The 100 Word Challenge is back where it once belonged here. This week's entry is called "Last Chance".
“Isn’t there anything I can do?,” she asked me imploringly. I sat back in my chair and looked up at her. She had failed my class spectacularly-completing one of the four assignments, and that one poorly. She was beautiful- then again, most women are between ages 18 and 22. Her blouse was unbuttoned just past the point that seemed necessary, her skirt showed a generous expanse of leg, and she didn’t seem shy. I don’t know why I waited-perhaps the cruel side of me wanted to make her think she had a chance of success.
“No,” I said evenly.
I went to a prestigious women's college and didn't expect this to happen there, but it still did.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad that there is something in society that leads some young women to think they can rely on their looks and/or favors to succeed. Perhaps it's that this young lady's approach sometimes works.
ReplyDeletethoroughly enjoyed this
ReplyDeleteIt's kind of a joke, but it's really not-the old "blonde unbuttons her blouse after getting pulled over for speeding" trick. It's sad that it happens, it's sad that it works, and it makes me even sadder today when I realize that looks, no matter how spectacular, eventually fade.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad this ended the way it did.
ReplyDeleteIt's wrong that some people get chances that others don't just because they look good, but I think it's equally wrong that people are sometimes respected less for the same reason. It seems to me you kind of touched on that with the teacher's hesitation, so well done.
I always secretly feel that way, the same way I admire Billy Joel or Brad Pitt-wouldn't it be great to be rich and talented, or earth shatteringly attractive?
ReplyDeleteMy wife (who happens to be earth shatteringly attractive) pointed out the flaw in this plan. Yeah, so you're attractive. OK. 1) You won't always be-you're not going to be 22 forever. 2) You can't ever know whether people like you for you, or like you because you're hot. 3) You can't ever know whether anything you ever did is yours honestly, or whether someone gave it to you because you're hot.
Thank you for noticing the hesitation. Having been a man all my life, I am pretty sure the hesitation is part simple cruelty (make her think it is going to work), part wish, (boy, I wish I were the sort of person who would do that-she's pretty hot) and part consideration (is there any possible way I could get away with it?)
If we had more than 100 words, the flip side is also interesting-his reputation is nearly as damaged if she just falsely says he propositioned her.
What nuances within 100 words. I feel sorry for the young lady. Well-done.
ReplyDeleteNice Job! Thought (and conversation) provoking.
ReplyDeleteI like the different take, from the professor's viewpoint. Nicely done.
ReplyDelete