Two weeks had passed, and not much has changed, except her liking for Mr. Thompson. She was really beginning to like him, and not in an appropriate kind of way. She really fancied him. What was she thinking. She's a student, he's a teacher. She's a Gypsy, he's a gorger, a non gypsy. Her parents would never approve, neither would the school board. He would lose his job, she would be bullied and ridiculed even further. She couldn't handle it anymore. That's why when Mr. Thompson called her over after the final bell, she knew he knew. She was terrified, mortified by the idea of what he might think.

"Mr. Thompson... You wanted to see me?"

"Ethelinda, I know things are hard for you, and your feelings are reasonable. But I just don't understand why you would even think that for a second I could approve of such behavior..."

"Mr. Thompson... Its just that, I think you're so nice, and you always support me, and I wanted to believe in somebody for once..."

"Then why didn't you tell me?"

"Because you're a teacher, and..."

"Ethelinda... That's all the more reasons to tell me. Self injury is not the answer..."

"What? You were not talking about..." She paused. "How did you know?"

"Well I kind of pieced it together. The way you've been feeling, isolating, the constant look of sadness in your eyes. Not to mention, its September and you've been wearing long sleeves for the past week..."

"I'm so sorry Mr. Thompson. Please, please don't tell my mom. Please, don't tell anyone. I could not go on with the shame it would bring to my mom!"

"I think the shame would first come if she lost you Ethelinda. I won't tell anyone, as long as this does not continue. I'm hoping that this talk has helped you..."

"It has Mr. Thompson, really it has!"

"Ethelinda, you're a beautiful girl. Bright, talented... You have your whole life ahead of you..." He handed her a piece of scrap paper with a seven didget number on it.

"Your personal number? But why?"

"Call or text me any time Ethelinda. I will always answer."

"Thanks Mr. Thompson..." She started to walk off, but stopped for a moment when she heard his voice.

"Ethelinda... You don't have to suffer alone. I'm here for you always..." She turned around, and looked into his beautiful eyes.

"Mr. Thompson... May I... Um, uh... Never mind... You'd only think I'm crazy..."

"Ethelinda..." He stepped closer to her, and hugged her, sincerely but hesitantly. He meant more than comfort, though he would never admit it. He did fancy her. This fact, never could it be more true than now, could cost him his job and teaching licence. He noticed her tears now staining his blue button up, but he didn't care the least. He touched a hand to the back of her head, and one to her back. He comforted her for awhile, just giving her a shoulder to cry on... Something she never imagined she could have. But it felt so good, so certain, so safe with him.

A/N

Sorry this is so short guys... Did not know we're to to with it. Pluses I felt this was a good chapter ending. See y'all laterz! 🌹 💖