Unexpected Love

Chapter 3: The Twist

  "You can do it." I whispered to myself.
  I knocked on the door and shortly after, I heard a muffled 'come in'. I opened the door with a warm grin on my face as I walked in.
   The room hasn't changed much. The classroom was huge. Tables were aligned to form rows that faced the projector screen and whiteboard. Each table could fit two students. The room was colorful to help inspire students. It was always organized and clean, an unorganized room can tend to stress out an artist.  The door is located the right side of the room. The teacher's desk is to the far left of the door.
  I shut the door behind myself and made my way over to the desk and he stood up instantly.
  "I'm back in town and thought it would be nice to drop by and say hi. Nice to see you again, Mr. James." I smile as I extend my hand.
  His eyes widen as I spoke. He stood up, giving me that cheesy grin he always gives and shook my hand, his grip tight.
  "Well, well, well.  Mr. Tyler Cina. It's nice to see you again. You've grown a lot in the past 11 years." He said, letting go of my hand.
  He was my age when I had him as my teacher. He's now 36, still working here as a teacher. I'm not sure how I've gone so long without seeing him. He's done a lot for me when I was younger.
  "Thank you, Mr. James." I replied, still feeling nervous.
  He gave a chuckle and gave me that familiar grin again.
  "Just call me Mason." He said as he walked to the front of his desk.
  I always thought the name Mason James had a nice ring to it. The name is almost as handsome as he is. However, his looks beat the sound of his name. Hazel eyes that match his light brown hair, styled to look messy but still attractive. Traces of stubble with that enticing grin of his and his midnight black glasses. He's also dressed nicely today, which is odd considering he hasn't dressed like this when I knew him. I'm not complaining though.
  His white dress shirt tucked into his black pants are a treat. He's never dressed this nice before. The nicest he looked when I knew him was a solid color polo shirt and jeans.
  I catch myself thinking about how nice he looks when I felt my cheeks turning hot. Mason must have noticed this too, as he crosses his arms and stands up straighter. I quickly make eye contact, only to notice his eyes are practically smiling for him.
  "So, Tyler, how has life been treating you?" He askes.
  "It's.. uhm... pretty well. I graduated college. I applied for one of the best art jobs on the West coast. Still waiting for a reply. What... what about you?" I answer.
  I can't believe I did that. I never stumble over my words, nor do I ever hesitate! What is wrong with me? Why am I doing this?
  "I'm doing okay. Not much has happened in my life. I'm still bored and alone." He replied.
  When I first got to know Mason, he craved adventure. All he wanted was to explore every crevice of life and experience new things. He was stuck here in Axlit because his little sister, Rosie, got sick and he promised he wouldn't leave her. She was diagnosed with an unknown disease, bound to kill her whenever it wanted. I wonder if she's still alive.
  Not only was he bored, but he was lonely. His passion for art and his intelligence scared off most people or made them uninterested. Last time I checked, he only had two friends. Another teacher here, and a friend who was busy traveling the world for work.
  "How is Rosie doing?" I ask, hoping the question doesn't upset him.
  "I'm not sure. My parents left town with her one day and didn't tell me anything. It had something to do with a fight I got in with them. I confronted them about how they're always so ignorant when it comes to Rosie. The next day, they were gone." He said looking at the ground sadly.
  "I'm sorry." I reply.
  "It's alright. How's Tessa?" He asked as he brought himself back to full attention.
  "Happy to see me." I smiled.
  "Is she planning on taking my class next year?" He asked.
  "I'm sure she is. She's always talking about how she wants to be as good as I am. I told her that taking your class is the right way to go." I assured him.
  "Good. I'll make sure she does good, but I don't think anyone could ever be as good as you. You're one of the best artists I've ever met." He winked.
  I smile in return, feeling my shyness taking over and making me speechless.
  "I forgot to tell you. After you started high school, I heard of a rumor." Mason began.
  Oh no. I know exactly where this was heading. I knew my secret got out, but I didn't know it had gotten to him.
  I can feel my heart pounding as it sinks to my stomach. My palms become sweaty and I begin to feel dizzy, trying to prepare myself for what he's going to say next.
  "Somebody had said you had a crush on me. I laughed it off and said there's no way. Was I wrong?" He asked.
  His lips curled into a sly smile. His eyes looked the eyes of a cat, waiting to catch it's prey unexpectedly. I begin to panic, wanting to tell him that what he said was right. He's too powerful, and something about him makes me blurt out a jumble of words.
  "Well... I..." I'm trying to explain it all, but it just won't happen. I'm too nervous.
  Mason unfolds his arms and slowly makes his way over to me. He's slightly taller than I am, causing him to loom over me, like a hawk watching it's meal run helplessly from the hungry bird.
  He's standing just inches away from me now. I'm staring at the ground, my breathing becoming heavier.
  "I must admit, I didn't have feelings for you then. However, seeing you now, I realize how attractive you are." He whispers.
  His words send a chill down my spine. I'm frozen where I stand, not a muscle moving. I can physically feel how aroused he is with him being so close.
  He lifts his arm and gently places a finger under my chin. He slowly lifts my chin so that I'm looking at him.
  I find myself wrapping my arms around his waist, embracing him and letting down my gaurd. He takes his arm that he isn't using to keep my chin up and wraps it around my waist as well.
  The both of us lean in and he kisses me. His lips are soft and I melt. My heart must have skipped a beat when his lips touched mine. He bites my lip carefully as he pulls away, then let's go.
  I open my eyes to see him grinning that grin of his. He pulls me in closer for a moment, making sure that I can definelty feel how hard he is and then let's go of me. What a tease.