Chapter 7: Chapter Seven

As I entered the school the next day and walked through the English block to reach my form room, I heard a conversation going on in one of the English classrooms. It sounded like a group of teachers talking. I would usually just walk on and take no notice cause I couldn't give a shit. Except for one thing. My name was mentioned in their conversation. Once I heard my name I silently crouched down, my ear pressed against the classroom door.

"She's always been like it, ever since she first joined this school." It sounded like Mrs Burnette talking, my head of year.

"Then let me change her. I'm convinced I can change her." Mr Dubens' voice. What? What was he doing there? Why were they talking about me?

"You'll never change her. Trust me, leave her be. If you try it will just make her lash out like she always does." Spoke Mrs Burnette. I then heard Mr Gates voice as he chimed in the conversation, "Yes, we've all tried to help her in the past. She just likes to be left alone."

Mr Dubens took in a sharp intake of breath, just by the tone of his voice, I could tell he was really stressed out. "She seems different with me. Yesterday, I helped her with her work. She's really good once she gets going." He explained roughly. I felt quite flattered to hear a teacher, any teacher, to speak so highly of me.

Were they definitely talking about the same girl?

Mr Gates cleared his throat, "I doubt that will last. After all she's just another girl in a long line of others who are just simply going nowhere in life. Trust me."

"Yes, she's in year eleven now. Almost the end of her school life and she hasn't shown the slightest bit of effort into any exam or work she does. She's a child who just doesn't want to learn." Mrs Burnette added.

"Ok, how about I prove you wrong? Give me a week. One week. I'm positive I can get some good grades out of her." Mr Dubens spoke proudly. His voice strong and firm.

I heard Mrs Burnette laugh softly, "You got no chance. She's not going to listen to YOU, after all your new. There's no way Alice is going to listen to someone who barely knows her."

"Exactly my point, you've taught her English for only four days. Barely a week." Mr Gates spoke doubtfully. Mr Dubens groaned, "Even if you're right, I would still like to try. Just give me a week."

For a moment there was silence.

I heard Mrs Burnette sigh, "Ok, very well. One week, starting from next Monday. You've got from then till Friday to make a difference. If I don't see any progress in her grades or exam results then it's settled, she's obviously a child who just can't be taught."

Mr Gates chimed in again in a typical voice of annoyance, "But remember Mr Dubens, we've known her a lot longer than you. If you ask me, if she could be changed then it would've been done four years ago."

"Well, it's a good job I'm not asking you, because no matter how little I know her, it's funny how I believe in her so much. Explain that to me." Mrs Dubens suddenly shot back, and I was taken aback by his rebellious tone. Nice one, sir.

With that everything seemed to fall silent and after a few seconds I heard footsteps approaching the door. Becoming louder, closer, louder...and closer. I quickly shot up from my crouching position and leaned my ear away from the door. Quickly, I retreated back to how I was and pretended to tap away on my iPhone, my back leaning against the wall opposite the classroom where their conversation took place.

Just in time, I was quick enough to look casual by the time Mr Gates stepped out from inside the classroom. I looked up from my phone and tried to look my usual ignorant, bullshitty self. I shot him a dirty look and he looked away, walking down the other end of the corridor to where his office was. Mrs Burnette followed a few seconds after. Once her eyes met mine she looked away as if she was scared of me or something. Did I have that much of an effect on my teachers?

And last but not the very least.... Mr Dubens.

He stepped out slowly in a white sleeved t-shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. The top two button were undone. He wore blue jeans and black shoes. His hair seemed messy and rustled, like he had just woken up...but I knew it was where he had been running his hand through it multiple times. He looked so irresistible. I suddenly realised I was practically gawking at him and I quickly looked down at my phone, pretending to be in my own world.

As I pretended to tap away on my iPhone, I felt his eyes rest on me. That's when I could feel his stare burning wholes in my skin. I slowly looked up and our eyes instantly met. He wore a sexy smile and I returned it. Crap, I was actually smiling at a teacher for a change. A actual decent smile. Which was real, might I add!

"Good morning, Miss Copper." He greeted.

"Morning, Mr Dubens." I replied, looking back down at my phone. 8:03 was the time.

"I see you haven't got your earphones in today." He commented, tucking his hands inside his jean pockets.

I only just realised myself. I had them in my inner blazer pocket, but I had decided not to put them in. "Oh." Was the only thing I said. Mr Dubens smirked and took a step closer to me.

"I read your poem last night. You write so fluently, Miss Copper."

I smiled at his kind comment, "Oh...err, thank you, Sir."

With that he turned to walk away but then turned back towards me, "I'm sorry about yesterday. I won't interfere again." He whispered, lowering his face to mine. I looked at him. Confused and he smirked. I had obviously forgot, so he whispered into my ear, "The scars, I mean." He confirmed.

"Oh." I replied and took my earphones out of my inner blazer pocket, plugging them into my ears. Our eyes met before I played my music, he smiled gently.

Soon he pulled away and I had to gasp for air, as I watched him walk down the corridor. I felt so stupid throwing myself at him. I guess I was just messed up.