Detention (Teacher/Student)

Chapter 16

Dan's POV

      "Jasmine!" I called out. It was no use, she was gone. I sat down and put my head in my hands. I might have been a little harsh. Sure, I couldn't treat her differently than the other students, but I went too far this time, and I know for a fact it was because I hadn't heard from her since Friday night. She had me worried sick, I hadn't slept since then. I was angry because she didn't care to even tell me where she was, or what she was doing. Not even a short text this morning when she woke up explaining what had happened.

      I had a free period now. I usually just graded papers or worked on plans, but I couldn't concentrate enough. She was pissed at me, and I deserved it. But she had some explaining to do, too.

 
      The rest of the day went on, I really wasn't focused in any of my classes. My 5th period class even had to ask if I was sick. When my final classes ended, I sat down at my desk, watching the last of the students leave.

      "Mr. Reynolds, can I ask a question?" Kylee, one of my students approached me.

      "Hmm? Oh, sure," I sat up.
 
      "I was wondering if you could explain what I did wrong," she asked, holding out the most recent lab I had handed back. I took it from her and glanced over it. I had given her a B, which was unusual for her. She was a straight A student. Going back through her answers, I realized there was nothing wrong.

      "Kylee, there's nothing wrong with this," I crossed off the B and changed it to an A. "I'm sorry, I graded these over the weekend. I must have been distracted," I admitted, know that I was.

     "That's alright sir. You do seem a bit different, is something wrong?" She inquired, taking the paper back from me.

      "I'm fine," I shook my head. Something by the door caught my attention. Jasmine was standing there with her arms folded, staring at the floor. How long had she been there?

      "Uh Kylee, I've got business to do with Miss. Bartosik," she looked up, hearing her name. I made eye contact with her, trying to read what she was feeling. "I'll see you in class tomorrow. Sorry again," I added. She nodded and left. I stood up, never moving my eyes from Jasmine.

      "Jasmine.." I had to force my voice out.

      "Mr. Reynolds," she replied coldly.

      "Come on Jasmine, don't do this," I said, taking a few steps towards her.

      "Do what? Talk to you like this? Why not? Only you're allowed to talk to me like I'm a dog, especially in front of my classmates?" She spat at me.

      "I know, I overreacted today. But you can't just show up late to class, and then not pay attention," I started.

      "I'm sorry, okay? Your classroom is at the end of the universe and my locker isn't exactly 5 feet away. And then you go and embarrass me in front of the class, that's hard to just sit down and forget," Her voice sounded venomous.

      "Jasmine, please..I know I was harsh but," I tried, but she cut me off.

      "But what? You didn't want to treat me differently? Fine. I get that. But you don't have to treat me worse than everybody else. That'll raise attention too, you know.." Her voice had become louder, and I cringed slightly.

      "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I treated you so coldly. But I was worried. You never answered me this weekend. Not once. And then you didn't show up, I was scared. But then there you were. I couldn't help but get angry," I replied.

      "Well I went to the lake, I forgot my phone. I'm sorry that makes you so angry," she rebuked harshly.

      "I wasn't angry at you," I said.

      "Then who were you angry at?" She asked, not believing me.

      "Myself," I answered.

      "Yea? Why," she responded.

      "Because I.." My voice had dropped to almost a whisper.

      "You what?!" She screamed, throwing her hands in the air.

      "Because I think I love you."