The Point of No Return {sequel to The Arbitrary life of Avery Blake [teacher]}

The Point of No Return {sequel to The Arbitrary life of Avery Blake [teacher]}14

‘About where the two of you stand.’ Meghann said nonchalantly.

I looked straight to Avery in curiousness as I saw her meet my eyes and turn the strongest colour of red that I’ve ever seen on her.

‘Meghann…?’ Avery asked in astonishment and shame.

‘No, no. You need to do this.’

That’s when the bell rung.

‘That’s enough ladies, it is now class time. Thank you.’ I said, trying to take the pressure off of Avery.

She gave me a thankful look as I simply nodded.

From that point, teenagers started piling into the classroom, all chatting noisily with no greater care in the world then teenage drama, relationships and parties.

I tried to smile happily and put the last ten minutes behind me but every time I glanced at Avery, it all came rushing back to me.

Just when things were starting to go relatively well, awkwardness took over and messed with our heads.

‘Um, today we’ll just be watching a movie, since it’s the last day of school and I’m sure the camp is taking over most people’s heads-‘ I said with an easy-going smile as everyone agreed before I continued ‘-you can choose between Sister Act, Bring it On, School of Rock or Step up; music related of course.’

By the end of it, they decided to watch Step up.

This was the third time in the past two days I was forced into sitting through Step Up. You would have thought I would’ve learnt by now.

Half way through the hour, a school messenger came and delivered a message. I took it without hesitation and looked it over.

Avery Blake
You will make up your counselling session today after school because of the absence of Naomi Mitchell yesterday. If you don’t mind.
Thank you.

I hadn’t thought about Avery’s counselling in a while. But I was glad that she was pulling through and doing her best.

After the hour, I ushered Avery to stay behind. She mumbled something to Meghann before walking towards my desk with her head hung low.

‘Look, sir, if this is about before-‘ she tried to stay as I stopped her with a hand gesture.

She immediately stopped and showed confusion.

‘Ms Blake, I’m not bothered with Meghann’s ill-manner towards the issue. I just got this note during class.’ I said as I tried to hold my tongue and handed her the note.

‘Oh.’ is all she said as she hesitantly reached out and took the note. Our hands gently brushed as we both looked at them and then slowly looked up and met each-other’s eyes; still keeping our hands slightly touching, probably because of shock.

I wasn’t sure what was running through my head.

Time went motionless…still.

My face softened, followed by hers and before I knew we both took a step forward, almost in sync.

I reached out and cupped her face. I could feel her gentle breath on my face because of our proximity.

I looked into her eyes and saw that they bore innocence.

I regretted the eye-contact straight away.

All unwanted feelings started rushing back into me.

I inhaled sharply before stepping back and dropping my hands, breaking all contact between us.