School Affair

Chapter 22

A few days later, as promises Nathan observes her class.

"In general, I think it's a good class, but I think you spend too much time with trouble students." Listing to him, Jessica takes notes on the points he criticized, and Maximillian appears next to Nathan.

"So, Mr. Johnsen was observing class today to judge you. I really like your classes Miss Hower. Your explanations are good and you always address our concerns."

"When you have the students seal approval, you don't have to worry too much about your lessons. Is it all you wanted Maximillian?"

"Yeah, see you later." Walking out of the classroom Maximillian walks away with his friends, who waited outside for him.

"It's time for the next class. We can go over this after school." Not waiting for a response, he leaves the room, Jessica already notices that he wasn't acting himself, normally he would make a sarcastic remark.

After school, Maximillian showed up again.

"I have been seeing you a lot lately. Another question?"

"No, I was just worried that you were depressed about Mr. Johnsen's evaluation. Are you alright?"

"Thanks, but I actually asked him to evaluate the class. It's fine."

"You asked him...Are you two dating? Or do you have crush on him or something like this?"

"I am not sure why you think that, but we are just coworkers."

"Seems suspicious to me..."

"It's not. We work together, and that's all. I am sure he would tell you the same. By the way what are you thinking about doing after you graduate?" changing the subject, Jessica asks him a question.

"Why do you ask, all of a sudden?"

"You are the top student in my class. Actually, you score well in every class."

"I am glad, that I am being challenged more at school now."

"I am sure you will be able to attend the college you want to enter."

"Even if I want to go to the top school?" Jessica was so surprised and speechless for a moment, the school he is talking about is known for its extremely difficult entrance exam."

"I am surprised...but I bet you can pass it. What do you want study there?"

"Medicine. I want to be a doctor."

"You will manage that. You are really smart."

"I hope that I will be able to help my mom with that. She got sick when I started high school, I want to become a doctor because of that." It feels like a bunch of puzzle pieces have finally fit together.

"So that is why you quit the soccer team."

"Yes. I told my homeroom teacher at the time. I really didn't want to quit, but I have to take care of my mom and my little brother."

"Let me guess. That's why you started the job with the rental boyfriend."

"Yes, I told you it was because of the money. I am sorry, I shouldn't be saying all of this."

"No, it is okay. You know that you can always come to me if something is bothering you."

"Miss Hower, you once said that I was nice, but you are the one who is nice. Thank you. I wanted to tell you how hard you work, but I wasn't sure how to do it. Plus, I think he already found out."

"What are you talking about?" Before she can ask who "he" is, the door opens.

"There you are, Miss Hower."

"Ms. Rogers?"

"Oh, are you asking for help with homework, Maximillian? What a good student you are. Well, Mr. Johnsen is looking for you, Miss Hower."

"Thanks for letting me know."

"But also, I wanted to tell you that you put non-burnable trash on the garbage pile for the incinerator. You shouldn't do that, so be more careful from now on." Nora Rogers walks away, and Jessica lets out a sigh.

"...It must be rough to live in the same building as her."

"You shouldn't say that about an adult." Joking around a little, Jessica make her way to see Nathan.

Looking for him, Jessica finds him in an empty classroom.

"Thanks for making time for me today."

"You don't need to thank me. It is my job to help you when you need it...just don't make another one of those silly faces."

"Okay..." No one else is here and the hallways sound deserted too, realizing that this is the first time, that they are alone, since she found out her feelings for him.

"What are you thinking about?"

"What? Oh, Nothing. Will you tell me what you thought of the class now?"

"Of course. First..." Jessica scolds herself for not being able to stop staring at him.

"I don't think your classes have gotten worse since Mr. Knight helped you. But as I said before, I can see there is a gap growing in the student's abilities."

"I know how important it is to help the students who are having trouble."

"It's also important to effectively deal with the students who are progressing quickly. Like Maximillian for example. He is good at studying, so he can progress well alone. Just make sure you lead him in the right direction." Nathan gives her a few other pieces of advice and Jessica takes some note and suddenly look up.

"Oh, do you know of any study materials for University's pre-med program?"

"Yes, we have some. Why?"

"There is a student who wants to take the test, I thought I pass alone the materials."

"The medical school is extremely hard to get into...is it Maximillian?" A breeze brow in, making the curtains flutter.

"Yes. I just asked him about his plans after graduation. He came to see me worried that I was depressed over your evaluation."

"...then you still have a lot to learn, if you have your students worried about you."

"I thought you said I should think more highly of myself. ...What's wrong? Why are you so quiet? Are you sick again?" She reaches to touch his forehead, but her hand doesn't get there, he grabs it before she can touch him.

"You are too careless. That makes you vulnerable...easy to get close to." He starts to get closer and her body tenses up, Jessica starts to think about it how she may have feelings for him, but that doesn't matter because he doesn't want a relationship.

"Let me go..."

"Do you have any idea, how you look at me right now?" He tightens his grip on her wrist for a second and a beam of light from the setting sun crosses her path of vision, darkening it a bit. Jessica feels a soft sensation on her lips and she can't even speak.