More Than a Teacher - Ashton Irwin

5

Staying at friends' houses over the past week wasn't as ideal as I originally thought it would be. However, I haven't had to deal with my parents for a whole seven days. In fact they probably have know idea where I am.

I've managed to make my way through three of my friends so far. I stayed two days at one of them, then moved on to stay at another's and now I'm moving on from a three day sleep over with another.

It was still hard to sleep at night. The years I've been traumatized have led to paranoia every time the sun goes down. Also, by the second night, I'm just starting to settle in and then I'm packing up, going to school then moving on to another friends house.

Luckily, no one has caught on yet. I'm surprised if I'm honest. I mean, I'm carrying a duffle bag with all my belongings with me every few days. How could someone not pick up on it?

Tonight I am staying at Layla's place, a good friend but nowhere near as close as Chantelle. I wish I could stay at Elle's place every night or even move into her place. I just can't do that to her parents though. They are so busy. They don't need the extra responsibility of taking care of me. Also her house is three blocks from mine. Still too close to my parents for my liking.

I sit dazed with confusion and consumed in my thoughts. I'm trying to grasp this new concept in English as well as listen to the conversation in my head. On top of that I'm trying to keep my eyes open and head from smashing into the desk.

I wonder if my parents even realise I'm gone or if they so drunk and high they haven't noticed. In their eyes it's probably a bonus. They literally hate me and it's written in all the scars scattered over my body. The only thing I can think of that would make them notice I'm gone would be when they need something or they've ran out of money. I have a feeling dad has wasted the money I left on the table and by now, I'm sure the food is all gone. The only reason I'm not hearing about it though, is because they have no way of contacting me or knowing my whereabouts. The perks of parents who don't have phones.

But being the genuine person I am, I can't let them become homeless. As much as they have hurt me, two wrongs don't make a right. So I continue to pay the rent and bills for the house.

"Ok so everyone got that? You all should be experts on writing analytical essays now!" Miss Wren beams as everyone groans at her overly enthusiastic spirit.

"Can someone tell me— Oh Mr Irwin, what can I do for you?" Miss Wren leans against her desk with her attention at the door.

My head instantly snaps up from doodling over the back page of my notebook.

"May I borrow Ava from your lesson? She won't be coming back." He politely asks, making my heart pound in my chest.

He is taking me from the last thirty minutes of fourth period. What could he possibly want now?

Giving me the 'go ahead', I shakily shove my book into my bag and throw both of them over my shoulder as fast as I can to avoid everyone's strong gazes. My head is down as I walk to the door and past his tall frame holding it open for me.

"Let's go." He motions with a small smile and takes the lead.

My shoes make the only noise as we walk past many classrooms and go in the direction of his staffroom.

"What are we doing?" I question quietly as I catch up to him.

"Whatever you want," He shrugs and unlocks the door the the math staffroom, revealing the warm and comforting space. "I have a free period and if you couldn't tell, everyone is on class." He shuts the door behind us.

"So you took me out of English class; learning time, to do nothing?" I tilt my head and raise a brow.

"Oh don't tell me you were paying attention," He playfully rolls his eyes before a warm hand brushes my shoulder and takes the weight of the bags from me. "Get comfortable." He lightly pushes my lower back towards the black leather couches.