Choosing Us

Part IV: I Look Forward To It

The bell rang and students began the shuffle of collecting their items and hurrying to rejoin their friends for a brief intermission before the next class. Liv, having not moved from her chair, looked over at me. Though she said nothing, her eyes appeared to be speaking on her behalf with intrigue and excitement. She then broke the silence with, "I'll be at the tree..." The tree that she was referring to had been our safe haven since freshman year. Countless hours were spent there doing homework, worrying about exams, talking about the latest fashion hits and misses. "Okay." I said trying to defuse her interest. 

While I waited for the remainder of the students to exit the classroom, I stole glances when possible. He had been reviewing documents, and his forehead wrinkled with attention and effort to understand as his eyes scanned the pages. His hand left a page at one point to claw through his thick brown hair. I watched as his hand made its way through his hair and continued moving until it served as a support for his chin. His arms, from what was visible from his neatly folded sleeves of his button down shirt, were tan and muscular with thick veins. My eyes slowly made their way back to his face where I saw his full lips mouthing words as he read. With the final student leaving, I grabbed my book bag and made my way to the front desk. Over the course of the hour long period, I had become more comfortable with the idea of interacting with Wyatt. He did have a soothing presence once I admitted to myself that he was undeniably attractive. "So, what can I help you find? The homework sheets, right?" I asked in a surprisingly normal and confident voice. "Yes, please." He said with a smile and stood from the desk chair to provide me with access to the desk's drawers and contents. He still stood near the desk, and the faint hint of his cologne was as strong as ever. I eventually found the notebook and handed it in the direction of Wyatt. His reached for it with his large hands wrapping around the notebook but also a portion of my hand as well. I immediately jerked my hand back awkwardly due to the electricity that had sent waves up my arms. Our eyes met once more and he replied in a quiet and breathy tone, "thank you." Thoughts flooded my mind but because of the amount and speed at which they were occurring, I was unable to consider any of them. "No problem." I said shyly. I stood up and was face to face with my substitute teacher. I knew enough that I should leave the room now. I tucked my hair behind my ear and moved passed Wyatt. As I passed him, he turned and said, "Hey. ... are you okay?" I knew he was referring to my father, but he sounded so sincere as if holding his breathe for my response. I paused and turned around to face him, "I gotta be." I gave a small unconvincing smile and turned back around. "I'll see you tomorrow, Wyatt." I assumed I caught him off guard by calling him by his first name because he responded, "I look forward to it, Tori."