Chapter 16 Freaky Monday

14:45, 29 April 2021

Alan couldn't believe how students' heartwarming welcome affected him, he was about to have an introductory lecture to his chosen class, which were the incoming fourth year students about how to succeed in their chosen career in the show business and what to expect from it. The venue was to be conducted in the regular classroom as intended for the students, but the enormous number of participants proves to be a challenge, Dean Decker made impromptu adjustments and decided to use the auditorium instead. Students wanting to hear him lecture. For real. Was greatly astonishing. Alan Rickman couldn't believe it either to be popular among the younger generation; it was a fleeting sensation when people recognize your work, appreciates and takes time to understand the complex yet bizarre world of acting. Be it working on screen or not.

Recognition and appreciation that's exactly how Alan is feeling at the moment, talking to a large audience such as this might make a beginner like him nauseous but he was feeling rather energize and excited.

"If we have assets less liabilities equals equity in accounting then we have, perseverance less malice equals success! Talent can be acquired through hard work and discipline. A gifted person with no drive is good as dead you might not be born as a genius on your chosen field but you can make use of your time to improve. Believing in yourself can make a huge difference." Alan began showing the students power point presentations regarding the subject.

His lecture about to come into an end.

"Do things that will make you happy! Have no regrets! Embrace the change and be the change in this world of norms, be the change that will make a lasting impact in this industry you choose. Leave a legacy. Thank you."

A booming sound of clapping echoed all throughout. There were even 'I love you Alan!' chants and whistled cheers. Alan smiled and the girls went gaga over it.

"Girls, control those raging hormones good gracious."

[Audience chuckling]

"On behalf of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Department, as well as Mr. Rickman himself, let me thank you for this rewarding participation, we were astounded at how you accepted him here in KCL. Thank you very much." Chloe and Alan bowed.

[Audience began clapping]

"Without anymore delaying the highlight of this special event, here is Mr. Alan Rickman to answer your questions."

Alan stepped closer as Dean Decker handed him a wireless microphone. "Well... hello again so um... early birds who drop their names on the 'inquiry drop box' outside the auditorium will have a chance to have a one-on-one conversation with yours truly... first up, Ms. Claire Summers?"

A black haired woman in a horn-rimmed glasses stands up, her friends were all giddy including herself who couldn't help her happiness and excitement. Alan nods on her direction, in acknowledgment and the woman as quietly as possible squeals. Alan chuckled together with the audience.

"Um..." she began fanning herself suddenly feeling warm, "are you going to quit acting?"

"I'm confused. Do you mean acting or directing? They're quite synonymous on my understanding."

"Acting, I mean, on the big screen. We just love seeing you act but it could be both if that's what makes you comfortable Sir."

"I won't abandon theatre acting, as well as directing if given the chance for sure, but regarding movie projects I'm afraid indefinite appearances will be put on hold. I wanted to spend more time with my daughter and concentrate on teaching here."

"That's kind of okay. I guess. Thank you Mr. Rickman."

Alan picked again into the drop box of another lucky name. "George Wright." A tall guy with blonde hair whom Alan could see in the distance stands up from the crowd. His looks and stance reminded him of the jocks you typically meet in college, a popular kid to be exact.

"How you doing Mr. Rickman?"

"Decently okay." Alan respond and George smiles.

"My question is that, does teaching had been your passion or just recently? And why choose KCL?"

"That's supposed to be questions isn't it George?"

George shrugs then grins, the audience laughs at his guilty expression.

"Very well, to answer your queries Mr. Wright, I believe teaching and directing is one and the same. And I wanted to impart my knowledge on youngsters like you hoping to at least give you a glimpse on what to expect in the show business. And without Dean Decker's persistency I wouldn't have consider teaching here. So, thank you Chloe."

"You're not that old Mr. Rickman, in all honesty."

Here Alan laughs and thanks the young man. The one-on-one portion extended for about an hour and a half. Alan shakes the hands of the audiences he passes by as he turns his way at the exit door. Most of them were genuinely pleased to see him. Loosening his tie and unbuttoning the first two buttons of his suit he rounded the corridor, he froze and stepped back.

Benedict Cumberbatch was walking side by side with Jasmine. Determine to leave them alone, Alan attempted to return to the faculty room and enjoy feeling his own office in a university, but his feet wouldn't move. Then his head leaned forward to peek around the corner. Just to check on her, of course.

Benedict edged toward her, but Jasmine smiled instead of retreating, did she like his advances? Didn't she know Benedict is a married man? It was none of Alan's business and he should leave but neither his feet nor his head was cooperating.

Cocking his head in a way Alan was beginning to despise, Benedict leaned closer and kissed the back of her hand. Alan's teeth clenched as he waited for Jasmine to run away from him. Much to his surprise she didn't. Benedict evidently took that as permission to do more, but when he tried to pull her into a hug, she stepped to the side and giggled.

A pent-up breath escaped Alan as she walked away leaving Benedict to follow.

"Git." Alan grumbled, surprised the word slipped from his mouth. He shouldn't even care but Jasmine needed to be more careful. Why hadn't she noticed the ring on his hand? Why hasn't she avoided him? The man in question is now a father to a son. Hadn't Jasmine known that?

Alan retreated his steps determined not to let Benedict upset him. Jasmine was surely smart enough to recognize a lothario when she saw one. He decided to follow them.

Jasmine was stunned to see none other than Benedict Cumberbatch in the vicinity of KCL, apparently he was lost and was wondering why hadn't he seen a single student roaming around the area. Jasmine had to explain to him that Alan Rickman was having his introductory lecture on the auditorium, knowing how famous he is, fifty percent of the students population attended the lecture, even though they already took Alan's curriculum.

Apparently, Benedict himself was invited also by the forensic department as a special guest. Since the growing fandom of BBC's Sherlock Holmes is highly contagious. Knowing Benedict before, she volunteered to escort him to the forensic department. She was surprised when he suddenly kisses her hand as his way of saying thank you.

Benedict narrates to her how Sophie's [his wife] reaction was to her barfing scene. He said he never saw his wife laughed like that in which he attempted to hug her again saying thank you in which she coyly avoided.

They were heading straight to the forensic division when Alan suddenly stepped in. Her breath hitch. She was beginning to have the worse Monday when she missed his lecture in the auditorium due to her prior engagement with another professor.

"Fancy meeting you here Benedict."

"Lord Alan of the Rickman." Benedict began imitating Alan's voice, acknowledging the other.

Jasmine knew something was off the way Alan's brow quirk at Benedict's copy cat, he usually plays along. Thinking he was tired she dared not to question him.

"How's Sophie by the way?"

"She's doing great with the baby, parenting is quite a challenge."

"Didn't see you in the audi Jassy."

Jasmine was hauled from her floor looking the moment Alan mentioned her nickname, evidently Benedict's just the same.

"Jassy? Y- You knew each other?"

"Well... we... um..."Jasmine was struggling in finding some excuse.

"She's my employee." Alan said as a matter of fact.

"Your what?"

Benedict was out-off when Chloe Decker grabbed Alan by the arm. "Mr. Rickman the other professors would like to have a word with you. Good thing you're here Miss Matthews Professor Dippet's looking for you and Welcome to KCL Mr. Cumberbatch. W-Wait a second, did you three meet here by coincidence?"

Benedict threw his head back laughing then added in between stifles. "This is such a small world indeed."

"And getting smaller." Alan second the motion.

Author's NOTE:

This story will be put on hiatus but not discontinued just having difficulty juggling work and studies, wish I could be more like Jassy hehehehehe... anyways PLEASE don't stop supporting this fanfic, I would be glad if you put comments, I might get some time and update, you'll never know..

Chapter 16 Freaky Monday

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