EIGHT: I THINK MY PROF IS INTO ME

I successfully made it to the second floor, the sun had already gone down and the evening breeze was cool. I stared down the hallway, a feeling of ptsd hitting me. But I knew I had to move, I already had classes here this morning, how hard could it be?

I heard the clicking of a door and I froze, the hair on my skin standing.

I see Mr Alister walk through the door of our classroom and he's heading straight for me. A few students are passing by, but most have retired to their rooms.

My eyes meet his and he holds them, not bothering to look away. The way he stared at me, there was such a longing, if I didn't know any better, I would say it's desire. 

I had packed my black curly hair in a high pony tail and had Phoebe do light make up, which just consisted of powder and lip gloss, she didn't let me leave otherwise.

“G…good evening sir” I greeted.

“C…..Avery” he sighed and took a whiff of the air before his eyes landed back on me, the rims of his pupils glowing amber.

“I wondered how long you were going to stand here without moving?” His lips raised a little and he climbed the first step, standing in front of me. I'm standing on the third step and our heads are at the same level, he was too tall, probably 6 '7.

“I was planning to move…..” I began.

”How did you know I was here?” I asked my eye brows furrowed, I was still at the stairs and had not entered the hall, or moved in the direction of the class.

His amber eyes hold my gaze, that same look and I have the inclination to step back. He keeps staring at me saying nthing so I clear my throat “Mr Alister?” I asked, I was beginning to get scared, I had no idea what monster he was.

“I could smell you” he admitted, making me freeze. 

“What?” I asked confused.

“Your scent, I noticed your scent, so I came out and found you at the stairs” he replied watching me and his eyebrow raised.

“O…of course” I replied sheepishly, if I acted shocked it would give away that I wasn't a monster.

“Shall we?” He asked, stretching out his large hand. This is your teacher, that's all. I reminded myself and received his hand, he tugged me a little and I stepped down the two steps.

His large hand wrapped around mine in a solid grip as he led me into the hall and towards the classroom. As we walked I felt like I was being watched again.

His arms felt warm, but it didn’t diminish the awkwardness of him holding my hand but I dismissed the thought. 

Once we were inside the class, he let go of my hand.

There were two seats already set at his desk and a bunch of textbooks.

“Sit” he called and I swallowed, pulling the chair back and sat down. He moved to the empty seat and did the same.

I clenched my shoulder bag, pulling out a book and placing it on the desk. 

Mr Alister went straight to business, teaching me and asking me questions every now and then. 

“Do you understand?” He asked after solving the maths question and I nodded. 

“Words Avery” he cautioned and I parted my lips “Yes sir” I replied.

He began writing out another question before shoving it to me, wanting me to solve it. I bit the cover of my pen studying the question but I could feel Mr Alister's eyes on me, studying me. His gaze made me nervous making it harder for me to concentrate.

“You're yet to start” he stated and I briefly looked up at him, now he's giving me a hurt expression, like I did something to him or is that just longing.

I quickly solve the question and hand the book back to him. 

“Excellent,” he replied, smiling a little.

“It's almost dinner time” I stated and he looked up at me with an amused expression.

“You want to run away from me that bad, like you did all those years ago” he whispered the last sentence but I caught onto the words.

“What?”

“You're dismissed, you may leave Avery” he replied and I bit my lips, thinking of how to say what I wanted to say next.

“Mr Alister….” I started but I noticed his eyes had drifted from my eyes to my lips. Should a professor look at his student this way?

“I…I can't go down the halls alone, please escort me?” I pleaded and he raised his brows again, an action I noticed he loved to do.

“I should come with you?” He asked watching me.

“Please” his eyes narrowed and he watched me with a hooded gaze before standing.

“Let's go” he simply says and I pack my things and scurry after him. He holds the door for me and lets me pass first before coming behind me.

I feel his hand on my back as he leads me down the halls.