Chapter 07

I’m 18. Is it right for me to think about my future family! Especially with a man who is older than me for more than a decade. And also has a two-year-old son. I don’t even know if he has a wife. I have only seen him with his son. And the most inconceivable thing is, he is my teacher. God! How can you do this to me!

How can I forget about him so easily! That moment when I saw him at the supermarket, my heart skipped a beat. I have never felt this way in my life. Gosh, he is so handsome. I made a mental note to tell my friend, Riley about it when she returns from Italy. Perhaps, she will help me track down this guy. That was until I saw him on the first day of school, as our new math teacher. Why does he have to be a teacher! Didn’t he find anything better to do!

Last year, I was the highest scorer in math. I can’t guarantee myself that this time. I could hardly concentrate on his class. He looked so hot in formal wear. I couldn’t wait to tell all this to Riley. She started school on the second day of reopening. I still had Michael to talk to. I have very few friends at school.

Chill ran down my spine when Adrian stood next to me and peeked at my book in the class. His smile melts me down. Riley didn’t stop asking me about him. And I did tell her about him, everything. As I expected she was ready to stalk him. But I didn’t find it right. Is it not a sin to be feeling this way towards my teacher? Then again, I am a hormonal teenager. What can I do?!

When I saw his son in the playground, I shamelessly hoped he isn’t there with his mom. And I was so relieved when I saw Adrian and not his wife. I absolutely didn’t like it when he addressed me as Ms. Bright. I don’t have anything against my last name. Why couldn't he call me Jordan? I wanted to hear my name in his voice.

Jordan sat at her study table rewinding her diary. All the things she wrote about Adrian. After yesterday, she had no idea how she was expected to behave in front of him. All that came up to her mind was the standard one. Ignoring him. That could serve for a tit-for-tat as well.

When she reached the school, the first thing she did is stop Riley from barging into the staff room. That girl really has the intensity of an Italian. Luckily for Jordan, Michael was present by her side to help her to drag Riley to class. She also had to promise him to tell him everything that is happening that caused Riley’s actions.

They had first-hour Maths, as usual. During the entire hour, Adrian kept taking glancing at Jordan. But, she downright ignored him. She hardly looked up from her book. Adrian felt mixed emotions. He was the one who led her to behave this way. He had his mind split. He also wanted her to look at him.

While he tried to take the looks of Jordan, he was caught by Riley twice. That didn’t bother him though.

Riley nudged Jordan’s arm, “He’s staring at you.”

“Don’t lie,” She said to her because she is aware her friend can exaggerate things sometimes, no always.

“Seriously! I caught him twice, looking at you.”

“Whatever, let him do whatever he wants. It’s none of my business.”

“Aww! You two look like having lovers quarrel.” Riley rolled her eyes dramatically.

“Lovers!” Jordan mocked.

Adrian noticed them murmuring something. These two have this habit which will always be interrupted by either him or Michael Whitaker.

The class had almost come to an end when he called her name, “Ms. Bright, a word.”

All the students left for their next class. It was only Jordan and Riley. Riley nudged Jordan’s arms when they reached Adrian’s desk. Riley excused herself by saying she had to submit an assignment. Leaving Jordan with Adrian, alone.

“So, Ms. Bright, the Berkeley Math Tournament is coming up soon. Since you are the highest scorer in maths last year you have the opportunity to take part in it. If you are interested, apply to it and start preparing for it.” Adrian informs her about the tournament. She is an intelligent student, after all.

“What do you think about it, Mr. Marcel?” she asked with honesty. She seemed like she needed some genuine advice.

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity and also it gives immense credential to your college applications.”

“Would you help me prepare?” she asked Adrian. Convincing herself that she was asking him because he is her maths teacher. It was only right to ask him.

“Maybe on the weekends,” Adrian replied.

“I can take classes after school,” she suggested.

“Do you want me to come over to your place?” he asked her raising his brows.

“Not necessary, I can come over too if you wouldn’t mind.”

“Uh… yeah, okay.”

“From tomorrow?”

“Yeah, from tomorrow.”

The thought of seeing each other outside the school sparked some excitement in both of them. It was also a chance for Adrian to redeem his previous actions towards her. And Jordan thought it was a chance for her to get to know him personally.

They couldn’t wait for tomorrow to arrive.