Chapter 47 Chapter 47
Tessa
The next day, I walked into school, my thoughts reeling with endless possibilities. Yesterday's close call still lingered in my mind, if Mr. Carter wasn't such a skilled liar, and my mom didn't trust him completely, she would have caught us red-handed.
As I entered the library, my eyes scanned the quiet surroundings, but my mind was a chaotic marketplace.
I walked to sit down at a corner, and my eyes gazed down at the biology textbook in front of me, usually, I'd solve problems effortlessly, but now I was torn between my turbulent thoughts and desires.
For the past few days, I'd felt like a completely transformed person since I started defying my mom's orders and leaving the house. Yesterday, despite her desperate attempts to stop me, I acted stubborn and left, fueling my desire for independence.
I wondered if this newfound assertiveness was fighting for my freedom or simply going against my mom's wishes.
Mr. Carter, had tried to stop me, but I was too persistent to listen, my determination growing with each passing day.
Not that I wanted to be stubborn, but I detested how Mr. Carter tried to control me, acting like a father figure, dictating my every move. The complicated relationship between us made me ponder how hurt my mom would be if she discovered I was entangled with Mr. Carter, the man she loved and trusted wholeheartedly.
If there was a way to confess my secret to her without shattering her heart, I wouldn't hesitate. But the fear of causing her pain kept me silent.
My phone beeped, breaking my reverie, and I checked, it was Liam. I read the message and dreaded it in silent mode, anxiety creeping up my spine. A heavy, exasperated breath escaped my lips as I slid the message away.
How could he be so audacious, instructing me to come to his office? Did he think he could manipulate my life just because he knew my deepest secret?
This morning, he'd even attempted to force himself on me in my room, but Leah's timely arrival thwarted his plans. I understood I had a lingering crush on him, but that didn't mean I should let him have his way every day, right?
Just then, a gentle voice interrupted my thoughts. "Hi, Angel," it echoed from my front, and I gazed up to find a boy standing before me, his warm smile captivating.
His face looked vaguely familiar, but I couldn't quite place where I'd seen him. He dressed in a rugged yet charming way, making me wonder how school security allowed him inside.
"How can I help you?" I asked when I noticed he'd seen my intense gaze and his face turned curious, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.
He smiled sweetly, dropping the textbook in his hand before sitting in front of me. "I need your help," he said, sparking my curiosity.
"Help?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, I want you to help teach me about the lab practical Mr. Daniel taught us in class. I'm really struggling to understand it," he explained, his eyes pleading.
I smirked, intrigued by his request and his boldness to come to meet me. To begin with, Who told him I'd be willing to help?
"And who says I'm going to help you, or who told you I understand the practical?" I asked, maintaining intense eye contact with him, my brow slightly raised in inquiry.
He went mute for a while, his eyes darting around before smiling awkwardly as if he wasn't expecting the straightforward question from me.
"I know you understand the practical because I saw how Mr. Daniel praised you that day, and besides, I overheard you telling your friend you're going to teach her more later," he explained, his voice filled with conviction, his eyes sparkling with sincerity. "I've wanted to come to you for a while now, but you know I'm scared, didn't know what you'd say or how you'd react." His words revealed a hint of vulnerability.
I stared at him, contemplating whether to teach him or not, weighing my options carefully. I couldn't deny admiring his boldness and willingness to put aside his pride to ask for help. His genuine approach resonated with me.
"I must admit, I like his boldness," I thought to myself. "And for the fact that he put in no pride to want me to help him more." A faint smile crossed my lips before I closed the biology textbook in front of me and set it aside, my movements deliberate.
"So, you mean you want me to tutor you, right?" I asked, seeking confirmation, my tone gentle. He nodded sharply, his eyes locking onto mine.
"Okay, no problem," I said, smiling warmly. "Open your textbook or maybe tell me exactly what you want me to teach you," I uttered, He replied with a bright smile, followed by a nod.
He started opening his book while I followed him with my face, my interest piqued. "This..." he pointed to a particular section, but his words trailed off when his phone beeped, shrill in the silence.
"I'm coming, please," he said, bringing out his phone and checking through it, his expression changing from calm to surprised. I watched him, intrigued by the sudden shift.
On normal occasions, I would've just walked out, wondering how he could ask his teacher to hold on for him. Wasn't he the one needing my help? But my curiosity got the better of me, especially with the flurry of notifications on his phone.
"Can you..." I began, my voice low.
"Did you know Mr. Carter?" His voice overshadowed mine, and I was happy he wanted to share the news before asking, his words dripping with excitement.
"Mr. Carter?" I recalled and he nodded "What about him?" I asked, my interest heightened.
"I heard he's leaving our school," he replied, his tone laced with surprise.
"Leaving our school?" I echoed, shock evident in my voice, my eyes widening.