The excited chatter and whispers of students filled the hallway as I made my way past the scattered clusters of students still lingering in the corridor, each sharing secretive glances with each other. It's either they didn't notice me or they all chose to ignore my presence which wasn't new. The students all acted like I didn't exist outside the four walls of the classroom. My old worn out heels clicked against the polished floor, low but steady over their voices.
"…literally had to plead with my mom. You know how religious she can get. But I'll sneak out if she doesn't let me" one girl hissed, her hands busy styling her dark curly mess of hair.
Her friend laughed,her eyes meeting mine before turning back to her friend, lowering her voice she responded. "It's a tradition Claire. I overheard some seniors talking about… an unforgettable surprise. You can't afford to miss this."
Their laughter reduced echoing down the hall as I took a sharp corner towards my classroom. The faint scent of bubble gum and expensive cologne filled my senses. I passed by more students who didn't acknowledge my presence, too busy talking about a party that was going to be thrown during the weekend. My brows twitched at the scandalous words they said but I kept my pace even. I don't let the gossip of my students bother me. I already have a lot of things going on in my life currently.
The classroom was empty when I arrived which wasn't a surprise. In fact I enjoyed that moment when I got to enjoy those blessed silence before I had to deal with disrespectful and self centred teens.
I had managed to find a motel to stay in for the while. It was hardly fit for a human to live in but I wasn't in any place to complain. There were miles climbing up the corner that refused to leave no matter how hard I scrubbed, leaking pipes that shook in the walls at night and a mattress so thin that I could feel the springs on it when I lay on it. It wasn't ideal but it was cheap. Painfully cheap. Just enough that I could find a few changes to spare for food and save up for a better place. I wasn't going to complain. A roof was a roof, even if it barely protected you from the rain.
Placing my books on the desk,I leaned against it whispering a quiet mantra. I let out a low sigh as I heard the students coming from a distance. They sure took their sweet time getting to class. My blessed moment of silence was over.
I heard the door open as a student walked in. And then another. Then another. The classroom slowly filled as different sounds drifted in the air… bags hitting desks, the excited chatters of the students glowing like a current.
"…no way he didn't know. Now I have to worry about a dumb assignment."
"…wish I get asked out. I fear I'll have to go alone this year."
"…ugh. It's totally worth it though. I heard that…"
Standing up, I ran my hand down the front of my skirt, tugged my blouse which felt a little bit tight around the underarm down and forced a serious expression on my face. I really didn't like my job since I hated having to stand in front of a crowd but it was a paying job.
"Settle in please," I announced in a firm voice as I moved towards the board. "We have a lot of slides to go through today."
The chatter dulled into a reluctant hush. I began my lecture,moving from one slide to another as I ignored the dull throb that pulsed behind my eyes. I didn't have time to prepare this lecture but it was no problem since I had already taught this material like a dozen times already. I tried my best to give each student the same amount of attention.
Time seemed to pass by in a blur. I could see that some of the students were already bored by their occasional yawns and constant eye rolls. Deciding to help them out of their misery,I closed my notes with a sharp clap.
"And that's the end of our class today. Don't forget to turn in your assignment on time. I gave you plenty of time to do it. No excuses this time."
The chairs scraped against the floor almost immediately as they all rushed to leave, backpacks slung over their shoulders. I couldn't understand why they were so excited considering that they still had other classes to attend before school hours ended.
I was busy packing my books when something… no somebody caught my eyes.
I froze.
The sea of bodies leaving the class seemed to blur as my eyes narrowed on one student. Something about him felt familiar but I couldn't place my hand on it. He moved closer towards me and past his classmates causing my eyes to drift downwards towards his arm. My eyes widened as I took in the familiar inked pattern across his skin. I didn't have to think too far trying to remember where I had seen that tattoo.
It's not… possible.
My gaze snapped to his face immediately and I found him already looking at me. A sly smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as neared my desk. He stared at me knowingly something dark shining in his eyes.
Then… he winked.
My stomach lurched as the dread settled in. The thought of the trouble hole I had just dug for myself caused my heart to pound erratically. I was surely going to lose my job or worse… I'd be arrested by his parents or the school authorities.
I had kissed a student.
It was particularly difficult to forget someone like him. I had been too drunk to notice how young he looked then.
What will happen if a word of this gets out?