A Burning Rose: Book One

Chapter 9.

Ora



Sitting in this theatre with Mr James just next to me was torture for me because I couldn’t really enjoy the movie. Especially after his finger brushed against mine and when he complimented me. Wasn’t that inappropriate as a teacher? After the movie ended, we walked out. We came to a stop on the sidewalk.

“Mr James was sitting next to you, I wish that he sat next to me.” Taylor said.

“It was awkward sitting next to him.” I shrugged.

“Is that because you have a crush on him too?” she asked with a suspicious smile.

“Yes.” I shrugged again.

“Everyone has a crush on him. I always knew that you might have one on him too.” she said as she tied her hair up into a ponytail. We didn’t see Mr James again after the movie. I don’t know if I missed them. I shouldn’t even be thinking about that now.

“I should get back home.” Samantha said.

“See you tomorrow.” Taylor said to me, and I just smiled. I walked down the sidewalk alone. I wrapped my arms around my waist because it was getting colder.

As I walked, a black car stopped next to me and I knew who it was. The window rolled down and it is Mr James, just as I had guessed correctly. His girlfriend was sitting in the passenger seat.

I stopped. “Ora, get inside, we will take you home.” Mr James said. I looked at his girlfriend and she smiled at me politely.

“I will be fine. I don’t want to bother you both.” I said.

“We insist.” his girlfriend said, “It’s not safe for a girl like you to walk out here at night all alone.” she was right about that.

“I will be fine.” I smiled at her.

“We insist.” She is definitely persistent. I let out a breath and then I got inside the back of the car. “Emery has told me all about you.” she said.

“Oh, he has?” I asked with surprise. His name is Emery. I shouldn’t even be thinking about this.

“Yes, he has. He loves to help his students and that is one of the reasons that I love him.”

“He has been helpful.” I replied.

“Just so you know, you have passed your test.” Emery said. “If anything is holding you back, then please don’t hesitate to ask for help.” he said.

“Thank you.” I said and I’m happy that I passed the test. It definitely paid off.

“Emery has said that you are working at the restaurant, but he is worried about your school work.” His girlfriend chimed in.

“I am managing just fine,” I said. I just want this topic to be changed.

“Why do you need to work when you have school?” she asked. She is too much in a person’s business and I just wish that she would stop talking to me.

“I help my parents out.” I lied.

“I am sure that your parents can manage without you working for them.” she said.

“Your school work is more important.” She is correct about that, but I wish that I had things differently. I remain silent.

“Let’s just stop pushing the topic.” Emery said to her. We drove down my street and I know that according to them, this neighborhood is bad.

“This is a bad environment.” I am starting to dislike Emery’s girlfriend because of her mouth.

“At least I have a place to stay, that is all that matters.” I finally said, with annoyance. We pulled up outside of my apartment. “Thank you.” I said as I opened the car door.

“Let me know if you need anything.” Emery said, as I looked at him. His darkened eyes held my gaze as he looked over his shoulder at me.

“Thank you.” I smiled politely at him, breaking eye contact as I started to get out of the car.

“It was nice to see you again.” His girlfriend called out to me. I closed the door and hurried to the apartment. Its like I can’t get away fast enough.

Once I’m inside, I hurry up the stairs and into my tiny apartment. I walked inside of my bedroom and I placed my bag on my bed. Its like I can still feel his touch on my hand, the one that sent tingles throughout my body. I close my eyes, trying to just forget about it. It should mean nothing, but why does it feel as if it does mean something?

Opening my eyes, I see the book that he borrowed to me on my bedside table. I should return it tomorrow. I go inside the kitchen and I turn open the faucet because I want to make myself some tea. Great, no water. With a sigh, I turned the faucet closed. This is one of the disadvantages of living here. There would be no water at times, and then I would wait until my shift to just get some water and to be at school.

The advantage of working at the restaurant and coffee shop is that we get to have food too. Most times I just have something light that I can afford to eat, but I eat really well when I’m at work. It’s those times that I enjoy my meals. Pizza is my all time favorite, it was always my favorite.

Sometimes, I wonder who is living in my previous home. One that was filled with love and wealth. I avoid that neighborhood at all times. The memories are what keeps me away. I was devastated when my parents died and I simply didn’t want to be reminded. I didn’t want to go through all of the emotions again.

This is also the reason why I avoid talking about them to anyone and telling anyone the truth. I prefer to always keep it to myself. I suppress my emotions most of the time. I read most of the time to forget about it.

Will I ever be ready to share that part of my life with anyone?