by Jaden Wilkes
“Today we will go over some basic principles of anatomical change over time....”
Sarah drifted into daydream imagining what it would be like to kiss Adam. She was 18 and had never kissed a guy, had never even come close. She didn’t even know how to fantasize about sex with him, she barely masturbated. She had been taught from early on that sex was reserved for married couples, and masturbation was a definite sin. She almost never had time alone anyhow, so it hadn’t been a big deal. She started think about how she felt when she touched herself, how warm and special Adam made her feel, and ended up with a hot and red face again. She was startled when everyone got up at once and started moving to the front of the class, to the skulls on the table. She stood up, pretending to know what was going on, but caught Adam looking at her, knowing she had no clue what they were doing.
“Remember, really look at these skulls. They are labeled A, B and C. I want you to tell me which one is a hominid, an early form of human, which one is a chimpanzee, and which one is a Neandertal,” he nodded in her direction as he bailed her out. “Think about your answer and sit down. I will tell you all in a moment.”
She mouthed the words thank you at Adam and went to the table. This was easy, she determined immediately that A was the chimp, B was the hominid, and C was the Neandertal. Thank god for all her obsessive reading on this subject.
Once the class had settled, he asked held up A and asked them to shout out what it was. Most of the class yelled “Neandertal”, but Sarah and one deep voice at the back both yelled “chimp” together.
“Very good you two, Sarah and?” he asked. Sarah turned around to see who it was.
“Tyr,” Mr Hot replied.
Sarah took note, it sounded like “tear”, crying. She had never heard a name like that before, and wondered what it meant.
“Sarah and Tyr, what tipped you off that it was the chimp skull?”
“The mandible,” Sarah said.
“The foramenmagnum.” Tyr said half a second after.
“Interesting, you are both correct in your observations, but have two different approaches.”
Sarah looked back at Tyr and caught him looking at her, he smiled and looked down and ran his hand through his hair. She looked away as he glanced at her again. She felt so foolish wanting to drink in the sight of him, so she forced herself turn back to Adam and listen.
“I am impressed, this might be a good crop of young minds after all,” he put his hands together in prayer and said “thank you God, for giving me this bounty of eager young minds I will be able to shape and warp into my own particular brand of evolutionary theory.” The class tittered, and Sarah joined in, but she wasn’t used to hearing people mock faith so openly and it made her feel guilty for laughing. Sorry God, she thought quickly and made a mental note to call her parents soon.
Class swept by and Sarah finally relaxed enough to enjoy Adam’s lecture, she couldn’t believe she was here in person learning everything she’d been secretly learning about over the years. After class she lingered again, trying not to make it obvious, pretending to have trouble fitting her laptop into her pack. Tyr left immediately, she saw him duck out quickly, not looking back. Maybe that’s why he sits at the top, it’s farther back and closer to the doors, she thought. I wonder why he wants to rush out of here so fast? She mentally shrugged and tried not to let it bother her. It’s not like they had anything to talk about, why was she secretly hoping he’d linger and wait for her?
“Ah, my faithful teaching assistant stand in, are you hanging around hoping for another sample of dirt tea?” Adam laughed and handed her the three skulls to carry as she followed him out the door. When they were walking slowly down the expansive corridor to his office, she thought she saw Tyr in the cafeteria, watching them, his eyes dark with shadow and a frown on his face. He turned too quickly for her to be sure.
They settled themselves in Adam’s office, he closed the door softly and put the kettle on.
“Did you know that I went to university to become a doctor?”
“But you are a doctor.”
“I have a PhD, so I have the title Doctor, but my family wanted me to become a medical doctor. They were all so disappointed when I chose to pursue archaeology. I thought they were going to kick me out of the family,” he chuckled, deep in memory. “I was wondering what your family thought about you picking classes like this.”
“They aren’t happy, I mean, they wouldn’t be happy. They don’t really know. I told them I was going to use it to go into Biblical archaeology.” He looked disappointed. “No, I’m not, I just told them that so we could come out here.”
“We? Are you married?” He looked surprised.
“No, I’m not,” she felt her cheeks go red again. “I mean my best friend and I, Naomi. My family wouldn’t let me come out here if I didn’t have another good little Mennonite friend coming with me.”
“Is that what you are Sarah?” he leaned across his desk, his gaze suddenly intense, “a good little Mennonite girl?”
She felt her cheeks getting hotter. She really needed to learn how to control that, it was awful, knowing she wore her embarrassment on her face. “No Adam, I’m not. I mean, I’m a good person, I just don’t want to end up sitting in my little community for the rest of my life, obeying my husband and pumping out babies to work in the fields.”
“That’s understandable Sarah, you have a definite wild energy about you. I like that, I’m happy we got to meet, and I hope I can become instrumental in helping you develop that wild side.” He smiled and poured her tea. She blushed again but had a brief flash of him kissing her mouth, using his tongue on hers, and went redder. Yeah, I really have to learn how to control that blushing, she thought, especially if I’m going to let my thoughts get as dirty as that.
He spent the rest of their visit regaling her with stories of travel and fieldwork. She couldn’t believe he was sharing so much with her, she was honoured to be his friend and flattered that he would bring her into his world like this. It seemed fast, but sometimes things are just meant to be, and she was meant to be something to him, she just didn’t know what. She was sure he felt that too.
CHAPTER FOUR
The first month of school was all about getting settled into her routine and learning how to say no to Naomi when she was trying to drag her off to some party or another. Her friend had become quite popular with a small group of girls, they all seemed more interested in the social aspect of school over the actual learning. Sarah wasn’t surprised though, Naomi was always like that and always did pretty well in school. She was better at balancing the fun and the work than Sarah, she was a natural at it. Sometimes Sarah felt like Naomi was frustrated with her lack of interest in socializing. Sarah was concerned that Naomi would leave her behind, so when Naomi asked, she agreed to have a small party in the apartment.
It was a Saturday in early October, the leaves were starting to change, the air was getting cool and the rains had started. She wasn’t used to this much rain, and was beginning to feel disheartened walking around under an umbrella every day with frizzy hair and wet feet. Her new boots were lovely, but really not practical in this weather. The first week or so had killed her feet. She ended up barely making it home a couple of days, the pain was so bad, but now she handled heels like she’d been wearing them her entire life. It was a small victory, but a nice one all the same, one that filled her with pride every time she walked down the hall at school, heels clicking on the linoleum floors.
She and Naomi had fun picking out party supplies at the Dollarama. Neither one of them was 19 yet, so they couldn’t buy any alcohol, but Naomi’s new friend had assured them that she would provide the drinks. Naomi and Sarah bought mix, snacks and a few plastic cups and plates. They felt so grown up, having their first party together.
“How many people are coming?” Sarah asked as they walked home, balancing their umbrellas and grocery bags.
“I don’t know, not that many. Maybe ten people at the m
ost?”
“Ten people! In that tiny place? Do you think the neighbors will mind?”
“They already think we’re slutty girls with horrible language, let’s give them something else to hate,” Naomi smiled.
“I guess... anyhow, it will be nice to meet your friends!”
*****
The apartment looked pretty, they strung some white Christmas lights from the ceiling and had Naomi’s iPhone plugged into the speaker dock pumping out some generic top forty. Apparently Sarah’s own moody girl music wasn’t the right feel for Naomi’s crowd. Sarah had to agree, she did have pretty depressing taste in music. People started showing up at eight, bringing bottles of wine and vodka and six packs of imported beer. Sarah showed them all into the small living room and was amazed at how easily everyone flowed around each other, talking and laughing, drinks in their hands. She had never had a drink, and decided to look for Naomi to help her out. Somebody told her she was out on the balcony, so Sarah slid the large glass door open and saw Naomi in the midst of a deep, passionate embrace with somebody. She paused and said “Sorry Naomi, could I ask you something?”
Naomi pulled away quickly, and Sarah was stunned to see the gorgeous blonde from her intro arch class. She didn’t know what to say, thoughts raced through her head like flashes of lightning, but her mouth went dry and her throat clenched tight.
“Hey Sarah, I’d like you to meet my friend Veronica, but everyone calls her Nic,” Naomi said. Sarah was impressed at how casual she was about it, as though this kind of thing happened every day around here.
“Hi Sarah, I think we’re in Adam’s class together. It’s nice to finally meet you though.” Nic waved and smiled.
“Yeah, hey, glad to meet you,” Sarah finally managed to croak out. Her mouth was half open, and she knew she looked confused and stupid, but she just didn’t know what to say. Her best friend, the girl she’d known most of her life and shared her hopes and dreams with...was a lesbian?
“I didn’t want you to find out about Nic like this Sarah, I was hoping we’d have a chance to talk about it. You know?” Naomi looked concerned. “This is a lot to take in, are you ok?”
“What are you talking about? Of course I am," she said. "I am kind of hurt that you never told me, but of course it’s ok. I’m ok.”
Nic looked uncomfortable and said she needed to go inside for a drink.
“Make me one too, ok? That’s what I was coming out here for, I’ve never made one before I didn’t know what to mix with what,” Sarah said.
“Sure thing, I know just what to make!” Nic looked relieved and closed the glass door.
“So why didn’t you tell me?” Sarah looked at Naomi.
“I didn’t know how you’d react. It’s one thing to go against the church by studying archaeology, but it’s completely different when your own family and church would call you a sinner and throw you out because of who you love,” Naomi replied. “It’s hard to explain Sarah, I’ve always felt this way so I know it’s normal, but we learn every Sunday that God only approves of the union between men and women. I knew I was normal, but didn’t want to have to fight anyone to prove it. Especially you.”
“I get that, it just feels so sad to me that you didn’t tell me. You know I would never feel that way about you. I love you, you’re the best friend I’ve ever had, and I want you to be happy with whatever you’re doing and whoever you love,” Sarah replied, and she meant every word.
Naomi looked tearful and relieved. Sarah wrapped her arms around her friend and held her close. She had tears in her own eyes now, knowing what Naomi must have gone through all those years. Sarah felt like a selfish bitch, always whining to her friend about her own issues with contrasting beliefs and never picking up that she was fighting a much bigger battle than Sarah ever imagined.
“I’m sorry I’m a selfish asshole,” she whispered to Naomi. “I had no idea.”
“Hey, you said asshole like a natural, I’m proud of you,” Naomi laughed and pulled away. “It’s ok Sarah, I wasn’t even a hundred percent positive until I met Nic. I always assumed I would end up asexual, or a total prude like you.” She punched Sarah’s arm playfully and said “ok, let’s go get you good and drunk. I want to take advantage of you now that you know.”
Sarah couldn’t help her shocked look and Naomi laughed, saying “I’m joking! You’re pretty hot you know, but totally not my type.”
Nic was in the kitchen mixing drinks when they found her. She looked at Naomi and asked “Everything ok?”
“Yeah, Sarah’s cool. Now what do you have for this drink virgin?”
She handed Sarah a plastic cup of orange juice.
“This is a screwdriver, it’s basic, orange juice and vodka. I thought we’d start you out slowly.”
“Thanks!” Sarah sipped the drink and started gagging. The vodka was overpowering and tasted how engine oil smelled. She took another sip as Naomi and Nic laughed, watching her sour faces and reaction to the taste. They each took long drinks of theirs, and soon Sarah was joining them, drinking like a pro.
Just then the door buzzer went off and Naomi answered it. She let the person in and looked at Nic, “It’s Tyr! He’s here! With the beer!”
“You’re so poetic my dear!” The two of them burst into giggles and Sarah took another drink. Naomi looked over at Sarah and said “Aren’t you glad I hooked us up with a bunch of second years? At least they can buy the booze!” She and Nic were still giggling and holding hands.
Did I hear that right? Mr. Hot is here, coming to my apartment? She drained her screwdriver and asked Nic for another. By the time the door opened and Tyr entered, filling the doorframe with his tall, muscular figure, Sarah was almost done drink number two. Sarah and Naomi went to the living room to entertain the crowd with their poetic ramblings, so Sarah was caught in the kitchen with him all by herself.
Her belly felt warm and she knew her cheeks were red from the drink. She had a fuzzy glowy feeling and wanted to giggle. Tyr was gorgeous, there was no denying it, and Sarah had the urge to smack his ass when he bent to put the beer in the fridge. He turned around, caught her looking and said “Oh hey, archaeology ass kisser. How’s it going?”
Sarah was taken aback, “What do you mean? I’m not kissing anyone’s ass.” She was grateful that Naomi had gotten her comfortable with swearing, she could do that well at least.
“Come on, you know you’re working it for grades. You sit in the front, flirt with Professor Summers, flip your hair and giggle at his shitty jokes.” He was holding a can of Coke, popped the tab, tilted his head back and took a drink. Sarah stared at his throat as he swallowed, fascinated by the smallest of his movements.
“That’s unfair, I do not!” she protested. “I actually like sitting at the front, and I actually like Adam, I think he’s funny.”
“Sure, and it just so happens that you learn by flirting? How convenient,” he raised an eyebrow and stared at her pointedly.
He was making her so angry, but he was so attractive that it was hard to concentrate on why she was mad. How did he get so tall? He’s got to be at least six four, and those muscles… her thought trailed off. His dark eyes shone with each zing, he had a smug look on his face, and his arms were bare, she was looking at his tattoos up close. She had never seen anything like this before. They were black, and definitely looked tribal, complex patterns wrapping around his arms and up under his white T shirt. She could see the trace of them continuing onto his chest through the thin fabric.
“Take a picture, it will last longer. You want me to take the shirt off?” Tyr laughed at her. She hadn’t realized how long she had been staring and was mortified to have been caught. She needed another drink.
“Whatever, I was just looking at your tribal tattoos and thinking how everybody these days seems to think if they throw a few patterns on their body, it means they are somehow connected to their mythical past. It’s ridiculous really.” She poured some vodka in her cup, now how much orange juice am I s
upposed to add? She didn’t care, and splashed just enough to colour the vodka a watery orange tint. This kitchen is too small, she thought, and he’s too close. His chest was at eye level again when she took a long drink of her concoction. She sputtered and did her best to hide it. How much vodka did I put in here? Oh well, she couldn’t add more orange juice in front of him now.
“Actually, they are tribal symbols.” he said.
“That’s what I mean! It’s so fucking fake, throwing some random designs on your body and claiming you’re tribal.” She didn’t know where her fire was coming from, but she felt kind of good, letting him know what she thought. If he was going to accuse her of being a vapid ninny fucking her way to an A grade, she’d expose him for being a fraud. She took another drink, it wasn’t bad this time, she could barely taste the vodka. She felt hot though, and slightly disoriented. He was standing in her way and she wanted to get out of the kitchen.
“They are tribal because they are Tshimshian,” he replied in a low, angry voice.
“What is that?” she realized she might have slurred her words, sounding more like “whaddish that?”
“My tribe, as you put it. I am part of the Tshimshiam Nation from the northwest coast, I’m from Prince Rupert. These symbols and patterns are from my mother’s people, passed down for generations. I’ll tell you all about it when you’re not drunk and acting like an ass.”
“I’m not-” it was too late, he turned and left her alone in the kitchen, mouth hanging open in protest. Whatever, he’s an idiot, she thought, but so fucking hot. She felt pleased for even thinking swear words now, and took another drink.
After half an hour chatting with the guests and stewing over Tyr’s rude accusations, she her way to the balcony and breathed in the cold, wet night air. There was a light drizzle, and her hair was soon damp, but she didn’t want to go back inside just now. The living room was packed, and Naomi and Nic had retreated to Naomi’s room just after Tyr had gotten there. She couldn’t even rant to Naomi about what an ass Tyr was being. She felt like she was starting to sober up though, which was probably a good thing. She wasn’t sure she liked feeling that aggressive and wondered if she had crossed a line with him. The glass door slid open and Tyr stepped out, looking even hotter if that was possible. Oh come on, I’m sobering up and he just gets better looking? Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around?