His Jewel

I’m Ruby, a third-year student at the small Worthington University. I live with my best friend, Miracle, who has been by my side since eighth grade. She has supported me through all the bullying I endured for being a curvy woman, and for that, I’ll always be grateful. This is the story of how my small life turned upside down.

Today, I was running late for my foreign language class. I had stayed up late working on a 60-page English essay due at the end of the semester, and then I baked a dozen of my special strawberry creme swirl cookies. My best friend, Miracle, had already left for school. “Crap, I’m going to be late,” I muttered to myself, hurrying to catch the subway. It was already five minutes past when I needed to leave, and Mr. Jennings was not a patient man.

On the subway, we hit a sudden stop, and I stumbled, accidentally bumping into a tall man. To my horror, I’d spilled coffee all over his expensive-looking suit. When I looked up, his handsome face was set in a scowl. His dark blue eyes, the color of blueberries, glinted with annoyance, and his black hair was as dark as night. He was perfectly sculpted, like a god rather than a mere human. Snapping out of my daze, I stammered, “I’m so sorry, sir!” and frantically searched my bag for napkins.

He grabbed my arm to stop me, looking into my eyes with irritation and a hint of thrill. “Just stop. It’s fine,” he said, releasing his grip just as the bus came to a stop. He got off, and I realized with a jolt that it was my stop too. I hurried after him and was even more surprised when I saw him heading toward my college campus.

Pulling out my phone, I quickly texted Miracle to ask where she was. She replied that she was waiting for me at foreign language and mentioned we had a new professor. When I reached the classroom, I saw none other than Paul Greener, my ex, surrounded by a group of girls. As I walked past, I heard him and a skinny blonde girl snickering. Feeling a wave of embarrassment, I picked up my pace toward Miracle and our friend, Lia, waving as I approached.

Taking my seat, I noticed the new professor was still not there. “I thought you said we had a new professor?” I asked Miracle.

She smiled. “He had to excuse himself for a moment. Apparently, he’s covered in coffee.”

My heart sank.He’s covered in coffee? It couldn’t be... could it?No, it can’t be the guy from the subway. Right?

“What does he look like?” I asked nervously, hoping against hope she wouldn’t describe the man from the subway.

Miracle gave me a confused look. “Um, he has dark blue eyes and black hair. Why?”

Oh, no. It is him. I ran my fingers through my messy brown hair, convinced I was the most unlucky person in the world. I pray to God he doesn’t recognize me. I hear footsteps approaching my desk. I look up and see Paul, who has a menacing-looking smirk on his face. What is he up to, "Ruby? Have you gained weight? You look like you’ve gained at least a hundred pounds since I dumped you. Did I hurt you that much?" I feel rage starting to form. Before I can answer, a deep, husky voice says, "Mr. Greener, would you please sit down? I would like to start my class." It’s the subway guy! Phew, at least I don’t have to deal with Paul.

Paul looks at the professor with a pissed scowl and mutters, "Whatever... bye, you fat pig." I glare at him, and then out of nowhere, the professor grabs Paul by the shirt, puts him back in front of me, and says in a serious, demanding voice, "Apologize. I won’t tolerate bullying in my class" Paul is pissed, his face is red like he is about to blow up, he scowls and yells "why should I apologize?! she should be the one to apologize, my eyes burn just from looking at her!"

I am pissed off now I stand up and punch Paul in the face. The whispers echoing throughout the silent classroom. Oh did I mention I took self defense classes in high school, heads turned to look at me and him. "Im sorry mr...?" I don't even know his name, "knight."he says in a cold tone with a weird expression almost as if he is proud, the subway guys last name is knight. "ok well Mr. knight I apologize for disturbing the class" I say in a sarcastic tone. Paul is wincing in pain as the skinny blonde girl from earlier rushes over and touches his face.

I smirk and Mr. knight glares at me, "okay class let's get started, I am Oliver knight you all may call me professor knight. todays events will not be tolerated any more. and ruby go sit outside for a moment." he said directing it towards me and Paul. Great not only did I spill coffee on this guy but I also got on his bad side, could my luck get any worse.

I walk out and wait for a moment then professor knight comes out looking pissed but handsome he really must have been blessed by some sort of god. I look at him and he says in a dark tone " Miss. Simons I do not appreciate the violence you brought into my class this morning."

I groan and I get where he is coming from but I mean he isn't that much older than me he is like 3 years. "I understand but Paul had it coming, I apologize for my actions." I say and professor knight looks as if he doesn't believe me one bit. "am I in trouble?" I ask, I could get backlash on my bakery if this little shenanigans gets out. "no because Paul is at fault as well." and he smirks and says "but ruby this sort of disruption shall not be continued understand?" he says it in a way that makes my face flush, "un..understood." god help me make it through this semester...