In Love With Ms. Manoban

Part 1

"Okay class, that's it for today," said Miss Manoban as she dismissed the class. Putting down the half-finished piece of chalk, she took a glance around the class, eyes landing on a particular brunette before quickly averting. She shook her head at her own silly thoughts that are rushing in once again.

The students said their goodbyes to the teacher as they started filing out of the classroom. At the back of the class was the same brunette, who was moving as slowly as he could in order to be the last one out of the class, as he usually did. Seeing that everyone had left, he quickly made his way to the teacher's desk.

"Hey there Ms. Manoban." He told the teacher, smiling warmly at her. The student took a glance at the teacher's stomach then looked back up before he was caught.

"Well, if it isn't Jeremiah Kim." Ms. Manoban said, with a smirk plastered on her face. Jeremiah was now blushing for a reason he had no idea of. He had always been nervous when in front of the teacher but tried to act as normal as possible.

An awkward silence enveloped them as Jeremiah started combing through his hair with his fingers, shifting from one foot to the next, a habit he does, the teacher realized long ago, when he wants to say something or ask a question but is not sure if he should. Ms. Manoban took this as an opportunity to break the silence.

"Jeremiah, is there something you want to say?"

"Huh? Oh.. Actually, uhmm.." Jeremiah said awkwardly, not knowing how to ask his question.

"What is it Jeremiah? Whatever it is, it's okay," said Lisa, as she patiently waited for Jeremiah.

"Are you.. uhm you know?" The young man stammered.

"What is it, Jeremiah?" Ms. Manoban asked with a soft chuckle.

"Okay, uhmm. Areyoupregnant?" He asked quickly, as if he wanted it to be over as fast as possible. He closed his eyes for a bit before opening them. He was met with a confused teacher, who chuckled nonetheless at first, wondering what the young man was saying, until realization hit her as she slowly nodded her head.

"Actually, yes. I found out about a week ago." Lisa said replied shyly as she bent her head. She had always wanted to have a child, and now that the time was here, she was feeling rather giddy. But upon seeing the unreadable expression on Jeremiah's face when she finally had the courage to look up, she really didn't know how to act and was starting to feel anxious as if she had done something wrong.

Jeremiah was left speechless. He had his suspicions for a while now and now that it was confirmed, he himself didn't know how to feel. But that all changed when he looked into the teacher's eyes. Happiness could be seen in those bright eyes, with a little bit of fear. He had a feeling that the latter was because of himself so,he plastered on the brightest smile that he could muster.

"Really?! How far along are you?" The teachers face lit up right away at his words which showed his clear interest and delight.

"About a month."

Jeremiah wanted to ask the teacher if she knew the due date but decided against it, feeling as though he might be invading her privacy.

"Congratulations." Jeremiah said as he opened out his arms to Lisa. Lisa got up walked and around the teacher's desk before leaping into his arms.

"Thank you."

"I can already imagine you looking so adorable when your bump gets bigger." He mumbled, earning a giggle from Lisa.

"Well, you might say that now."

"What? It's true, and I can't wait." Jeremiah beamed at the teacher after pulling away from the hug.

They chatted a little while as the teacher started packing up her things. Soon after, the two were walking out of the classroom.

"Where are you heading to?" The teacher asked as they were walking in the school parking lot. She didn't know why but she wanted to spend some more time with Jeremiah and felt as if time flew by whenever they were together.

"I wanted to go to the new ice-cream parlor a few blocks from here, actually." After a few moments of silence, he spoke again. "Do you have anywhere to go? If not, you're welcome to come with me."

"Are you sure? I don't want to intrude," replied the teacher, even though she was already smiling brighter than ever and looked as if she could jump for joy. Her actions made Jeremiah mentally laugh.

"Of course. You won't be intruding. I actually enjoy your company," he replied.

"Let's go then." Lisa grabbed Jeremiah's hand unexpectedly before walking faster towards the direction of the ice cream parlour. She has never and will never pass up an ice cream offer. They headed to their destination as they engaged in their own little conversation that would make anyone smile.