Between The Lines

Chapter 53: 'Your pretty hot... Sir'

Third Person:

Rebecca stood in her room, packing her bags for the much-anticipated school trip. Clothes, toiletries, a camera, and her notebook were all neatly folded and stacked in her suitcase. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, a mix of excitement for the adventure ahead and anxiety about the presence of Mr. Montgomery. She couldn't shake the lingering memory of their encounter at the Safe Haven Café.

Her phone buzzed, snapping her out of her reverie. It was a message from Oliver.

"Ready for the trip? Bet you can't wait to leave school behind for a few days!"

She smiled and quickly typed back, "Absolutely! Need a break from all the drama. You packed?"

"Yup. Just waiting on you. Meet us at the bus stop?"

"Sure thing."

Rebecca zipped up her suitcase and grabbed her backpack. She paused for a moment, looking around her room. This trip was her chance to escape, even if just for a while. With a deep breath, she headed downstairs.

Her mom was in the kitchen, sipping coffee and reading the newspaper. She looked up and smiled. "All set?"

"Yeah, I think so," Rebecca replied, trying to keep her tone light. "I'll miss you."

Her mom's smile faltered slightly, a shadow of concern crossing her face. "Stay safe, okay? And have fun."

"I will." Rebecca gave her mom a quick hug before heading out the door.

At the bus stop, Rebecca found Oliver and Charlotte waiting for her. Oliver was bouncing on the balls of his feet, clearly brimming with energy. Charlotte, ever the calm one, stood with her arms crossed, a serene smile on her face.

"Took you long enough," Oliver teased as she approached.

"Had to make sure I didn't forget anything," Rebecca shot back, grinning.

The bus pulled up, and the students began boarding. Rebecca followed Oliver and Charlotte down the aisle, looking for a seat. The bus jolted suddenly, and she lost her balance, tumbling to the side. She landed hard on someone sitting in one of the seats.

Rebecca froze, her heart pounding as she realised who she had landed on. Mr. Montgomery looked up at her, his eyes wide with surprise and something else she couldn't quite identify. She scrambled to get up, her hands inadvertently brushing against his crotch. He tensed, his jaw clenching as he tried to maintain his composure.

"I'm so sorry!" she blurted out, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

Oliver and Charlotte burst out laughing from a few seats down. "Nice one, Rebecca!" Oliver called out, still chuckling. "Didn't know you were that eager to get close to Mr. Montgomery!"

"Shut up, Oliver," Rebecca snapped, shooting him a glare.

Mr. Montgomery cleared his throat, his face a mix of anger and strained self-control. "Watch where you're going, Miss Rebecca."

Rebecca cringed at the use of her first name, a reminder of the assignment she had never completed. She straightened up and looked around for another seat, but the bus was already packed.

"Looks like you'll have to sit here," Mr. Montgomery said, his tone almost amused despite the situation.

With no other choice, Rebecca sat down beside him, feeling the heat radiate off her cheeks. She crossed her arms and stared straight ahead, trying to ignore the smirking glances from Oliver and Charlotte.

The bus started moving again, and Rebecca shifted uncomfortably in her seat. The proximity to Mr. Montgomery was making her hyper-aware of every small movement. She could smell his cologne, and every time their arms brushed, it sent a jolt through her.