School Affair

Chapter 19

When Jessica looks at his sleepy eyes staring at her, she is totally frozen.

"I am not going. I am just going to clean up a little bit, okay?" Nathan lets go of her hand, closes his eyes and falls into a peaceful sleep. Thinking about how he did so much during the study camp, Jessica begins to collect the books and clothes around the room.

After she is done with cleaning, Jessica makes a simple chicken noodle soup for him. While stirring in the pot she feels a tap on her shoulder, turning around she sees Nathan standing there, looking like his usual self.

"You are awake. How are you feeling?"

"What are you doing here so late?"

"Don't you remember? You passed out, on the way back to the apartment."

"I think I might remember that...but my head hurts so bad I don't even know what I said. Sorry I caused you so much trouble with everything."

"Don't worry about it. I made you some soup, do you want some?"

"...You are too nice for your own good." Pouring the soup in a bowl she helps him walk to the sofa so he can sit down. Looking around he just notice how clean it is.

"My apartment is awfully clean..."

"I hope it's alright for you, I cleaned it a little without asking you. You get sick if you live in a dirty apartment. You probably don't feel well because you are still tired from the study camp, you worked so hard. So, eat your soup so that you get better faster." Not even taking the spoon in his hand, Nathan just looks at the bowl.

"I tasted it. So, it's fine"

"I am not worried about your cooking ability you already proofed me that you can cook" taking the spoon in his hand, he begins to eat the soup, without cooling it if, which made him burn his tongue a little.

"Oh, man you should cool it off a little, give it to me." Taking the bowl in her hands she spoons up the soup and blows on it, holding it in front of his mouth. Hesitating, he opens his mouth letting her to feed him. Feeding him spoon after spoon she asks him after a while.

"Is it still too hot?"

"No. I have been thinking this for a while, but you are a really weirdo, aren't you?" laughing at this, Nathan finishes the bowl of soup.

"It was really good... thank you" taking the bowl and spoon, Jessica caries them to the sink.

"I am glad I made it, if was worth a compliment from you."

"I wasn't complimenting you. I have high standards, you know." She starts to laugh and clean up the dishes, while he stays still on the sofa and with a sigh he leans back.

"This is horrible. I can't even take care of myself. I am pathetic. I have no right saying you are a terrible teacher."

"It's not such a big deal. You just have a little cold."

"Taking care of yourself is part of the job. I haven't gotten sick in along time." Jessica starts to think about how he is such a perfectionist. Even though it doesn't seem like he is particularly passionate about being a teacher, Jessica wonders why he is always so hard on himself and others?

"I will repay you; I promise. Thank you for today."

"I didn't do it, so you owed me something, you know. Everyone gets sick. You are a human after all. That's why I don't think this makes you a terrible teacher at all. I think it shows how much of a dedicated, hard worker you are. You don't always have to be perfect; you know." Hoping that she didn't say too much, she looks at his unchanging expression and speaks again.

"I still have a lot to learn as a teacher, I am working hard to improve. The most important thing is trying to change, and the results will naturally come."

"Yes, you do have a lot to learn. Your lesson plans are shaky, and you always get emotional and change the rules. But you have always been better at understanding how the students fell and relating to them. I thought you weren't a great teacher at first, but maybe you are just what they need. The test they took after the soccer game shows it. You got a result out of them using a different method than I would have. I always try do to my very best, but maybe I was just trying. I can't believe myself. It's really pathetic."

"I think you are relating to the students in your own way. For example, you didn't answer Maximillian's question for his own good. You are not the type of teacher who is the students' friend. But above all, you do what's best for them and I think that means you understand their feelings. Maybe you should try and interact with the students outside of class?"

"What do you mean?"

"Something like a class party. I am sure you will get closer to them then."

"...You are a genius at coming up with strange ideas."

"...What? A genius..."

"It's not a compliment, so get that grin off your face. I suppose a party isn't a bad idea."

"Really?!" Jessica hopes that he is serious about, when she looks at him.

"Is there more soup?"

"Yes, I get you another bowl" giving him another bow, he eats it all.

"I noticed it the last time you cooked, but you are really good at cooking, Miss Hower."

"Is it that good?"

"Yes" not expecting such a straightforward compliment, Jessica feels happy about how it seems that they got closer than before.

The quiet night slowly continues on.