An Everlasting Relationship

Chapter Two

“I don’t like this,” Jeremy declared after we’d claimed a table in the back, as far away from Professor Isaac as possible.

            “Come on, it’s fine,” I told him reassuringly— or as reassuringly as I could. “He’s a professor, there shouldn’t be a problem.

            “Just like Chris was a teacher and there wouldn’t be a problem?”

            “Er.. well…”

            Jeremy crossed his arms. “Isaac was never a violent guy, so I don’t think gang violence will be a problem.”

            “Well that’s good!” Looking at Professor Isaac, I couldn’t imagine him being a thug. His face was too pretty. He looked more like a model.

            “You’re thinking he’s pretty, aren’t you?”

            Caught, I turned away from him and shook my head. “I was not!”

            “I’m telling Chris.”

            “Jeremy!”

            “Do you think he’s more handsome than me?”

            “I think that’s something you should ask your girlfriend.”

            “So you do think he’s more handsome!”

            I kicked at him under the table. “Shh! Jeremy lower your voice!” Fortunately neither the professor nor the students at surrounding tables heard him. Frowning, I studied Isaac for a moment. Dark hair, good build, nice eyes… of course he was attractive. Figured my luck appeared where it didn’t count. Anyone would kill for a cute professor. Me? I would kill not to have one. I was done with this whole cute teacher thing. I had mine and that was enough for me.

            “Checking out the professor already? Heywood won’t like that.”

            I jumped, looking up to see Lance grinning down at me. “I’m not checking him out,” I denied, turning my attention to the tabletop. “He’s not even cute.”

            “He’s pretty attractive,” Lance said, taking the seat to my right. Jeremy and I raised our eyebrows. “What?” Lance added defensively.

            I shook my head.  “Look, it doesn’t matter.”

            “It does matter— what if he tries to sweep Casey away from me?” Jeremy argued, sizing Professor Isaac up. “He’s not as muscular as me…”

             “Casey loves you, Jeremy,” I said, rolling my eyes. “She probably won’t even notice him once she sees you.”

            A sudden gasp drew our attention over to the door, where Casey had suddenly appeared. She stared at Professor Isaac for a moment before turning to our table, eyes wide. He’s cute, she mouthed frantically.

            Jeremy narrowed his eyes at me. “Won’t notice him, huh?”

            “Casey likes to appreciate the finer things?” I tried.

            “No wonder she doesn’t appreciate you,” Lance said to Jeremy.

            Jeremy reached across the table and socked Lance in the shoulder. “Shut up, brat.”

            “He’s like a model!” Casey whispered excitedly as she settled down across from Jeremy and next to Lance.

            Jeremy grunted.