Chapter 1
Jasper stood in front of his board writing out the title of todays lecture. As the universities top Philosophy professor, he had a reputation to uphold for his new class. He liked to start the semester off with a debatable topic so that students find their voice in class early on and learn not to be afraid to share their opinions throughout the term. He had attended enough meetings to know the horrible awkwardness of a question being asked and no one answering. He wanted his students to feel comfortable to express their opinions and beliefs, defend them and also counter argue to help broaden their understanding and personal development. He wrote out ‘The logical problem of evil’. In his experience, the deeper the topic the easier it was for the students to break down their walls and really get into philosophy. The doors at the back of the hall opened with a bang and slowly students started piling in. It was 9:30, so most had a coffee cup with them along with their laptops and books. He leant against the desk with his arms folded and his legs crossed at the ankles. This was his 5th year with the university and each year there was an increase in demand for spots on his subject. Due to that, students were more inclined to appreciate their slot and actually show up. It wasn’t long before nearly all the seats were filled and Jasper started his usual introduction.
He pointed to the topic on the board and extended his arms out towards the class. ‘Now it’s over to you. I know it’s the first day and it’s a morning lecture but the sooner you get involved the easier this course gets for you and for me.’ A few scattered nervous chuckles reverberated across the room. ‘First, show of hands who thinks we need evil in the world?’ A few hands went up. ‘Who thinks we don’t?’ More hands went up. ‘Don’t be alarmed if you’re outnumbered those of you who support it. It means you end up having more sound arguments. When it’s a larger group people tend to have an opinion but can’t justify it. So don’t feel scared to defend your stance. This is a safe space, for everyone and any sneering or rudeness will not be tolerated and you will be out of this class, understood?’ The students were stood to attention now, the supporters of evil in the world looking more confident in themselves, which Jasper liked. This was the point, people shouldn’t feel scared to share their opinions just because they aren’t mainstream. And those who share more mainstream opinions should be able to reasonably defend their stance so they are actually thinking for themselves and understanding how they personally feel about the world around them and their belief system. ‘Ready?’ He asked and the class murmured a yes. ‘Who’s going first?’ A brave student in the middle stood up, which wasn’t necessary but he appreciated the effort. He was young and had a boyish charm, he was already blushing profusely out of nerves. ‘What’s your name?’ Jasper asked.
‘Matt.’
‘Thank you for going first, Matt, what’s your opinion?’
‘I think evil is necessary. Without it how would we know to value the good if there is only good? How would we grow as individuals without facing any challenges in life?’
‘Challenges aren’t evil’ This came from the front row, a girl with her hair tied up and large coffee cup on the desk in front of her. ‘I’m Sara, thank you for sharing Matt, but challenges aren’t necessarily evil.’
‘Well, how would you define evil?’ This question came from a student at the back. It wasn’t long before most people were sharing their thoughts and critically evaluating each other’s points. It was great to see it done in a way where no one was being targeted for their thoughts. This was going to be a good year, Jasper thought to himself. After 15 minutes had passed, he pressed a buzzer on his desk. The students all moaned, upset at their debates being interrupted. ‘As you can see, it’s a topic that is still being debated by many today as it was years ago. Thank you for your participation, but remember this was just a warm up. Are you feeling awake now?’ A collective loud yes was the response and Jasper smiled. ‘Excellent, because that was the easy part.’ He then dove in to the rest of the lesson.
The two hours flew by and his students looked exhilarated by the end of it. As they all packed their things and made their way to whenever was next on their rota, they nearly all went to thank him and say they are looking forward to the next lecture. He also assumed there were a few who just wanted to get a bit closer. He was aware of his status as the campus heartthrob teacher and he tried to avoid any of his students getting the wrong impression. He smiled tightly to the couple of students who were attempting to be a bit flirtatious and graciously thanked them for their interest in his class and that he looked forward to seeing them at the next lecturer and not before, in case they had any ideas of thinking they could catch a quickie with an older man. Once the hall emptied out, he started to pack up his things and grabbed the eraser for the board.
‘And what do you think of evil Mr. Carter?’ Jasper lowered his arm and clenched his jaw; a student must’ve lingered. He turned around and was surprised to see a very lithe and handsome man standing behind him. He was looking inquisitively up at the board. He was just a little bit shorter than Jasper, his dark wavy hair was swept back except for of a few loose strands falling forward slightly. Jasper pushed his glasses up his nose and noticed that the man was wearing a crucifix, it sat outside of the V of his think black jumper. Was he a lecturer? Could a lecturer dress revealing their collarbones in such an obvious sexy way? Was he a man of the cloth? Fuck, he really had to stop staring at this guy, and his well-maintained stubble.
‘Can I help you?’ Jasper finally managed to ask. The other man stuck out his hand and Jasper shook it, good grip, he thought and almost blushed. ‘Sorry, I’m Elijah. Mr. Darby, the new theology lecturer.’ Ah and it comes crumbling down. As an atheist Jasper often found conversations around theology insufferable, especially with lecturers of the past. Hypocritical he knows, his personal attitudes are not what he wants to instil in his students. Elijah must’ve noticed his expression change as he smiled shyly. ‘I’m sure you have very interesting opinions on my area of expertise’
‘None worth voicing’ Jasper replied curtly and Elijah nodded knowingly. ‘So, what do you think about evil?’
‘Whatever it is, it isn’t the devil’ Elijah’s eyes widened a little but he managed to recover from his surprise well. ‘I was expecting a very philosophical answer’ he fingered his crucifix and Jasper leaned back against the desk as support. ‘Not everything needs to be philosophical’
‘I guess not. Anyway, do you mind?’ Elijah gestured to the board. ‘I have a lecture here in about 30 minutes and I need to prepare’
‘In here?’ Jasper asked taken aback. ‘The theology lectures usually take place in the other block?’
‘Not this year I’m afraid.’ Jasper spun round and wiped the board. Elijah let his eyes slowly take in Jasper. He had a bit of nervous habit of touching the middle of his glasses and he couldn’t help but find it very cute. Even more so was his stereotypical blazer that he wore with elbow patches. With his physique Elijah was surprised Jasper could fit comfortably, he was obviously very toned. His light brown eyes were mesmerising and twinkled slightly when he heard Elijah say theology. Was it a challenge? He wasn’t sure but he was certain this philosophy lecturer was very hot.
Jasper put the eraser down and gathered his things. ‘Enjoy your lecture’ he said stiffly and Elijah nodded. He tilted his head slightly as he watched Jasper leave, a sight he wouldn’t mind getting used to.
Jasper was flustered by the time he reached the corridor. Another theology teacher to contend with, how annoying. He seethed about it for the rest of the day and tried not to think too much about Mr Darby. It was short lived as he ended up bumping into him in the faculty room. ‘What a coincidence’ Jasper said and Elijah didn’t look up as he made a tea until he said ‘or divine intervention’ he had a mischievous glint in his eye as he said it and Jasper was certain he was purposely riling him up. Jasper snorted and grabbed a mug and proceeded to fill it with much needed coffee.
‘Ah Mr Carter, good’
‘Good afternoon Vice-Chancellor Singh.’
‘Don’t be so polite boy, it doesn’t suit you’ Jasper smiled, back when he was a student Mr Singh had been one of his lecturers and over the years he became the Vice-Chancellor, and rightfully so. He was a damn good man. He put up with all of Jasper’s snarkiness and bad behaviour back in the day.
‘Sorry Mr Singh.’ He nodded his approval and gestured to Elijah. ‘Have you met our new head of theology?’
‘Head?’ Elijah finished making his tea and took the opportunity to shake Jasper’s hand again. God his hands felt so strong. Jasper swallowed as Elijah said ‘good to see you again Mr Carter.’
‘Likewise.’
‘He’s come with some very good recommendations so don’t you trouble him too much!’
‘Of course not Sir!’ Mr Singh patted his shoulder. ‘You’ve scared more than enough theology teachers away from this university boy, I would like to keep one on long term, please for my sake.’ Jasper laughed and Elijah’s eyes landed on his throat. ‘I’ll be on my best behaviour.’ Under his breath Elijah muttered ‘I hope not.’ Mr Singh smiled at Jasper and shuffled away; he was approaching his seventies but was still full of spirit. Jasper was fond of Mr Singh, or Kabir as he usually insisted Jasper call him, and he was fond of Jasper, he never gave up on him during his school years. For that he would always be grateful. Elijah was still stood in the kitchen area and Jasper attempted to make conversation, ‘How was your first lecture?’
‘A success’ then he added ‘by god’s grace.’ Jasper prickled and glared at him. Elijah raised his mug to his lips if only to hide his smirk. Jasper pushed his glasses up his nose and rolled his eyes before leaving the faculty room and heading to his office. He could not let a theology professor get under his skin. He just couldn’t! Like Mr Singh said, he has scared off quite a few theology professors who buckled under the weight of his debates and couldn’t battle anymore. Surely Mr Darby would crumble like the rest?
