Calculus of the Heart

Chapter 19

Monday mornings usually feel like a sluggish start to the week, but today is different. There's an electric current in the air, a buzz of anticipation that I can't quite shake. Yesterday's confession still echoes in my mind, bringing a smile to my lips every time I think about it. My heart races at the thought of seeing Ms. Reynolds—Catherine—again, now that everything has changed between us. I'm still getting used to using her first name, it's like she let me in on a secret no one here knows about. And it's not the only secret.

As I walk through the school halls, my thoughts are a chaotic jumble of nerves and excitement. I pass Jess, Abby, and Amori by the lockers, and they instantly notice my elevated mood.

"Someone's chipper this morning," Jess teases, adjusting her backpack strap.

Abby raises an eyebrow, giving me a knowing look. "Yeah, what's up, Ella? You've been smiling like the cat that got the cream."

I can't help but laugh, trying to play it cool. "Oh, you know, just feeling good about today."

Amori gives me a skeptical grin. "Uh-huh, sure. I bet it has nothing to do with that mystery person you won't tell us about, right?"

I blush, trying to hide my face behind my locker door. "You guys are impossible."

They laugh, but before they can press for more details, the warning bell rings. "See you guys later," I say, waving as I head towards my first class—math with Ms. Reynolds.

Walking into the classroom, I feel a flutter of excitement mixed with a tinge of nerves. Ms. Reynolds is already there, setting up her materials. She glances up as I enter, and our eyes meet briefly. A small, secret smile passes between us before I take my seat.

The class begins as usual, with Ms. Reynolds explaining a new concept on the board. I try to focus on the lesson, but my mind keeps drifting back to yesterday evening and everything that happened. Every now and then, I catch her glancing in my direction, a subtle exchange that sends my heart racing.

Ms. Reynolds' voice is steady as she writes equations on the board, but there's a warmth in her gaze when she looks my way. I scribble notes in my notebook, glancing up at her as often as I can without making it obvious.

As class winds down, Ms. Reynolds gives us an assignment to work on independently. The room fills with the quiet rustle of paper and the tapping of pens. I work through the problems, but my concentration is split between the math and the anticipation of what might happen after class.

The bell finally rings, signaling the end of the period. Students gather their things and head for the door. I stay seated, my heart pounding in my chest. Ms. Reynolds—Catherine—meets my eyes again, this time with a look of understanding. She doesn't say anything, but she nods subtly as if giving me permission to stay.

Once the classroom empties out, I get up and walk over to the door, hesitating for a moment before I lock it. The soft click of the lock echoes in the room, signaling that we are finally alone.

I turn to face Catherine, the silence between us heavy with unspoken words. She's still standing by her desk, her eyes locked on mine. There's a moment of uncertainty, a pause where the world seems to hold its breath. Then, she steps forward, closing the distance between us with measured strides.

Her hand reaches for mine, fingers brushing gently before intertwining with my own. It's a small gesture, but it feels like more.

"Hi," I say softly, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

"Hi," she replies, her voice a warm, familiar melody.

We stand there for a moment, just holding hands, the tension between us a mix of excitement and nervousness. I can't help but grin, feeling like a giddy teenager. The room feels brighter, as if we're the only two people in the world.