Page 31 of Be My Valentine

(Alphonse Karr)

Kate loved Columbia University. The lawns were beautifully manicured, and the building had an antique feel to it. It was especially beautiful in the evening when the lights came on and the sunset still sweetened the sky. It was perfect. Knowledge and wisdom immortalised in stone. She was too sentimental, but she couldn’t help it. She loved studying and she had missed that view like air. She just wanted to get back where she belonged. Not in a law firm, a pub, or a charity. Everything she was doing at that moment had the sole purpose of getting her back there. But not until her mother was completely self-sufficient and the hospital bill was paid off. She wondered if the work at the foundation would continue after the auction they were organizing. Probably not. Events like this didn’t happen every month, but at most twice a year. Right then, though, she needed to focus on her task. She could be melancholy later, alone in bed, when not even her mother would hear her.

“Are you okay, Kate?”

She nodded.

“I’m taking you to the English literature department. I know someone who can maybe help.”

“English literature?” Emma was sceptical.

“Professors also socialize with each other, I’m sure he can direct us to someone and that way we won’t just show up as a foundation but will be introduced by a colleague. We’ll have a better chance of being heard or at least getting an appointment quickly. I’m worried, Emma, two weeks to organize such a big event! We mustn’t mess up!”

“Oh my God, how dramatic you are! At the very least we’ll call a string quartet and announce a themed party, maybe a masquerade ball. Some people love that kind of weirdness. Of course, I couldn’t disguise myself, with this bump I’m recognizable from a mile away. I could disguise Phil.” she gave a mischievous smile thinking of her husband “Or Mark.” this time the tone was wicked “I would force him into the most ridiculous costume possible. A court jester would be perfect, can you see him with a jingle hat on?”

Kate couldn’t help but laugh.

“We’re here. Let’s keep it down. Sit over here,” she pointed to a small couch, “I’ll ask the department head.” But she didn’t need to.

“Miss Donovan! At last! I’ve never been so happy to see anyone!” Kate would have hugged him at that exact moment. Professor Ross, a legend in the department, the professor she had asked to be tutored by for her final thesis, extended a hand to her, smiling.

“Professor! It’s good to see you!”

“Are you back? Can we pick up where we left off?”

“Not yet.” she said sadly, then added, “Meet Mrs. Emma Cannon, representative of the Holmes & Arrow Women’s Charity, we’d like to ask you a huge favor.”

“If it helps to get you back, tell me all about it.”

Emma watched this exchange with curiosity.

“Let’s go to my study.”

Kate took Emma’s hand and squeezed it, giving her a satisfied look.

“Is that what you’re doing now?” Thundered Professor Ross’ voice after hearing their request. Kate wished she could disappear; she had definitely hoped for a different outcome “Do you know how old I am?”

“I was really out of line. We’re leaving right now.” She didn’t have time to get to her feet.

“Sit down!” He ordered her in a peremptory voice and Kate fell back in her chair in a flash.

“Do you know how old I am?” Professor Ross repeated.

“Not exactly.” Kate replied, uncertain.

“I need a good assistant. Someone to fill in for me in classes if my joints act up, to go to literature conventions and represent me when I don’t feel like traveling, someone to give seminars exactly the way I want them. In short, Donovan, I need you, here and soon! And now you’re coming after me for what? For a charity? I can’t believe it! you!” he pointed a finger at her “My brightest student is now in public relations, after dropping out last semester!”

“I didn’t drop out.” specified Kate “I need to sort some things out…”

“Yes, you had already told me that, forgetting to let me know that you were going to disappear! What the heck happened to you?”

“Family issues. I should be able to come back in June.”

“June? A whole semester? Are you out of mind? Do you know how many people there are ready to fight for your position? I can’t wait for you.”

“I realize that…”

“March, I want you here in March.”