Eighteen With A Chalkboard

Chapter 16: Crossed Paths And Coffee Dates

I sit in the staff room, waiting for my coffee to brew, but my mind isn't on the rich aroma filling the room. Instead, it's stuck on the image of Sawyer's hands on Millie. That scene from class keeps replaying in my mind, taunting me with strange irritation and something I can't quite identify—jealousy, maybe?

"You're good, kiddo?" Professor Brett's voice pulls me out of my thoughts. He's just joined me at the table, looking as relaxed as ever.

I look up at him, trying to shake off the thoughts clouding my mind. "Yeah, I'm good," I reply with a nod, though I'm not sure how convincing I sound.

"Have you heard?" Brett asks, leaning in a bit, his voice tinged with curiosity.

I raise an eyebrow, feeling a flicker of interest. "Heard what?"

"Two of science students came in this morning, talking to Dr. Doughall about your class," he says, a small smile playing on his lips.

I take a sip from my coffee, trying to hide the sudden rush of curiosity. "What did they say about my class?" I ask, trying to sound casual.

"Chill, it's not a bad thing," Brett says with a chuckle. "They were asking if they could switch their classes to yours."

I stop mid-sip, my curiosity now fully piqued. "What does that mean?" I ask, though I already have a feeling where this is going.

"It means you're doing something right, Jonathan," Brett says, his eyes gleaming with delight. "If more students start requesting your classes, you'll be on track for a prestigious position at the university. And once you get there, the university itself will rise in rank because of you."

I can't help but let the corners of my lips twitch upwards. "So, you're saying I'll be the talk of the town?"

"Not just the town, kiddo. The country, maybe even the world," Brett says with a wink.

That's definitely something to think about. If I could reach that kind of position, maybe, just maybe, my father would finally be proud of me.

I shrug, trying to downplay the excitement stirring inside me. "That's not really the plan, but if it works out that way, it would be great."

Brett nods, his expression turning serious. "I just wanted to let you know, so you can be aware of the reputation you're building." He raises his own mug of coffee in a toast.

"Thanks, Brett," I say, clinking my mug against his. He's managed to brighten my day a bit, giving me something positive to think about.

After finishing my coffee and wrapping up the conversation with Brett, I grab my bag and head out. My thoughts drift to the lesson plan when, unexpectedly, I walk straight into someone.

Papers scatter across the floor, and I instinctively start to apologize, but the words freeze in my throat when I see who it is. Millie. My crush. My student. The one who feels like my adversary at times. Her eyes meet mine, and for a moment, everything else fades away.

"I-I'm sorry," I stammer, crouching to help her gather the scattered papers. My heart races, the scent of her perfume muddling my thoughts.

Millie watches me silently, her expression unreadable.

Just as I hand her the last paper, she opens her mouth to speak, but the awkward silence is broken by another voice.

"Mobius!"

I turn to see Julie standing a few feet away, a slight smile on her face. "Do you have a moment?" she asks, glancing briefly at Millie before focusing back on me.

"Uh, sure," I reply, straightening up and brushing off my pants. Millie is still standing there, her expression now slightly guarded.

Julie steps closer, a little hesitant, and then she says, "I was wondering if you'd like to grab a coffee with me after class. We could talk about... math or anything else you'd like."