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

forty five

Morning comes too quickly the next day, and I roll out of bed to my mom's comforting calls that she has breakfast ready. When I show up downstairs dressed, she looks puzzled.

"You're going to school?" She asks, perched delicately next to her stack of pancakes, toast and jam. I fill up my reusable water bottle and sit next to her, touching nothing.

"What else would I do?" She looks blankly at me, "I have a quiz in English and need to meet with my group for my science project," Talking about classes other than history is almost more shocking for me than it is for her.

"I called your teachers...they're all in the loop. They completely understand you staying home today-"

"Okay, but I don't want to stay home," She glances at the mound of food she's made and I almost feel bad. Almost.

"Oh...okay. I'll get the car warmed up," She sounds defeated and I just sigh as I look out the window.

—-

    It would seem that she didn't just let my teachers know I may stay home, they all seem a bit confused that I'm here at all. As soon as I walk in the gates, I see one of the main office administrators talking to the vice principal. They both glance at me skepticly but I turn my music up louder and try to get to class unbothered.

    That would be too easy.

    "Iris, wait," I hear my name come muffled through my music and someone's hand grabs my arm. I turn on my heel, ripping my arm out of their grasp.

    "Hey, sweetheart," The main office admin, Candace?, sighs, her eyes filled with pity and faux concern.

    "I have to get to class,"

    "Yeah...not so fast," The vice principal stops me and I sidestep away from him, not wanting him to get too close.

    "Your mom said you weren't coming in today?" Candace questions and I notice other students glancing over at us as they rush to make it to class. The warning bell rings. Godammit.

    "Is there a problem that I did?" I glance between them.

    "No! No of course not, it's just..." Mr. Rhee starts but then glances at Candace for help.

    "It may be a bit distracting for the other students that you're here. Given everything that's gone on..." My stomach sinks as I start to feel everyone's eyes on me again.

    "So what, I'm not welcome at school anymore?"

    "No, of course you are," I can't help but notice that he started with 'no'. Mr. Rhee chuckles awkwardly as he gulps. "We just...it's Friday. Why don't you take an extra long weekend?"

    "But I don't want to. I want to be here, I have a quiz and a project-"

    "Yeah, about that..." Candace starts and I feel my blood run cold, "All your teachers know about this...situation...and they've given you a pass on all homework. At least for some time. You don't have to worry about anything right now, just go home and rest," I suddenly feel like I want to cry and I'm not totally sure why.

    Not knowing what else to do, I let them lead me out where I see my mom still waiting in the parking lot. Of course she knew to wait. Begrudgingly, I get back in the car and sink back into my chair.

    "Sweetie, I'm sorry,"

    "It's fine. Let's just go back," She doesn't say another word.

    When we're pulling back into the driveway, she sighs.