The Art of Forbidden Romance (Student x Teacher)

Chapter 15

I stretched my arms over my head widely, trying to work out the soreness building up in my shoulders. I glanced around the nearly empty classroom at the couple of students that were still working on their paintings. Andy's class had wrapped up a couple hours ago but I had stayed to work on my painting more.

A stool dragging across the concrete floor broke the silence of the room and I winced at the metal sound.

"Sorry..." a student whispered to no one in specific.

I glanced at my phone, it was just past 9 o'clock and groaned. I had work tomorrow, but I didn't want to stop painting just yet. I set down my paintbrush on my pallet and stood up, stretching my knees and back. My second painting for my portfolio was coming along. I looked it over as I stretching, debating what my next move would be.

My canvas was smaller than the first painting of my series to help capture the beginning of a new feeling. I had painted the sushi bar from my date with Chuck. Sake bottles and half eaten plates were scattered on the counter. Two ghostly figures sat next to one another, with small flames flickering at their core. The tendrils of the flames extended towards each other, as if trying to reach one another. The figures otherwise did not touch or look at one another as if trying to ignore the flame that started burning inside them. I chewed on the inside of my cheek, debating what this painting was missing.

I sighed and decided it wouldn't come to me tonight and packed up my things. I put my painting in my trunk and then headed home.

Work the next day was slow as usual and I took the time to do some extra cleaning again. Chuck came by and got his usual cherry pie and Americano but did not interrupt my cleaning with conversation. Instead he sat in the corner of the cafe, reading through a large stack of papers. Every now and then I would catch him looking at me while I cleaned and we would exchange soft smiles at one another.

By the time by shift was nearly over Chuck was getting to the end of his paper stack. Angela took some time in the back to do some paperwork while I was still on the clock. I cleared a few tables and then decided to check on Chuck.

"You've been here for awhile," I said to him. "Are you done with your plates?" Chuck looked up. His beard stuck out awkwardly on the left from him fidgeting with it all day while grading.

"Yes, thank you," he said. He glanced around the cafe before turning back to me. "What are you doing after work?" I shrugged.

"Probably just watching trash tv with Mel," I said.

"Hmm," he said. The door to the kitchen swung open as Angela came out from the back and Chuck turned back to the few final papers he had left. I took his plates and dipped behind the counter to discuss closing with Angela.

"Who is that guy?" She whispered to me. "Wasn't be the guy that asked about the artist of the month thing?" My stomach flipped.

"Uh," I said in a lowered tone. "Yeah he is. He's apparently a teacher at my college..."

"Huh," she said, still looking at Chuck. I quickly changed the subject to closing to get her mind on something else. I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket and shortly after the door to the cafe chimed at Chuck left. After Angela and I were finished swapping notes, I grabbed my things from the back and punched out for the night.

I checked my phone as I walked out the cafe, to find a text from Chuck.

If you're available, I'd like to take you to dinner again.

My heart thudded in my chest. I chewed my lip as I thought things over. Was I comfortable with this continuing? I liked Chuck, and I was definitely attracted to him. Mel's words from a few weeks ago popped in my mind.

'Nothings wrong if you don't do anything.'

I sighed. We had kind of already done something. First there was our date and then kissing each other, twice. My chest flushed as I remembered how wonderful kissing Chuck felt. I quickly shot Chuck a text before I could over think things.

Yeah, that would be great. I need to go home and change. I can meet you again if you'd like?

I threw my phone into my purse as I got into my car and drove home.

When I opened the front door to our apartment, Mel was sprawled out on the couch, a reality TV show playing.

"Hey! How was work?" She asked.

"It was good," I said. I beelined for my room to get changed. I jumped in the shower quickly before dashing to my room, trying to avoid Mel. I could hear her in the kitchen cooking.

I decided on a dress this time, it was a hot day today and the evening would still be warm. The black cotton material hit mid thigh on me. My phone pinged with a text from Chuck.

I would like to pick you up this time if that's okay - you should know I'm not a murderer by now lol.

I chewed my lip awkwardly. It was risky but it would be nice.

Sure, I'll come out though. Don't forget I live with Mel.

I slipped on some retro platform sandals and grabbed a denim jacket. I fussed with my hair and makeup for a few minutes before my phone pinged again.

I'm here in the front of your complex. Come out when you're ready.

My chest tightened with nervousness as I opened the door to my room. Mel was still in the kitchen so I made a quick dash to do the door.

"Going out!" I shouted as I ran out the door. She shouted something in response but I didn't catch it as the door slammed shut and I locked it behind me. I quickly made my way through the complex to where Chuck was waiting for me, my anxiety and nervousness growing with every step.