Fall in love in a weekwe get by

“Painting is more interesting,” I answered in a low voice, leaning closer to Norwood. – I shouldn’t be a professor. My mind is not thoughtful enough for such exciting heights. Or the depths?

“And you can clarify. He will rejoice."

– I'm afraid.

“In vain. Who doesn’t dream of diving into the depths with Volger? Or rise to heights. With him. Take a look at the front rows. Everyone is already floating there.”

“That’s it,” I agreed. She glanced sideways at the guys further down the row who had pricked up their ears and took a notepad and pen out of her bag. She moved closer to Norwood, as far as the chair would allow, and put the notepad on the armrest. She wrote: “We were soaring even before the lecture started. Don’t let your beloved alchemy end up in such company!”

“Our sunshine. Darling. Sweetie. Sweeties. Cutie. Pretty girl. How was it… Blue Eyes! Brilliant.

When I decide to write my memoirs, a series of enthusiastic epithets dedicated to Herr Wolger by the floating maidens will take pride of place in them. Join us. The list must be impressive, otherwise it will not reflect all the depth and height.”

“Bunny,” I suggested. – Kitty. You can also gopher. Yes, gopher. Every day my brain produces exclusively zoological associations. Cute touching meerkat. Exciting, like the thrill of the tip of a steppe fox’s tail.”

We sat with our shoulders pressed tightly together, and I suddenly thought that Norwood’s penchant for malice was transmitted through touch, even through clothing. Otherwise, why do I now take such pleasure in slander?

“Yes, you are a poet, Miss Blair. I give a standing ovation. But we haven't touched on botany yet! We need to consult with Chester. Leusolia tremulous and chaotic is not suitable.”

If only I knew what this same Leuzolia is! And why is she not only reverent, but also chaotic.

“As far as I have come to know Mr. Fully, no botanical association with Herr Wolger will be favorably received by him. His plants don’t deserve such comparisons, do they?”

“Who’s going to ask him? This is all for the benefit of science! That part of it that is loved by a thoughtful and activity-hungry mind.”

“I passed.”

– And then I thought – why the Moon?! Yes, the beautiful Selene, sung by ancient poets, is our closest companion, but why not Venus, the embodiment of beauty, born from sea foam? The goddess Cypris, who excited the minds of more than one young creator! Why not the great Saturn? Not the mythical Phaeton, the son of the Sun, and not the Sun itself?! The Great Cosmos is interconnected, and it would be madness to deny its influence on the earth’s surface and especially on the tides, this is the embodiment of the elements!

“Kingdom for earplugs! I lived a great life without hearing this nonsense!”

“Be patient. Difficulties strengthen you.”

This time, Volger appeared on Norwood’s sheet with a massive crown on his head, sitting on a hummock with the inscription “Great Cosmos”. I reached out to the sheet and bloodthirstyly drew a wave hanging over it with a concave crest. She whispered in Norwood's ear:

– The embodiment of the element of verbiage. Sorry, I'm not an artist by any means.

– Me too. But with such a background, you won’t want to, but you will become a “young creator.”

My whisper did not bother Volger, but he reacted instantly to Norwood’s phrase spoken only a little quieter than in an undertone.

– Is there something unclear to you, colleague Norwood? There is time allotted for questions after the lecture, but I will be happy to answer you right away.

“What are you saying, colleague Volger,” he responded, “everything is very clear.” I am reciting the main points of your outstanding speech to help me remember it better.

I had a hard time suppressing the urge to do the classic “hand-face.” She just asked, again switching from a whisper to a pen and notepad:

“You don’t know how long this will last?”

“Given the element of verbiage? At least two hours. And if you add to them the floating maidens with questions and delight – all three. Be strong."

I just sighed. “What should I do?” Norwood twirled the pen in his fingers, almost like a cowboy twirled a revolver. And I spontaneously added: “Are you playing “battleship”?”

He glanced at me with something like cheerful disbelief.

“The last time was a long time ago. Let's get started."

I quickly outlined the field and ships. She tore out a piece of paper from her notebook to record moves. She whispered with only her lips:

– Start.