Bittersweet Marriage (Jella)

Chapter 11

Ella POV

'Ma'am Ella, I want to meet you.'

A short massage which I received a few days ago it was the beginning of all these problems. I know, when I first gave my number to my student that it's probably not wise enough action for my career. But I couldn't leave it alone. Somehow, I don't want to see Samantha sad. Not only because she is my student, but there are other things that make me feel sorry for her. I don't quite understand but the day after I received a massage from that girl I wrote back and said I would meet her soon. I told Jema that I would go to a convenience store to buy something but instead meeting my student in a family restaurant. Ayaw kong mag sinungaling kay Jema but I felt, somehow, she wouldn't like it when I met with my students outside of school hours.

I meet Samantha in a family restaurant not far from the station. The girl ordered food and eat without saying anything. Her eyes empty as usual but this time it looks a little swollen from crying. I didn't ask anything about what happened in her family. She just ate and I sat quietly. Until she finished the meal was neither of us spoke.

She was still wearing a uniform and carrying a bag, I suspect she had just returned from tutoring after school. She was a diligent student.

When she finished eating, for the first time since we arrived in the place, she said something. Without looking into my eyes, she thanked me. She said that there's no one in her house and she doesn't like to eat alone. I understand her feeling. Dinner alone is no fun and subconsciously I offered to accompany her whenever she needed a friend for dinner. That night for the first time I saw her smile at me.

Since that night a couple of times I find an excuse to leave the house at night to accompany Samantha for dinner. There's nothing happening between us, of course, I just accompany her to dinner barely even talked about anything. After she finished eating we will return to their homes and this has happened a few times until today when the principal called me into his office along with several other teachers.

Someone apparently saw me and Samantha having dinner together and rumors quickly circulated among the students up to the ears of the teachers and principals.

"De Jesus, I understand that what happened don't mean anything, I believe what you say is true," the principal sighed and looked at me from behind wearing reading glasses, "but, if the parents and foundations knew about this, they would think differently."

I can't defend myself because I know what the principal said was true. Since the beginning I already know that what I'm doing is not right, for whatever reasons.

"you're a good teacher and so far I see you teaching well and the students like you," the principal said again with a frown "but you are young, you have to be careful, your students currently are at the age where they are keen to try a variety of things, if you know what I mean."

I swallowed hard and nodded.

"although I also know Samantha Lopez is a student with a good record and includes students with above-average achievement, but I had to do something to set an example so that such incidents don't happen again."

I flinched word of the principal. For the first time after a while I just shutting up and listening, I opened my mouth, "sorry, but I beg you to not suspend Samantha. Currently her family condition is not good," I tried to explain, "I don't want her parent to hear that she was exposed to this kind of problem in the school.."

The principal held up a hand to stop me, "I understand your point, but we still have to do something."

I sighed, I know what I have in mind, "I don't mind receiving a suspension for this incident."

Some teacher that are also there in the room was surprise to hear what I said. Alyssa looked at me in disbelief.

"Ella, do you realize what you just said," Alyssa said, who had been silent, "Lopez the one who always invites you to meet."

"yes, and I agreed to meet her," I said, still staring at the head of the school to show my seriousness, "I think no need to punish two people, just me alone is enough."

The principal again took a deep breath. It releases wears glasses and massage his temples, "you drag me in a difficult position, De Jesus. You are a good teacher and I don't want to lose a teacher like you," he looked at me with a face looks tired, "for a while, you don't need to come to teach until the new school year. At least I hope this rumor will soon disappear by itself and with this the foundation member will not protest."

I sighed and nodded. I know that I received the punishment could be worse than this. And as long as they don't impose sanctions on Samantha, I can be patient with this decision.

I'm just worried about Jema's reaction when she heard about this.

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