Sweet Rapture, Chapter 2                                                    - 2 - As she mulled over the gloomy situation, Alessandra briskly walked, with head bent, unconcerned with those around her.  Therefore, so intent in her own thoughts, she had not noticed that she passed her friend Max without any acknowledgment.  He ran after her and grabbed her by the arm. ?Hey ... hey ... hey ... Alex, what?s going on??  His hazel eyes narrowed suspiciously.  To anyone who did not know him, his mannerism was innocent.  Yet to Alessandra, she could notice the tell tale swish of his wrist, the air of femininity in his pose and the way he looked at her intently like a wounded bird. ?I haven?t heard from you in weeks.  Remember me?  What?s up?  Girl, you look awful.?  The tall, African American man glanced over her like a concerned mother inspecting their child, his best Auntie Mame persona evident in his stature. ?I?m so sorry baby, I didn?t see you.?  Alessandra stroked his dreadlocks and gave a weak smile.  Comfortable with their friendship, Max released a slight smile as he took her hand in his.  Even as her heart seemed like it was breaking, the exotic student felt her friend?s compassion through his touch.  Glancing down, Alessandra noticed the contrast of their flesh, his light brown, almost dusky skin against her white flesh.  The thought reminded her of the Native American woman, her dark silky hair, and brown skin that beckoned to be touched.  With a shake of her head, Alessandra looked up at her friend. ?I?ve just been so down; I didn?t want to see anyone.?  Her brows furrowed deeply and tears welled in her eyes.  Maxwell Washington was worried at her impending tears, as he had never seen her cry before. ?I?m in love with her Max,? Alessandra blurted out right before burying her head in his chest.  With an almost confused expression, he wrapped her with his tanned muscular arms and held her close. ?Her?  Who??  Puzzled, the young man glanced down at her, trying to understand who the cause of his friend?s tears was. ?J-Justine? WolfRider??  The raven-haired student cried, right before burying her face against his chest. ?You?ve got to be kidding, grrl!  Is that why you attended the classes with me? I found it strange, but I would have never thought you had it for the Professor.  Why didn?t you tell me?? ?I don?t know.?  Her skin turned a crimson shade as she lowered her eyes in embarrassment. ?Well, I?m glad you finally came to your senses and dumped that unthinking, prejudiced homophobic jerk!  But?? he chuckled.  ?My professor?  This is just too weird!?  Max threw his head back, rolling his eyes for emphasis, as a chuckle escaped his control. ?She can?t stand me.?  Alessandra?s features grew pensive.   ?What makes you say that??  Max?s voice grew soft with concern as he wrapped an arm over her shoulder for comfort. ?She is always so? indifferent, almost hostile towards me.?  She lowered her head in defeat. ?Maybe she?s attracted to you, have you ever thought about that??  The energetic young man nodded sagely as he pointed a finely manicured finger her way. ?No Max ... I think she is straight and picked up on my feelings.?  Sorrow etched Alessandra?s features. ?You?re such a defeatist, challenge her!  You got nothing to lose, so go for it girl!  It would be your word against hers anyway.?   Maxwell Washington held her tight and kissed the crown of her head.  ?And if she doesn?t see how fine you are, girlfriend, just drop her like a bad habit,? the dusky man stated firmly as fingers rose in the air and snapped with a flair before looking back down at his friend.  ?Now you listen to your girlfriend, you get this taken care of, and if she doesn?t see what?s in front of her face, do like I did to my last boyfriend.  I just washed that man right out of my hair!?  He smiled as he imitated the actress from the musical. Alessandra chuckled at the comment and kissed him on the cheek, her emerald eyes sparkling once again. ?You are the best friend anyone could ever want and I am so glad you are mine honey ? thank you for being you.? ?I aim to please??  Max hugged her once more while letting out a soft chuckle. ?I need to run to a class, but let?s go have Thai food tonight? my treat Grrl!  And I?ll even pick you up!? ?You got it, Can?t wait to ride that motorbike of yours again.?  Her eyes crinkled mirthfully as she began to walk away, then glanced back and called, ?I?ll be home for the rest of the afternoon, call me!? ~~~~~~ Alessandra had been preparing all night ready for the confrontation.  After great deliberation, she weighted her options and decided to go for broke.  What could happen?  She had imagined the best and worse scenarios and well, the thought was not too comforting in either case.  The young woman gathered her courage and knocked on Justine Wolfider?s office door. ?Come in.?  The professor?s alto voice was cheerful. Alessandra opened the door and entered the small office noticing that it was as fascinating as the tenant was.  A black, red and white Navajo rug hung on one of the walls. A dream catcher and a medicine wheel lightly swung on the window frame. Alessandra felt her throat closing spastically and sudden nauseating spurts of adrenaline coursed through her veins.  Justine lifted her head and removed her glasses in astonishment. Alessandra leaned against the office wall and felt a chill running through her spine as she declared with a strained voice.  ?My name is ?? Alessandra?s face grew ashen. ?I know who you are, Ms. Akhtar.?  Justine interrupted her, her dark gaze holding the student.