Friday, at exactly four oclock. That's when I'm the happiest. That's when I get to see her.

She was my Psychology professor. I loved Psychology before but I have a different passion for it now because of her. She had shiny dirty blonde hair, kinda like Jennifer Aniston's one time but better. She has this smooth, silky velvety voice that turns me into putty everytime she says my name. She's also so smart and she's such a great teacher. I don't exactly know how you can tell if you're in love with someone but I think I am with her. When I see her, my heart rate increases, my face burns and I feel like I'm suddenly on cloud nine. Is it cheesy? I'm sorry. I've never really experienced love, I've only seen it in movies. But if what I just said are normal tendencies of being in love, then yes I am. I'm in love with Maura Isles.

Being in a sea of students makes it hard for her to notice me, so I basically just look at her all the time. It's a wonder that I'm still learning. More than learning actually. Not to brag but I'm nailing this class. I'm totally gonna get an A. I can't say the same for my other classes but I'm not letting it get behind a B, I promise. I'm pretty sure she's caught me a couple times looking all dreamy eyed at her but she hasn't said anything. Maybe she's used to it. Good. Cause I don't think I can stop even if I wanted to.

All my friends know of my crush to her. It's not like I can hide it. Every after class we would discuss the lesson and my contribution are more along the lines of these sentences.

'She looks radiant today.'

'She changed her hair today. It looks really nice.'

'I think the guy two rows ahead of me is drooling over her. That's not cool.'

Not exactly thesis material. They teased me at first, of course. They would dog at me just before we come in the room, give me kissy faces and sing Jane and Maura sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g. I sometimes can't tell either if my classmates are actually just grade school kids masquerading as college students. In all fairness to them though, all the teasing was kept within the group. As far as I know, no one knows that I have a massive lovey dovey feelings for my professor outside of us. Good. Better to stay that way.

Sure she knows my name but have we talked to each other? No. I've been in this class for 7 weeks, only 3 weeks left for the quarter. Come Spring Quarter, I won't see her anymore. I want to talk to her, I want to get her deeper thoughts about our topics, I want to get to know her better. I want, well I want a lot more but it was obvious that I won't get them unless I do something about it. But would I do something about it? Doubtful. I've never been one to back down, the scars on my idiot brothers are proof enough of that but in this situation i'm the biggest coward there is. Really though, would you go after your probably married and very straight teacher? And if she shots me down, I would probably physically break in embarrassment. Saw that once in a Charmed episode, they froze Leo and I think it was Phoebe who smashed him to pieces? I'm not sure, I haven't watched in a while. Busy daydreaming and all.

Due to my lack of balls in this particular department, I stay in the sea. Looking at her and conjuring up situations in my mind that will only happen in a badly written story. I'm not much of a writer but I make do with what I have. Still pretty good situations though and yes, better than nothing.

I sighed.

Professor Isles was currently teaching Psychophysiology but I've tuned out a long time ago. Don't worry, i studied it a good week before today. I like to be prepared should she have random recitations. She has had for a couple weeks and not once has she called me. Understandable, there are almost 75 of us in this room. She was wearing a blue figure hugging dress, high heels and her hair was up in a perfectly imperfect pony tail. I love those. She looks so good. I'm not proud of it but I have thought of her in... compromising situations. I can't help it, she just looks so good. I have imagined how soft her lips would be, how firm those magnificent breasts are. I almost died when I thought of those toned legs wrapped behind my back as I descend her torso. The overwhelming scent of her arousal. For some reason, I can even smell it. Her skin tastes so good. Then I see the most wonderful thing, her glistening-

'Jane!'

That obnoxious whisper was Casey. He's my friend. I think. Okay maybe friend is a stretch but he's been hanging around us since first year. At first, we didn't him to be with us since he was kind of a dick but as the months wore on, we kind of just got used to it. He was sometimes funny. Maybe that's why we keep him around.

'What, Casey?'

'You're totally drooling over our Professor.'

He seemed mad. I'm aware of his little crush on me and I know that he tends to get jealous when I get all googly eyed when looking at the Professor. I brush it off completely.

'What do you care?'

'Stop. She can catch you.' But let's be honest, folks. She probably has.

'Again, what do you care?'

That got him to shut up. I feel bad. Really, I do. But seriously, he will not get some love from me. I barely tolerate his presence. Plus, I'm pretty sure I'm gay. Yes, I am in college and this is the time where all the ladies get to experiment and broaden their sexual horizons. I didn't need college to broaden mine. I've only ever been attracted to girls. Now to women. Oh, maybe college did broaden it. My friends know, even Casey. He's just choosing to ignore that particular facet of my personality.

I looked up as I heard my friend Riley laugh. 'Quit it, Casey. She's not going out with you.'

She's my one of my best friends. The other one is Frost, who's currently intently listening on the lesson. At first, I didn't like her. She was kind of standoffish but we finally got along over a couple of corn dogs and now we're inseparable. There's a budding romance between her and Frost. Riley obviously likes him but Frost was too shy to make a move. He's a typical nerd. Don't worry, I'm trying to get him out of his shell. It's hard but I'm not giving up until they are together.

'And you think Professor Isles will?'

Can't say I don't have hope in my heart. But I'm sane enough to know that that's not gonna happen. First, like I said, she's probably straight. I have never had much luck with the ladies. All that I have fallen for are either straight or experimenting. It's hard knowing you're just a lab rat, especially when they go back to their boyfriends after. Second, she's probably married. She doesn't look old, at best I can guess about 30. Yeah, she's probably married with kids. If that's not enough cons, she's my professor. Odds are stacked against me hard on this. I need a hug.

'Casey, I'm not drooling. I'm just interested on what she's discussing. Stop looking at me and listen to her.'

I looked at him and he looked like a kicked puppy. I sighed. He should get it and fast because this thing with me and Maura Isles is not gonna go anytime so soon. Let's just chalk it up to that one massively stupid thing you did at College. Atleast I have a story to tell the kids.

I rolled my eyes on him before I focused back on the discussion. The chapter she was teaching was closing up and the six oclock is nearing. I picked on the edges of my notebook. I have to wait another week to see her?

'Pages 259-270, next week. I will collect it before the class starts. Are there any questions?'

She explains everything so good that almost no one has questions every after discussion. Some students still ask of course. From their questions, it was obvious that they were just trying to act smart. Professor Isles was just too nice not to call them out on it. If I had the balls, maybe I would've done that too, just so she will talk to me but no. I do fine looking like an idiot all in my own, I don't need to do it in front of the class.

'Okay, then. Dismissed.'

Not even before the last syllable of the word was said that the students were filing out of the room. It was a little disrespectful, I think. I'm savouring all the time that I can have with her and you're running out of her? If it didn't look weird, I would be here until they pry me off my seat with a crow bar. But for today, I guess Riley's tug on my arm will do.

'C'mon, Jane. We need to go to the mall before it the show closes.'

The store she was talking about was the thrift store at Wrentham. Riley was going to an engagement party this weekend and it was her good childhood friend. She wanted to look nice and asked me to tag along. I speficied that I will not be trying on anything. She always gets me to try on new clothes when she brings me. She always compliments me on my modelesque figure and that I should show it off more with dresses. Putting on a dress is dressing fancy for me so I don't do it often. When I do it, I probably was coerced by my mother or there's a gun to my head. Modesty aside, I would not deny it though. I look damn good in a dress.

I picked up my book bag and followed the three, already on their way out. Before I stepped out of the room, I glanced back to the apple of my eye and saw that she was arranging her things for another class. Another? It's night. She shouldn't be out that late. What if she gets robbed or something? She always looks glamorous. She can take care of herself for sure but what about the bad elements in this town? The're not a lot but I don't want her to be a case in point. She's a precious little cupcake that should be protected at all-Ouch! Fuck!

'Oh, shit, are you okay?'

I heard Riley vaguely.

I was thinking about her safely, I didn't even notice that I was walking into a wall. It was fogged but I heard a couple chuckles. Seriously? Freakin embarrassing. I opened my eyes and the world turned before my eyes. I was stepping backwards, hand reaching for anything that I can hold to steady me. When I didn't feel any sturdy surface, I had no choice but to sit down.

'Jane Klutzzoli.' Then Casey laughed. I'll get him later for that, promise.

'Stop it, Casey.'

I felt strong hands on my shoulders, probably Frost. I couldn't tell because Riley was just as strong as him. See? Perfect match.

I shook of the nausea and grabbed Frost's arms to stand up. I need to get out of here as soon as possible. The room's noise dropped to a zero, it's only right to assume that everyone was looking at me. They probably all stopped and gawked. That will send Professor Isles to me and I don't want our first words out of the usual teacher student pleasantries to be 'You have a huge bump on your forehead and you're cross eyed.' No Sir, I do not.

The former blobs refined to actual people and when I threw a look at Maura, she was looking at the commotion. Time to bolt. 'I'm fine, let's go.'

'What's going on?'

Crap. It was her. I heard the tell tale clicking of her high heels towards us and I almost dragged Frost and Riley out of the classroom. I bumped into some of the students that were still gawking but managed to get out of there in time.

'Jane, are you okay? Do you feel dizzy?'

I turned to Casey before I answered Riley and smacked him in the side of his stupid head. 'if Jane Klutzzoli catches on, I'm gonna end you.' I also punched him in the arm for good measure. It's evil but seeing him quirm in pain gives me so much pleasure.

'Fuck, that hurt.'

'You will get mangled if you don't stop being a dick.'

'Jane, this is not high school, it will not catch on. Why did even run into a wall?'

'Run? Hardly. I was just distracted, okay?'

I saw Frost smirk. 'Ah. You say distracted, we hear Professor Isles.'

I just grumbled. The was usually Riley's cue to save me from further teasing.

'Alright, alright. We'll go. You boys stay out of trouble.'

See? There a reason she's my bestfriend. She dragged me away from the boys, both looking confused as to where we're probably going. They don't get along that well and everything gets uncomfortable after we're gone.

We walked towards Riley's car and got in. I have dubbed Riley's red bettle Mary. The three of us has had lots of adventures and as crazy as it sounds, Mary was like the fifth member of our group. Riley immediately played her pop songs.

'Riley, c'mon. Not that trash.'

'The beat's good. Shut up.'

'Fine, I'll give you that but the lyrics, c'mon. You're better than that.'

Riley sighed. 'Jane, tell me what happened back there instead of criticizing my music taste. What kind of sexual position did you have Professor Isles in your mind for you to run into a wall?'

Yes, she knows about that. I blushed even though it was just the two of us. 'I told you I didn't run, I was walking in a normal speed.' Riley turned to me and shoot me a sassy look that got me to continue. 'Not sexual positions. You know I only do that when I'm alone.'

'When you rub one out?' She smirked and my blush deepened. I am absolutely shameless.

'I was thinking that she still had another class and it was already six. That's all. Just, you know... I wondered if she can get home safely. This part of town at night is kind of scary. She's alone and you know...'

'How noble, dear white knight. You wanna protect your queen.'

Riley's words put a good image in my mind. I could totally be her knight and I would totally love for her to be my queen. I kind of already treat her like one anyways, she just doesn't know. 'I would be concerned about you too if you had to go home at 9.'

'You are such an old person. The parties that we've been to doesn't even start at 11. She can take care of herself, Jane.'

'I know that. I'm just... stupid.'

'In love.'

We said it at the same time.

'Jinx, you owe me a coke!' Riley shouted.

'That only works if you say the same word.'

Then I looked at her knowingly. 'Right, I owe you a coke.'

We both giggled. The music from the next song filled our car and I actually found myself loving the sound. I didn't recognize the song but I knew it was sung by Ed Sheeran. Riley was a huge fan. It had a good beat. I bet I will be humming this in a day and Riley would tease me relentlessly about how she was slowly breaking my rock facade. That I was a pop girl at heart. Okay fine, maybe I am. But I will deny it until my dying days.

Riley parked outside the building and turned off the engine. 'Oh, I forgot. Are you gonna be okay this weekend?'

After being together for so long we have our weekends to a routine. It was the second happiest time of my week. Now that she wont be around for that, I contemplated going home. I haven't been since Christmas Break and I've been dodging calls from my mother all week.

Then again, alone time. I can finally run on the grounds without having to talk to someone. Yeah, sweet alone time. I like the sound of that. Also, well, you know what college students do when they're alone, right? Oh cmon, don't give me that look. We all do it! I would just be doing to the tune of Maura Isles. It's really no different that a celebrity, really, so stop with the judging, okay? Also, I'm still nineteen. Teen. Teenage. You can blame my hormones.

'Yeah, I'm good.'

'Okay, if you are gonna "make out" with Professor Isles, don't do it on my bed, okay?'

'Shut up, Riley.'

'Mmhmm.'

Silk, jersey, taffeta? Okay, that last one sounded like a candy. I'm not a girly girl as you probably know by now and I'm so lost with the words that were coming out of Riley's mouth. She has been trying dresses for more than an hour now and at least three she has passed on to me to try. I told her that I will once she's found something. That will likely come just before the store closes so I'm good. I know her just as well.

I sighed as I looked through another row of dresses. From what I understand, this is just one engagement party. How come she also has five dresses on her arm? Yes, it was all under 30 bucks but you can only wear so much frilly things. I pushed a lime green monstrosity back and saw a black number. This.. isn't bad. It actually looks nice. It had a boat neckline, a tied middle and a slit. For some reason, I wanted to try it on. This is as tame as I can get with dresses. I pulled it out of the rack and placed it on my body.

'That looks good on you. Try it.'

Riley had a big smile on her face. It was almost a mother moment for her. 'I think I might.' I checked the price tag next and I cringed, 50 dollars.

Oh.

We weren't dirt poor but my dad's business isn't exactly diamonds. He's a plumber. He's got a great reputation and almost everybody comes to him but there are three of us in school. Whatever money I have, I worked for it. I wanted to work in the school's newspaper but Financial Aid screwed me and stuck me with a library job. Anyway, fifty dollars for something that I don't know if I would get a use out of is just too much.

Riley noticed the lull and she snatched the dress from me. 'I'll buy it for you. Don't worry. My dad gave me money to buy dresses.'

'You don't have to do that, Riles. I don't even need a dress.'

'No. I am buying you a dress. You should have one and that one is a good one. No..No lip! Now try it on.'

'Okay, okay, I will. Thank you.'

I went to a dressing room. It took under a minute to get it on and it fit me like a glove. Awesome. The room had a full length mirror and I gasped when I saw myself in it. I.. looked.. good. Really good. Like those models from New York Fashion Week. Wow, maybe if I wore this to school, I might finally have a girlfriend.

'Come out, Jane. I wanna see.'

I opened the door and Riley had the same reaction as when I saw myself. It was cute and it gave me some confidence that I can actually pull it off. 'It's good, right?'

'You look amazing, are you kidding me? You should wear that to Psych class and maybe Professor hot as shit will finally notice you.'

I'm not gonna lie, she might. 'I'm not gonna wear anything different just so she can notice me. Okay, I'm getting out of this and you continue to shop.'

'Okay then.'

I looked at myself one more time before I took of the dress. I was on my way out when my phone beeped. Oh no. See, for a teenager, I'm not the most techie. I had Frost teach me how to assign ringtones for people who are calling me and of course the first one I did was for my mother. I need to be in a good mood when I answer my mother because for sure the phone call will start with a high pitched scream of the word baby. I know all mothers see their kid, no matter how old they become as their little babies but it's a bit embarrassing when she makes the world known that she still does. I stand at 5'10. I'm as far from a baby as can be.

I wanted to just let it go to voice mail like I usually do but I have done that for a week now. So with a big sigh, I pressed accept.

'Jane Clementine Rizzoli! Why have you not been answering my calls?'

I guess baby just comes when she's thrilled to hear from me.

'I miss you too, Ma. Why are you calling?'

'Riley told me that she'll go back home. You're alone in there, come home for the weekend.'

My immediate answer was no but I bit my tongue. I know I wasn't in the clear yet and aggravating her more will just send her straight to my door come Saturday morning. Trust me, no one wants that. I took a deep breath and went through the rolodex of reasons to get out of it.

'Ma, I can't. I have to study. I'm taking advantage being alone in the room.'

It was the safest I could come up with. I am here to study, am I not? I heard a sigh over the phone and I knew I had won. It was the Angela Rizzoli white flag.

'Okay fine, but baby, we miss you so much. Your father is loosing his baseball buddy. Come home real soon, okay?'

That made me a bit guilty about purposely not seeing them. I bet you're thinking right now that I'm a bad kid. I swear I'm not. And I might not be lying with the studying part. I do have a couple tests coming up.

'I will, Ma. I just need to finish some tests then I will.'

'Okay baby. Take care, alright? And call me sometime!'

'Yes I will.'

I saw Riley at the cashier ringing up the clothes. I walked to her to include mine. I need to get her at least a cupcake for this. Red velvet, she loves those. Extra cream cheese frosting. I smiled slightly as I passed the dress.

'Okay, I love you Janey.'

Janey. Ugh. That nickname will never leave me, huh? 'I love you too, Ma.'

I ended the call and slid my phone inside my bag. The cashier was done and all the dresses amounted to 320 dollars. That was some money Riley's dad gave him. Well, they're a bit well off but Riley never brags about it. The only trace of luxury on Riley is the beautiful necklace that her dad gave her on her 18th birthday. It was understatedly beautiful but I can tell it cost a lot.

When we got out of the store, I was already eight. Since she has to drive to home, she took me to the door after. I was happy that the music when we were driving home was Def Leppard. I have influenced her as well and I'm glad she actually likes the music.

'Seriously, Jane. What are you gonna do this weekend?'

'Sleep. Probably study. We've been attached at the hip ever since we started. It will be nice to have some alone time. Clean my space, probably.'

'Oh my god, please do that. I'm pretty sure there's a snake on your side of the room. I know it's your side but please Jane, pleaseeee, clean your side.'

'What? I am not that messy. That hurts.' Okay, maybe I am but she made it sound like my side is a dump site. I left a pizza box once, ONCE! And I cleaned it up as soon as I remembered I left it. After three days. I am not that messy!

'Honey, I love you and I think you're an amazing person but you are messy. Don't even deny that. Some of your dirty clothes even end up on my closet. That's how messy you are.'

I rolled my eyes. 'Fine, fine. I'm not gonna argue with you. And I'm gonna clean my room. I will surprise you when you come back. You will find my side spotless.'

'Good.' Riley parked at the curb and turned the engine off. 'I will bring you something when I come back as a prize.'

Yes, I am a sucker for positive reinforcement. Like a dog. 'Bring me food. Pizza. Burger. Nuggets!' I immediately got excited and was reminded that I was hungry.

'Deal. Okay, I have to go. I'll see you on Monday, okay? Don't sleep too much.'

'Shut up, Riley.' I leaned over the console and we hugged before I got out of the car and waved goodbye.

When I couldn't see her car anymore, I walked to the cafeteria. I should study like I said but it was still Friday and usually we would binge watch movies and eat pizza. That's exactly what I'm gonna do. We bought the entire box set of friends last week and was planning on marathoning it although we've all seen the episodes more than once. The show was magic okay? They didn't falter for the ten season run.

I was almost out of the parking lot when I saw someone getting in their car. I fully turned being the curious human being that I am and I saw that it's Professor Isles. She's only going home now? Darn. I hope she takes the best care. It looks like it's going to rain. I don't know where she lives but I hope it's close and she can get home quickly. I was still weirdly looking at her and I was glad no one was around and there was no wall to run into.

'Hmm...'

It looks like she's having trouble getting the car started. She gave a couple more tries and I felt my body starting to feel magnetized to her but finally, she got the engine to run. Okay, then. Maybe I should get going. I'm standing in the parking looking at her like a creep. Okay, yeah. You need to move. I did and my feet brought me to the holy place where they sell all the ranges of food. I'm ever thankful that I don't gain that much weight even though I eat like a construction worker after a day of work. Maybe it's the Italian in me. I mean my Ma cooks a feast that can feed 20 people and the three of us would devour everything.

I looked at the displays and saw lasagna. Score! I bought two slices of it. I went to the chip counter next and as I was about to pay, I heard the loud rain outside. My thoughts reared back to Professor Isles but Riley's voice popped into my head saying 'She can take care of herself.' She definitely can. She's maybe in her home already, curled up in a couch with her loved one watching the fire place burn and enjoy the warmth it provided. I felt jealous a bit cause even in my home we don't have a fire place and to put salt to the wound, my room heater is broken. Damn, it's gonna be a cold night.

I took the chips and bought drinks last. Obviously, alcohol was not allowed in our dorms but that doesn't stop anyone really. If you raided the mini fridges of these college students, you'll see enough booze to drink until you pass out. We have a little bit in our fridge and it's mine. Riley would never mess with that stuff. But come drinking time, she's the one always reaching for MY booze. It's a bit annoying but she's a light drunk so before she finishes it off, she's already passed out.

When I got to the room, the rain was as strong as ever. The temperature dropped rather quickly and I was shivering as I entered my cold as ice room. I don't know what it is with this wing, every friggin room is cold as hell. I quickly changed into my room outfit, a baggy sweater and some thick sweat pants and popped in Friends. I started with season one because it's just dumb if you don't. I got my food ready on the side table and the before I played, I took my hair up and put it in a bun. If someone knocks in our door right now, I would totally ignore it because I cannot let others see me like this. I don't even look at myself in the mirror. This is my ugly hour and I'm not letting anyone get in my way.

After the four episode, the lasagna was all gone. I was really hungry, don't judge me. The chips are prepped for next eating and some sodas. I let out a little burp and it was so liberating. I never burp with Riley around. I'm messy but I still have manners. I have to reel the belch back or let it out in tiny portions. Now, I can totally let it out. Alone time so far is amazing. I was always together Jane when I'm with them and I forgot the feel of just letting it all ou-

There was a knock.

'Fucking really?'

I decided to ignore it and just pressed on the volume to make it higher. I am not in the entertaining mood.. and form. No visitors. It's kinda weird though, no one knocks at out door usually. We're not the most popular. The knock went away for a bit but just as I was about to reach into my chip bowl, it was heard again.

'Hello? Is someone in here?'

I rolled my eyes. Come on, I don't want to open the door. Why do you have to sound so sad and needy whoever you are? I pulled the blanket back and walked to the mirror. I pulled my hair out of it's bun and shook it a bit. I looked down at my clothes and I just took of the sweatshirt. I was wearing a sports bra underneath and with the sweat pants, I look kind of okay. I waited however for a couple minutes before I walked to the door. Whoever it is may be gone and might have moved on to another door.

'Hello? I can hear you.'

I kicked in frustration before I went to the door. I summoned a smile before I did cause like I said, I'm messy but I have manners. The door was unlocked and I swung it back.

'Oh my...'

'I'm sorry but can you help me?'

It was Maura Fucking Isles.