I was in my second year of college when I got Mr. Moran for Psych 201. I'd just transferred into Iona from Florida State, where, incidentally, I left my parents. I was 19, on my own, and his was my first class in my new college.
I'd heard the girls talk about Mr. Moran. They spoke as if he was so incredibly sexy - my interest was peaked. I sat at one of the front tables and waited for class to begin.
This must be him. I watched as a tallish man came into the room, briefcase in hand, neatly dressed. He looked to be about 40-45, a bit overweight, salt and pepper hair, and he seemed hurried. Like he'd been late. I looked at my watch. He was late. This is not what I expected.
Then he turned to face the class.
A charismatic smile crossed his face as he addressed the class.
"Good morning," he began. "I am Professor Moran, and I do not mind if you call me Ken, or Kenny.
Not Kenneth.
I will, in return, address you in the same manner. In this class we will be spending a great deal of time discussing Freud and Jung, and their various theories on sexuality as it impacts one's psyche. If you are uncomfortable with such talk..." he paused for comic effect, "......you get a transfer or an F. You choose."
The class chuckled. I began to see what the girls found enticing about the guy. He was charming. He drew the class in immediately with his casual demeanor. He had a friendly smile. That meant a lot - I was scared to be on my own, and "Kenny" seemed like a nice enough guy. I would enjoy this class.
A couple of months passed, and everyone in class was so familiar with everyone else by this time, that joking and double entendre were bantered about with ease. Kenny had an easy smile and a great laugh, and I now knew why the girls thought he was sexy. I agreed with them. Something about him...couldn't put my finger on what. I asked my seatmate, Lauren, what she thought of Ken.
"
Mmmmm
, he makes me crazy!" Lauren answered enthusiastically. Lauren and I were very open with each other. Let's face it, since I'd moved into the dorm, Lauren and I were more than open. We were lovers. But we always appreciated the sexy men we'd run across.
I had a thing for older guys, and I began entertaining thoughts about Ken. I'd confided to Lauren about my fantasies, and she listened with interest. I confessed that sometimes, when we were together intimately, I pictured myself under Ken, instead of Lauren. The confession turned her on.
"We should do something about that then, babe," Lauren suggested.
Uh oh,
I thought,
I am scared of where she is going with this....but I like it, I like it!
We made plans.
Kenny was always flirting with the girls in class. Innocently enough, of course, but every once in a while, I'd notice that he'd retreat to stand behind his desk, shifting uncomfortably, eventually finishing the class seated squarely behind his desk, not moving till the last student had left the classroom.
Today, the class was moaning, but not from any suggestive talk. There was a project due.
"I want you to pair up," Ken started, "and do an indepth analysis of the Jungian theory of sexuality as it impacts dreams. No less than 6 pages, no more than 10, double spaced, small font,
no pictures!
" he ended his direction with a wry smile. The class laughed. Ken smiled, his blue-green eyes crinkling up. I smiled at him, trying to make eye contact. He caught my smile and smiled back. I looked away. I was still a shy lass - the only person I'd ever been physical with was Lauren. I'd never been with a man before. But I sure wanted the experience.
Lauren took the initiative. She always did. "Professor K, Valerie and I are working together for this project, but we're gonna have trouble. Can we make an appointment to talk to you?"
Ken looked curious. I'm sure he was thinking
already they know they are going to have trouble?
But he let it slide and agreed - we could come see him at 4 at his office in Doorley Hall.
I looked at Lauren, surprised. "What the hell are you doing?" I whispered to her. "What are we going to talk to him about?" She just smiled, and whispered back.