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Jordan grabs my arm, stopping me from getting my things. Then groan when I realise what I just revealed.
“What do you mean he creeped you out?”
“It’s nothing. He just doesn’t understand personal space is all. I’m sure it’s just me. I’ve always hated people being close to me, it’s why I’m not a crowd person.”
“You need to report him,” she says, her brow furrowing, like she knows something.
“What? Why? I was probably overreacting.”
She shakes her head, seeming deep in thought. “No. Can you remember a while ago when I had to show a new student around for her night classes?”
I think back and nod, because I do remember. She came to meet us after to take Rosie out, which didn’t end up going as planned. “Why?”
“Well, the girl, Emma, is really skittish. She jumps at every noise and any time I’ve asked to meet up in the day, she said she’s busy. I feel there’s more to her story. I don’t think she liked being around people, which I was why I think she’s taking night classes. I’ve only ever met her twice, so I’m not sure what her story is. Anyway, when I checked in with her a week ago to see how she was settling in, I asked her about Mr. Flint’s class. She froze on me. She went white as a sheet and started visibly shaking. She didn’t answer me and avoided it entirely by bringing something else up, so I didn’t mention again. I’ve got a bad feeling about it.”
“He is a little touchy feely. If she doesn’t like large crowds then she probably doesn’t like him being close. I plan to not draw any more attention to myself.”
She seems to think that over. “It could be. Just be careful. Something doesn’t feel right with him. I’ve not had a class with him, but even when I introduced her to him, he seemed kind of sleazy, which is weird for an impeccably dressed English teacher. I’m actually meeting up with her again soon.”
“That’s kind of you. Does she have anyone she can talk to around here?”
“She lives with her cousin and his boyfriend. They’re actually pretty cool. I can’t see anyone messing with her with those two around. One is big as hell and the other is intimidating with all his tattoos. She also has a friend called Banner, who I think she has a crush on. She’s not really open.”
I smile at that. “Ah, maybe you should see if they’ll meet up with you and Rosie. Rosie and Emma seem to be in the same position with not liking large crowds. They could get along and become friends. Rosie needs that right now.”
Her eyes light up. “That’s a great idea. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before. I’ll see if they’re up for it. Right, you’d better go before you’re late.”
I laugh, grabbing the file and newspaper clippings, and start stuffing them into my bag. “I’ll see you later. Are you meeting us at the café for lunch?”
“If I can make it, yeah. I have to meet up with another student beforehand, and he’s a little slow.”
“Okay, I’ll see you later—if you can.”
I grab my bag, waving goodbye, before leaving the library. The air outside is chilly, which means we’re in for another coat of snow.
Great.
*** *** ***
Class is coming to an end, and I’m watching the clock. I’ve been counting down the minutes since I arrived.
Jordan’s warning about Mr. Flint keeps surfacing to the front of my mind, especially when he leans over me to inspect my work. Instead of standing to the side, he looms behind me, peering over my shoulder with his hands resting on the desk on either side of me. He’s so close I can feel his breath on my cheek, the warmth of his chest on my back.
“That’s really good, Allie. If you’d like, we can go over your coursework later, make sure you’re on schedule?”
Palms sweaty, and a little shaky, I answer, my voice full of nerves and anxiety. “Thank you for the offer, but I’ll be fine, Mr. Flint.”
“Please, call me Geoff,” he tells me, squeezing my shoulder.
The lesson comes to an end and I relax as he steps back. I quickly grab my books, bag, coat, and scarf, not bothering to put anything away before standing. “See you next class, Mr. Flint.”
I hear an unpleasant sound from behind me, and it has me hurrying toward the exit. I leave the room, my breaths coming in short pants.
The guy creeps me out. He’s getting bolder and bolder with each lesson. There’s nothing I can do, apart from report him. If he exhibits the same behaviour during our next lesson together, I’ll have to say something to someone.
I step outside into the freezing cold and walk over to the vacant bench. I rest my bag on it and start putting my books away. After, I waste no time in pulling my coat on and wrapping my scarf around my neck. Once I have everything on, my bag back over my shoulder, I slide my hands into my gloves.
God, it’s cold.
