When He Stays: A Student Teacher Romance

by A. R. Breck

  I lean slightly towards him and watch as his fists tighten. The veins in his forearms start pulsing, trying to keep himself in check.

  Suddenly, he seems to pull out of his daze and comes back into reality. He pushes off the wall and stalks towards his desk, not making eye contact with me. "Callie, don't tell anyone you have my phone number. Only use it during emergencies. Just, watch yourself. Okay?" When I don't say anything, he says, "You can go now." He waves me off, his tone now dismissive.

  Shocked and a little disappointed, I quietly open the door and exit his classroom. Were we about to kiss? I definitely think we were about to kiss. Maybe, just maybe he feels the same indescribable connection that I feel?

  It's like, every time we are near each other, the pull of our connection tightens up just a little bit more.

  * * * *

  The rest of the day passes in a blur and before I know it, I'm walking back into Mr. Cooper's classroom to meet for the after school extra credit class. Mr. Cooper barely acknowledges me as I walk in.

  Disappointed, I sigh and walk to my seat that I sit in during school hours. A few other students come in and Mr. Cooper goes over the project that we will be working on for this semester. Throughout the whole meeting, his eyes glance at everyone except me.

  By the time our after-school meeting is done, I'm fuming. How dare he ignore me? He was the one that looked like he wanted to kiss me, caging me up against the wall. Now he can't even stand the sight of me?

  I wait for everyone else to leave before I get up and go to his desk. Mr. Cooper makes himself look busy, organizing the papers on his desk and doing anything and everything besides paying attention to me.

  I walk up to his desk and lean my hip up against it, clearing my throat to get his attention. He snaps his gaze up to mine, "Callie, what are you still doing here? I said everyone can go."

  "I'm just wondering why you spent this whole meeting acting like I was invisible."

  "I was not, I just -" Running a hand through his hair, he leans back in his chair and gets a look of absolute torture on his face. "Whatever you think we having going on between us? Can. Not. Happen. I'm your teacher, and I'm a hell of a lot older than you are." He looks up at me at this, and I narrow my eyes.

  "How old?" I smirk.

  "Callie…"

  "Mr. Cooper..." I taunt.

  He sighs, looking exasperated. "I'm twenty-seven. Much too old for you. Doesn't matter anyway – this is highly inappropriate and I think it's time for you to leave."

  "Mr. Cooper - "

  "No, Callie. I'm going to be the adult in this situation. Nothing can happen between us. That is all it comes down to at the end of the day." He says with finality.

  Feeling dejected, I try to not let my feelings about him get the best of me. I am going to go to the party Friday and do whatever my heart desires, and decide to tell him as much. I lean forward so that I am a few inches from his face and say, "Fine, Mr. Cooper. Let's have it your way. I mean, I'm sure Brock would just love to have a little one-on-one time with me this Friday, anyway. Hopefully he will even take advantage of me." Smirking, I lean back and straighten up.

  Damn, I'm such a bitch.

  Mr. Cooper on the other hand, looks furious with his teeth clenching so hard I'm sure his molars are about to crack. I can even see the muscle in his cheek continuously twitching with his fury. I know he's not going to say anything at this point, he is too set in stone with his decision to cave.

  So, I pick my bag up off the floor and turn around to walk out of the classroom, not saying another word.

  Once I get to my car, I sit down and instantly pull out a cigarette, needing a second fix for the day.

  Seriously, talk about an asshole. This morning after class he is giving me his phone number and getting hot and heavy with me, then later he seems like he can't even stand the sight of me, and tells me we can't be anything? I never asked for anything. I mean, yeah, I wanted to kiss him, but I wasn't begging for anything.

  I know it was petty of me to say anything about Brock, but his reaction just shows that he is at least somewhat affected by me. I'm frustrated though – frustrated with the back and forth, frustrated with the day, but mostly, just frustrated with life.

  With one more glance towards the school, I whip my car out of the parking lot and head back to Aunt Jenna's.

  A few moments later, my phone starts to ring. I look down and notice that it is my friend Nell from back home. My mood instantly switches from anger to longing. Ugh, I miss my friends. I miss everything about back home - the ocean, the sun, the beach, my old house... my mom.

  Ugh, now is not the time to go there.

  Picking up the phone, I say, "Nell, how are you?"

  "Callie! It's been too long. Why haven't you called?"

  "I've been so busy. You know, new school, new house." I mutter.

  "Yuck, I do not know how you are there! Seriously, we all miss you here. School is just not the same." She sighs exaggeratedly

  "Well, you know I didn't have a choice..."

  "Yes, of course. I know that, I'm sorry. How are you holding up, anyway?" Her tone turns sympathetic.

  "I'm... fine. As much as I can be I guess. I met a couple people that seem pretty legit. Aunt Jenna has been pretty awesome, too. I got a job at a coffee shop downtown. Hopefully this year just flies by and before I know it, I will be back home."

  "YASSSS, that's what I'm hoping for, girl! I need you back here!" Nell hoots.

  I laugh, "That's the plan, anyway. And things back home? How is everyone?" I ask, although I'm not sure I want to hear that all of my friends' lives have been going on without me while mine has been uprooted.

  "Same old. You know." She proceeds to tell me about who is hooking up with who, the different drama and all that. I ooh and ahh where necessary, but it doesn't seem as interesting as it used to. It also surprises me that I don't find the shit she is saying to be meaningful. Is this what I used to find important in life?

  I just feel almost numb to the whole conversation. I mean, yes, I miss my friends and I desperately miss my home, but I feel like that lifestyle of high school drama has been laid to rest the moment I stepped foot out of California.

  We chat for a little while longer, until I pull up into Aunt Jenna's neighborhood and we say our goodbyes. Hanging up, I put my phone back into my purse as I park in the garage. Sitting in the car for a moment, it finally clicks in my head that the emotion I'm feeling is relief that I don't have to deal with the drama of what Nell and everyone else is dealing with back in California. If there is one thing that I know, it's that so far Colorado has had less drama at Middle Park then my California school did any day of the week.

  And then I think - well shit, one point for Colorado.

  SIX

  When I arrive at school on Friday, I think I finally have somewhat of a routine down. Ava and Leah are coming over later this evening to get ready for the party tonight.

  The bell just rang for second period and I am once again dreading to be in Mr. Cooper's class for the day. He has been ridiculously obvious in ignoring me all week. He has barely acknowledged me all week, and when he does acknowledge me, it is with a vicious glare. It seems that every day that gets closer to Friday, his stare gets more and more heated.

  He doesn't like the possibility of me being with anyone else? Well, he shouldn't have been such a bipolar douche bag then.

  "Sunshineeee." Brock sings as he enters the classroom.

  I have to admit, I have been laying on the flirting a little thick this week, only to piss off Mr. Cooper. "Brock, hey." I give him a warm smile.

  "Ready for tonight? We going to kick it while you're there?"

  "Of course, that's the plan."

  "Awesome, I can't wait. I'll save you a drink." He winks at me, showing off his cute dimple.

  Seriously, why can't my heart pitter patter for someone like Brock? Why do I have to like Mr. Asshole?

  Just as I'm about to speak, a book slams on a desk
from the front of the room, making my eyes fly to the source.

  Oh, of course. Mr. Cooper, what a shock.

  "Alright everyone. Pop quiz." Everyone groans, which only makes Mr. Cooper chuckle. He has really been in a terrible mood since Tuesday, after we had our fight.

  We all get to work on our quizzes, and at the end of class I make the decision that I'm going to try to smooth things out with him and squash things between us. But, as the last person puts down their pencil and gives their test to Mr. Cooper, the bells rings and Mr. Cooper grabs his suit case and is out the door.

  Well, so much for that idea.

  * * * *

  Later that evening, Aunt Jenna and I are cleaning up the kitchen after eating dinner when my phone buzzes.

  Leah: Hey. We are on our way to your house. Is that cool?

  Callie: Yeah, sounds good. See you soon!

  Pocketing my phone, I let Aunt Jenna know, "Leah and Mya are on their way."

  "Oh, great. I'm excited to meet them!" Aunt Jenna looks legitimately excited, like I am a five-year-old having her first sleepover or something.

  Chuckling, I busy myself until I hear a knock at the door.

  "Hi Callie!" Mya says when I open the door. They're both holding two large bags that look like they are about to burst open.

  Pointing to the oversized duffels, I ask, "Are you guys moving in or something?"

  Mya laughs, "Uhh, no. This is just stuff to help us get ready for the evening."

  "Hello!" Comes from around the corner. Aunt Jenna is walking out and extends her hand to Mya. "Hi, I'm Jenna, Callie's Aunt."

  "Hi, Jenna. My name is Mya."

  "And I'm Leah. It's nice to meet you." Leah extends her hand to shake with Aunt Jenna.

  "Hi, Leah. You guys, come on in and make yourselves at home. Let me know if you need anything." Aunt Jenna busies herself, trying to hide the huge smirk on her face. She was telling me earlier on how happy she was that I met some friends and have come out of my shell as she put it.

  We go back to my room and both Mya and Leah go to my bed and dump their bags upside down, spilling the contents all over my bed. One bag contains makeup and hair products, and the other bag contains clothes of all different kinds, colors, and sizes. They both turn back around, "Alright, so let's start with makeup! I think that you would look so pretty with a smoky eye and a bold lip. Don't you, Leah? Her eyes and lips would really pop." Mya says excitedly.

  "Oh, definitely!" Leah says, grabbing a few of the makeup pieces Mya was pointing out and grabbing a few for herself.

  Mya grabs her curling iron, "I was also thinking that I could add a little curl to your hair? You always either wear it in a bun or in your beach waves that I'm hate you for, by the way. But what do you think? Curls?" She opens and closes the curling iron, making a snapping noise at me.

  Laughing, I say, "Sure. Honestly, I'm down for whatever. Just don't make me look like a clown, and don't make me look like a slut."

  "Um, definitely no." Mya says.

  We all move into the bathroom that is attached to my room, setting out the makeup pieces we have chosen to use, and Leah gets to work on my makeup while Mya warms up the curling iron to get started on my hair.

  "Callie, can we ask you a question?" Mya asks hesitantly.

  "Uhh, I guess?" I automatically feel my guard go up.

  "What happened to your parents?"

  Feeling like they deserve some sort of explanation, I huff out a breath and break the wall down, preparing to tell them a shortened version of my hell. "My dad died when I was young, heart problems. I don't really remember him but I know he was a good guy. My mom died just last year from breast cancer. It came on quick and honestly, she didn't really stand a chance. Aunt Jenna was there from the beginning of it all, and I couldn't be more thankful for her. I feel bad that she had to take me in, which is why I am trying to just stay out of her way as much as possible."

  "She doesn't seem like she thinks of you as a burden at all. She looked really happy to have you here." Leah says sympathetically.

  "Yeah well, it doesn't matter anyway. Come graduation, I'm going to be on my way back to California." I say on a sigh.

  "Oh. Well if you change your mind and decide to stay in Colorado, you could always come to Denver U and room with us!" Leah says.

  "Thanks." I give a half smile, and then busy myself with looking at the different eye shadows.

  God, please let us be done with this conversation.

  I think they can both sense my unease, because Leah goes back to doing my makeup and Mya gets to work on curling my hair without another word. Before I know it, they have finished with me and have begun working on their own hair and makeup. I turn around and am completely amazed at their work.

  "Wow, guys. This is amazing! Your skills... I can never get myself to look like this." I turn around and look at my hair, amazed at the transformation of my long, blonde hair. The curls are tight enough to give a little bounce but still loose enough to be flowy.

  "Thanks. I guess the hours spent watching YouTube videos has paid off." Leah chuckles.

  "So, what are you planning on wearing?" Mya asks.

  "Not sure. What are you guys going to wear?"

  "I've got these super cute jeans and this sexy little tube top." Leah pulls her outfit out to show me. I cringe, thinking that they both either look like they're ten sizes too small, or if they are going to fit, they're going to be glued to her skin. I shiver, imagining barely being able to move in that outfit.

  "Hey! I see that look on your face. I know, you hate tight clothes, but I'm telling you, I look smoking in this. And we all know that beauty equals pain." Leah wiggles her outfit in front of my eyes.

  Mya pulls her outfit out, "I'm going to wear these shorts and tights underneath, with this sweater." She's got fishnet stockings with her jean shorts and a black sweater that will fall off her shoulder. Very cute, and more my style.

  I walk over to my closet, "I'm thinking about this Metallica crop top with this leather jacket over it and my leggings." I say, pulling out what I'm thinking of wearing.

  "Do you ever wear anything except leggings?" Leah asks on a sigh.

  "Yes, of course. Sometimes I wear joggers, and sometimes I wear sweatpants." I smirk at her, trying to hold in my laugh.

  "You're kidding." She deadpans.

  We all laugh and get dressed in our outfits and clean up our mess.

  We all look good, and I know we are at least going to be turning a few heads tonight. As we walk out towards the living room, Aunt Jenna turns down the TV and turns towards us, jaw dropping. "Well, aren't you ladies dressed to impress! Aren't you going to be cold though?"

  "I think we'll be alright. We can go inside and they will also have a few fires going on outside in case people get cold." Mya reassures her.

  "Alright. Callie, no drugs and no drinking. I also don't want to get a call from the police tonight. So please, be on your best behavior. And I want you back by 1:00 a.m." She knows I wasn't an angel back in California, but I also never got in too much trouble either. So really, she doesn't even need to tell me this.

  But whatever, first time for everything, I guess.

  "Sure thing." I give her a smile and go up to her to give her a hug. I know I won't be on my best behavior tonight, but I have to be grateful she is letting me even go out. "Thank you, Aunt Jenna."

  "You're welcome, dear. Have a good night now. Call me if you need anything." She goes back to the TV and turns up volume, giving us a wave for us to get out of here.

  We all giggle and run out to my car, hopping in and instantly putting on some Post Malone. Excited to be out doing something, we start dancing and singing along Sunflower. As the GPS navigates us to Sawyer's, I ask, "So, what's the scoop on Sawyer? Leah, you seemed pretty timid when I asked about him at lunch the other day."

  "It's nothing really." She blushes. "He throws wicked parties. It's funny because he is this huge party boy, but acts like a book worm with his parents and t
eachers to keep up appearances. He is apparently going to Denver U, too. At least I hope so. He is just so smart." She has stars in her eyes, and I instantly know she digs him.

  "Holy shit, do you have a crush on him? I ask, eyes wide.

  Somehow, her face turns even more red. "I don't know, he barely knows who I am. But he is so hot. And his ass in his uniform, whoo!" She fans herself.

  Laughing, I turn to Mya. "What about you Mya? Do you have your eyes on anyone?"

  With a sly smirk on her face, she says, "I don't kiss and tell."

  We all laugh at that and then Leah turns towards me, "What about you, Callie? You seriously are going to say you don't have a crush on Brock? He seems really into you."

  "You know, he is really good looking. I just don't really feel any kind of a connection with him more than friend-wise." I hesitate, and then realize that these are my closest friends here and I should just come out with it. "I do have a maybe, kind of, crush on someone though…" I instantly feel heat creeping up my cheeks.

  "OH MY GOD, WHO!?" They both screech at the same time.

  "Holy fuck! Lower your voices." Trying to cover my ears while steering through the mountainous, curvy roads is proving to be a challenge. "I kind of have a thing for Mr. Cooper." I mumble.

  "Mr. Cooper? As in the Mr. Cooper from history class?" Leah's jaw looks like it is about to fall into her lap.

  Mya turns to Leah, "Why do you seem so shocked, Leah? You know he is good looking." She then turns to me, "Shit, I feel you girl. He is way hot with that beard and that man bun he is rocking. You know half the girls walk out of his classroom with their panties wet."

  "Mya!" Leah chokes on a laugh. "Who are you and what have you done with my sister?" She turns towards me. "He's old!" Leah cries. Mya just shrugs, and then they both start laughing.

  My mind can't help but go back to the comment Mya made about other girls being into Mr. Cooper. I try to bury the jealous and possessive feelings that overwhelmingly flood my body. I hate to think of him sleeping with anyone else or with any other girls thinking about him in any kind of a sexual fashion. He is supposed to be mine.

  Shut the hell up, Callie. You're being dumb.