Lessons In Butterflies

Chapter 14: Abort. Abort!

Shella's POV (1st Person):

All I could think about was Mr. Caldwell. 

More specifically, his stupid, perfect body. I hadn't asked to see that, but now it was burned into my brain forever, like some kind of cruel joke.

The way his muscles rippled when he leaned against the doorframe, the towel hanging so low on his hips. His broad chest, the outline of every line and curve—ugh.

Why did he have to look like that?

And his hand... the way it felt when he'd grabbed mine in his office. Strong, firm, like he was used to holding onto things. 

Like he was used to holding me. 

What was wrong with me? I shook my head, forcing those thoughts to the back of my mind.

 I was losing it.

I was supposed to be helping Theo and Leo with their homework, but all I could think about was Mr. Caldwell. I shifted in my seat at the dining table, the boys sitting across from me, chatting away about who-knows-what while I tried to focus.

"Shella," Theo said, waving a worksheet in front of my face. "You there? Earth to Shella?"

I blinked, snapping back to reality. "Yeah, sorry. What's up?"

Theo frowned. "You're acting weird today. You sure you're okay?"

Great. Even a six-year-old could tell I wasn't myself. "I'm fine," I lied, grabbing the worksheet from him and trying to focus on the basic math problems in front of me. "Just a little tired."

Leo, the younger of the twins, tilted his head at me. "You look red, Shella. Are you sick?"

I forced a smile. "No, I'm not sick. Let's just get this homework done, okay?"

They both shrugged, thankfully moving on without further questions. 

I tried to focus on the math problems, but my mind kept drifting back to him. 

Every time I closed my eyes, I could see him standing there, shirtless, his towel hanging dangerously low, his hair still damp from the shower.

I shook my head again, pushing those thoughts away. This was ridiculous. He was my teacher, for crying out loud. I couldn't think about him like this. 

But his hand... the way it had felt in mine... why did it have to feel like that?

Theo tapped his pencil on the table, pulling me out of my thoughts again. "Shella, are you gonna help or just daydream all night?"

I laughed awkwardly, ruffling his hair. "Sorry, bud. I'm here. What do you need help with?"

__________________________

- The Next Day - 

I walked into school the next morning, hoping I could shake off the thoughts that had been plaguing me all night.

 I'd barely slept, and when I did, I dreamt about Mr. Caldwell—again. 

Great. Just what I needed.

I tried to keep my head down as I walked through the halls, avoiding eye contact with anyone, especially him. 

Dani and Juliet were waiting for me by the lockers, and from the looks on their faces, I knew I wasn't getting away that easily.

"You look like you've seen a ghost," Dani said, narrowing her eyes at me.

Juliet smirked. "Or something way more interesting than a ghost. Spill, Shella."