His Angel

Bad to Worse

"Class quieten down. I am aware our lesson is coming to a close but I expect you to continue listening as I never repeat myself. Don't expect my attitude or the lesson structure to be at all similar to the previous lessons last week as last week was an exception to allow you all to get settled into this year. If it were up to me, there would be no "easing in" at all, however, we cannot change the past. From now on, I advise you to not expect lenience. You can rest when A-level exams are over. I assume you are all up to date with your summer reading of Romeo and Juliet, if not then it is on your own head. This week I will be setting an assignment based on the play that will be due next Monday. I am feeling generous so I will allow you to complete this assignment in pairs. I will assign each of you a partner next lesson and elaborate on the task at hand. We have five minutes left of this lesson and I recommend that you revise your 'Romeo and Juliet' independent noting. Please do this in silence."

"Mr Roland is horrible. You can't change my mind" Riley whispers from the desk in front of mine and I cannot prevent a smile from tugging at my lips.

"He is a teacher Riles, it's his job to set us work" I taunt when I am certain Mr Rolands attention is elsewhere.

"It's the second week back Tiana! There's no excuse for him to give us a huge ass project. Besides, it's not even the work; it's his fucking awful attitude."

"He is rather grumpy... perhaps he's lonely?" I wonder skeptically, trying to comprehend an excuse for his behavior.

"Perhaps he's just a dick," Riley chides a little too loudly.

"EXCUSE ME? MRS ANDREWS, WOULD YOU LIKE TO REPEAT YOURSELF TO THE CLASS?" Mr Roland questions. I begin to fidget in my seat now nervous for Riley.

"No sir, that won't be necessary", she concludes whilst maintaining a relaxed facade.

"Quite the contrary Miss Andrews, you have my intrigue. Please, repeat yourself" Mr Roland challenges. His eyes refusing to waver from Rileys.

"It really doesn't matter sir..." she sighs, irritably.

"REPEAT IT OR GO TO DETENTION." I shiver at his tone and wish to muster the courage to intervene. Mr Roland is clearly trying to humiliate Riley.

"Fine. I was just explaining to Tiana how much of a DICK you are."

The class went pin drop silent. Nobody dared to move, nor breathe at the risk of adding fuel to the fire.

"Class dismissed. Miss Andrews, stay after class...please" Mr Roland grits out. Still starstruck, the class is yet to move until he loses his patience completely, "I SAID, CLASS DISMISSED!"

The mass of students scramble out of the classroom - clumped together in a herd. Scared to leave Riley to face Mr Rolands wrath alone, I hesitate to make my exit, however, a hand soon wraps around my arm and leads me out of the classroom.

"Come on Tiana, Riley will be fine. Why don't you come to lunch with me?" Riley's sister, Delilah, kindly offers but I am quick to decline.

"I think I will wait for Riley, Delilah, but thank you so much for asking."

"Are you sure?" She queries and I assure her with a forced smile and a nod of confirmation. We say our brief 'goodbyes' before she skipping of towards the cafeteria. Her red curls bouncing as she travels.

Lost in my thoughts I fail to notice the door opening until the sarcastic voice of Riley comes to ear as she invites Mr Roland to "go fuck" himself before slamming the door shut.