Chapter 5: Chapter 5: All in the Wild
"Technological marvels like sound recording, advanced cameras, innovative editing techniques, and evolving narrative styles have rendered cinema more captivating and immersive," Mr. Martin, my film professor, elucidated with a flourish.
Our classroom was a far cry from the stereotypical image of disinterested college students. Each one of us was there, fueled by a fervent passion for the craft. We were united by a common desire: to conjure up worlds of fantasy and bring them to life on screen for audiences to lose themselves in.
Yet today I couldn't seem to avoid daydreaming of the guy next door in all his glory. His hard grip on the lawnmower; how he pushed it effortlessly, his well-defined muscles rippling with each movement. I've never thought of sweat to be that erotic, especially with how they traced a path from his forehead, meandering down his neck to his collarbone. And don't let me start on his Adam's apple. The way it bobbed as he took a swig of water, and that sly, knowing smirk of his sent my head spinning.
"I am delighted to see you so engrossed in the lecture, Miss Mandy," Mr. Martin's voice pierced through my reverie, taking a good five seconds to anchor me back to the present. My abrupt return to reality, accompanied by a hasty straightening of my posture, elicited laughter from the entire class, much to my chagrin.
oh, boy.
"I'm simply enamored with my major," I quipped, attempting to deflect, which only incited another wave of laughter.
"I see..." Mr. Martin drawled, peering over his round spectacles in a way that signaled an impending challenge.
"What do we mean by the Silent Era?" he inquired, predictably. I took a deep breath, cleared my throat, and dove into my response.
"The Silent Era denotes the epoch in which films were crafted without synchronized soundtracks, a limitation born from the era's technological constraints. The essence of cinema during this time lay in the potency of visual storytelling—silent films that spoke volumes. Icons like Charlie Chaplin ascended to stardom, captivating audiences without uttering a single word," I concluded, my smile reflecting a sense of achievement.
Thankfully, my habit of studying ahead paid off.
"Excellently articulated. Let that be your assignment for this week. Craft a 1500-2000-word essay, analyzing a pre-1930 film, focusing on the discourse it generated. Select a film from the era we've discussed, and you may consider the works of actors and actresses listed on the school portal," Mr. Martin instructed, continuing to outline the task.
While hands-on projects sparked excitement, the prospect of research seemed to drain the enthusiasm from the room, as evidenced by the collective groans and murmurs of discontent.
"And for your additional assignment..." Mr. Martin announced, prompting a chorus of groans.
"On a Monday, no less," grumbled a student from the far end.
"Don't care." Mr. Martin retorted, eliciting a smattering of chuckles.
"The dean's announcement regarding Valentine's Day hasn't escaped your notice, I presume?" he suddenly asked, and I almost groaned. Not this again! To my surprise, the room brightened with smiles—well, mostly from the ladies.
"I'll take your silence as affirmation. Incorporate something about the holiday in your work. We mustn't fall behind. Have a splendid day," he concluded. And with that, Mr. Martin made a swift exit from the lecture hall, as if pursued by the very spirit of Valentine's Day itself.
"I'm convinced that professor's heart was broken in his youth. I mean, why else would he be always so sour," Tanya, my deskmate, remarked with a scoff as we began to pack up our things.
"Do you really think so?" I amused, adjusting my backpack.
"I don't just think; I know."
"In case you forgot, he's married, Tanya."
"That doesn't negate the possibility of him still pining for his first love," she retorted with a snort, prompting an eye roll from me.
"You're just looking for reasons to support your theory," I pointed out, which was undeniably true—Tanya had a knack for being right.
"Or perhaps he's just frustrated. Maybe his wife did not him to co—"
"Don't you dare complete that sentence," I interjected sharply, cutting off her risqué speculation as we exited the lecture hall.
"Oh, come on, Mandy. What's wrong with saying 'coming'? Perhaps his wife didn't want him to come to school today," Tanya teased, her cheeky tone eliciting a chuckle from me.
"Fine, I'll take your word for it." I gave in. The last thing I wanted was to start an argument I was never going to win.
Stepping outside, we were greeted by the bustling campus life. Students hurried along the pathways, some lounging on the grass engrossed in conversation or study. It was February, and the university was abuzz with the arrival of new students, evident from the sight of several hauling their belongings.
"At least the additional assignment promises some fun," Tanya's voice pulled me back to the present. "You know, the fourteen days leading up to Valentine's."
"You're not seriously into that nonsense, are you?" I groaned, weary of the topic.
"Nonsense? Oh my goodness, Mandy, you're really jaded. How can someone as lovely as you be so cynical about Valentine's Day?" she exclaimed dramatically, making me question why she wasn't pursuing a career in theatre like Lizzy.
"What does my disinterest in Valentine's Day have to do with anything?" I protested, frustrated by the constant association with the overhyped holiday.
"It's everything! Every girl looks forward to this day all year. A single day is hardly sufficient for romance, and the excitement of extending it to two full weeks is wonderful! How can you not be thrilled by that?" Tanya continued, her enthusiasm undiminished.
"And what exactly are these 'extraordinary romantic things' that couples are supposed to do during these fourteen days that they don't do every day?" I asked, my skepticism clear.
"It's not about what people do. It's about the thrill of knowing that we have fourteen days dedicated to it. You know like having sex in a dark corner knowing you might get caught?" I cringed, looking at her wiggling her eyebrows at me suggestively and wondered how we ended up with the sex talk. "And let's not forget, it's an opportunity to explore new... intimacies. I've heard there are over four hundred—
"Please for the love of everything that lives, if you say any sexual thing I will strangle you!" I cut her short again, mortified by her shamelessness.
Why did I have such shameful friends?
I'm not like that! I have never been like that but somehow, I seemed to be attracting people like that. Tanya's laughter rang out, unapologetic and infectious.
Tanya was a force of nature. When we first met, her youthful appearance and slender frame belied her true age and mischievous nature. She had a way with words, unfiltered and unrestrained.
"Aww, my sweet, innocent Mandy," Tanya cooed, giving me a playful look as she reached to pinch my cheeks, which I deftly avoided.
"Lighten up, will you? Instead of dwelling on the inevitable, why not immerse yourself in something thrilling? and embrace the spirit of the season," she nudged me gently, a twinkle in her eye. Associating the 'sprit of season' with February sounded...wrong. Nevertheless, at her suggestion, my mind wandered to something thrilling. Something that got my heart race and blood rush. Something or someone close to shirtlessness.
"Perhaps someone like the one who had you daydreaming in class?" Tanya's voice snapped me back to reality, and I turned to her in surprise. Her gaze was curious, then shifted to one of playful mischief, drawing laughter from me.
"And why would you assume I was daydreaming about someone? I could've been thinking about a movie I saw," I scoffed, tightening my grip on my bag strap.
Tanya snorted. "Please. You were practically glowing. That soft smile, the far-off look, your eyes all wide and dreamy—you looked like you were in a romance novel."
My face lit up with heat, and I let out a nervous laugh, brushing a hand through my hair. "You're imagining things," I muttered, though even I could feel the lingering warmth in my cheeks.
We continued through campus, talking and laughing at the weird things Tanya said. Moments like this reminded me of the beauty of her company—it was nearly impossible to stay downcast around her.
That is, until I spotted an all-too-familiar figure heading our way.
Just my luck.