What About Now?

Chapter 21 - Losing Control

"Kailani!"

I am awoken from my daydreaming by Mrs. Wilson's ruler hitting the blackboard.

I glance at Noah, hoping he has some clue as to what's going on, but realize he won't be of any help as he visibly stiffens in his seat.

I quickly straighten myself, turning my attention to the foreign symbols covering every inch of the blackboard.

"Now Kailani, can you solve the problem on the board?"

She scrutinizes me carefully and crosses her arms against her chest for extra emphasis. Her wolf becomes slightly present from the glint in her eye. Wow..who knew...her wolf takes math really seriously.That's not weird at all...

"I don't know the answer Mrs. Wilson." I hold my head high and lock my gaze on hers as I admit the truth. It's not like I don't care about learning math, it's just genuinely hard for me to grasp something so incredibly boring.

The students stare at me in awe as if I've just committed treason against the kingdom.

"And why is it that you don't know the answer?" Mrs. Wilson sneers in irritation. She moves to lay the ruler on her desk and clasps her hands together.

When I don't immediately answer she begins tapping her heel impatiently, making the students squirm with each tap.

"I don't understand the problem," I state, narrowing my eyes towards her challenge. I don't need my wolf to know she's challenging me and I don't want to argue with her over something so trivial. Fighting isn't and will never be in my nature, but she so desperately seems to be asking for one.

She quickly becomes distraught, realizing that I'd been openly accepting her challenge. Realizing her mistake she swiftly bows her head in submission, mumbling an apology and nervously fiddling with her hands.

I can tell that she regrets her actions as she struggles to find the right words to speak. I just don't understand why she's acting so cruel towards me. Does she publicly embarrass her students on a daily basis, or is it just me?

The students begin to loosen up, realizing that their teacher is no longer a threat; even Noah starts relaxing. He sets his feet atop his desk and lays back, winking at the giggling girls situated across the classroom. 

I would revel in their joy, but I really don't like seeing people humiliated. Anyways, it's also partially my fault.I wasn't paying attention. I've just been so preoccupied with thoughts regarding the kingdom that I've been spacing out a lot lately. Ever since my tour with Levi last weekend it's the only thing I can think about.There are still so many things I want to see, explore.

I stand up and push Noah's feet back to the ground, shaking my head at his childish antics before turning to apologize

"Mrs. Wilson, you're right, it's my fault for not paying attention. I'm sorry, math just isn't my strong suit and I didn't mean to offend you by it. If it's all right with you I'd like to come in for some extra help." I know I'm going to regret coming in for extra help but seeing that bright smile on her face makes it worth it. I like when I can make someone smile. 

I turn back from Mrs. Wilson's relieved expression to the shocked ones of the students.

"And guys, I don't mean to rain on your parade but I'm not here to pick fights with anyone, especially not my teachers. I know she's tough but it's only because she cares. I've never really had much of that in my life. Believe it or not, you guys are really lucky that you do, so try and cut her a brake."

"Why should we?" yells an angry student from the back.

Suddenly, multiple growls are directed towards the boy who spoke out, especially Noah's, his volume overshadowing the rest.