Four Page Letters (TeacherxStudent)

Chapter 3

Charlotte

If you look at me again..
Please don't look at me again...
God! Don't look at me again....
You just did it!
My God Mrs. Dandridge, wont you stop?
The look you're giving is intoxicating
And it makes my heart rate drop.
It makes me skin shiver
It makes my lips quiver
Im entrapped in your space, my love,
And the air is getting thick—

"Charlotte?" I turned towards Mrs. Dandridge, peeling my eyes from the window for the first time since I've been in her car. "Im sorry Mrs. Dandridge, were you saying something?" She took her eyes off the road for a moment to look at me. A tiny glance which was enough to swallow me whole. A smirk appeared on her face as she shook her head. "Whats going on in that head of yours?" She asked me. I didn't respond as I looked back towards the window. I heard her sigh, which kind of made me feel bad. I know it has to be frustrating to not get a word out of me. But how could I possibly tell her that she is the single thing that always consumes my thoughts?

"Well, can you at least tell me why you were taking those things from the store?"

Another question that would go unanswered, Mrs. Dandridge—I thought to myself.

Shortly after we were turning into my subdivision. My house was at the end of the street and slowly the car came to a stop. I unbuckled my seat belt when I heard her speak. "Are your parents home?" I shook my head, no. "Will they be home soon?" I shook my head again. She then grabbed my chin, shifting me towards her, as we were now face to face. Her intimidating eyes capturing mine. "Charlotte, lets use our words okay?" I gulped, swallowing the tiny bit of moisture that was in my mouth. I nodded.

"Okay." She dropped her hand. "Where are your parents Charlotte?" I took a deep breath before responding. "My parents are dead." I said coldly. It wasn't intentional, and after I said it I realized how it probably sounded. Harsh. I didn't mean to say it that way, I just don't like talking about it. "Oh sweetie, Im so sorry. I had no ide— "Its fine, really." I said cutting her off. I don't need apologies for something that wasn't her fault. I turned my head back towards the window as I felt tears begin to form in the corner of my eyes. It still hurts. I miss them everyday, and I hate talking about it.

I felt her softly place a hand on my arm, making me jump. Her hands were soft. Smooth. I looked down at her hand that was placed on my lower arm. She didn't move it. She began rubbing my arm as if it was in effort to comfort me. And then I looked over at her left hand where the diamond sat on her finger. I don't know why but it pissed me off seeing it. I felt jealous and I felt stupid. Jealous that she is already someone's wife. Stupid to think I ever stood a chance with someone like her. I shook out of her grasp and wiped my eyes.

She retracted her hand and sat back in her seat. I didn't want to seem rude, because she didn't deserve that. She had no idea how I truly felt about her and its not her fault. "Charlotte, sweetie, who do you live wi— "Actually Im pretty tired. Im gonna head in." I said as I reached for the door handle. I didn't want to answer that. No— I couldn't answer that. I didnt need the school getting involved in my business. She was still a teacher after all, and surely she would have to report a 17 year old living alone.

"Okay, I understand I'll back off. But before you go, may I see your phone?" I gave her a questioning look, before hesitantly handing over my phone. A few seconds later she handed it back. I glanced down to see she had given me her phone number. My heart began to pound rapidly. She spoke again, "If you're ever thinking about doing something like that again, call me first. I don't want you getting into any more trouble, got it?" My mouth seemed to be glued short. I couldn't speak a word, so I just nodded. "Good night Charlotte, I'll see you Monday." "Goodnight." I gave her a small smile as I exited the car.

I began walking up the porch steps while searching my backpack for my keys. "Hey, Charlotte?" I turned around, bending over to look into the window, "Yes?" I answered. "You don't have to wait until you're in trouble to call or text me either, okay?" I stared at her, my mouth opening and closing. I didn't know how to respond to that because I didn't know how to take it. Did she mean she wanted me to text her like—whenever? Casually? She must have noticed how I was clearly over thinking what she said as she told me to hurry in the house. I ran up the stairs and unlocked the door, turning to wave goodbye as she drove off down the road.

I shut the door and slid down to the floor, leaning against it. I mentally thanked God its dark out so she couldn't tell how red my cheeks had gotten. I pulled out my phone and as soon as I unlocked it her number appeared on my screen. But what gave me butterflies was how she saved it. The smallest, most simplest thing made my heart smile. I ran my thumb over her contact...

Rosalynn ♡