Bad Teacher(58)
“It’s the first time he’s actually come close,” Hailey says, holding her hand close so he can smell it.
“Yeah, I think he’s less scared of you now that he’s seen you a couple of times.” Or maybe he’s starting to get used to her. Like me.
“Does he always jump on the bed like that?”
“Pretty much. We usually sleep together.”
“Hmm … a real bromance then,” she muses, making me laugh.
“Hey, nothing against a little kitty love.” I pet him a few more times before he curls up into a ball at the end of the bed, near my feet. “You okay with that?” I ask.
“Yeah. He’s cute,” she says.
“He’ll probably steal half your bed in the middle of the night.”
“As long as he doesn’t kick me out, I’m fine. So long as he doesn’t try to do anything funny like scratch my back or lick me. Because this pussy is already taken.” She points at herself, laughing, and I laugh too.
I hold her close to my chest, burying my face in her hair. Her scent makes me think of unbridled fun and laughter.
Hailey is here. She’s here, and she’s not going anywhere.
Just as I need her to be.
For now.
Because it’s okay to hold onto someone for a while.
And she’s willingly offering a shoulder.
Hailey
A few days later
We never really say good-bye.
Not when I leave his home, not when I exit his classroom.
It’s as if we both can’t get the word to cross our lips.
Even now, when I’m lying in my bed, watching some YouTube on my phone, I still can’t get him out of my head. I should be doing homework, but every time I start, my thoughts drift off again. It’s useless. I’m way too distracted to even care about college right now.
“Hey, shouldn’t you be getting ready for class?” Lesley asks, packing her things.
“Nah, not going.”
“Why not?”
“I didn’t do the homework, and I’m really not looking forward to getting scolded or getting additional homework.”
She makes a face. “Hailey …”
“What? You know it’s difficult for me.”
“This is your future,” Lesley says. “Why else did you go to college?”
“I don’t know …” I sigh.
She sucks on her lips. “Lately, I feel like you’re not interested anymore. Like you don’t even care.”
“Well, you’re right. Maybe I don’t.” I sit up straight and prop my pillow under my back. “And yes, I know that’s bad, and that I should be trying my best more. I’m just not feeling it right now, okay?”
She frowns. “Why did you apply to college in the first place then?”
I shrug. “To escape, I guess.”
“So it’s because of your home …”
I nod, rubbing my lips together because I don’t really wanna talk about it.
“Well, whatever. I just don’t want you to make the wrong decision. I care about you.”
I smile at her. “I know you do.”
She folds her arms. “And for the love of god, tell me you’re not skipping classes because of him.”
I roll my eyes. “Of course, not.” Well, maybe a little, but she doesn’t have to know. “He’s just a guy.”
“Just a guy … or your boyfriend?” she muses, raising a brow at me.
“No … not yet, at least.”
She throws her bag over her shoulder. “Well, he sure sounds like a player. Be careful, all right?”
“I will.”
“I’m off to psychology. Oh, and I’ll be staying at a friend’s room for the night. Since you’re not taking this class, I figured I needed an extra study buddy. Okay? See ya later.”
“Sure. See ya.” I wave her off and continue scrolling on my phone.
Suddenly, my phone buzzes in my hand, and I stare at it for a second before I realize I’m being called.
When I notice the name on the screen, my heart stops beating.
Everything turns red in front of my eyes.
For a second, I contemplate ignoring his calls, but I know that won’t make him go away. It will only make him try harder, call me longer, maybe even make him come here. Anything but that.
With trembling fingers, I press the call button, and with sweaty palms, I bring the phone to my ear.
“Hailey,” I say.
“Goddammit, finally you pick up.”
I swallow away the lump in my throat. “What do you want?”
“You. Why haven’t you visited? Your mom wants to know why you’re ignoring her.”
“I’m not ignoring her,” I say, sitting up in my bed. “I’ve replied to all her texts.”