His Obsession

Chapter 8

Augustus did what I told him to do. He left me alone. Occasionally, I would glance behind me but he would avoid looking in my direction. After a while I stopped. I should just let him forget the short time we had together as friends.

Maybe he's in the process of forgetting.

I hope so. I'm a bad person. I don't deserve him.

I should've let him down easy; would've been better on both of us. All I know is that he is safe and I want to keep it that way.

I sighed finishing up the poem we had been assigned at the beginning of class. Once we were all done, Mr. Cipriano announced it was time to watch a movie. Everyone cheered as he put on 'Horton Hears A Who', since it had to do with poetry. However, it's a bit odd that he's playing a movie since school had barely begun. It seemed like I was the only one to question it. Everyone either got their phone out or paid attention to the movie.

Then, Mr. Cipriano came infront of my desk and bent to my level. He grinned, "Help me, will you."

It didn't quite come out as a question, but I shrugged it off and agreed. The students didn't notice that we left the class and went to a passage way that led to a different classrooms and a file room.  Mr. Cipriano led me to the file room, which was a mess. Papers were everywhere; on the floor,  table, and some slightly out of boxes.

"Did a tornado do this?" I joked.

"No, just me."

I turned to look at him and he laughed.

"I'm joking."

I was confused why he wanted me to come but now I know. "You expect me to clean this all up?" I asked crossing my arms.

It was his turn to turn to me. "I expect us to clean this all up."

He was joking, right? Just because we are friends doesn't mean he can put me to work. Why was I chosen to do this? Is this a punishment? I thought I was one of his top students. I do the work. I pay attention. This is not fair!

"I don-"

"I'll give you extra credit," he said cutting me off.

My mood changed in .02 seconds.

"When do we get started?" I asked earning a smile.

As we were cleaning/organizing everything, he would ask me random questions. Like, what's my favorite color, what I like to do over the weekend, stuff like that. I didn't mind answering his questions. However, he didn't answer mine. He would ask me more questions about myself. I asked him why he wasn't answering mine and he had a simple response.
"Because I want to know more about you."

A shiver ran down my spine. Was it because of how he said it? Or was it that grin he had when he said it?...Or maybe it was the A.C.

The bell rang shortly after. I headed out the door but Mr. Cipriano blocked the exit. I hadn't notice his outfit. He wore a fitted navy blue dress shirt, sleeves rolled, a black tie, and black jeans. His nicely fitted shirt showed off his muscular biceps and chest. I couldn't help but stare. My mouth was a bit opened and I could feel my cheeks burning. I gulped. He was absolutely handsome. He smirked at me like if he heard my thoughts. His hand went to my shoulder. My eyes went to his hand then back at him.

"Thank you for the help," he said.

"You're welcome," I responded and then left.

My mom came home with pizza and I couldn't have been happier. As soon as we sat down at the dinner table I grabbed a slice. I eagerly took a bite of my pizza. I looked at my mom to see her take her pizza with shaking hands. She never shook unless she was anxious about something. I lightly grabbed her hand causing her to look at me. She looked down disappointed; she didn't think I would notice.