Trisha stared hard at the math problem. It had become a simple process; view the problem, evaluate the problem, suggest possible solutions, and attempt to solve. It wasn't always accurate. She still got confused with her operations, but she was getting a lot better at it.
She had cut down on her tutoring from every day after school to only about twice a week. Her grade was improving and she was becoming much more confident with her math skills.
"Trish, this is awesome! Look at this grade print out."
"When's it from?"
"I just printed it a few minutes ago. These are completely current grades."
"Wow, I can't believe it. I've got the highest grade!" She was so happy. She had practically been failing earlier and now she had the highest grade. All smiles, she gladly hugged Mr. Jenkins.
"I am so proud of you Trish."
"Oh God, thank you Mr. Jenkins."
He laughed and pulled away from the hug. He peered softly into her eyes, "You don't need to thank me. You did this entirely on your own. You earned it." His voice was soft and caring. For seconds she was caught in some sort of daze, and in those seconds he reached out to touch her face and leaned in for a kiss.
"Oh!" She leaned back. "Oh God, I didn't realize. I am so sorry."
"Hey, don't be sorry, its my fault."
He sat on a desk next to her. "I feel like I'm in seventh grade, and I'm like all those girls that I used to hate trying to seduce the cute new teacher."
He laughed, "Except it’s the other way around this time. I only hope that you won't hate me. I admire you Trisha. The first day you walked in you looked like a completely conflicted person and I wanted to know you. When you got a C on that test and I saw your reaction I knew that you were dedicated to everything that you've done. I adore dedication more than anything else, and when I got the chance to tutor you and know you even more I couldn't help but want to kiss you. And I'm sorry, for being one of those teachers you used to hate that tried to seduce their beautiful, incredible student."
If I were older, I would marry this man. If this situation were sane at all, and he wasn't my teacher I'd probably sleep with him. What am I saying? I'm thinking like a whore. And what about Isaac? "Mr. Jenkins, I'm flattered, I really am. I think you're an incredible teacher. You have a gift for patience and compassion, something that most of the staff here lacks. But you know how I would feel about a relationship with you. And you also know that it would endanger your career, and I know you love it and wouldn't want to lose that." He bowed his head. "I wouldn't want to put either you or I in a position that would be uncomfortable, or" she paused, "unfavorable. And I think the best way to be sure that position never arises would be to remain as student and teacher."
"Trish, you'll be graduating this year. And as soon as you graduate there won't be an opportunity for the problem to arise."
"You don't think that everyone who knows will look down on it? You don't think Principal Morgan will consider firing you? Wondering, 'If he started dating a student his first year of teaching what will he do in the years to come?'. Please understand, I'm trying to be as nice as possible, because you're a very nice guy. I just don't think it's right."
He nodded his head, "I understand. And I appreciate your honesty and your consideration. I know I've made an ass of myself, but I had to see if there was a chance. I'm sorry, and from now on, we will be a teacher and a student."
"Thank you." She gave him a hug and began gathering her books.
"He's very lucky."
Slowly, she turned around, "Who is?"
"Your boyfriend."
A little taken off guard, "I don't have a boyfriend."
Mr. Jenkins nodded knowingly, "Yeah you do, and he is a very lucky man."
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