Trench coat

I pulled the coat around me tighter in what I'm sure was a very conspicuous manner. It was a large coat, thin material sure but thicker than anything that would be needed in this weather. I was sure I stood out like a sore, overly wrapped up thumb. The pleated white skirt that peaked out from beneath the coat was vital. Without it, I had looked as if I were naked underneath the coat. My lime green coat even had the classic belt associated with flasher trench coats. Luckily, I looked a fair bit trendier than that.

I walked quickly. My small pink heels clicked against the concrete as I struggled through the campus under the harshly beating sun. My curls bounced as I quickly climbed up the steps to the humanities building. Cool sweat rolled along my neck making me shiver. Why was I doing this? Did I really want to push it this far?

A throb emanated below. My breathing caught in my throat as I stepped into the stuffy building. Yes, of course I did.

Up the stairs I hurried, hoping no one could catch a glimpse up my short skirt. I strode along the corridor, tensely worrying about letting my coat fall open. I clutched my bag to my side to prevent it bouncing on my back. Finally, I arrived. The green "Open" sign greeted me and I knocked.

"Come in!" swam his harsh but melodic tones. I pushed the door open.

His face lit up for a moment when he saw me enter and he sat up straighter, "Ah Molly good to- good to see you today." His voice had faltered halfway through the sentence. The excitement and barely concealed eagerness of his previous welcomes had faded to be replaced with concern.

I could hardly blame his change in attitude. My change in outfit had likely sent his mind searching for answers. Was I upset with previous meetings? Had I decided the game had gone too far and so I was now focusing only on my studies.

He cleared his throat and scratched his stubble, "Please, make yourself comfortable. Sit down, please. I have -er prepared today's research questions. I'm sure you did the- the research so you will have no problem with these questions. I have to say you have progressed greatly over these sessions. You're writing style and sophistication I mean. So...um...just a second."

He rummaged around on his desk to collect the papers. His voice was all business. None of the playfulness from before. No excitement and admiration. Just nervous energy. A well brought up child at Christmas who had to pretend he was content with his extended family's disappointing gifts. There was no personalization to the gift, so he responded with stock phrases. The energy he had built up remained but had been buried deep within. This present obviously was not worth that overwhelming energy with which he had enjoyed the others.

I untied my coat and spoke, "Well it's all to do with your feedback James. I really do appreciate it." I turned away from him and towards the desk as I pulled the zip down.

"Well- well you're too kind Mo- Miss Bailey, as your professor it is my job to aid students with their academic pursuits in any way I-"

He had turned around. I couldn't see him but I knew. He was looking at me. I had frozen for just a second, a second that lasted an eternity. I could only imagine the view. Both hands had seized the long lapels of my jacket and dived over my shoulders. Smooth skin bare from shoulder blade to shoulder blade was clear to see. Neatly framed by my fists, clenching fabric.

I had practiced this move. Practiced it intensely. Practiced it embarrassed. Practiced it excited. Practiced it with my whole-body buzzing and shaking. Buzzing and shaking was how I performed it to him.

I released my grip and dropped my arms. It floated for a moment before tumbling away. I felt the material trace the lines along my back and caress my arms. I felt the weight as it pooled above my wrists as they clung to the ends of the sleeves. It slid over my waist and hung just in line with my thighs, suspended by my grip on the fluffy jacket cuffs. I passed my left sleeve to my right hand and experienced the caress of my jacket's liner against my leg. I swung my right hand up and folded the coat over my arm. It was a messy fold but there was no need to be precise...