The Substitute Teacher (On Hold)

Chapter 7

                                                                            Chapter 7

I put a hand on my chest, trying to slow down my heart rate. He had given me quite a start. What was up with him just appearing like that?

"Oh, it's just you."

Erik gave me an amused grin.

"Yep, it's just good old me."

His joking demeanor dropping, he gestured in a general direction.

"Shall we walk, then?"

Nervously I nodded and followed him, kicking a small rock down the sidewalk.

I didn't say anything, waiting for him to speak and explain why he had asked me to come here. Erik glanced at me multiple times but didn't say anything.

After giving him more than enough time to start the conversation, I was tired of his ongoing silence. Wasn't there something he had to say?

I abruptly stopped midstride. Erik continued on but, after realizing I had halted, turned back to me with a surprised expression.

"Lexi?"

I was filled with a sudden anger, and a feeling of rage coursed through my boiling blood. I glared at him hatefully.

"Don't call me Lexi. I only let my friends call me that."

He looked extremely bewildered by my unexpected mood swing, and his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"Lexi, please, what-"

"What did I say? Do not call me Lexi!"

My voice rose, as did my savage anger.

"Did you ask me to come here just to see if I would? To see if I would follow your every whim like everyone else in this horrible town? Well, you got what you wanted, didn't you? I came, congratulations! You've humiliated me yet again! Well I'm done, Erik. I am done with you, your girlfriend, all your atrocious friends, and your sick mind games!"

I finally let out all of my feelings out, and it was good to see the hurt look on his face. He deserved it, after all the crap he and his posse caused me. They were the source of my pain. They were the reason I had never had any friends.

I could feel the tears brimming, just under the surface of my angry facade, and they threatened to fall and expose me as a weak girl. I refused to give this stupid brat the satisfaction of my utter embarassment.

I turned blindly and started walking again. I didn't know where I was going, but any place that didn't have Erik around was fine with me.

I heard footsteps behind me and I felt frustration seep through my veins. Why couldn't he just leave me alone? He already got what he came for.

"Lexi-I mean, Alexa-please don't go. I really do need to talk to you."

I paused, waiting for him to continue on. Erik caught up to me and glanced at me, but my glare remained cold as I looked up at him.

"Well, go on. I need to be getting home soon before someone misses me."

I felt a small pang in my chest, knowing only one person would miss me if I didn't come home tonight because only one person was at my house. Erik nodded and looked down at the ground.

"First, I want to apologize for yesterday in English. I was being an annoying jerk and wanted attention. For that, and for everything else I've done to torment you, I am truly sorry."