𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭'𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐱𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

Chapter Eighteen

Italy Harris | Week 3

Exams were just around the corner and I couldn't be any happier with my students,

They studied hard sticking to the deal I made with them and it's turning out adequately.

Unfortunately, Roman is proceeding with his infatuation with me and I'm afraid of what's to come.

Why am I being jinxed?

I sort out papers before the kids arrive and it's my first class without Roman so that lifts a tiny weight off my chest.

RING!!!!!

A big sigh escapes me ready for my students including seeing new faces, I hope they'll enjoy my teachings and I've always been a people person.

I smiled as kids started to pour into my classroom,

We, girls exchanged smiles, and the boys nodded their heads as some weren't afraid to check me out,

I internally rolled my eyes playfully watching them take their seats.

Boys

I hadn't seen them since the camping trip, Once they were seated, I walked around my desk to lean against the corner

"Good morning class, Now before we start today's lesson, exams are near so I hope you all are studying hard and keeping consistent we do have some new faces here so fill them in on our little agreement, any questions?"

I asked scanning the room then one hand poked up in the midsection

It's Mira's friend, Katie

"Yes, Katie?"

"Where did you get those shoes??" She gushed referring to my black knee-high heeled boots,

I chuckled glancing at them as well

The others seemed amused by her question

"Not the priority, Katie" I playfully glared at her

"Oh come on! They're hot"

I grinned grabbing the kid's assignments off my desk and handing them to each student who sat in front so they could pass them back

"At Tiffany's sweetie, totally on sale" I answered as the girls gasped, literally making me giggle.

"Pfft, you all are such girls" Jake scoffed reading his assignment,

Jake Hampton, The captain of the debate team in this school, and Mira threw a paper ball at him across the room,

"Duh, you nitwit!" He flinched then returned the favor.

I laughed "Okay, okay settle down! This assignment requires a partner so pick someone and work quietly please" I told sternly

Suddenly desks were scrapped against the floor including chairs as students conjoined their desks along with their partners.

I smiled glancing at them all as they worked, mumbling to one another.

Then I saw Roman's former seat taken by a new student who I learned was, Keith Waters, a sweet shy boy.

It felt better that Roman wasn't with us anymore but I knew it was not going to be easy getting rid of him, the crazed look in his eye, his determination attitude.

I needed to tell someone, definitely after school.

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It's lunchtime, I decided to leave school for some takeout which is Subway during my free period,

I couldn't help but feel watched but no one looked suspicious in the crowd, and luckily I hadn't seen nor heard from Roman.

Did he finally come to his senses?

Adjusting my purse strap, I return to school seeing students enjoying their lunch period with their friends.

I smiled jogging up the stairs and then approaching inside, My heels clicked against the floor heading towards my classroom.

I can eat in there I guess, The teacher's lounge is filled with old grouchy educators and they tend to be bitter toward me,

They're probably jealous that the students like me more... Possibly.

Once I sat down, I opened my laptop including my food ingesting the mouth-watering smell of my meatball marinara.

I was about to take a bite when my phone started to ring, I groaned answering the call.

"Hello?"

'Hello, am I speaking to Mr. or Mrs. Harris?"

A male informant spoke formally, I knitted my eyebrows together wondering what this phone call was for

"Yes, This is she"

Five minutes later, I hung up feeling my appetite disappear so swiftly.

I put my phone down enduring the silence and my mood and stomach became sour.

I closed my eyes hoping this was just a misunderstanding.

So I called Jace hoping he would prove it and when he didn't answer... My stomach sank in deeper.

Maybe I'm overreacting,

Why would Jace spend over two thousand dollars on a hotel room and an expensive Gucci dress?

I asked the banker to tell me the transcripts and he happily obliged.

Jace wouldn't cheat on me... Especially when we're planning our wedding, I know he wouldn't... He loves me.

Ring!

I flinched due to my phone then I saw Jace's name pop up so I quickly answered

"Jace"

"Hey baby, I saw your missed call, How are you?" He asked

"Um... I-I was just calling to see what would you like for dinner tonight?" I gulped feeling anxious

He sighed deeply "I'm sorry baby, the boss needs me to stay late tonight but I'll see you in the morning"

I frowned "Okay, I'll see you later... I love you"

"I love you two times more baby" Then we hung up

My mind began to wander in perplexity.