His Little Secret (Teacher/Student)

Ch2: Substitute

Sometimes I swear that sleep is all I need to be happy. My mind tells me it's time to wake up but my body refuses. I tend to agree with my body's instincts, though.

"Kehlani, get up."

I could hear my mom's voice so I did my best to shut her out. I slipped my pillow from under my head and placed it over my ears. I could hear her muttering words under her breath and making her way towards me. In a split second, the pillow was yanked off a me as well as my blanket.

"I'm not in the mood for this foolishness." My eyes slowly opened and I could only make out her figure.

"Five more minutes." I croaked out. She shifted her weight so that she was now tapping her foot impatiently.

"You said that twenty minutes ago," She continued, "don't make me drag you out." I sat up quickly, knowing that she was being serious. If my mom threatened you she most certainly meant it.

I lumbered to the bathroom half asleep. I showered, brushed my teeth, and threw on some clothes. It wasn't much but jeans and a windbreaker with my hair brushed back into a low bun. I looked like bum. A very well-polished bum.

I locked up the house before making my way to my car. It was an old Toyota that ran on gas and love. I made sure to keep it in the best condition possible but it still looked outdated.

I arrived to school five minutes before the bell rung. I Thought back to my schedule, realizing that I had ceramics for first period. I walked slowly because Mrs. Gleaner hardly ever cared if you were late. She would always sit behind her desk with a bulging pregnant stomach, tired. If you didn't ignite her cranky mood swings, you'd be free to do whatever.

I strolled into the room and tossed my stuff on my table. Considering I didn't talk to the classmates who took this course, I popped in my headphones listening to whatever came on. I rested my head on the table and sunk into my own little world.

I felt two rough jabs on my shoulder. It was probably Mrs. Gleaner tapping me because she had a bad morning or something. I sat with an annoyed expression. It was only then that I realized it wasn't Mrs. Gleaner.

"Is Ariana Grande more interesting than this class?" He raised an eyebrow with crossed arms. He did not look much older than myself but spoke to me like I was a child.

"Very." I muttered but wore a confident look. Who was he to come at me like that? He squinted his eyes and eyed me with an unreadable look.

"Anyways," he spoke while slowly breaking our gaze, "I'm Mr. Carter and will be taking over for Mrs. Gleaner. Questions?"

I was surprised that a few people had questions and shot their hands in the air instantly. People would usually shout out what they had to say but are suddenly being polite. Funny, right?

"Are you a substitute or a permanent teacher?" A girl with light brown hair questioned while giving him a cheeky smile. Her friend named Trisha sat beside her. She eyed him up and down like she was seeing Leonardo Dicaprio in person. I couldn't help but to roll my eyes. I mean, he's far from bad looking. I just don't like people who call me out, especially if I don't know them.

"I'll be here for however long as I'm needed."

"I'm sure you'll like it here." I heard someone call out.

"Yeah," said Trisha with a smug look, "you'll want to stay."

Mr. Carter smiled, displaying an attractive set of dimples. Something about him was 'front cover magazine' material, hell, even a gym teacher. He resembled nothing of a fine arts instructor.

"I'll tell you what," his eyes brushed over my own and to the class, "there are only forty five minutes for this class period and I'm seeing a lot of questions. How about we get started with the lesson and I'll answer questions along the way?"

The class nodded in agreement and he began with the project. As he was discussing Mrs. Gleaner's instructions on how to make a coil vessel, I noticed how he'd lick his bottom lip every now and then. He stopped explaining once Trisha raised her hand.

"Yes?" He asked while raising his brows.

"Are you going to be one of the leaders for the sports game this saturday?"

"I'm not sure what you're talking about." His eyebrows furrowed together as he gave a confused look.

"It's where we play dodgeball and stuff like that. The students are put in groups with a teacher as a leader. You should really join!" I almost coughed up my imaginary breakfast from how weird she was acting. I don't care if he's only a few years older than us, flirting with any teacher is plain out creepy.

"I'll think about it." He said, then flashed her a benevolent smile. The look on her face said that she took it more than just a friendly gesture.

Once we got started on our coil vessels, it felt like I was the only one who was actually working. Mr. Carter hung out around a few of the guy students, probably talking about last nights game. I find it funny how a new teacher is more popular than I was freshman year.

I made quick slashes in my clay and stuck it onto my pot. I did this for about five coils until I heard someone come up behind me.

"You know that's not going to stick, right?" I let out a silent breath and turned to face Mr. Carter.

"Yes it is." As soon as the words fell from my lips, a piece of clay slid off of the pot. Wow, way to ruin my sass.

"Yeah it's sticking alright," he commented with a deep chuckle, "right to the side of the pot." I turned away, embarrassed. Trisha looked over before putting in her two cents.

"Next time listen to the professional." She said before whispering something under her breath to her friend. Whatever she said must've been hilarious because they broke out into giggles.

"Mind to say it louder?" Trisha and her brunette friend stopped laughing and looked away. They had no room to talk because they hadn't even started. Mr. Carter picked up the fallen piece and reached for my carving tool.

His large fingers steadied the tool and carved deeper slits into the clay. He dipped it in water and firmly stuck it to the pot.

"That should stay." He verified while wiping his hands on his denim jeans. He handed me the tool and I grabbed it, reluctantly.

"Thanks."

Once he walked back to his desk, I pretended to continue working. I couldn't help myself from gazing up at him like I was some kind of stalker. He sparked my curiosity like wildfire and my thoughts constantly kept coming back to him.

'Okay ew, gross. He is your teacher and you need to stop it.' I thought to myself.

Without noticing, he looked dead at me with a humorous smirk. I hurried up and looked away, embarrassed for the second time today.

I could already tell this was going to be a long semester.

Cha-cha-cha-cha- CHAPTER 2! I hope you guys enjoyed reading this as much as I loved writing it. Feel free to leave constructive comments or ideas below. Stay tuned for chapter 3!!