Hidden Tale - 18+

Ch. 2 - Alicia's POV (CONTINUED)

After the incident, I adjust my hair, my heart racing as I steal a glance at the clock. He finally settles down beside me, his arms resting on his knees.
“Oh, Mrs. Foxintion, looks like you needed a little beauty rest,” he jokes, nudging my left shoulder lightly.

“Sir, that was completely my fault. I doubt you really appreciate the... um, situation,” I manage to say casually, barely meeting his gaze.

“I get it, it’s fine. Seriously, don’t worry about it,” he replies, his tone demanding yet gentle. “But let’s keep the sleeping to a minimum during lessons and worktime, okay? Do you understand?”

“Okay, sounds good. I’ll keep an eye on that. I should really get going before I stay too late,” I say hurriedly, standing up and hastily stuffing my English materials into my backpack, swinging it over my right shoulder.

“Deal, but don’t let me down,” he says, fixing his gaze on me as I turn to leave. “Miss, hold on a second. There’s something I’d like to mention.”

I raise an eyebrow and glare at him for a moment, then I recognize how close he is, towering over me like a skyscraper, his strong cologne enveloping me.

“I just wanted to say you did an outstanding job on your assignment. Seriously, great work. I’m looking forward to seeing more from you; it was a pleasure reading through it,” he says, his eyes bright with enthusiasm.

“Oh wow, thank you! That means a lot,” I reply, feeling a shy smile creep onto my face.

“No problem, you’re free to go now, ma’am,” he grins back, waving goodbye.
I nod in understandment, waving goodbye back as I leave his classroom, my presence gradually fading into the hallway.

__________________________________________________________________________________

As the clock strikes 9:00pm, I leisurely make my way towards the large garbage can to dispose my empty berry smoothie. Unbeknownst to me, as I approach the doorway, it swings open suddenly, causing the contents of my yellow plastic History folder to scatter across the brown and white tile floor. Hastily gathering my papers, I am taken aback when my hand comes into contact with a stranger's large hand.

Standing up swiftly, I am surprised to find that it is Mr. Fernandez who holds the one elusive paper I have been trying to retrieve. Feeling stunned, I wait for him to speak, our eyes meeting in silent exchange. With a hesitant clearing of his throat, he extends the paper towards me, and I accept it sheepishly, tucking it into my folder.

He expressed his apologies softly, "I sincerely apologize for that. It was not my intention to cause any inconvenience; I was unaware that you were attempting to leave." His tone was gentle yet tinged with guilt, and as he bit the inside of his cheek, it somehow enhanced his appeal.

I acknowledge the apology with a nod. "There is no need for you to apologize; it is perfectly fine. I do not wish for you to feel that this situation is entirely your responsibility. Should a similar incident occur in the future, please refrain from feeling compelled to apologize. If the matter were more serious, I would certainly expect an apology, but this is a minor issue, and I would not mind at all if you chose not to express regret." I convey this in a tone that is both clarifying and earnest.

He gazes intently into my eyes, contemplating how to articulate his inquiry. "What brings you here?" he suddenly asks, a look of curiosity evident on his face as he leans against the doorframe.

I observe his expression, taking in his words. "Oh, well, not much, really. I usually come here on Mondays and Fridays to indulge in my favorite smoothie and enjoy some solitude if I have any schoolwork to attend to. At this moment, I am actually about to leave," I respond casually, stepping closer to the door and aligning myself with him on the opposite side of the doorframe.