Chapter 29 Sherlock Strikes Back!

Previously on Breathless...

… as Meredith's Light Laughter fluttered in the air.

“Alan you look so handsome tonight,” Jasmine heard her say as she returned with the dumplings Julia requested.

Alan chuckled and made a return comment on Meredith's beauty that Jasmine tried her best to ignore. She helped Julia into her chair as Meredith says, “What is that?”

Jasmine and Mrs. Woods glanced up, looking for a mouse or lizard or something that would've caused such a reaction of horror, then realized Meredith was referring to the dumplings. Jasmine flushed.

“Those,” Alan said, placing a healthy portion on his plate, “are the best dumplings you'll ever eat.”

“Oh.” With a lift of her perfect eyebrow, Merefith placed a hand against her heart. “Well,” she said mockingly, “how quaint.”

Jasmine headed back into the kitchen and Mrs. Woods couldn't ignore her teary eyed expression before she left.

“I swear, Alan, how could you even eat things like that.” Meredith added.

Alan dug into his dumplings while taking a bite of the steak at his side. Finding it difficult to understand his sister-in-law and her rules on conditions. He loved Jasmine's cooking and her  laughter and her company, which he was beginning to miss sorely. Where was she anyway?

He glanced toward the kitchen anxiously awaiting her return, but when she failed to do so, he assumed she'd already eaten.

“Isn't that right, Alan?”

Alan jerked his attention back to Meredith, realizing with embarrassment he needed to comment on something she'd said, and he hadn't been listening.

So he said, “Absolutely,” which must have been the perfect comment because she beamed in approval before continuing. Rima always said that Meredith was a wonderful dinner convertionalist, and he guessed she was. It was his fault he often had trouble staying focus. But through the years he'd learned to nod and say, “Interesting” and other things that allowed her until dessert.

“May I be excuse? I want to talk to Jassy.” Julia's question interrupted Meredith's current story and the look of reproach she gave his daughter seemed a bit extereme, but then, she wasn't used to being around children.

Alan nooded his permission, secretively envious of Julia's request. He wanted to talk to Jasmine too, and as soon as his sister-in-law was settled in for the evening, he intended to do just that.

Contrary to Alan 's desire to spend some time with Jasmine, Meredith who, at every chance she gets drags Alan to chat or walk with her or to accompany her in buying this and that. Talking to Jasmine seems impossible at the moment.

Alan who was eternally grateful at his teaching career managed to get away with Meredith's clutches. He is currently on his way to KCL when his phone began ringing. Briefly glancing to see who's calling... he frowns when he saw Meredith's name appeared. Alan Rickman in an instant made a rule not to answer phone calls while driving unless it is an utmost importance, knowing Meredith she'll probably rant about petty things or start a conversation about random topics. He knew Rima would forgive him for ignoring her sister's call, besides, he is getting annoyed with Meredith's demands. Can't she survive a day without him at her side?

Parking his car, Alan grabs his coat and bag with enthusiasm he never knew he possessed. He is starting to love teaching more and more.

As Alan made his way to the podium earlier than usual, he was surprised when Benedict Cumberbatch greeted him.

“Lord Alan of the Rickman.” Benedict said offering his hand in which he accepted.

“What are you doing here Benedict?”

“Me?” Just sitting in one of your classes. I've heard your lectures are legendary and decided to experience it even once.”

Alan shook his head in disbelief, “I feel sorry for your manager.”

Benedict looked stunned.

“Did you run away again Mr. Cumberbatch?”

Benedict threw his head back laughing, “You should be Sherlock Holmes, Alan! How did you know?”

“Elementary.” Alan teased then continued, “Being nominated as a sex god by women of England comes with a tight schedule I presume.”

Benedict grinned at him, “Come on, I'll help double the audience.”

Professor Rickman smiled, “Suit yourself.”

It was not a surprise when students from different department began coming in mainly because they wanted to see Benedict Cumberbatch and Alan Rickman in action. Smartphones were all over the place, camera flashes here and there. Alan, who doesn't want such piblicity reminded the students that cellular phones are not allowed during class. Benedict, made an additional reminder that students should put their mobile phones on silent.

“Show off.” Alan muttered, grinning.

Bendict answered him with a shrug.

Shortly after Benedict sat down near the stage that sends a group of younbg girls in his row to squeal.

“Good morning Class.”

The class replied with great enthusiasm. “Good morning Professor Rickman.”

“I must say...” Alan took a deep breath feeling a bit nervous so sudddenly. “I never expected these much audience considering this lecture won't involve anything about acting. And so I must ask, are you really here to listen to my lecture?”

A booming 'Yes' echoed in the room.

“Okay. It's my principle to trust others. I believe you guys, but I still have to test you. At the end of our previous lesson, I left you with a topic.” Alan began pacing back and forth on the stage, occasionally glancing at the students' now troubled faces, then continued “I want to see if you still remember it, so I'd like for one of you to answer me.”

At this, the students began scanning their lecture notes and books with vigor, the sound of pages turning here and there filled the now quiet room.

“Who will answer me?” Alan asked, he glanced around, only to find that his students were bowing down, continously scanning their reading materials, no one wants to make eye contact with him and so he pointed out to one.

“That young lady. The girl in a navy blue hoodie, next to the boy with a white shirt.”

Jasmine bgean sweating. Among all the students he could choose, he decided to point her. Is he mad because she's ignoring him? Benedict followed the direction of Alan's finger and saw Jasmine looking like she's about to pass into the afterlife.

“Me?” Jasmine nervously asked, pointing to her self. Hoping there are other girls in a navy blue hoodie sitting next to a boy with white shirt but her hopes were shattered when Alan Replied, “Yes, you.”

Jasmine for all that she had stands up, her legs trembling from pressure. She began composing herself and deeply breaths in and out.

“In our last lesson, you talked about the different artifacts found in London's best museums and galleries,” Jasmine began. “Then, for our additional reading you instructed us to site other discoveries found all over the world that specializes not only in the aspect of art, history and science but others more. I did some research after class.”

Jasmine cleared her throat. “An example is the han dynasty tombs called Mawangdui in China. What I find most interesting among the artifacts unearthed from Mawangdui aren't the silk garments or the T-shaped painted silks but rather some of the silk texts, the medical texts.” Alan nods his head at Jasmine's introduction having read an article about Mawangdui itself as well as other manuscripts of ancient Asia, Egypt, Greece ans Rome, he countinued to listening.

“I think the ten different medical texts are the most valuable historical relics. Take for example, 'Recipes for 52 Ailments'. It was published earlier than 'the emperor's inner cannon' which is very acknowledged by academics. Some of the treaments in the book have already been authenticated by the medical world...” Students listens to Jasmine's explanation with interest that even Benedict began writing notes.

“from this, it can be seen that some of the remedies in 'Recipes for 52 Ailments' are proper treatments and can still be used now, just as they were before. Using knowledge from the past, I think this is where the significance of archaeology lies. However, it is a shame that the silk texts were damaged and many prescriptions have been lost.”.

Alan gestures Jasmine to sit down and students began nodding their heads, being impressed by the hoodie girl's concise summary of Mawangdui. On Jasmine's part however, it was the longest three minutes of her life! When her bottom made contact with the chair that was when she realized that Sherlock – that is – Benedict Cumberbatch offered her thumbs up and muted congratulations.

“Looks like I'm not that lucky today. I picked someone who has been paying attention in class. All right, we'll continue on today.” The giant monitor behind Alan switches on and in bold letters their lecture entitiled “Art: Then and Now” appeared. “But I do hope that you students will focus more of your attention to me. I was also a handsome young man when I was young.” Students laughed at their Professor's playful remark as they gaily replied, “We believe you, Professor!”.

“No offense Benedict.” Alan Rickman teasingly glances at Benedict Cumberbatch's direction.

“By all means Professor, do go on.” BBC's Sherlock Holmes answered, saluting to Alan.

So, the lecture formally began.

2 hours later...

“We'll stop here for today. I hope that I can get this many students again next time. Thank you.”

After collecting his things, Alan made his way to the Faculty of Arts and Humanities feeling proud of Jasmine. She isn't called Miss straight As for nothing. Benedict on the other hand, being the jolly one, enjoyed having selfies with his fans. It wasn't until he asked Jasmine's help that he got away with the swarm of his female followers.

“So Jassy dear, how are you and Lord Rickman?”

She took a deep breath. Ever since Benedict found out Alan and Jasmine's employer-employee relationship, he always finds time to tease our heroine about knowing full well her undying adoration to the other.

“Be quiet Ben. What brings you here anyway?” Jasmine whispered, her face flushed.

“Nothing in particular besides you were amazing earlier.”

“I seriously thought I was going to pass out!”

He chuckled a sexy chuckle that could sent his female followers into frenzy.

“Alan was proud of you though.”

Jasmine's heart swelled with Benedict's words. “Really?”

“Uh-huh.”

She grins at him.

“I even took notes you know?” He handed her his notebook.

She reacted with a startled surprise. “Are you for real?”

He advanced upon her. Slowly, silently, then lovingly ruffled mher hair just like what an older brother do to his cute sister. “I'm also of proud of you.”

Eyes glistening from welled you tears, Jasmine replied. “Thank you.” It was a hush whisper but Benedict Timothy Carlton Cumberbatch heard it loud and clear. It was then that he realized how precious Jasmine is.