Page 24 of Brighter Shades of Light
I entered the classroom five minutes before nine, set out the attendance sheet, and opened the PowerPoint. We were going over reversible and irreversible systems today, and it was fairly straight forward. We’d already covered the laws of thermodynamics, where reversible and irreversible had been discussed, but I was explaining it more in depth now.
Once the class understood it well enough, I was going to have them apply that understanding to engineering processes.
Wednesdays were uniform days for the NROTC participants, and although I’d never admit it aloud, it was a day I looked forward to. Cody lit up when he was in uniform.
During the lecture, he raised his hand a few times, asking for clarification and examples, which I didn’t mind at all to give him. Other students seemed relieved when he asked some of the questions, as if they’d wondered the same but had been too nervous to ask themselves.
My wrist buzzed, signaling the end of class.
“Well, that’s all for today,” I said, closing my notebook and clicking off the PowerPoint. “Friday I’ll talk about your upcoming exam and what you should expect to see on it.”
“Professor Vale!” Brandon scooped up his book and dumped it in his bag before hurrying over to me.
“Dr. Vale,” I corrected.
He gaped in horror. “Yes! I’m sorry, Dr. Vale. Someone of your caliber deserves to be addressed as such.”
“What is it you need, Mr. Powel?”
“I was wondering if you had any extra credit assignments available.”
“Why do you ask?” I frowned. “I’ve only given two assignments, and you had a perfect score on both. Extra credit isn’t needed.”
“Yeah, I know. My grade couldn’t be any better right now.” He smiled, appearing every bit the arrogant kid he projected himself as. “I just want more of a challenge. The extra work will give me more of a chance to learn from you.”
“More of a challenge? Is my class too easy for you then?”
Brandon laughed nervously and ruffled his brown curls. “Well, maybe not for the less intelligent students.” He glanced at Cody, who was gathering his things. “But I work best when under pressure, and I’d love more to do.”
The insinuation that Cody was one of those ‘less intelligent students’ made my jaw tighten for some reason. He asked a lot of questions in class, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t smart.
“I appreciate your eagerness to learn, Mr. Powel, however to keep things fair, I will not be giving you extra work at this time. All extra credit assignments will be posted toward the end of the semester for the students who wish to better their grades. If you still want it, check back at that time.”
“Yes, sir.” He nodded and left the lecture hall.
In the years I’d spent earning my degrees, I had met many people like Brandon. They dreamed of being the best in their field, yet they tended to ride on the coattails of others to do it. That wasn’t to say Brandon didn’t work hard. He was just more preoccupied with being the best than having real passion for his work.
“Mr. Miller,” I found myself saying as Cody started up the steps to leave. As he stopped and looked back at me, my breath caught in my throat. I didn’t know what I intended to say. “Can you come here a moment?”
“Sure.” He smiled, and the action reflected in his eyes, along with a questioning gleam. Several strides later, he was before me. “Did I do something wrong?”
“Not at all,” I answered. “I only wanted to say I find your questions during lecture very helpful as they help me better understand from an instructor’s standpoint what material I need to spend more time explaining. Some students might be struggling but are too embarrassed or nervous to raise their hand and ask. I appreciate your class participation.”
Well, that had come out in a rush.
Cody’s cheeks darkened. “Ah, well, I’m glad my questions aren’t annoying. I feel kinda dumb sometimes asking them.”
“There are no dumb questions,” I said, finding his blush charming. I inwardly scolded myself for even paying attention to said blush. “If you don’t ask, you won’t know. I won’t keep you any longer. I know you have another class right after this one.”
“Thanks, Dr. Vale.” He turned and, after taking a few steps forward, looked back at me. “I still owe you that sandwich.”
I wished I could take him up on that offer. He was friendly and considerate of others, and I was sure the offer was made because he felt guilty. My attraction toward him would only complicate the situation.
“Not necessary,” I said, zipping my messenger bag and grabbing the top handle. “See you on Friday, Mr. Miller.”
“Or before then,” he said. “I’ve been known to barrel around corners like a bat out of hell and slam into people from time to time.”
The smile that touched my lips was impossible to hold back.
