Page 6 of Dr. Harley

I look down at the class roster. She could be any one of the women on here. I at least need her name. It’s been driving me nuts all weekend that I never got her name. I feel like I’ve been given a second chance. I intend to take advantage of it.

I could just take attendance, but I suppose I could also take this opportunity to learn a little bit more about her. “I was thinking that for today we could go around the classroom and introduce ourselves. Please stand when I call your name. Tell us what type of medicine you’re considering and why, your favorite food, and since I’m new in town and don’t know much about Philadelphia, why don’t you tell me one of your favorite spots.” Everyone seems to nod in acknowledgement.

“We’ll go in alphabetical order. I’ll also pass around the class roster. Please give me your cell phone numbers so that I can create a group text for class information. Being almost as young as you all, I know that emails are passe. It’s all about the texting.” It’s actually all about needing to get in touch with this woman.

“I’m leaving my cell number on the board for all of you, in case you have any questions or concerns. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.” I write my number on the board. They all seem to note my number, including my gorgeous mystery woman.

I start running through the class roster. There are definitely a lot of cheesesteak lovers in this class. There also seems to be a great amount of disagreement over where to get the best cheesesteak. There are sadly many students who want to go intowhatever type of medicine makes the most money. That’s a shame.

I’m halfway through the list and I haven’t gotten to my real target yet. “Next up, Harley Lawrence.”

She stands up. Finally. What a great name. It suits her perfectly. I can’t help but smile.

I look at her. She’s even more beautiful than I remember. She’s totally natural today, and she takes my breath away. She looks a bit nervous, but once she starts speaking, she has complete composure.

“Hello. I’m Harley Lawrence. I want to be a surgeon. I have since I was a little girl. I came here thinking that I’d like to go into neurosurgery, enjoying the challenges and complexities of it, but I’ve since changed my mind.”

“Well, Ms. Lawrence, I’m going to spend this year trying to change it back.” A few students snicker. “What made you change your mind?”

“My father passed away this summer from a heart attack at only fifty-three years old. We have a strong family history of losing people too young to heart disease. I think I’d like to switch to cardiothoracic and see if I can’t make a difference in that regard.” I nod with sympathy. That hits pretty close to home for me.

“My favorite food is sushi, but I’m very particular as to where I get my sushi. There are only a few special restaurants that truly satisfy me.” I gulp at that word choice.

“As for my favorite spot, it’s a little different than the rest. It’s not exactly in Philadelphia, but it’s less than an hour away, and considered part of the Philadelphia spirit. I really love the Jersey shore. I love the beach and the ocean and the peace it brings.”

I smile. “Well, Ms. Lawrence, I can certainly understand that, being from Southern California. I’m a bit of a beach bum myself.” She simply nods her head in acknowledgment as she sits back down in her seat.

We finish the class introductions and I dismiss the students for the day. I’m not sure what to do about Harley. I’m clearly extremely attracted to her, but she’s my student and there are obviously significant issues with that.

There’s definitely a part of me that can’t shake the feeling that I’ve been gifted a second chance with the woman who rocked my world. I’m confused as to the best course of action.

I head to lunch. I see the only faculty member that I knew before I arrived, Dr. Elizabeth Powers. Liz is around my age. She’s fairly attractive, with long auburn hair and blue eyes. We worked together briefly at the hospital in California as surgical residents. She ended up specializing in cardiothoracic surgery. We always got along quite well. “Hey Liz. Do you mind if I sit with you?”

She motions to an empty chair at her table. “Please, Brody. Have a seat. How’s your first day going?”

“It’s been fine. Just some general class introductions today. Nothing too heavy just yet.”

“Did anyone stand out?”

“Well, I was simply getting to know them a bit, but I’d say a student by the name of Harley Lawrence stood out.”

Liz smiles knowingly. “Of course, she did.”

Oh shit. Did I give something away? “I’m sorry. I’m not following.”

“She’s the most brilliant student in this school. I taught her last year. In all my years of teaching, I’ve never had a student stimulate and challenge me the way she did. Her mind is a unique gift. I can’t wait to see what she does with it. It’s a shame so many people don’t see past her exterior.”

I pinch my eyebrows in surprise. “What do you mean?”

She gives me a knowing look. “What do I mean? I assume you have eyes. She looks like a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model.” I inwardly laugh. She has no idea just how model-like that body is.

Liz continues, “She spends half of her time fighting off unwanted advances from fellow students, and the other half trying to get those students, and certain professors, to take her seriously. It’s not right. She deserves more respect than that. She’s truly gifted.”

I put my head down in guilt for a moment. The other night I asked her to come home with me after three minutes of talking to her, and I told her that she’s beautiful and has a perfect body. All I’ve thought about since is seeing that body again. I’m ashamed of myself.

“There’s something special about that girl, Brody. She’s going to make a wonderful doctor one day.”

“Well, thanks for the heads up. I’ll certainly be sure to take her seriously and see to it that her classmates do the same.” I mean that. I’m not going to contact her as I considered either. I think I need to do nothing but treat her as a student, and respect her accordingly. I should probably avoid too much interaction with her outside of class, given my obvious attraction to her.

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