A Rift Between Us

Chapter 25 - Teaching Under Pressure

The cleaner flinched as Alfie approached, pulling her bucket aside. She watched him as he rounded the edge of the row, heading straight to Keiko. Her lips parted, then closed rapidly, unsure of what to say. Familiar footsteps echoed through the corridor, catching some people's attention. One student peered through a window, seeing Mr Dodge returning.

"Mr Dodge is back, guys!"

He quickly sat down. Every head turned in unison towards the door. The cheerful chatter ceased instantly as computer screens regained everyone's focus. The cleaner's brows arched, her lips puckered in surprise. Alfie's head jerked upwards, his gaze fixated on the door.

The latch clicked as Mr Dodge stepped in, sipping his fresh cup of coffee. His eyes locked onto the corner of the room, meeting Alfie's. He placed his mug on the desk, the liquid quivering. He swallowed whatever was left in his mouth and pointed towards the corner of the room.

"Go and sit down, Alfie! Stop messing around with Keiko."

She giggled, lowering her head briefly before looking up at Alfie. Frustration was etched across his face, his hand stretched out, defending his position.

"Sir, she needed help with something..."

His attempts at justification were dismissed as Mr Dodge wagged his finger, not even bothering to listen.

"I haven't forgotten about calling your mum. I'll be letting her know about all of this."

He grabbed his mug, took a gulp of coffee, and slid it away. Droplets splashed across the desk. Alfie drummed his fingers besides Keiko's keyboard.

Oh my days...

He dragged his feet, ambling back to his seat. His fists were as rigid as a rebar, his aura dense and bitter. He slumped into the chair, jaw tense and solid, outlining the shape of his skull. One of the boys seated a row behind him popped his head above his computer.

"Hey Alfie, do you like her or something?" His cheeks creased as he placed his forearm over his mouth to muffle his laugh.

Several students around him erupted into laughter. Mr Dodge tugged at his hair with such force that a few strands ripped out.

"Stop laughing. Focus on your work."

He shifted his attention to the cleaner, standing there clutching her mop.

"Thanks for watching them."

She swivelled in Mr Dodge's direction, her ponytail curling through the air and slapping against her shoulder. She nodded in agreement and pushed her mop bucket out of the class like a startled mouse. He followed her, shut the door, and picked up the bin he had knocked over earlier. An audible buzz of chitchat hovered over the class, making Mr Dodge's fingers stiffen.

"Stop talking for the last time! Focus on the task Ms Hubbard left you."

He lifted his body, the bones in his back crinkling. His eyes met with the ceiling as he muttered something to himself. The chatter and laughter quickly gave way to the sounds of typing and mouse clicks. He sank into his chair, crossing one leg over the other. His fingers interlocked, and his heavy-lidded eyes gradually closed. Keiko discreetly slanted her face past her computer screen, checking Alfie's state. His expression revealed stress and sorrow as he clicked away.

She pulled her face back quickly, adjusting her handbag directly between herself and the student beside her. Her thoughts were consumed by him as she glanced blankly at her screen. Her hand rummaged through her bag, retrieving her diary and placing it in front of her. She flipped to the page with notes about him and read it. But it wasn't enough. Something else plagued her mind.