Can't You See Me?

I was finishing up my lecture when I started getting bombarded with questions.

"Mr. Way, was that your boyfriend?" I sighed and kept my face straight.

"No. An old friend," I answered.

"But you kissed his cheek," another young girl asked.

"Yeah, and said he looked good," another boy chimed in. I put my hand to my forehead.

"That's how we used to greet others back in the day. And he did clean up well, so I was complimenting him. When did you all become so interested in my love life?" I asked, raising a brow. They remained silent, looking around cautiously at one another, before someone decided to speak.

"Well," a shorter-than-the-rest-of-them girl started, "you aren't as mean as the other students said, so weren't afraid to ask you questions," she explained. I suddenly felt upset with myself. I was mean? I remember when everyone said I was the sweetest kid they knew. I wonder whatever happened to him? When did he just shrivel up and die in the dark side of my mind? Wow, my thoughts were getting way too intense for this time of day.

"I see. Well, uh, I'm trying to be a better role model, so don't be afraid to ask me anything," I said with a sigh. As much as I hated people in my personal life, I did want these kids to trust me. I want to not only teach them English, but also teach them that not all adults are bad guys. My words seemed to make the kids smile, which, in turn, actually made me smile.

"Wow, you're smiling!" The same girl explained, seemingly in awe. "It's cute."

"Okay," I said raising my hand up, "That's a little too comfortable for me, guys. That's where the line is drawn," I explained. My newly laid back attitude seemed to make the kids laugh.

"Right, then. Onto your assignments. They're due at the end of class. If you have any questions, and don't feel comfortable asking aloud, then come see me at my desk or after class." Then I sat at my desk and graded the papers from the earlier class, when my phone vibrated. I took it out of my pocket and checked the notification. It was a message from Frank. I found myself ghosting a smile.

Frank: How are you feeling? Any better? Do you want some soup for lunch?

I almost chuckled at how he was treating me. It was very... sweet. He'd already found his way back into my heart, but I didn't really want him to know that. I sort of still didn't trust him. Well, not really me, me, but the younger teenage version of me was still pretty pissed off. Could I blame him? Not really, but he needed to learn to just let some things go.

Me: I'm feeling better, yeah. Thanks for the medicine. I'd actually like to take you and the girls out for dinner tonight, if that's fine with you?

I figured I may as well make an effort as well. It was only fair because Frank was trying so hard, but, because I was sick, I didn't want him to see my so vulnerable. And I also didn't want him to force me to take medicine like he used to. My phone vibrated in my hand.

Frank: Sure! I'll text the girls right now and let them know.

Me: It's as an apology for not being able to see you for the last couple of weeks even thought you offered. And as a thank you for sticking by me.

Frank: Of course I'd stick by you. I love you.

I froze. I still wasn't ready to say that to him. My last confession wasn't even a confession. It was him calling me out in one of his drunken stupors.

Me: As for the soup, I'll save my appetite for dinner with you three.

"Mr. Way, are you texting?" I quickly looked up to the student who called me out.

"C'mon, guys, I thought we were friends here," I joked. They laughed.

"Your secret is safe, then." A young boy responded. I seriously needed to learn their names. Oh, well. It's only the first day, so I'm allowed to not know yet.

Frank: The girls both seem excited. And, also, sorry in advance...

Me: Why?

Frank: They mentioned wanting to tease you about it. I should have waited until after school to share your request with the little devil's.

Oh, well, I certainly couldn't wait for that.

Me: I can get them back.

I was their teacher, after all.

Frank: Oh, yeah. I forgot you always used to win our prank wars. Well shit. They better be careful. Nothing too extreme, yeah?

Me: Of course not. I'm not a monster, you know.

I put my phone up as the bell rang, and found myself looking forward to seventh period. When I had the girls.

Notes

Writer's block is hitting so hard with my writer's block story. This story is basically meant to be fluff and eventual smut.

Feedback? :D

Much love!
-OAIF <3