Free It's Only Temporary by Jamie Pearson Page B

shower curtain, ‘Erm Alfie, I’m in the middle of a shower here.’
    ‘Yeah I know mate, I’ll be done before you are out, don’t worry.’
    ‘That’s not what I meant,’ I said but he was not listening and instead he mercifully flushed the toilet.
    ‘Bombs away!’ he shouted.
    I was expecting him to leave but to my horror he proceeded to use the toilet again, a replacement aroma quickly filled the small bathroom along with sound effects for good measure. I turned off the shower wrapped the towel around me, grabbed my belongings and ran for my room.
    Once dressed I ventured outside into the sunshine, despite my sense of frustration at my overall situation I could not help but feel uplifted by the summer weather. I set off into town and eventually came to library where I spotted a sign offering free internet access. I entered and was informed that I needed to join the library before I could use the facilities. I did not have the required proof of identity on my person only my now defunct university staff card, but the librarian helpfully pointed out that I had until five o’clock to come back before they shut.
    Heading home it dawned on me that Luci’s library would have computers and internet access, feeling a little rebellious I changed direction and soon found myself back on campus. I looked longingly at my old apartment as I passed and managed to peek through the windows of my old office. However my card did not allow me to open the door and enter.
    Being barred from my own office resulted in a flood of emotions, had anyone seen this happen? The embarrassment would be too much to cope with.
    The library was open as usual and I walked in, Brian the librarian nodded to me in recognition and seemingly had no idea I was not supposed to be there. I tried to log on with my normal access code and password but was denied.
    That was fast Robert! I cynically thought, my previous embarrassment turning to resentment.
    Approaching Brian I said, ‘Errrm, Brian is there a general access code and password?’
    ‘Yes the guest one, why would you need that?’
    ‘Erm my card appears to not be working.’ I was praying he did not ask me why.
    ‘That’s actually quite common, it’s probably best if you use your own computer in your office. The staff passwords seem to get rejected in here for some reason. I don’t know why.’
    ‘Ah, actually I am not able to get into my office at the moment.’
    ‘I see. Well this is the guest one. You won’t be able to do all the things your staff access allows though.’
    ‘Will it get me onto the internet?’
    ‘Oh yes.’
    ‘That’s great.’
    There was another email from Hank.
     
    Hi Marcus,
    How is it going? I am currently somewhere over the Atlantic and have just read your email again, this response won’t be sent to you until I land back in the US but I just wanted to let you know that I have just made my way from 1 st class back into coach and discussed you with the students.
    The simple thing is partner, the kids loved you! It’s the whole ‘English Professor’ thing you have going on and of course the way you helped us all out.
    To cut to the chase Marcus, I think we can do business. I know the University of Rockwell is probably not high on your list of choices right now, but if you felt that we might be worth a try then I can promise you that you won’t regret it.
    Let me know if there is any mileage in this? Maybe we can set up an interview with the board and a tour etc? (Travel on us of course).
    What do you think?
    Your Friend.
    Hank
     
    What did I think? I wanted to get up and run around the Library shouting, that is what I thought.
    At last! My salvation! Was it really only a week ago that I had been having dinner with Hank and his students at their Hotel? Yes it was, that seemed quite amazing considering how much my world had changed in seven days. Last Saturday Hank had insisted I have dinner with them as a way of saying “thank you” for my guidance. To