Stolen Innocence (Evergreen) [Student/Teacher Love Story]

twenty five

There were no repercussions for them smoking, seeing as he immiedatley forgot about what they were doing as soon as he saw me, but Ethan for some reason still has not been able to let the whole situation go.

He won't stop bombarding me with questions about what Michael and I talked about and how the hell I got us out of trouble like that. The truth is none of them were ever in any trouble once he realized I was there, but I can't tell Ethan that.

"I just don't understand why you're being so tight-lipped about this. I mean I thought we were on the same page about Mr. Ryder," Ethan states disappointedly as we trudge towards first period, my heart racing at the thought of seeing Michael again. He wasn't in class yesterday and - while it was disappointing - seeing a sub standing there in Michael's place was quite a relief.

"We are just...can you just take my word for it that I handled it?" I snap and I didn't realize how quiet the classroom was when we walked in until the other 30 kids in the class all snapped their heads over to try and get in on the drama. I glaze over all of them, my eyes focusing on that familiar pair of yellow-green orbs as he watches the two of us from where he sits at the front of the room. This seems oddly formal and only then do I realize the tense atmosphere the classroom has taken on as I quickly shuffle into my seat, Ethan shutting up and following suit.

Trying to ignore the feeling of at least half the room's eyes on me, I stare back at Michael, hoping the bell will ring and he'll start blathering on about whatever we're currently learning. He doesn't look like he's going to be lecturing us on history right now. In fact, beyond his cool, calm and collected exterior, some look in his eyes tells me that he's beyond panicked.

The bell finally saves us from this torture as he clears his throat and stands up. He glances awkwardly around at us all and it's so silent I can hear each tick of the clock, almost sending me over the edge.

"So, first off, I'd just like to apoligze for my actions this semester so far. I've been dealing with some...family...issues that have absolutely nothing to do with any of you, and I shouldn't have allowed my personal life to come into such fierce contact with you guys," He glances around the room as he paces, his words seemingly genuine. His eyes catch mine a few times, but never long enough to make anyone suspicious, "Just so you all know, from here on out, I'll be better," He clears his throat once more, really trying to sell this story.

"You're all good, Mr. Ryder," One of the suck up kids who sits in the front chimes in and Michael forces a smile in his direction, nodding.

"Yeah, we didn't know you were going through family stuff," Lindsay - one of the girls who has been and always will fawn over Michael - adds, and before I knew it, half a dozen more students were chiming in their support for their favorite teacher.

"Thank you, guys. It means a lot," His eyes catch mine once more, this time lingering. I don't look away, "Just so you're aware, there may be someone from the administration sitting in on classes at times. This has nothing to do with you guys, and you can just continue to act like everything is normal - as it is,"

"Why will there be someone watching our class?" Another girl in the front questions and I scrunch my eyebrows at this, also curious. He glances down at his shoes before answering.

"This is pretty routine for most classes, they're just going to sit in and make sure you guys are learning what you should be and nothing that you shouldn't," I almost scoff at this but manage to hold myself back.

"It's gonna be the same as always, just...pretend like they're not even there," He smiles earnestly, and if I didn't know any better, I'd be convinced.

While the rest of the class smiles and nods along with the remainder of class, there's some who aren't so easily placated. I glance over at Ethan numerous times to see him writing furiously, about what I'm not really sure.