Welcome to Hawnee - Week 1 - Day 4

Author's note:

This installment is about Professor Brown's first lectures. It delves deeper into Sheena's past and includes some nudity, but it's still all preparation for events to come.

As always, I welcome your comments, critiques, and thoughts - they help shape the story! I wish you a good read.

Jay Hawnee

***

Beep-beep... Beep-beep. Jenny fumbles wearily for her alarm clock as it rings for like the 20th time. She takes a look at it from her half-open eyes and is startled as it shows a time far too late and her lectures are to begin far too soon. She leaps out of her bed, storms out of her room down the stairs, and into the bathroom. She eagerly starts to brush her teeth but freezes mid-step as she hears the sound of a gentle spray of water from behind. When Jenny looks in the mirror, she sees a soft face, and a pair of hands slowly gliding from two soapy gleaming breasts down to a pair of well-rounded hips. Jenny's eyes widen, and she blushes. "I... I'm sho shorry Shooshan."

Susan smiles at ease. "Doesn't matter. I'll be out soon. If you want, you can take a shower afterward. But my husband still needs to brush his teeth and will be leaving soon as well. So he's probably in here when you're showering Jenny." She bows down and soaps her legs.

Jenny takes the toothbrush out of her mouth. "Oh, if I can brush my teeth, that's great. I'll just shower later. I have to leave soon either."

Susan replies. "That works."

Jenny continues to brush her teeth with the showering Susan in the background.

Every now and then Jenny throws a shy look at her landlady in the mirror and examines her body from top to bottom. Sometimes Susan smiles back at Jenny but shows no other sign of recognition. Every time Jenny catches Susan's eyes, she blushes and looks away.

Finally, Susan steps out, winds a towel around her hair, and leaves the bathroom. Jenny finishes brushing and exits as well. She makes herself ready and leaves for the university.

***

Jenny enters the lecture hall, where rows of students are already seated, laptops open. She quickly spots Sheena, Tina, and Steven, and slides into a seat beside them. At the lectern, Professor Brown adjusts his laptop, preparing to begin. Jenny eyes him warily, recalling the unsettling encounter from the day before.

Professor Brown finally directs a warm parental smile at the students. "Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen". The room quiets, and his smile deepens. "It is always a pleasure to stand before an audience like you, the bright young new minds of our institution. I am Professor Doctor Robert Brown, Dean of this esteemed medical faculty, and head of the clinical research department. I began my medical journey at Harford, completed my doctoral works in biochemistry and neurosexuology here at Hawnee, and spent many years working in medical practice across Boston, New York, and Oxford before my friend and mentor, the brilliant Professor Doctor George Waynfort called for me to return to the university. Here I share the wealth of my experience with the next generation. His inspiration not only guided my practical works but also instilled in me the profound joy of teaching. He was a true visionary who left us far too soon."

"Today, I will continue the work of my esteemed colleagues, Professor Doctor Cavanaugh and Professor Doctor Lambert, and will introduce you to two additional classes of microorganisms, which can pose significant threats to the human well-being: Parasites and Fungi..."

In this lecture, I will start with the fungi." His expression grows serious. "Fungi, my dear students, are nature's masters of adaptation, deception, and survival. They've evolved cunning strategies to coexist with - and sometimes challenge their hosts. Understanding these intricacies is critical for our medical practice."

Professor Brown leans slightly toward the audience. "Consider Candida, for instance. This seemingly innocuous organism can transform into a formidable enemy when our immune defenses falter, leading to quite persistent oral and genital infections. Or the opportunistic Aspergillus, ever-present in our environment, which can manifest as a severe lung infection..."

A mix of curiosity and apprehension fills the air of the lecture hall.

"As medical professionals," Prof. Brown declares firmly, "it is our mission to find solutions to the challenges those unwelcome intruders throw at us. And hospitals, biotech pioneers, and of course the pharmaceutical industry play a crucial role in this effort. Only through collaboration are we able to explore new technologies, medications, and treatments that may help us confront these relentless enemies. Take, for example, the antifungal drug "Mycorix". We recently submitted an article about this great medicine for peer review in major science journals. It has been developed by our department together with the 'BioHag Ltd.' and in a recent clinical study, we were able to prove its high efficacy. It shows lots of promise in addressing stubborn fungal infections like Candida Auris and Aspergillus. The finalization process of Mycorix proceeds very promisingly and the product will soon be ready for the market.

A murmur sweeps through the room, and before Professor Brown can continue, a student in the back speaks up, his voice sharp and tense. "Despite the side effects?"

A shadow crosses Professor Brown's face, but he maintains his composure. "Excuse me, Mister? We found no considerable side effects," he explains. "Only a slightly measurable temporary increase in arousal in some participants. Nothing significant, but we nevertheless address this problem and try to decrease the effect."

The student leans forward, his voice rising. "Well, my brother wouldn't call those insignificant. Being given a so-called 'harmless experimental drug', he struggled with having a permanent hard-on for a full month, you won't believe how embarrassing this is."

The room falls silent. Professor Brown's face tightens but softens again, showing deep empathy. "I have never heard about those rumors... and I highly doubt what you say is true. But I will nevertheless immediately inquire if there were any people experiencing such side effects. We take every reported side effect seriously. In our pursuit of medical progress, we must always remember our primary goal is to alleviate suffering and improve lives. Please understand that we hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards in our work and we're always working to reduce any side effects no matter how significant. Sometimes in the pursuit of medical advancements, however, there may be unforeseen... complications. But rest assured, our intentions are always to benefit humanity and... should any unexpected problems arise, those affected will be generously compensated."

He pauses, scanning the room, his face a mixture of concern and determination. "But let's shift now our focus away from the past and return back to the world of microorganisms... Together, we will explore innovative ways to combat fungal and other infections with the help of the pharmaceutical industry, all while keeping the well-being of our patients at the forefront of our minds."

Jenny leans closer to Sheena and whispers: "I bet he's lying about those 'side effects'."

Sheena looks at her, puzzled. "How can you say that? He seems to be quite a nice guy..."

Jenny scoffs, her voice low: "It's actually him, who wanted to have sex with me yesterday. He might come along as charming, but the stink of corruption drags all the way here."

Sheena's eyes widen, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Really? That's... intriguing." She leans back and rubs her chin absent-mindedly with her fingers.

Before Jenny can reply, Prof. Brown resumes his lecture.

***

Over lunch, the group assembles in the dining hall and talks about the morning lecture.

"I liked Professor Brown." Tina says, "He seemed pleasant and approachable. Much better than Cavanaugh."

Steven shakes his head. "I don't trust him. There's something off about the way he talks -- sure it may come around as charming but it's also so eerie and slick. He's way too cozy with the pharmaceutical industry. Acts like their profits align with the common good, but for me, they are more of a parasite in the ass of society. That's shady as hell."

Jenny nods. "Me neither. This mysterious 'side effect' of Mycorix and then... I had some... urm weird experience with him yesterday."

Steven raises an eyebrow. "What happened?"

Jenny hesitates, then sighs. "It was him that I witnessed having sex with one of his students when I was waiting with his secretary,"

Steven mocks disbelievingly: "How this? Was it a public fuck session?"

Jenny's eyes widen. "Oh... no, no... I was just waiting with his secretary to get a form signed and then... I... I heard loud moaning coming from his office. Soon after, a female student with disheveled hair walked out... smiling. The secretary said she got a 'special treatment'. And when he then appeared,... he... he asked me, if I was there for this purpose too."

Tina laughs nervously. "I mean, yeah, that's weird, but... he's a neurosexuologist after all, right? Maybe you just stumbled in one of his experimental sessions."

Jenny stares at Tina in disbelief. "Which coincidentally includes loud moaning?"

Tina shrugs. "Well... researching human sexual acts urm... does involve loud moaning sounds. We are humans after all. And if it's for research purposes, what's to object?"

Jenny snaps: "What is there to object? That he fucks his students, his charges!"

Tina replies, a little defensively. "Well, you didn't see it. And even if I personally wouldn't get involved in such an indecent behavior, having sex for science doesn't sound to me like a disgraceful act. It's for science after all, not for his own satisfaction. If the student wasn't forced to do it, who cares about it?"

"Uh, I don't know." Steven cuts in. "If I was in his shoes, I'd probably be tempted too to get involved with some of the students. Power can be dangerous, especially without oversight."

Sheena throws in determined. "Come on, you're interpreting too much. I personally found him also quite a nice person. Approximately on one level with Mrs. Lambert. And it's definitely not all bad about that. One just needs to know how to handle the Prof, then one might even get something out of it!"

"But that's not fair.", Tina weighs in.

"No, not fair, but still legal...", Sheena smirks, "if you play your cards right."

***

Later the group returns back to the lecture hall and settles into their seats, with Professor Brown already waiting at the lectern.

"Good afternoon, dear ladies and gentlemen.", he begins. His voice carries easily over the rustling crowd. "It's a pleasure to see you again this afternoon. My schedule is quite packed, but I'm still delighted to have the opportunity to share more knowledge with eager minds like yours."

"But before I continue to delve deep into the world of Microorganism, I'd like to discuss a personal matter, one that holds also a great opportunity for some of you." He pauses for a beat. "As I've mentioned, I'm a researcher in neurosexuology and my Chair aims to thoroughly understand the cognitive aspects of human sexuality - a field growing more and more important in view of declining birth rates and shifting social dynamics.

Professor Brown pauses dramatically, "The fight for brilliant minds is fierce, and it has become increasingly important to attract top talents already at an early stage. To that end, the Waynfort-University in conjunction with our sponsors has launched an initiative to introduce young high potential students to the field through an elite assistance program."

Jenny swallows hard.

"I know that many of you are ambitious. Many of you wish to make an impact - to be part of something truly groundbreaking." He smiles and scans the students. "The highly gifted students program offers that opportunity. You get a chance to participate in cutting-edge research, to work alongside top professionals, to deepen our understanding of cognitive processes in interindividual sexual relations, and to shape the future of reproductive medicine. But an open mind is essential - our methods are unconventional, yet... highly effective."

Professor Brown continues, his tone smooth. "Naturally, the selection process is rigorous, of course. The competition is intense and only those with exceptional potential are invited. But for those who make it..." He chuckles softly. "The rewards are immeasurable."

He smiles once more before concluding. "If you're interested in a spot in my highly gifted program, please send your application documents to my personal e-mail-address with the subject 'highly gifted program'. I guarantee you I urm... and of course, my team will study any application very thoroughly. But of course, we can select only the most appropriate candidates. So don't be too disappointed, if you receive a negative reply.

Jenny leans over to Sheena and whispers scornfully. "Guess, he just wants to have more girls to fuck for his Harem!"

Sheena smirks. "Yeah... probably but as long as he pays well, I don't mind... I actually think about applying for that."

Jenny looks bewildered at Sheena. "Really you...", she rolls her eyes, "you're weird! But seriously...", she shakes her head "I think, you don't stand a chance. He surely only wants to fuck the best of the best, right? But urm... good luck either way."

Sheena grins. "Oh, come on. Did it seem like he had any scientific criteria when he invited you yesterday?"

Jenny blushes. "I mean... yes urm no... It was kind of weird..."

"See... I think, the Professor just needs some good Lady to fuck his brains out - like every other cis-guy..."

Sheena smiles and turns her head to the front, Jenny also turns her head. Professor Brown has meanwhile switched on the Projector. The first slide shows the topic of the lecture: 'Parasites -- Nature's cunning opportunists'.

Two hours later, the students shuffle out of their seats, packing up their bags. Tina slings her bag over her shoulder. "I need to head home; I'm meeting my parents for tea. See you later."

Steven follows suit. "Same here. Workshop shift calls. See you all in the library later."

They wave and leave. Jenny and Sheena slowly leave the lecture hall as well.

I'm going to Karate training now." Sheena says casually." Wanna come with me?"

Jenny looks surprised. "You're training a martial art?"

Sheena grins. "Just a bit. I'm still quite a beginner."

Jenny yawns. "Sorry Sheena, I'm just too tired after last night. I'll go home and get some rest. Will you be in the library tonight?"

"Yes of course." Sheena nods. "Might need a little help with making up an application."

Jenny smiles and shakes her head in disbelief. "You really want to go through with it, after all?"

Sheena shrugs, smiling coyly. "Yeah, of course. Why not?

Jenny raises her hand in warning. "Remember that rumor about that boy getting a hard-on?"

Sheena smirks. "Oh, I don't mind to get a bit aroused. And after all, I'm not applying as guinea pig, rather the other way round"

Jenny looks skeptically and shakes her head. "Please be careful in what you do!"

Sheena smiles. "Don't worry! It's all gonna be fine. But I still need to be accepted."

Jenny smiles tiredly. "Yes, right..."

Sheena looks at her Smartphone and starts to hurry. "Sorry, I have to leave for my Karate training now. See you later in the library." She waves her hand.

Jenny waves tiredly. "See you later Sheena." Then she slowly walks home.

***

Jenny unlocks the door and finds Susan and Jack in the kitchen, chatting in their underwear.

Jack waves casually. "Hi Jenny, everything fine with you?"

Jenny groans. "Sorry, no, I've just had a rough time."

Susan looks worried. "Oh no, I hope, it's not because of this morning."

Jenny frowns. "What...? Oh... urm... no... this is actually... well... fine. It's another thing. I ... got into a struggle with my boss yesterday and lost my job. It was a quite heated situation. Lester is quite an asshole. I don't regret it's over but it took nevertheless its toll on me, the night was longer, and the lectures too long today. So now I'm totally exhausted and just want to get some sleep."

Jack nods. "Oh, okay.... Then get a good rest."

Jenny mumbles, "Yes,... good night."

"Sleep well," Susan calls after her, as Jenny disappears up the stairs. Moments later, she enters her room, collapses into her bed, and drifts into a deep, dreamless sleep.

***

Jenny wakes up feeling somewhat refreshed and makes her way downstairs. The aroma of spices floats through the air as she finds Jack and Susan setting the table for dinner. The two are still casually dressed in their underwear.

Susan glances up with a warm smile. "Are you feeling better?"

Jenny nods and stretches a little. "Oh, much better. Thanks."

"Do you want to join us for dinner, Jenny?" Jack gestures to the table where a pot of steaming soup sits invitingly.

Jenny hesitates. "Sorry, I'm in a hurry. I didn't catch much of the lectures today and the exam isn't far away."

"Oh, that's a pity," Jack's brows furrow, "but at least take some of the daal soup I made. It'll keep you going. We also have some cans for transporting."

Jenny blinks, delighted by the gesture. "Oh, may..., may I?"

Jack nods. "Yes, of course, Jenny, just take a portion."

Gratefully, Jenny fills some soup in a can. Then she impulsively hugs both, Susan and Jack. "You two are so kind. Thank you very much."

"It's nothing," Susan says with a laugh.

Jenny grabs her bag and heads for the door, pausing to glance back. "I'm so sorry, that I can't do more to help at the moment. I really have to hurry to the library to get something in my brain."

Susan waves her off with a nod. "That's okay. We understand. The entrance courses are very stressful. Good luck!"

Jack smiles. "We'll keep our fingers crossed."

"Thanks, "Jenny says with a small wave. "Bye!"

"Bye, Jenny," the couple chime in unison as she hurries out the door.

***

At the library, Jenny joins her friends Tina, Sheena, and Steven at their usual table.

Tina looks animated. She practically buzzes with excitement. "This lecture about fungi was fascinating. What struck me most was the Professor's mention of the intricate communication networks that fungi use to coordinate their attacks on host organisms. It's like a microscopic battlefield strategy."

Steven leans back in his chair and frowns. "I was rather concerned with how much the Professor praised the pharma industry! Economic interests and public health have never worked well together. And that Mycorix discussion left me wondering about how many potential side effects they actually try to hide."

Tina rolls her eyes. "Oh come on Steven... Many of the pathologic fungi can cause severe damage or even be deadly. The side effects are much more harmless than that. I must admit that a doctor must be careful with testing and handling antibiotics, antifungicides, and virostatics but you're making it sound like they shouldn't use them at all."

Jenny blushes slightly. "Well, I guess, I have still a lot to read about fungi and parasites. I was so tired today. I didn't get much of the content of the lecture. But what you're saying Tina, sounds quite interesting."

Sheena types on her laptop and murmurs absently: "Yeah..., quite interesting."

Jenny turns her head to Sheena and smiles curiously. "You seem really absorbed. Was the lecture today so fascinating, that you can't get enough of it?

Sheena grins. "Ha, silly, I'm writing an application for that highly gifted program! Just finished an early draft. Want to take a look?"

Jenny nods. "Gladly."

Sheena turns her laptop around to the group with a proud grin. Jenny starts reading while Steven and Tina peer over her shoulder. Within seconds, Tina's mouth falls open, and Steven smirks.

Jenny raises an eyebrow. "My former math teacher praised my oral skills. -- you're not actually including that, do you?"

Tina's expression twists in shock. "That rather sounds like an application for the adult industry than for a position in a scientific institution?"

Steven bursts out laughing "I let all his expertise sink deep into me...? What the hell did you do with him?"

Sheena shrugs coyly. "I'm just stating my experience. I mean, it's for neursexuology after all and I have lots of experience in that field. And that little... 'extracurricular project' with my math teacher just shows my early passion for science."

Jenny coughs. "You... cannot put that in your application! It's urm...

"... absolutely unprofessional and inappropriate." Tina interrupts, still in shock.

Jenny blushes. "Yes, urm... kind of what she says. If you want to get into this program, you need to focus on some actual qualifications. Isn't there something else?"

Sheena frowns. "Oh, come on, that was hands-on experience and I think, the Professor wants rather to work with an expert than a newcomer especially when it comes to pleasuring his very own needs."

"Uh no, for pleasure, guys prefer to knock on a virgin door... urm... I heard.", Steven snickers.

Sheena groans "Flock dammit, ugh, you guys are no fun, hmm... but good, I will look over my application again and may tone down it a little bit!"

Jenny nods with a small smile. "That will do your application really good, believe me."

Tina still looks skeptically. "Definitely."

At this moment, Sheena's Smartphone chimes. She looks down at it, reads, and smiles. "Wow, just got the longest message from Denver ever -- ten whole words! He's writing about a trip to watch the Perseids tomorrow. Does anyone of you know what that is?"

Jenny and Steven exchange puzzled looks. "Perseids?"

"Oh, yes!" Tina perks up. "That's a meteor shower seen from the earth as shooting stars!"

"Uh, okay!" Sheena starts to smile. "Sounds fantastic. Denver writes they are celebrating it at Mount Delamore, about 35 miles from here."

Jenny eyes her warily. "And you want to go there?"

Sheena smiles determinedly. "Yes, of course, would you all come too?"

Jenny hesitates. "How should we even get there? Public transport?"

"You could call an Uber.", Tina suggests.

Jenny blushes and gives her a skeptical look. "Well..., I think, that's a little expensive!"

"No Need for that," Sheena says with a confident grin. "Denver's friend Frankie has a van with four unused seats. He can take us all there. So, it's for free. We would spend a night outside and get back early next morning."

Jenny shifts uncomfortably. "But I really need to study."

Sheena rolls her eyes. "This is just one evening. You still can study all weekend long."

Jenny looks skeptically. "I'll think about it."

Sheena turns to the others. "Tina? Steven?"

Tina shakes her head apologetically. "Sorry, I already got tickets to 'Phantom of the Opera' with my boyfriend."

Sheena turns her head hopefully to Steven.

Steven shrugs. "Well, I got no plans right now. Could be interesting."

Sheena grins. "That's good, then I better add you to the list, before the bus is too full."

"Wait. I still said 'maybe'. " Steven protests.

Sheena smirks. "Jenny, I'll save a spot for you too -- just in case."

Jenny sighs, a bit amused. "I said, I'd think about it."

Sheena nods. "I know, but then there is no space free anymore.

Jenny groans. "Okay, okay, but I really need to think about it. No promises!"

The group sinks again over their laptops to study and after a while, Sheena stretches. "Okay, I rewrote my application. Here take a look..." She turns her laptop toward the group.

Jenny scans it and nods appreciatively. "... I developed a considerable interest in studying sexuality already in high school... - That sounds much much better."

Tina smiles. "For sure."

Steven raises an eyebrow. "Wait, what about that certificate, that says that you did a math project about the connection between Fibonacci numbers and rabbit reproduction? Did you make thàt up?"

Sheena grins smugly. "Nope... that's what I got for my little Hanky-Panky. I even got the best mark for it! Here look." She opens the certificate on her laptop. "I don't know what that Fibonacci is, but reproduction fits perfectly with the Professor's program. Sometimes you just get lucky..."

Jenny shakes her head, amused. "You definitely have plenty of that."

As the group continues their work, Tina eventually packs up and waves goodbye and the group continues to study without incidents. Until Steven turns up for stretching and his mouth suddenly drops. "I think, I'm seeing your naked ghost now!" His hand hovers over his open mouth in disbelief.

Jenny and Sheena whip their head where he is staring.

Sheena's eyes glitter. Jenny however freezes, her stomach tightens as her gaze darts. A familiar bare figure flickers at the edge of her vision then vanishes behind a towering bookshelf. Her pulse spikes. "Holy shit," she whispers.

Sheena jumps to her feet, practically vibrating with excitement. "Come on! This time, we catch her!" Then she bolts in the direction where the figure just disappeared.

Steven and Jenny exchange bewildered glances before following.

They reach Sheena at a junction at the end of the bookshelf passage - her expression equally disappointed and intrigued. "She's gone, I walked in every direction, but not the slightest sign of her..."

Jenny looks frustrated. "Not again."

Sheena says sternly. "That can't be real. We need to figure out where that damn girl has gone."

Jenny hesitates. "I don't know... I mean, we still have to read a lot...?" A sense of anxiousness washes over her.

"Oh, please, come on darling. We just need a little break. And if we don't solve this now, we may never get this riddle solved.", Sheena snorts.

Jenny shudders. "I doubt that. I already saw her twice now... in four days, so she'll turn up again soon."

Sheena huffs, placing her hands on her hips. "That still doesn't explain why she just vanishes like that. She's gotta be hiding somewhere. We shouldn't give up that easily."

Steven replies. "Maybe she just ran back to the entrance."

Sheena looks skeptical. "You know that the entrance is the other way?"

Jenny nods. "I asked the librarian already on Monday, he didn't see anything weird."

"We could ask him again." Sheena weighs in.

Jenny replies. "I'm not gonna ask Carter if he saw a naked woman out there in the library!"

"Why do you have a crush?". Sheena smirks.

Jenny blushes. "None of your business."

Steven smiles. "However, she surely won't hide in a bookshelf, maybe there's some hidden door here!"

Sheena starts to search the shelves. Steven and Jenny follow. After some time of searching, Steven says: "The shelves look all rock-solid.

Sheena nods. "Yeah, I also can't see a crack between them, if there's a secret door, it is hidden very well. "

Sheena starts to think. "Hmm... maybe she's a time traveler like in that Terminator movie. They couldn't wear clothes either when traveling. "

Jenny looks skeptical. "This has only one major flaw - time travel is impossible."

Sheena tilts her head. "Just because it's not invented yet, doesn't mean it's impossible."

Steven says determinedly. "But scientists say, time traveling to the past is impossible, at least!"

Sheena says disappointed, "I thought you are that science-skeptical guy. - Uh, fuck, this ain't no fun..., guess we'll really never gonna solve this riddle."

Jenny looks skeptical "I really wouldn't mind never seeing her again."

Sheena pats Jenny's back reassuringly. "Huh, don't worry that much... but let's better turn back to our seats. Currently, it makes no sense to stay here any longer."

Steven nods. "True."

The group starts to walk slowly and returns to their seats.

Steven says: "Next time it might be better we take a photo... urm as proof for others."

Sheena weighs in: "I like that, but only if you ask her if she's ok with that. It's after all quite an intimate situation."

Jenny gets angry. "We shouldn't take photos of any nude persons, not now, not ever. And now let's continue to study"

Sheena sighs "Fine... but to have at least one positive experience today, I'm gonna send my application now."

Sheena's gaze flits for seconds over the lines she has written then presses 'send' on her laptop. "Done."

Jenny hesitates. "Don't you think, it would have been better to reread it again carefully?"

Sheena raises an eyebrow. "You overthink things too much Jen. I overworked it for so long and if I change it again, it won't be better. That's just a waste of time. If it works, it works and if I fail, I can take the time to try something different. That's efficiency darling."

Jenny looks skeptically. "I don't know if that's any good. But let's now continue to study. We still have to learn a lot."

Sheena smiles. "Okay, okay."

They delve into their laptops until midnight, when Carter, the librarian, comes by. "Hey you adventurers of knowledge, I must inform you, that the library will close very soon. So, you have to leave now, unfortunately."

Sheena groans. "Flock dammit, not that guy again."

Carter bows mockingly. "Always pleased to see you, mighty warrior."

Jenny smiles timidly. "Thanks, Carter."

The four walk out of the library and Carter closes the library door. Steven and Sheena say goodbye and walk home. Jenny waits until Carter closes the door and he asks: "Did you hear about the Perseids tomorrow?"

Jenny smiles. "Yeah, Sheena the warrior-lady, told me about it."

Carter nods. "Ah. I'm going with some friends to Mount Delamore to watch it. It'd be great if you'd come along with us?"

Jenny hesitates. "Oh, that is nice, you're going with Denver, don't you? I already told Sheena, that I'm not sure, if I would go there, but I will definitely think about it. Thanks for the invite"

Carter nods. "Then I hope to see you there tomorrow."

Jenny smiles. "Yes, I'll definitely think about it. Unfortunately, I can't stay for long. I have to go home now. Need to get up early. Bye-bye."

Carter waves. "Goodbye."

Jenny and Carter walk home in different directions.

***

When Jenny arrives home, she sets her alarm clock, slips into her night wear and goes to sleep.

To be continued...

***

Thanks for reading this far - I hope you've enjoyed the story, or at least found it intriguing enough to stick with. No matter your thoughts, I'd really appreciate if you left a comment. Your feedback helps me see what's working and what might need a bit of tweaking.