Mr. A walks into the room. He’s a lot earlier than normal and he’s looking a little worse for wear. After setting up the projector, he sees me sitting up at the back and walks up to ask how my weekend was and praise my paper on the works written by Plutarch on the Roman Emperors. I’ve had a love for Greek history for a few years, though I’m sure the majority of seniors only take this class because he is an easy marker.
“Thank you, it was an easy essay given my obsession with it. My weekend was good. I had fun, actually. How was yours, Mr. A?”
He looks a bit defeated. “Oh, it was okay, Ms. Wilson. My family decided to visit last night, so I’m tired.”
“Family will do that to you,” I joke.
He is about to walk away when he turns around.
“I hope the class is interesting enough for you today that I don’t need to confiscate any phones.” He smirks as I blush.
***
“All right class, I need to make you all aware that due to personal reasons, I need to cut back on the hours teaching, and my son will be taking the majority of the classes for the rest of the term. I’ll still be available via the AP’s office. However, try and go through Mr. Junior Anderson as much as you can. Please make my son welcome.”
My heart sinks.
Another person I have formed a good relationship with that is disappearing from my life. I turn my head to the door waiting for this mysterious son. A familiar figure walks to the front of the room.
Standing in front of me is Eli. My Eli. The one who slept with me and then kicked me out last night. Eli is Mr. A’s son.
Oh god, no.
I can feel tears starting to well. Why the fuck did I not ask him what his father did for a living? Why the fuck did I not push him to tell me why he was here? What a disaster.
Eli introduces himself to the class and gives his background.
“It’s probably easiest for you all to call me Elijah. Less confusion that way.” His eyes scan the room and lock on mine. I swear his face goes white. The shock has rendered him speechless. So much so that Mr. A nudges him.
“I…I’m looking forward to getting to know you all. I’ll just be observing for the rest of the day, but feel free to ask me any questions.” He glances my way again, but then his gaze falls.
Mr. Anderson chooses this moment for each student to stand up and introduce themselves and explain why they chose this subject this term.
Fucking perfect.
This whole thing is so fucking awkward. I sink low in my seat and hope like hell that I’ll be bypassed. No such luck.
“Ms. Wilson. It’s your turn.”
Standing up, I clear my throat and look at Eli right in the eye. The last thing I want him to see is how upset I am. Just before I start to introduce myself, Jamie pipes up loudly and in a girly voice.
“Hello Elijah, my name’s Jill and I like to sit in class and watch soft porn all day.”
The class snickers and I lift my head and stare at the ceiling before my eyes go back to Eli. He’s staring at me intently, and all I can think about is him thrusting himself inside me. Is he thinking about that too?
Can this get any more mortifying?
“Jamie, leave the room. NOW.” Mr. A’s voice booms through the room, making me jump.
Eli looks at his Dad with a stoic expression, and even Jamie looks surprised. He mumbles something under his breath and storms out.
Turning to me, Senior Anderson nods.
“Hi, my name is Jill Wilson and I selected this subject because I have an interest in Greek history,” I say in monotone. My face is expressionless as I look straight at Eli. I’m almost daring him to look away.
He doesn’t. I can’t tell what he’s thinking, but I’m sure it isn’t good.
Could this get any worse?
Chapter Six
The minute I walk out of the classroom, I run across the campus toward the library trying to hold back my tears. I reach the confines of the bathroom and hurl my breakfast into the bowl. I’m not sure whether my emotion is anger, frustration, or complete sadness at the situation. But either way, I know I’ve lost any chance of anything happening with Eli.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. I don’t want to talk to anyone at the moment in my current state. In fact, I think I’m just going to call it a day and go home.
Eli: Meet me in the classroom in five. We need to discuss this.
I snort. “Discuss this.” How mature of him. Why didn’t he want to discuss this before he threw me out last night? I gather my backpack off the floor and check myself in the mirror. My mascara has run down my face and my hair is messy. I guess heaving your head in a toilet bowl for half an hour will do that to you.
I fix my makeup and hair and make my way across the school grounds to meet Eli. My heart is racing and potential scenarios are going through my mind. I’m in my own little world when someone walking past clips me on the shoulder and the contents of my bag scatter the ground. I look up and it’s Jamie.