Incubus

| Seventeen |

   A week later after my encounter with Mr. Dalton, I sat in the back of his classroom, my mind concentrated on anything but biology. I was now convinced Lucky was just a figure of my imagination. I hadn't seen him in a little less than two weeks. Maybe Mr. Smith had filled the empty space I had in the attention seeking part of me, and I subconsciously got rid of Lucky? Somehow, that didn't even sound convincing to me. I was almost positive that he was real, because if he wasn't, I needed serious help. Mr. Smith continued to sneak into my room late at night and Mr. Dalton still hadn't spoken a word to me since his threat. I was worried that he would tell the principal about myself and Mr. Smith. But, if he did tell Mr. Cruise, then he would get himself in trouble too. Mr. Smith wasn't the only one who touched me. Both Mr. Smith and Mr. Dalton could get fired if this secret came out. I didn't think Mr. Dalton would be stupid enough to do that.

   "Brielle," Mr. Dalton called my name from the front of the class. I lifted my head up from the desk and straightened my back so fast it cracked.

   "Yes, sir?" I could feel everyone turn their attention to me.

   "What is the result of mitosis?" he asked with his arms crossed over his toned chest. He was dressed in his professional attire just like everyday, but today he was wearing a pale yellow dress shirt. I didn't like the colour on him, it didn't compliment his pretty blue eyes.

   "Two identical haploid cells," I answered unsurely, and wracked my brain to try to remember. I think the result was two identical diploid cells?

   "Incorrect." he stated and I couldn't help the blush that creeped up my neck. I saw the ghost of a smile playing on his lips. Was he enjoying my embarrassment? "If you paid attention while I taught my lesson instead of sleeping on your desk, then maybe you would have answered correctly," he chastised me in front of my peers and my head bowed. His voice had risen significantly and he was practically shouting at me.

   "I'm sorry, sir," I apologized quietly.

   No teacher had ever ridiculed me this much in class. It was utterly atrocious that someone could embarrass another person so much and get away with it. He was being cruel and I bet that was because I turned him down. What kind of person would let jealousy affect them this deeply? I used to think he was a good and kind person. I think it was safe to say that my opinion of him had quickly changed. "It's alright, Brielle," he sighed and I could hear a slight change in his voice. I glanced up cautiously. "Everyone has their off days. Just don't let it happen again, okay?"

   "Yes, sir." I nodded rapidly. I saw regret hidden deep in his eyes. Maybe the old Mr. Dalton was still in there somewhere. Just maybe.

   "Okay, now that's settled," he rubbed his hands together and his bright smiled appeared once again. "Back to internal fertilization," Mr. Dalton continued to teach the class and time quickly flew by as I sat up straight and listened attentively the whole class.

   Every time Mr. Dalton would turn his back to me, I would glance at the clock, along with the majority of the class. I sighed in relief at the familiar sound of the bell rang sharply in my ears. Simultaneously we raised from our seats and grabbed our belongings. My fellow classmates rushed out through the door and I had almost made it out through the door when I felt someone grab my wrist. I stopped in the threshold of the door and slowly turned around. My eyes followed up the pale yellow sleeve to the striking eyes of Mr. Dalton. I heard someone clear their throats from behind him and he quickly released my wrist and turned around.