Persistant Assistant

Someone was knocking at the door. He frowned, and continued packing his bag. Whoever it was would either go away or wait. It wasn't locked, yet. Too many students sought him out. His students, at least, knew they could find him here at the oddest hours.

Another knock came as he shoved the last book away and closed the flap. Hefting the bag and the two others he routinely carted around, he went to the door and opened it.

He arched a brow at the raised fist, quickly dropped and the young man it belonged to.

"Dr. Prescott? Good evening."

He was older than his average student, tall and leanly muscled. He wore dark blue pants so new they still had the creases in them and his lighter blue dress shirt was tucked carefully in to avoid bulges. The wingtip shoes looked new, too and he wore -of course- blue argyle socks. Wire-rimmed glasses rode in his dark hair and his clear blue eyes reflected the smile curving his lips.

When Prescott didn't reply to the greeting or the offered handshake, the young man cleared his throat and stepped back.

"I'm sorry to bother you Doctor. I'm Dharvin Graves. I applied for the position as your research assistant. I know-"

He trailed off as Prescott stepped around him and moved off down the hall. If he was determined enough, he would keep up.

And he did. Dharvin caught him a few seconds later.

"I know you've had a lot of applicants, and I apologize for bugging you, but it's been three months since I submitted my app and I was curious as to whether or not you actually planned to have an assistant this term."

He ran out of air and stood quietly for a moment. Prescott pressed the down button on the elevator and watched him. Silence was a wonderful way to find out what someone was thinking. It tended to make others nervous, wondering what you were thinking. His students hated it. When the elevator opened, Prescott stepped in and pressed the button for the ground floor. As the doors began to close, Dharvin jumped in and gave him a sheepish grin.

So far, he was rather charming.

"I'm sure you're aware of just how important a few years as your assistant can be to an aspiring scientist. I can write my own ticket if I have you on my resume. Of course, I know it's very likely that I'm not the one you chose, but...I got antsy. I'm dedicated, meticulous and obsessive. I know I can make you an excellent assistant, if you just give me a chance. "

Prescott adjusted his bags and glanced up at the numbers ticking by on the panel. Soon the bell dinged and the doors opened. He stepped out, and Dharvin followed him.

"Rumor says you don't talk much," he began again, "and the rumor appears to be true. The same rumor says you are an exceptional listener, and you look for the same thing in your assistants. Honestly, I need work in that area, but if anyone can teach me I'm sure it's you."

Prescott stopped by his car and fished out his keys. Dharvin clasped his hands together and sighed. As he loaded his bags into the backseat, he stopped to open one. He pulled out a large sheaf of papers and an envelope, handing both to the earnest young man before him. Puzzled, he tore open the envelope and a check floated to the ground. When he stooped to pick it up, Prescott slid into his car.

Dharvin stuffed the check back into the envelope without looking at it and eyed Prescott. The door was still open, and he started the car. Looking crushed, Dharvin looked at the papers in his hand. Prescott knew exactly what the top page said, as he had forwarded the email just before packing his bags . He watched Dharvin's face split into a huge grin.

Dean Martin,

Please be advised that I have chosen my research assistant for the upcoming sessions. His name is Dharvin Graves and his submission is nothing short of brilliant. Please forward the enclosed check and the forms needed to bring this young man to our university as soon as possible. I look forward to working with him.

T Prescott

The delighted young man looked up at him and that grin got even bigger if such a thing was possible. "I got the job," he said softly.

"If I had any doubts -which I didn't after reading your thesis- your monologue dispelled them. Would you like to see where you'll be living and working for the next four years?"

Prescott smiled as Dharvin dashed around the back of the car and hopped inside.