Two

**Joel's POV**

As soon as Jen was safe and secure in Isaac's care, I returned to my seat. What the literal hell was going on? I had so many damn questions, but I started with the ones I could actually get answers to.

"Who the hell posted that video?" I directed it at Sutton, but he redirected the attention back to Chancellor Lawson.

"We can't be sure who posted it."

"Okay. Well then who recorded it? I know you can find out that much. There should be security feed of them approaching my office. If we go back to when Jen was visiting with me, we can-"

"Please, Mr. Becker. Relax. We know the source of the original video, but that person has already sworn their innocence to posting it publicly." My jaw fell open, my eyes squinting in disbelief.

"And what, you just buy that shit? The video didn't post itself. Who was it? Who recorded it?" Lawson shifted in his chair, his face turning stone-like in unwavering determination.

"I can't tell you that. I don't think retaliation will help you, now. Not in your current predicament." What the fuck? I threw my hands in the air.

"Current predicament? Are you kidding? I've already lost my damn job! I don't think knowing who's to blame is too much to ask!"

"The one to blame is yourself, Mr. Becker. I understand that you're stressed, however I'd much prefer we focus on a proactive response to this rather than arguing over the unchanging details. Agree?" I met his steely blue eyes, trying to fight the surge of panic in my chest. He was right. The last thing I needed was to drive myself back into the hospital by freaking out. I dropped my gaze to the table in front of me, running my hand through my hair for the millionth time. "Good. Now. I've already contacted the site, informing them that the video was taken candidly, without permission from you or Jennifer, and they've agreed to take it down. As for the board…"

"What's this?" I glanced down at the small stack of papers he placed in front of me.

"Resignation forms." My eyes darted up to meet his.

"Resignation?"

"Yes. The board has given me permission to handle your case personally, and after a few personal references vouching for your character, I've decided not to terminate you. Instead, you'll be offered the chance to resign. As you can imagine, resigning will be a much softer blow to your professional career." Holy shit. They were letting me resign. I wasn't being fired. Well, I was forcefully quitting, but still. I shot a glance at Sutton who was smiling back at me softly.

He defended me. Just like he said he would.

Shit.

But who else did?

"You said a few? Who else spoke up for me?" I asked Lawson, a rush of relief swarming my body. I couldn't wait to tell Jen that I wasn't fired.

"Ah. Well, aside from Dr. Sutton, I was visited by another student of yours. A student who was quite determined to give you this break."

"A student?"

"Yes. My son."

What.

"June vouched for me?" I said in disbelief.

"You seem surprised."

"That's because I am. I mean, no offense, but he's not exactly been a fan of mine. I thought he hated me." Lawson smiled knowingly.

"Sometimes we do things we don't want to do for the people we care about, Mr. Becker."

Jen. He was doing this for Jennifer. I should've known. My eyes flitted back to the pages before me.

"Okay. I'll resign. But what about Jen? Will she be punished?" I picked up the weighted ink pen sporting the MU logo, rolling it in my fingers.

"She will not. However, you must understand that we can't afford to make any special allowances for her, seeing as she did participate in sexual acts in a campus faculty office."

"Okay? I wouldn't ask you to." I stated confusedly, not catching on to their implications, but Sutton cleared his throat.

"She might… face some peer problems upon her return to campus, Joel. Um, bullying. A substantial amount of the student body did see that video. I just want you to be prepared." I hadn't even thought about that. Fuck, how could I be so stupid? The little comments coming in… They were nothing. College students were fucking ravaneous. They were going to make her life hell, but what could we do? They just said they wouldn't help, and I couldn't ask Jen to drop out or transfer. Not midway through her last semester. Damn, I wished they weren't protecting that students identity. I'd kick their fucking ass into next century, student or not. They'd ruined Jen's life.

"I understand. I'll talk to her. As long as she isn't physically injured."

"Oh, that won't be tolerated, I can promise you that. We will be keeping a close eye on the situation. If we feel she's in danger, we are fully prepared to step in." I nodded my acceptance.

"Okay." With one final sigh, I prepared my hand. "Where do I sign?"

.

.

.

I was already almost home when a catchy rock anthem rang over the car speakers, flashing a familiar name across the dash.

Clarence Abernathy.

He was finally returning my call after almost a full fucking week of silence. Thank God.

I pulled off into the gas station to my right, putting the car in park while simultaneously answering the call.

"Clare. Hope things are good." I pulled my lip in, chewing anxiously. His mostly faded British accent filled the car.

"Sorry for the wait, Joel. Or should I call you the naughty Professor?" Shit.

"You heard about that, huh?" He chuckled, amusement littering his breathy laughter.

"I live in a house with three teenage boys. It didn't take long for them to recognize their own godfather getting head in his office." Fucking fuck.

"Shit." I groaned into the thick air around me, my hands finding my hair. "Sorry, man. I understand if this makes you reject my request. I don't want you to get bad publicity over this." He snorted, catching me by surprise.

"Are you joking? This is incredible publicity! Fuck, Joel. A scandal like this could increase your profits double, hell, maybe even triple."

"Well, I need all the money I could get. I lost my job today. And I found out my girlfriend is pregnant."

"Holy hell!" I chuckled at his excitement over my misery. "How many works do you have for her? As your muse? Give me all the fucking details." I scratched at my head.

"I have nineteen. Let's see… One was made in class."

"Brilliant!"

"And one is small, but it's actually the design that she has as a tattoo now."

"Good God!" I full on laughed, now. His energy was contagious as hell. "Could I stop by and have a look? I'd like to get started on the preparations as soon as possible, you know?"

"Sure. When do you think you could get me a show?" My hand travelled to my chin.

"Well, we have to strike while the irons hot. So I'd say, maybe a month max?" Damn. I'd never heard of an exhibit being thrown together that fast. I hadn't even organized my pieces yet. Shit, Jen didn't even know.

"That's fast. You have an opening for that?"

"We'll make one. This kind of thing only happens every blue moon. Star-crossed lovers who've been outcast and judged by the world. An unexpected child to spice it up! A whole fucking art exhibit telling of his undying passion for his lover! It's fantastic marketing, Joel. Trust me. Everyone will want a piece of your work after this."

I didn't know how I felt being painted as some forbidden affair, but he made a good point. Besides, I couldn't afford to be picky. We had some major decisions to make and I still had to find another job. Not to mention Jen had to somehow get through her last couple months, hormonal with jackasses messing with her the whole time. I had to be able to support her, to provide her every need and want.

And if that meant putting us out for the whole fucking world to see, I'd do it.

I just hoped she would agree.

"Okay. How does tomorrow morning sound?" I glanced at the clock. Shit! Jen would be leaving for work any minute. I hoped she called in. Maybe I should've asked Isaac not to let her go. I didn't want her leaving before I got back.

"Sounds great. I'll see you, lets see, ten o clock?"

"Yea. God knows I've got nothing else to do." I laughed humorlessly, resting my forehead against the steering wheel. Clarence's voice softened.

"Hey. You're a good man, Joel. You just take care of that woman and let me handle the rest."

"Thanks." I mumbled.

"Oh, and Joel?" I lifted my head an inch.

"Yea?"

"Congratulations. On your babe. There's nothing quite like being a dad. And I know you'll be the best damn dad that child could have." A smile warmed my lips, drowning out the anxiety, the dread of the unknown that threatened to snare me.

A dad. I was going to be a dad.

Somehow that simple reminder rejuvenated my spirits, gave me the strength needed to keep marching on. I had a baby coming. I was doing this for them. For my girlfriend.

For the woman I hoped to someday make my wife.

For our future.

For my muse.

For my family.