Love At First Spike (GirlxGirl) (TeacherxStudent)

5

Thursday arrived sooner than expected, catching me in the midst of discussions with Mia about the impending quiz. While it might only count for a mere 5% of our overall grade, I was determined to make an impression on Miss Hart. I wanted to prove to her that the extra effort we put into our private tutoring sessions was worth it, and that I was worth noticing.

As Mia and I walked to school, our usual banter flowed effortlessly between us, except for those rare occasions when I was running late. Today, however, my mind veered into dangerous territory. "You know," I began, a hint of uncertainty in my voice, "I think my brain is playing tricks on me."

Mia's eyebrows rose in curiosity as she listened intently. "What do you mean?" she prompted.

Taking a deep breath, I confessed, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment, "I can't stop thinking about Miss Hart. It's like I'm becoming obsessed with her, and it's driving me crazy."

Usually quick with a joke or a teasing remark, Mia surprised me by responding with genuine concern. "Maybe it's because you haven't dated anyone in so long," she suggested thoughtfully. "You're fixating on something unattainable."

Her words stung, hitting a nerve I hadn't realized was exposed. Mia calling Miss Hart 'unattainable' felt like a jab, even though I knew she was just trying to help. "You're probably right," I admitted reluctantly, the weight of reality settling in.

But Mia wasn't finished yet. "What about Lily?" she proposed, referring to a teammate who had shown interest in me since day one. "She's into you, you know. Maybe you should give her a chance."

I scoffed at the idea, shaking my head firmly. "No way! Lily from the volleyball team? I'm not getting involved with anyone on the team. It's just not worth the drama."

Despite Mia's persistent suggestions, I brushed off the idea of pursuing anything romantic with Lily, knowing it would only complicate things further, both on and off the court.

Our class gathered outside the closed classroom door, anticipation mounting as we waited for Miss Hart to arrive and unlock it.

Mia, ever persistent, resumed her campaign for me to consider Lily as a potential romantic interest. "Seriously, Stacey, you should think about talking to Lily," she urged, her eyebrows wiggling mischievously. "She's cute with that bubble butt and her messy blonde hair."

I couldn't help but feel my cheeks flush at Mia's candid appraisal of Lily's attributes. "Come on, Mia," I protested, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over me. Just as I spoke, fate seemed to intervene, because Lily appeared, strolling past us before pausing in front of our group.

"I heard my name," Lily chimed in cheerfully, a smile playing at the corners of her lips.

Mia, seizing the opportunity to tease me further, jumped in with a joking remark. "Oh, nothing much," she quipped, "Just Stacey here going on about how cute you are."

Lily's cheeks tinged with pink at the unexpected compliment, and I shot a sharp glare in Mia's direction, silently pleading for her to stop. "I-I was actually just saying how everyone on our team is nice and fit," I stammered, attempting to defuse the situation with a feeble explanation.

As our conversation continued, Miss Hart arrived, and I immediately regretted engaging in banter just moments before her arrival. I held my breath, hoping she hadn't overheard our discussion. She cast a subtle, yet piercing glare at the three of us, her gaze lingering a moment longer on Lily.

"I believe this is not your class," Miss Hart stated in her trademark cold tone, sending a shiver down my spine. Was that a hint of jealousy in her voice? I quickly dismissed the thought, chiding myself for being ridiculous.