Private Lesson

Private Lesson: chapter 2

“Miss Caraway,” Mr. Allen said, a serious look in his eyes, “are you aware that you are failing my class?” 

“Yes,” I answered, concentrating on the tiles at my feet. 

“Well you need to do something to bring up your grade. Might I suggest a private lesson?”

“A private lesson?” I asked, a blush creeping onto my cheeks.

"I know you are a smart girl and I know if you try you can succeed in this class. I have a feeling that some extra tutoring might help. How would you feel about meeting with me after school a few days a week?" 

My heart was all a flutter. I had no idea what to make of this. A private lesson with Mr. Allen. Alone with him after school. It was all too much.

"Well, what do you say, Miss Caraway?" he asked, probably impatient at my prolonged silence. 

"I...uh...yes"

"Very well then. We will meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays after school in this classroom."

"Yes Sir." Mr. Allen looked a bit irritated when I said "sir."

"Please don't call me Sir. You make me feel like my father." 

"Okay, Mr. Allen."

Mr. Allen looked at me for a moment, studying my face. There was a glint in his eye when he finally said, "Just call me Mark."

My eyes widened. All this time I've spent gazing into his eyes and I didn't even know his first name. Now he wanted me to abandon all formalities...

"Just while we're alone of course," he clarified.

"Okay."

"You can go now. I'll write you a note for you next class." 

"Thank you," I said, heading for the door. I had just turned the handle when Mr. Allen called my name.

"Oh, and April," I turned around to seem him give me a rare smirk, "try not to tell anyone about our little arrangement." 

I nodded and left the classroom, thinking about the strange turn of events and Mr. Allen's sly grin as I left the room. I still couldn't wrap my mind around what it would be like to be alone with Mr. Allen on a regular basis. 

This was going to be one hell of a year.