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Actually, I should be grateful he didn't laugh and read it out loud to embarrass me further. He is just a stranger, and I'm a student, one of the thousands he'll see in his life. Of course, he'll just think it’s a teenager being a drama queen. Maybe that's what it is. Perhaps I'm just a drama queen. Maybe I'm really the brat people think I am.
Why did I think I'm better than that or different from what people see?
Why did I think it was a good idea to share the pain in me?
This class was the only thing I loved about this school, and I've ruined it just like I ruin everything in my life.
“You're dismissed. We’ll see each other soon,” Mr. Richards says.
I hurry out of the classroom with everyone else. I don't have the courage to face Mr. Richards.
“Miss Faye, I'm glad you're still here,” I hear Mr. John's voice and lift my head to see him. “Where’s Mr. Richards?” he asks.
“Inside,” I murmur and am about to walk away when Mr. John stops me.
“I need to have a word with you and Mr. Richards.”
Nodding, I wait and try to find a reason why he would like to talk to both of us.
When Mr. Richards walks out of the classroom, I look down at my boots.
"Mr. Richards, Miss Faye's parents are the kind people who offered you to stay in their guest house," Mr. John says, and my head jerk up to look at Mr. Richards. He's as shocked as me. "Since you're both here, I think you can ride home together," Mr. John adds.
"What the…" Mr. Richards starts but stops himself and instead, he murmurs, "Maybe I should find somewhere else." He seems uncomfortable and probably a little afraid I'll try to pull him deeper into my own stupid drama.
“I've already talked to Mr. and Mrs. Faye to let them know you'll be staying there,” Mr. John says. His voice is bored, and a little angry.
“It seems like Miss Faye didn't know about the arrangement. Maybe she won't be comfortable with this decision?” Mr. Richards tries one last chance.
“Well, make the decision between yourselves. Just know Elijah, your payment won't be increased and I'm not sure if you can find a place with your budget. This town is a little expensive for a new teacher,” Mr. John shrugs and walks away, leaving Mr. Richards and me alone in the hallway.
“You can stay in the guest house, Mr. Richards. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable in the class, but I assure you that I won't bother you,” I whisper.
“You didn't-" he blurts out, but stops and grumpily says, “I can find somewhere else.”
I force a smile. “The house is big enough. Don't worry. Our path won't be crossed.”
“That's not what I meant,” he snaps in a strange apology, but I know it's just the effort to be nice to the girl who’s providing him a place to stay.
"My driver must be waiting. You can ride with me, or I can give you the address," I offer.
“I have a car. I don’t like when someone else drives me. Come with me,” he offers after a sigh. He still isn't happy with the arrangement, but we both should ride the wave.
I nod, and we walk side by side until we reach the parking lot. The black Chevrolet truck must be his because the only other car is the Range Rover that's waiting for me.
“Is that yours?” he points to the Range Rover.
"Yes. 18th birthday present even though I don't have a driving license yet."
His lips turn into a thin line like he’s angry, and I walk faster toward Jake, my driver to let him know the new arrangement. After he makes a phone call, probably to my dad, he nods.
Mr. Richards watches me when I walk back to where he is. He shakes his head and opens the door of his truck almost too forcefully as I take my seat in the passenger side.
7
Eva
"Is there anywhere we can stop to buy some takeout for dinner?" Mr. Richards asks as he drives.
