Beyond The Syllabus

Getting Obsessed

---

The Parent-Teacher Meeting

The gymnasium buzzed with a low murmur, parents clustered around tables discussing their children’s performance. Among them stood Elena, fidgeting with the hem of her sweater. The air was thick with anxiety and the faint scent of coffee. She couldn't shake off the feeling of dread as she scanned the crowd. Today was supposed to be about improvement, but all she could think about was the impending confrontation.

The physics teacher who had guided her for years had recently retired. That meant one thing: Jack. The very man whose presence made her skin crawl. Though nothing concrete had ever happened between them, the whispers and rumors had left an indelible mark on her perception. His reputation for being too friendly with female students made her apprehensive.

As Elena stood lost in her thoughts, her mother, cheerful and oblivious to her daughter’s tension, waved at her from across the room.

Mom: "Elena! Come here! I want you to meet someone!"

Elena's heart raced as she reluctantly walked over, every step heavy with foreboding. When she reached her mother, she found Jack smiling broadly, his hands clasped in front of him.

Jack: "Elena! It’s been a while since we last met. You’ve grown so much!"

He took a moment to look her up and down, and she shivered involuntarily. She felt like an exhibit under a spotlight.

Mom: "You remember Jack, don’t you? Our old neighbor?"

Elena nodded, forcing a smile.

Jack: "Your mother told me you’ve been struggling with physics. Don’t worry, we’ll get through this together."

Elena: (barely above a whisper) "Thanks."

Jack leaned in slightly, his voice lowering as if sharing a secret.

Jack: "I expect your full attention in class. No distractions, alright?"

Her stomach turned at his gaze, but her mother chuckled, oblivious to the tension.

Mom: "See? You’re in good hands!"

Elena wanted to scream. How could her mother not see the discomfort radiating off her? With a weak smile, she excused herself as they began to talk more.

---

The Phone Call

Later that evening, as Elena paced her room, she picked up her phone and called her best friends, Sofia and Lily.

Sofia: (with a teasing tone) "So, how did it go? Did he sweep you off your feet?"

Lily: (giggling) "I can’t wait to see how he drools over you in class!"

Elena sighed, trying to dismiss their playful banter.

Elena: "It was just awkward. He’s my teacher now, not some prince charming."

Sofia: "Please! You can’t ignore him anymore. You’re practically his favorite now!"

Lily: "I bet he’s already planning how to get your attention. You’re different from all those girls who fawn over him."

Elena’s heart sank. The last thing she wanted was Jack's attention, and yet here they were, manifesting her worst nightmare.

Elena: "You guys are overthinking this. He’s probably not even thinking about me like that."

Sofia: "Let’s see what happens tomorrow. We’re going to be your cheerleaders!"

With a reluctant laugh, Elena hung up, the weight of anticipation pressing down on her. How was she going to survive this?