Chapter 49 Chapter 49
Tessa
The news was so unreal, and I knew for sure Mr. Cater couldn't think of leaving the school, not when that's his way of making a living.
I stared at the boy, whose intense gaze was fixed on his phone. "Wake up, wake up!" I drummed on the desk, snatching his attention.
He looked up at me with a slim, bright smile spreading across his lips. "Can you drop your phone and focus now?" I smirked, wearing a stern face, and he scoffed.
"You sound like my real teacher," he said, smiling, and dropped his phone, giving me his undivided attention.
"For now, I'm your teacher, so better listen to my instructions," I replied with a smile.
I took the textbook from him, staring at it, but his voice jolted back my attention.
"But aren't you worried about Mr. Cater leaving the school?" he asked, concern etched on his face.
I breathed deeply, closing the textbook while my hands separated it in the middle. "Did you believe the news? Do you think it's real?" I asked.
He looked confused, as if thinking about something but couldn't quickly grasp it. "Of course, I believe it; it's posted on the school blog, so it must be real," he included, and my body began trembling.
"Why would you think that? You don't just believe rumors because they're posted on the school blog. Be realistic, bro," I smacked my hand on the desk, my frustration evident.
He looked shocked, staring at me like a completely different person. "Are you shouting at me?" he asked, his voice laced with surprise.
I nodded my head in confirmation. "Yes, focus better on studying," I said firmly, opening the textbook and pointing to the page.
He swallowed hard, pocketed his phone, and leaned forward, his eyes locked onto mine.
I stared at the page to check the problem to be solved, my expression softening.
"Let's get back to math," I said gently.
He nodded, still looking puzzled.
I started tutoring him my mind reeled around Mr. Cater's case.
After some minutes I stretch my back "So, let's move on to the next topic," I said, scribbling notes on the table .
"Okay, got it," he replied, his eyes locked onto mine for a fraction of a second longer than necessary.
I ignored the subtle hint, determined to keep our interaction strictly professional.
As we delved deeper into the lesson, his attempts to steer the conversation toward my personal life became subtle. He would ask seemingly innocent questions, but I could detect the underlying curiosity.
"Do you, uh, have any favorite study spots on campus?" he asked, feigning nonchalance.
"I'm afraid I don't have much time for leisure activities," I replied with a polite smile, sidestepping the question.
He nodded, undeterred, and tried again. "So, what do you like to do outside of tutoring?"
I chuckled inwardly, recognizing the ploy. "Let's focus on your math skills, shall we?" I said, firmly guiding the conversation back on track.
As the session drew to a close, he packed up his belongings, his eyes lingering on me once more.
"Thanks for the help, tutor," he said, his tone tinged with a hint of disappointment.
"No problem," I replied, maintaining a professional demeanor. "See you next time."
As he departed, my mind drifted back to Mr. Cater. I didn't know why I seemed to be worried about him. I contemplated whether I should call him or let him be, but his thoughts lingered at the back of my mind.
Should I just go home and see him with my own eyes? But I didn't want to. The thought of seeing my mom sent shivers down my spine; she'd be angry at me for leaving the house despite her calling. I shrugged off the feeling, deciding to go to Leah's house instead. I just prayed Liam wouldn't be around.
I stopped a taxi and entered, giving the driver the address. I stared at my phone, the notion to call Mr. Carter lingering at the back of my mind. I searched through my phone, clicking on his number. The phone rang for a while before his voice boomed, "How're you?" My voice was barely above a whisper.
"I'm good, how about you?" He asked, concern etched in his tone.
"I'm good. Just called to check up on you. Hope you're not worried about the rumors?" I asked, my heart racing.
"Yes, I'm good, and I'm not worried about the rumors. What about you?" He asked, his tone hinting at something more."Are you not going to come home?" His voice echoed, even before I could ask my question.
"Have you made up your mind not to ever come back home?" He pressed further, and I inhaled loudly.
I should've remembered he would ask about that before I called him.
"I only called to check up on you; I'll check on you later. Bye," I hung up, releasing a deep breath.
"What have I done?" I asked no one in particular.
My thoughts became blurry when the driver told me we'd arrived at the given location. I got out of the car and paid him before turning to the building. I inhaled deeply before stepping forward and opening the door. I pressed the password Leah had given me, and the door swung open. I stepped in; everywhere was quiet.
I decided no one was home and went to head upstairs when I heard Liam's voice from the back. My legs became frozen. I turned to find him coming from his downstairs room, his hair wet and him wearing only boxers. His pink lips shone brightly.
"You're back," he smiled, walking toward me.
He wanted to grab my waist, but I was fast enough to move forward.
"Yes, I am," I replied, turning to leave, hoping he would let me go. But that wasn't the case, as his hand grabbed my waist tightly.
His body pressed against mine, his head resting on mine. "I miss you," he murmured.
I wondered when he started missing me.
"Thanks, can you let me go?" I muttered under my breath, trying to push him away, but his grip on me was tight.
"I just said I miss you," he turned my face to look at him.
We stared at each other, butterflies racing in my stomach. He moved his gaze toward me; my body trembled with my fists folded. I wanted to push him away, yet simultaneously, I wanted him closer.
The sudden sound of the doorbell parted us.