Untouchable

Chapter 10

Chapter Ten

This day was the hardest to get through, I wasn't thinking clearly. The events that happened the night before keep replaying in my mind. Nicole was there for me the whole day, she did everything she could to cheer me up but nothing was working.

Last class of the day, calculus. I was nervous because I didn't know how Mr. Hoffman would react to me. He might apologize or completely ignore me, anything was possible. Nicole met up with me outside the door, I was leaning up against the wall avoiding conversation with everyone.

She stood next to me being silent. That's what I needed someone to be there with me and not say a word or give their opinion on the situation. The bell rang and we took our seats in the classroom. I saw Mr. Hoffman keep his eye on me when I entered. He looked down at the lesson plans hiding his concern. I slouched in my chair just staring at the board.

Mr. Hoffman got up and welcomed everyone of his students like he does everyday. He began the lesson of the day and seemed to rush through it. After only twenty minutes he gave all of us an assignment and told us to work on it with a partner outside on the benches. Nicole looked at me and I nodded agreeing to do it with her.

Mr. Hoffman dismissed us to go outside. As the students walked out I heard him ask me "Ms. Linton could you stay in here for a second?" Caught by surprise I stopped dead in my tracks and stood in my place. I didn't say anything, Nicole keep walking because she knew what might happen. I was near the back of the classroom, he was at his desk in the front.

"Come here" he said. I headed towards him slowly. He noticed the hesitation and smiled, "don't worry I'm not going to do anything to you."

Still staring at the floor I tried to smile, it was difficult. It felt like I couldn't do anything. No emotion or movement was coming out of me.

"Would you look at me?" He asked. I lifted my head to see his face. He had a peaceful and calm expression just looking at me. When my eyes met up with his he smiled, his eyes seemed to sparkle. "What happened after you left yesterday?" He asked me.

"I went home" I said a little confused at the question.

"No something must have happened, you've been crying a lot. Also, you don't have any of your books for today. Plus you normally don't dress like this and you are not wearing any makeup"

"Oh yeah well it was just a tough night"

"You can tell me, remember I'm here for you"

I hesitated, "I'm not sure if I should"

"Come on, I promise it will be between you and me"

"Well alright. Last night when I got home I went in my room and locked myself in because I was crying so much. My brother and sister picked the lock to get in so I told them what happened and they flipped out on me. So I drove around for a while and then went to Nicole's house. I told her what happened, I asked to stay the night so I wouldn't have to deal with anyone. That's why I don't have any of my things and I look like this"

"Oh I see, did I do anything to make you uncomfortable yesterday?"

"No of course not! I really needed someone to be there for me."

"Good because if I overstepped some boundaries I want to apologize"

"No don't apologize, it was really sweet of you to do that. I actually want to thank you"

He smiled, "My pleasure. So are we alright?"

"Yes we are." I tried to smile again.

"Do you mind if I gave you a hug?"