The resonating chime of the bell sounded abruptly, shattering the peaceful stillness like shards of glass. In a swift motion, I hastily gathered my books and stuffed them into my backpack, eager to make my escape from the confines of the classroom.

As I went about my tasks. Organising and packing my belongings into my bag, I suddenly heard the sound of someone calling my name. My initial reaction was one of slight annoyance. To be frank, I was not in the mood to engage with anyone. Especially when they pick on me.

“I just wanted to say that you did great with today's class involvement.” The girl's voice echoed with praise.

I neglected to express any thanks. I lacked a smile. My actions were minimal.

“I mean it. You really impressed everyone.” The girl, whose name I was not familiar with, spoke again.

When I failed to reply, the girl's response was one of amusement. Evident from the sound of her laughter. It was clear that my lack of effort to talk was comical to her.

“See you around, Thea.” She said, lightly tapping my shoulder as she turned to leave.

Today, I had the privilege of experiencing acts of kindness from both a fellow student and a substitute teacher. This unexpected display of compassion left me to ponder what events could have possibly disturbed the balance of the universe this morning.

"Miss Evans," the substitute teacher called after me as I was exiting the room. "Could I speak with you for a moment?"

Letting out a deep breath, I could not help but ponder what the heck was happening today. First, I was held back by a girl and now my teacher was adding to the chaos.

“Sir, can we do this some other time?” I asked.

“It won’t take long,” he assured me.

My heart was legit pounding, and my legs were shaking as I plopped down in the chair across from his desk.

I could not even remember the last time one of my teachers called me out like this. I mean, sure, I was not exactly a straight-A student, but I never thought I stood out enough to warrant being put on the spot like this.

“What did I do?” I inquired hurriedly, but my mind drew a blank. I could not recall anything I might have done.

“Miss Evans…”

“Thea,” I objected. “I prefer to be called Thea.”

Could we just take a minute to appreciate Mr. Cross and his freaking amazing scent? Was it cologne or body wash? I had no idea. But it did not even matter, because let me tell you. If a man smells good, it was like an instant upgrade.

“Can you maintain eye contact while I speak to you?”  Mr. Cross asked. His tone was slightly firm.

“I can’t,” I said in a small voice.

Honestly, I purposely avoided making eye contact with people whenever I could. You know what they say. The eyes are the window to the soul. And let me tell you, I was not trying to give people a peek into mine. The idea of someone looking into the depths of my being was scary as heck. I would rather keep that part of me to myself.

Mr. Cross exhaled deeply. I could not help but sense that he was not someone who easily accepted no as an answer.

"While reviewing your file,” he said. “I noticed a pattern of lateness in your attendance record.”

When did he manage to go through that? I thought to myself.

“Can you explain?”

“Sorry?” I said, absentmindedly.

“Is there a reason why you are always late, Miss Evans?”

Oh my gosh. The way he said “Miss Evans” was straight-up sizzling. I swear if Mr. Cross just whispered "Thea" in that strong accent. My readers. I would have burst into flames right then and there.

“Miss Evans. Are you listening to me?”

His voice was deep and rich, resonating like a full-bodied red wine. Was it because I was sitting close to him? I could not help but feel truly smitten.

“Miss Evans. Did you hear a word of what I said?”

I immediately snapped out of the trance that his voice had ensnared me in.

“What do you have to say regarding my question?”

I had to blink a few times to refocus my thoughts. "I walk to school, sir," I replied in a matter-of-fact tone.

“Why?” Mr. Cross pressed.

I sank deeper into my chair and rolled my eyes. But of course, he could not see it.

"I must point out that you are simply filling in as a teacher," I remarked in a disinterested tone. "Could you kindly explain why you believe it's necessary to involve yourself in my affairs?"

"It appears that I have come across a little firecracker," he spoke in a gentle tone. "How amusing."

His words almost made me laugh.

"Sir. I know I am an outcast. I acknowledge that I may not blend in. But what truly makes fitting in so desirable?”

The sound of Mr. Cross's exhalation conveyed a sense of worry or distress in response to what I had said.

“You know Miss Evans. Some people lack integrity, but in the end, we are all just moles that are fit relatively to our environment.”

I allowed his words to sink in, as they spoke directly into my personal experiences. These words were not taken lightly, but rather, they settled within me with a weight and significance that could not be ignored.

I was eternally grateful that Mr. Cross could not see the emotions that were written so clearly across my face. As a heavy sigh escaped me, I could not help but feel a sense of overwhelming despair consume me.

"Sir," I managed to say calmly. "Tomorrow is a very special day. I want to keep the decent mood I am in now, so please. May I go?”

"A special day?" His tone dripped with curiosity as if he yearned for further details.

"May I leave, sir?"

“Yes. You are dismissed. For now.” A strange feeling washed over me as his words lingered in the air.

For now, I quoted Mr. Cross's words, and my stomach clenched as a shiver passed through me.

What an odd substitute, I thought amusingly.