I enter the classroom and tell the students that we are going to study something special today. It will be a special class about science in literature. But my students are all too busy chatting with their friends. I try to take their attention but they refuse to acknowledge my presence. This is the first time this happened.
“Hmmm,” I mutter as I observe the students.
This is definitely orchestrated. Then my eyes catch Lukas. There is an amused expression on his face. I smirk. So this is his revenge, huh? This little monster student of mine.
I slam the table, and my students have no choice but to transfer their attention to me.
“Do you have anything you’d like to say to me?” I ask them.
A look of fake shock appears on their faces. Then there is silence in the room. The students who had been talking before looked away from me. Some of them are looking down. They are probably ashamed to be caught up in this... What shall I call this? Lukas’ stupidity?
“Anyone who’d like to speak up?” I insist.
My students are all silent. Some looked embarrassed and guilty. Besides, their reactions are so exaggerated. I glance at Lukas. There is still a smile on his face. Then a knock comes from the door and Alinn’s face peers into the room.
“Teacher Cassie?” she asks.
“Here you are!” I say, glancing at Lukas. He is looking back and forth between me and Alinn. My guess is on the spot, huh? He really is attracted to Alinn.
“You mentioned you need help?” she asks.
“Yes. Will you be able to read a couple of passages for my students?”
She beams. “Of course!”
She approaches and takes the book from me, then she starts reading.
“What’s the teacher’s pet doing here?” Lukas calls.
Alinn ignores him and continues.
“Hey, little puppy!”
Alinn did not respond.
“Leave the teacher alone and be my adorable little pup instead. You can do my assignments, and I will give you treats.”
I cover my mouth to stop a laugh from going out. Seriously, Lukas? You are like those little teenagers having a massive crush on someone! I shift my attention to Alinn, who had already stopped reading. Oh, oh. That ain’t good.
Alinn’s cheeks are burning and Lukas is smirking at her. She is embarrassed, and he is taking delight in the way he affects her—in the wrong way, though. Right now, she is glaring at him.
“I think you just made the wrong diction there,” he adds, his grin getting wider.
“What do you mean by wrong diction?” she asks.
She closes the book and is now focusing on him. Well, that’s what he is waiting for, right? Her sole attention. However, I don’t think this will be good. And so, I move closer to Alinn, in case she does something that might get her expelled.
The class erupts in laughter and Lukas–he is looking so proud of himself. However, a quarter of my students are whispering amongst themselves. Some girls are even looking at Alinn with jealousy. Even so, I think she will trade her position for them anytime.
Then, gaining confidence, Lukas gets up and walks toward her. I see his hands go to her shoulder.
“That was pretty funny. Your pronunciation is horrible, and you were so off-tune with the rhythm of that poem,” he says.
I snort. Where the heck did he get that? Alinn’s enunciation is impeccable. I hold back my laughter. This scene is very enjoyable, even if I should stop this.
“Said by someone who can’t even get half a score on quizzes,” she retorts.
As soon as Alinn lets it out, the class bursts out laughing again. Their position has been reversed, with Alinn smirking and Lukas annoyed.
I want to clap my hands for her. I want to tell her, ‘I have your back, little woman. Teach that little scoundrel a lesson.’
Oh wait, that’s my job!
But then again, the smile on her face, and the flash in her eyes as she glares at him–it’s like she’s telling him, ‘How dare you make fun of how I speak!’
Lukas’ arms are folded as he looks down at her. He has that childish expression on his face. Then he leans over and whispers in her ear. “Well, that was a terrible mistake,” he tells her. “Other than the teacher, I think you are in for some pain. However, I’d like to play with you more.”
In what? Flirting with her? It’s obvious he likes her. Too bad though. The way Alinn looks at him says the opposite of flirting. Does he really think that it would please her?
“Stop it now,” I warn them. “Alinn, I apologize for that. Sorry for placing you in some uncomfortable situation.”
I shift my attention to Lukas and scold him, “And you, young man, sit down!”
He frowns at me. But when I continue to stare him down, he sighs and sits back down.
“Alinn, I will meet you again later in our review session, okay?”
She nods. “But I still think that you should not tire yourself so much, Teacher Cassie. There’s already a lot on your plate.”
I hear Lukas groan and I smile. “Now, go, you little angel.”
Alinn smiles. “Thank you, Teacher Cassie.”
Lukas stands up, but I demand, “I said sit down!”
He clicks his tongue and shakes his head, but still, he obeys.
“I won’t move from here. I am being a good student,” he adds, a bit mocking.
***************************
I sit at one of the tables in the back corner of the canteen. I like this place, less likely to be seen and heard, especially when I am thinking of my lesson plans. Students sit at the table next to mine. They talk about their favorite music, movies, and books. They keep on glancing at me, which means that they have heard about the new rumor too—that I am Principal Abra’s mistress.
It’s a funny rumor actually, so I kept mum about it and hoped that it will die down soon. But the way it is going seems like it has already spread to the students. Or maybe it started among the students?
Jason, the editor of the school paper, sits in front of me. I have not noticed him entering the canteen.
“Teacher Cassie, you are in a stupid rumor,” he informs.
I raise my head to him and ask, “What kind of ‘stupid’ is it?”
“They are talking about how you are the mistress of the Principal.”
Just as I thought. “Do they know I am only in my early thirties and Principal Abra is already in his late forties?”
“They say that age doesn’t matter in love.”
“It does if the other party in question already has a wife.”
“They think you are a slut.”
I roll my eyes. “This must stop. Let me guess, it’s that Lukas again?”
Jason shrugs his shoulders. “I don’t know. The female students are spreading the rumors.”
“Where is that little monster?”
“Little monster?”
“Lukas, who else?”
Jason grins. “Sometimes, I forget you are a teacher. You act differently from a regular teacher.”
“Is he in the room?” I ask, ignoring his comments. Besides, it’s because I’ve only been a teacher for a year.
“No. I heard he’s in the nurse’s office. He’s sick, they say.”
“And now he wants to escape me!”
I storm out of the canteen and head straight to the nurse’s office. I find Nessie fussing over the young boy.
“What is the matter with you anyway?” Nessie asks sternly.
I lean on the door and watch the scene.
“My stomach hurts,” Lukas whines. “I want to go home.”
“You can’t just leave school like that.”
“I can!”
“You know how your father will scold you?”
“He’ll forgive me again.”
“And what about your mother?”
“She’s gone. I am all alone now.”
“Oh no, you’re not,” she responds. “Your Mom will be worried too if you are no longer at school.”
I knock on the door and ask, “Need help?”
Nessie turns and looks at me, pleading for help. “He’s such a sweet boy, isn’t he?” she comments.
No, he’s not. He is just playing with her. “I will bring him to his house,” I offer, which Nessie the nurse answers with gratefulness.
We arrive at Lukas’ house. It’s brand new. It has two levels and an attic. Some part of the walls are made of thick glass. The house is made of a strange metal that looks almost like mercury. “Have you cleaned lately?” I ask. “Of course not! Why would I clean?” “Ahm, because this is your house,” I say. Lukas pushes open the door. It’s metallic and is not making any sound. It’s different from the house I rented where the door handle is old and worn. “Maids come in every Friday and clean up before my father arrives for the weekend,” he informs. “You mean I won’t be able to talk to your father today?” “Why would you even want to talk to him?” “Because of your most recent offenses,” I say. “I also need to discuss with him about your education.” “Then you will need to ask for a schedule to meet with him. He’s a busy man,” he says. “Your family is in business, right?” “Why do you care?” he asks. He places his arms across his chest and stares me down. “Are you not going to leave,
Lukas is coming in from his other classes more consistently. He sits on the table beside the one that Alinn occupies. He is quieter, but from time to time, I catch him glancing at Alinn. He also learned the meaning of focus. And as a result, his quizzes are improving. As a teacher, I like these changes. “Teacher Cassie, my mother is outside. I will leave now,” Alinn informs. Lukas stands up at the same time that Alinn did. “I will come with—” “Don’t bother,” Alinn snaps. She is still furious at him for forcibly kissing her. Lukas watches her leave. His expression is a mixture of longing, confusion, and guilt. “I thought you said that nerds are uncool?” I ask, without taking my eyes off Alinn’s paper. “She’s not!” he complains. “You think she’s your adorable puppy, right?” “She is.” “Guess what? This sense of belongingness? That’s something she won’t like. First, you don’t own her. Second, you guys are too different. Not to mention that she currently hates you.” “You are the t
It’s the school’s midterm examination day. The students are all stressed out, including Lukas. He told me earlier that it was the first time he was nervous about exams. “I don’t know what to do,” Lukas shares. “This time, I really feel nervous about it.” “Nervous because you might be hated by Alinn forever?” I jest. We are in my classroom. Instead of the bathrooms, where students love to escape during their exams, he is lounging here, probably hoping to take a peek at Alinn. “Shouldn’t you return to the examination room?” I add. “You are right. I should.” Lukas stands up. However, the instant he does, the door bursts open, and Jason appears with a wide grin. “Guess what, Teacher Cassie?!” I look up at him. “What is it, Jason?” “Five of us in the school paper will go to the regionals!” “Oh,” I exclaim. Lukas leans towards me and asks, “What does that mean?” “That means they will write a feature about me in the school paper, and I will also treat them to nice food.” “Ha!” he
When I drop off Alinn at her house, we see Lukas sitting on the couch in the living room and talking to Mrs. Avery. Alinn retreats and is about to return to my car when I hold her arms. “Where are you going, little lady?” I ask, almost gagging at my own laughter. “This is your house.” “Alinn, welcome back!” Mrs. Avery greets. “You have a visitor.” Lukas’ gaze turns toward Alinn, and his lips curl into an embarrassed smile. “Congratulations,” he says. Alinn grimaces. “What are you doing here?!” “Alinn! Learn to treat your guest better.” She turns to her parents and purses her lips. “Sorry,” she apologizes, and Lukas grins. Alinn turns to look at me to ask for help. However, this time, I can’t. Lukas is a guest like me at her house. And so, I pat her shoulders and walk toward her parents. “Teacher Cassie, welcome to our house.” “Good day, Mrs. Avery.” I glance at Mr. Avery and bow my head at him. “I just dropped Alinn off, but I will leave soon.” “Stay for dinner,” Mrs. Avery
“Teacher Cassie, this is my father, Liam Chapman,” Lukas says with pride. “Father, this is Teacher Cassie.” When Liam Chapman approaches, I stand up and step back, hitting the back of my knee on the couch. His dark eyes are trained on me. He stretches his hand, and I retreat from him. “Nice to meet you,” he says. He takes my hand and shakes it. His grip is solid and warm. “I have heard so much about you. My son has been raving about you.” “Dad!” Lukas complains. “That’s not true!” Liam grins at his son and steps closer to me again. This time, his smile is on me as if we are old friends and he has known me forever. Well, he knows me, but on... only on a more physical level. His fingers brush my hand as he says, “I have wanted to meet you for a while, but you might reject the invitation.” Of course, I will! My mind screams. He is a picture of a dumb, but very sensuous mistake! Or rather, he looks as good as the day I thought he was Mr. Ellis. “It’s okay,” I say quickly, though I am
After my first class ends, I go back to the library to teach a class on literature and search for any coaching techniques for my new handles—the journalism team. I try not to think about Mark or Liam while I teach the class. I need to concentrate on the students who come to ask questions. However, the school is abuzz with hushed voices by the time lunchtime arrives. One of my co-teachers comes and says, “The principal is calling for us.” I wonder, what is it this time? When I reach the staff room, Mark is already talking to one of the senior teachers. They look at me with disdain, as if I should not be called here. They speak in low voices while glancing at me, their eyes full of contempt. “What is happening?” My co-teacher cannot answer because Principal Abra is coming out of his office. “I am sure you have heard the rumor.” He clears his throat before saying, “but none of it is true.” He glances at me and then at the teachers. “Teacher Cassie is not my mistress. I also don’t hav
“Alinn!” I admonish. This girl! Does she want to get expelled!? “Teacher Cassie,” she whispers, her voice trembling, and she is so close to crying. I grab Alinn’s arm and pull her away from Lukas while shouting for Jason to prepare so we can bring him to the hospital. I look at Lukas. Instead of laughing at him, I feel pity. He is crying and bruised. I doubt he ever fought back against Alinn. No one must have hit him like this before. Nevertheless, it is also apparent that it’s his heart that’s beaten up. Alinn never tried to escape my hold. She might be waiting for someone to stop her. However, the others look afraid of her, and Lukas is doing nothing to fight back. I move to Lukas and tap his cheeks. “Lukas?” I ask. “Teacher Cassie...” There is a pleading look on his face. “Good, you can still recognize me. I will bring you to the hospital, okay?” He mumbles a yes in between his pain. I help him up. He moves his legs slowly and awkwardly while his body shakes. He uses his fre
I wait outside the company director’s office. He said he would meet some important people for a new advertising project. But after that meeting, he needs to discuss something with me. I glance at my wristwatch. It’s already fifteen minutes over my shift. I guess I will file for another overtime. It’s been three months since I resigned as a teacher. It’s been good. None of the chaos that a school setting offers — no students whining about the teacher being unfair or why they are not getting an A for a subject. However, I am surprised that I miss the interaction with students and the teaching part of the job. The door to the Director’s office opens, and the director comes out with a beaming smile on his face. Two men and another woman accompany him. All four of them are dressed in suit and ties. But my gaze settles on one man. The familiar figure is unmistakably Liam Chapman! My heart skips a beat at the same time that my jaw drops in disbelief. What the hell is he doing here?! My eye