My Teacher and I

Chapter Twenty-one

It's been weeks since I told Mathew how I felt, and things between us have quietly shifted. There are little moments—a quick touch on the arm, a lingering glance, or a gentle hand on my shoulder when no one else is looking. These subtle gestures, though small, mean the world to me.

After class, when everyone else has left, we sometimes share a brief, private moment. It's nothing more than a soft, reassuring kiss or a close embrace. It feels like we're connected, but we both know to keep things respectful and appropriate.

While these small moments are comforting, there's still a bit of tension, like we're balancing on the edge of something bigger. We both know the importance of boundaries, and that makes the little time we do have together feel special. For now, it's enough to know he cares, and I'll wait patiently, knowing that we need to take things one step at a time. As the bell rings, signaling the end of class, I pack up my things, feeling a little on edge. Mr. Harris' voice cuts through the noise of students getting up to leave.

"Atticus, can you stay back after class?" he says, his tone neutral but firm. He continues addressing the rest of the class, reminding them of their homework and upcoming tests, but I can feel the tension settling in my chest.

I sit quietly at my desk, waiting for the last student to leave before Mr. Harris closes the door. The room feels a little too quiet now, and I watch as he walks back to his desk, glancing at me with an expression I can't quite read.

When the door clicks shut, I swallow, waiting for whatever comes next. 

Mathew sits down at the edge of his desk, arms crossed, his usual serious expression softened slightly. "So, Atticus, what are your plans for the school holidays?" he asks casually, but there's a subtle hint of something more in his voice.

I shrug, leaning back in my chair. "Nothing much. Just the usual, I guess," I reply, trying to keep my cool. But the curiosity in his question piques my interest.

Mathew tilts his head, looking at me intently. "Would you want to spend it with me instead?"

My heart skips a beat. The idea thrills me, but I frown slightly. "I'd love to, but... I'd have to lie to my parents. It's not exactly easy to explain."

He nods, understanding but still hopeful. "I get it, but if you can figure it out... I'd really like that."

I can't hide my smile as he pulls out his phone and slides it across the desk towards me. "Here, take my number. Just in case."

He takes my phone, feeling a rush of excitement as he enters his contact, and I save it under the name My Hot Teacher. 

Mathew smirks, clearly amused. "You better not let anyone see that name," he warns playfully.

I give him a wink. "Don't worry, it's our little secret."

I walk out of Mathew's classroom, feeling lighter than I have in a while, a big grin on my face that I can't hide. I can't help but feel a little giddy, replaying our conversation in my head. Just as I'm about to turn the corner, I spot Toby leaning against a locker, clearly waiting for me.

He raises an eyebrow as I approach, noticing my mood. "Why are you so... happy?" he asks with a smirk.

I shrug, trying to play it cool but failing miserably. "Oh, you know... just had a good chat with Mr. Harris."

Toby narrows his eyes, clearly sensing there's more to the story. "A good chat with Mr. Harris, huh? Sure, that's all it was?"

I laugh, knowing he won't let it go. "Maybe. What's it to you?"

Toby nudges me with his elbow. "Just making sure you're not getting yourself into too much trouble. You've got that look on your face, Atticus. You're up to something."

I can't help but chuckle. "Let's just say the holidays are looking for a bit more... interesting."

As soon as I mention that my holidays might involve spending time with Mathew, Toby's eyes widen in disbelief. He grins like a kid who just found out a big secret and immediately starts teasing me.

"Wait, wait, wait—so you're spending the entire holiday with Mr. Harris?" Toby says, barely able to contain his excitement. "Dude, this is wild! You're actually going through with it."

I roll my eyes, trying to downplay it. "It's not that big of a deal, Toby. We're just hanging out."

Toby lets out a loud laugh. "Not that big of a deal? Are you serious right now? You're about to spend weeks with him! What, are you going to, go on hikes and hold hands under the stars or something?" He's clearly loving every second of this.

"Okay, okay, calm down," I say, unable to stop myself from smiling. "I haven't even figured out how I'm going to pull it off. I still have to lie to my parents, remember?"

Toby waves his hand dismissively. "Eh, you'll figure it out. But you, my friend, are living the dream! Just don't forget about your bestie while you're off having a secret romance."

"Seriously, Toby?" I laugh. "It's not like that... well, maybe it is."

Toby claps me on the back. "Dude, this is crazy. I can't wait to hear all about it. You better text me every single detail. Every. Single. One."

I shake my head, knowing he won't let this go. "You're impossible."

"That's why you love me!" Toby winks.

Toby leans in, eyes gleaming with excitement. "Dude, I've got the perfect plan! Just tell your parents you're staying with me for the summer. My folks are going to be away on that trip, remember? They'll never know."

I pause, considering it for a second. "You really think that'll work?"

Toby smirks confidently. "Of course! You've done sleepovers at my place before, and my parents won't be around to blow the cover. Plus, we've got a solid history of spending time together. It's the perfect excuse."

I nod slowly, thinking it through. "I guess that could work... I just have to be careful, you know? I don't want my parents getting suspicious."

Toby throws an arm around my shoulders, grinning from ear to ear. "Relax, man. We've got this! Just play it cool, and you'll have the whole summer with Mr. Hot Teacher."

I laugh, shaking my head. "You're way too excited about this."

Toby shrugs. "Hey, I'm living vicariously through you. Just promise me one thing—don't go all quiet on me when you're with him. I need updates!"

"Alright, alright. I'll keep you in the loop," I say, smiling. "But first, I need to get my story straight."

"Easy. Just say we're having a summer-long sleepover. It'll be epic," Toby says with a wink.