Page 11 of Teaching Cayden

Chapter 5

Cayden

I’ve avoided pretty much everything for days. Other than going to class, I’ve made sure that I don’t run in to Addison. She hasn’t taught any of the classes, and I’ve skipped the tutoring sessions. I’ve thought about hiring a tutor from the math department to help me, but I’m afraid I might get her. Right now, I’m doing ok, but I know the day will come that I need help again. It may sound childish, but I’m afraid that being around her is just going to be awkward. I don’t want to chance it, and I don’t want anyone knowing what happened. Will could kick me out, and I don’t want to even think about the school’s policy on being with a teacher.

It’s been two weeks now, and I just got my most recent test back. I thought I did pretty good, but I was wrong. A big fat D is written in red across the top. When Dr. Haywood placed it on my desk, my entire body deflated. I knew some long nights in the library were in my future, and maybe summer school if I didn’t get my shit together. When class ended, I hiked my backpack up on my shoulder and headed to meet Noah for lunch. Today was my short day, so I guess after filling my stomach, I’d go fill my brain and try to learn this stuff.

“S’up?” Noah pushed his pile of stuff out of the way so I could sit down.

“Not much, man.” I sighed as I flopped down in the chair and tossed my bag of food on the table. “Fuckin’ differential equations is gonna kill me, that’s all.”

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t Little Miss Hottie teach that class?” His lip twisted up to the side as he eyed me.

“That’s part of the problem, dude.” I rummaged through the bag in search of my burger.

“Uh, why?” He shifted to face me. “She seemed pretty into you at the kickoff party. You do something stupid like turn her down?”

“She was drunk.” I didn’t want anything to get back to Will so I’d kept my kiss with Addison under wraps.

“Drunk sex is the best.” He snickered. “They let ya do more than they would sober.”

“You’re an asshole.” I shoved him. “If I was going to do anything with her, I’d want her to be ok with it.”

“So you do like her.” He laughed as he shoved me in the arm.

“What are you, twelve?” I rolled my eyes as I took a bite of my cheeseburger.

“I don’t understand what the problem is. You like her. She likes you. Do something about it and quit moping. I’ve seen you pouting at night. All moody and shit. You’re not getting laid, and it’s starting to get to you.”

“I’m getting laid just fine.” I muttered as I took another bite. Noah was right though. I hadn’t been with anybody in almost a year. My last relationship had left a real sour taste in my mouth, and I haven’t found anyone to take a chance since. I’d thought that Addison might be worth it, but if the teacher thing wasn’t enough, she’s also Will’s sister.

“Right.” He shook his head. “You’re getting so much tail that I’m missing it all. You dating your hand now? Is that it?”

“Fuck you.” I tossed half of my burger back down on the wrapper.

“No thanks. I’m getting plenty.” He laughed, but then the sound just died. “Dude. Incoming.” My head lifted just in time to see Addison striding toward our table. She was dressed much like she was the very first time I met her in the library. Her hair was stuffed under her hat, and she had a messenger bag slung across her chest.

She stopped at our table and cleared her throat. “Cayden, can I talk to you?”

I sighed before I lifted my eyes to meet hers. “About what?”

“I graded the last set of tests…” her voice trailed off. “I’m worried about you.”

“Well, don’t be,” I snapped. I was giving her attitude that she didn’t deserve, but I was angry that I couldn’t have what I really wanted, her.

“I can help you study if you want.” She shifted on her feet as I tried with everything in me to ignore her. “I’m heading to the library later.”

“I’m busy.” I stood abruptly, causing her to step back. “See ya in class, Miss Porter.” I brushed past her, tossing my half-eaten lunch in the trash, and booked it outside. I sent Noah a text telling him I’d see him at the house later, and then rushed to escape into the library. I was going to study, but I also knew I could hide between the stacks and avoid the fact that what I wanted was so close, but untouchable.

Byrd Library was surprisingly busy. I guess the fact that the temps had begun to climb into the upper eighties, students didn’t want to sit on the quad anymore. I understood, but it made finding a spot that was secluded that much harder. I climbed the steps to the fourth floor and weaved my way to the back corner. I eyed the table that Addison had once told me was hers, as I jiggled the handle to the study room in the corner. It was only big enough for maybe three people but it was unoccupied. I stepped inside, tossed my books on the table, and sat down. The room was quiet, and as I pulled out my differential equations notebook I sighed in relief. I could work with no distractions, and I might be able to get something done.

A few minutes into my study session, I got a text from Noah.

Noah: Where’d you go Bro?

Me: Library. That spot you told me about. Need to clear my head.

Noah: Wanna go to the gym later?

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