close. Previously, on the rare occasions when Matthew did show up to class, he would sit in the back.
“Professor … I got your note.”
“Matthew, you failed the midterm and haven’t been turning in your homework. Is everything okay?”
“About that … I’m sorry, Professor. I had some personal issues. Is there any way I can make it up?”
Matthew bit his lip, which caught his teacher’s attention.
“To be honest, it won’t be easy. In order to pass my class, you’ll need to work hard to catch up.”
“I understand. I’m willing to do anything ….”
Professor Hubbard paused briefly.
“I can give you another chance to retake the exam, but you’ll need to earn at least a C. Do you think you can do that?”
“Yes, sir. I’ll do my best.”
“I suggest you review all the practice problems. See me during office hours if you have any questions.”
“Thanks for giving me another chance. This means a lot to me.”
During their brief interaction, Matthew saw where his teacher’s attention was and what his eyes lingered on. The kid was determined to use this information to turn his situation around.
* * * * *
Thomas Hubbard was not the typical member of the faculty. He was 34 and incredibly handsome. An Abercrombie & Fitch-type jock, he graduated from Princeton, played college baseball, and earned his PHD from Stanford.
A rising star at the school, Professor Hubbard was known for his enthusiasm and brilliance in the classroom. His good looks added to his persona.
Although he dated frequently and banged chicks left and right, Professor Hubbard was also attracted to the same sex. However, he never had the chance to explore his other side and therefore felt repressed.
His decision to pursue teaching was a surprise to the people around Professor Hubbard. He was more the athletic, male model type. He could have worn underwear for magazines, but chose to teach instead.
* * * * *
Before the exam, Matthew paid a visit to his teacher’s office.
Professor Hubbard was pleased with the kid’s initiative to seek out extra tutoring. But his excitement was also due to the attractive youth before him. Matthew’s loose-fitting clothes could not hide the solid body underneath.
Professor Hubbard had never felt so drawn to a male student before. The way Matthew talked, the way he smiled, drove all the girls crazy.
Matthew’s academic performance provided Professor Hubbard with an excuse to connect with him. After seeing the kid struggle with the practice problems on the whiteboard, Professor Hubbard decided to give his student some special attention.
At first, Matthew took his time, waiting for the right moment. However, he didn't have all day either. After the math teacher demonstrated the proper way to set up the problems, Matthew made the first move by standing close behind his professor and inching forward slowly, until he was as close as he could be without touching.
Although he felt his student’s presence from behind, Professor Hubbard decided to not challenge it. Just being in the same room with the kid caused his heart to beat faster.
"Could you do that again? I'm not sure I understand it."
Matthew had never seduced a guy before, except maybe Gordon. But that was different. Professor Hubbard was different.
It was now or never, thought Matthew. He needed to make the grade and he was desperate. Matthew pointed to a particular equation on the whiteboard with his right hand and, in the process of leaning forward, placed his left hand on his professor’s waist for balance. However, instead of withdrawing his hand right away, Matthew purposely left it there for several more seconds.
"Sorry … I didn't mean that."
When Professor Hubbard slowly turned around, he saw the kid’s eyes staring at him before darting away timidly.
“Professor … I don’t know how to say this, but I have a confession to make. While I do need extra tutoring, the main reason why I came today was to see you."
"That's okay. I like spending time with my students. Besides, this is what office hours are for."
"I think you’re attractive," confessed Matthew.
Professor Hubbard didn’t know how to respond. He had never done anything with another guy before, let alone a student.
"Matthew, there are rules against teacher-student relationships."
"What makes you think I’m looking for a relationship?”
Professor Hubbard: “...”
“You have a nice body," added Matthew.
Professor Hubbard wasn't experienced with guys and didn't want to jeopardize his career.
"Matthew, I don’t think we should be having this conversation."
"I understand. I'm sorry if this was awkward for you. I'll let myself out."
Professor Hubbard felt some regret. One of the hottest guys had hit on him, yet he wasn't able to take it further.
Although he was rejected, Matthew was confident that his plan would eventually succeed. He was prepared to do anything for the grade. Anything.
* * * * *
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