Mr. Harris
“Hey, Kassidy.”
I turn around and find my best friend, Jess, waving at me. “Are you excited about summer? A couple more weeks, and we can finally get out of this dump,” she says as she walks over to sit at a nearby desk.
I look out the window of our biology classroom and sigh, “Not really. My mother's already got me signed up for both summer school and private tutoring lessons. If I'm lucky, I might get a whole week off to do something besides hit the books."
Jessica looks at me, wide-eyed and shocked, “What?! That sucks! Why does your mom have to be such a hard-ass? Doesn't she want you to enjoy yourself sometimes?”
I shrug, "Nope. She always tells me that if I'd rather go out and party instead of focusing on my studies then maybe I shouldn't even bother trying to graduate. But honestly? I don't know if I can make it until then," I say, stifling a yawn.
I was up all night yet again, studying until my eyes burned.
Jessica rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “I swear, Kassidy, your parents are so strict, they might as well just send you to live in a convent. Seriously, what is wrong with them? Don't they know that a girl needs to have fun once in a while?”
I sigh again, "I dunno. But you know how they are. My mom and dad had to work very hard to get to where they are, and they think that focusing on studying is the only way for me to have an easier life than they did."
But before Jess can get in another word, the bell rings. But where is Mrs. Simpson, our biology teacher? It isn't like her to be late.
The door opens, and in walks Principal Cluck.
“Good morning, class. Unfortunately, Mrs. Simpson will not be joining us today, but we do have a substitute for her. Please welcome Mr. Harris, everyone!”
As the principal makes his way out of the classroom, everyone turns to see who is going to be filling in for our teacher.
I find myself staring into the most beautiful pair of green eyes I have ever seen. Then I notice the rest of him.
Tall, slender, and wearing glasses, he looks like a dream come true. I want to jump right up and kiss him, a thought that shocks me with its boldness.
But then I remember what my mother has told me a million times:
“You cannot date while you're still in high school. No boyfriends or girlfriends, no dates, nothing! If you try to sneak behind our backs and we catch you, we will take away your cell phone, computer, and TV, and then you can attend school online for the rest of your days! Do not test me, young lady!”
Snapping out of my horrid memory, I glance over at Mr. Harris, feeling suddenly shy. He is smiling at each one of us, and when his gaze falls upon me, I feel like I'm melting. His smile is warm and welcoming. He is simply gorgeous!
“Hello, class. My name is Dale Harris, and I am here to teach you all about biology. I sure hope you're eager and ready to learn!"
His deep voice is smooth and soothing, yet still commanding. I quickly find myself falling deeper into a trance.
"I will be here for only two weeks, and so I must ask for your cooperation. Let's get started now, shall we?"
The rest of the hour flies right by as if I were in a trance. I can barely pay attention to what he is saying because I'm so enthralled by the timbre of his voice and the way he walks and speaks so confidently.
He is easily the most intelligent and charming teacher I have ever had, and I never want the period to end.
But end it does, and soon we are back in the hallway waiting to be dismissed from the building for lunch.
I'm chatting with Jess about how we both need to update our wardrobes when I hear a voice calling out to me.
“Excuse me, girls. You're Miss Kassidy, right?” I spin around to find none other than Mr. Harris standing there looking at me expectantly. “Could I please speak with you for a moment?"
I nod and smile, “Sure thing! What can I do for you, sir?"
"Ooooh," says Jess before scampering off down the hallway, causing a tinge of color to rise to my cheeks.
Mr. Harris clears his throat nervously, and I can feel my heart beating faster in response. "Uh, well, Miss Kassidy, I was wondering if you might help me with something. I am new to teaching biology and was hoping that you might be able to assist me with some of the material. I looked over Mrs. Simpson's records, and it seems that you're her best student. Would you be interested in helping me?"
I nod, "Of course! I'd be happy to help, sir."
Mr. Harris smiles, “Great! How about tomorrow after school? We can meet here, and you can show me everything I need to know. I promise to make it worth your time!”
I blush at his words, feeling suddenly flustered. "Okay, Mr. Harris, I'll see you then!"
