Page 61 of Withered

“Yeah?” I ask.

He removes his earplugs and asks, puzzled, “I’m sorry, but have we met before? You look familiar.”

I swallow the laugh threatening to escape and answer, “I am in one of your classes, professor.”

“Oh. Okay.” He nods and then asks, “May I?” He points at the empty chair across from me.

“Sure,” I reply. Because I have no idea what I’m doing. You can’t say ‘no’ to your professor, can you? Especially when your professor is this attractive.

His hair was curly the last time I saw him in class, but it is now neatly set except for the front, which looks messy as he rakes his fingers through it. Jake does the same; his messy hair is the best. He doesn’t even try, and he always looks perfect.Why am I thinking about him?

“Can I ask you something?” I ask him.

“Yes?” He replies.

“You look very young for a professor,” I say, posing the question I’ve been itching to ask.

He chuckles. “I’ve been told. I am a college sophomore with an English major. One of my professors is buddies with Westwood High’s principal. They were seeking an English teacher, and I needed a part-time job. So here I am,” he explains.

I nod and take another sip of my latte. Today is going far better than I expected.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name,” Caleb speaks.

I mentally slap myself, my blush spreading across my cheeks.

“Sorry. I am Rose.” I extend my hand for a handshake.

From the corner of my eye, I see a car stop outside and two boys get out.Oh no.Just when I think, ‘No trouble,’ it shows up itself.

Professor Caleb shakes it, regaining my attention, and then stops abruptly, as if he recalls something. “Wait, you are Rose? As in Rose Evans?”

“Yeah,” I say, a little confused. The boys walk up to the counter. Luckily, Caleb is sitting across from me, so I try to shield myself.

“I’ve heard great things about you. Student of the year,” he praises. I’m no longer paying attention to him because Jake and Tyler are only a few feet away.

I merely shrug my shoulders and smile at him, fidgeting in my seat. I was never the type to brag about myself. When they both turn around and leave, I breathe a sigh of relief, but my breath gets caught when Jake stops and mumbles something to Tyler. Tyler nods and walks away as Jake approaches me.

There is no way he could have seen me, is there? I try to hide as much as possible and focus on Professor Caleb, but it’s useless. Jake stands near our table, his hands tucked in his pockets.

Kristy told me to ignore him. She didn’t say how. How should I ignore him if he shows up everywhere I go?

“Hi, Rose. Fancy seeing you here.” He smirks.Yeah, fancy.

I keep calm and greet him. “Hi, Jake.”

“We need to talk,” he says it, getting straight to the point.

“I am a little occupied. Later, perhaps?” I gesture at Professor Caleb, who is looking from me to Jake.

Jake stares at Professor Caleb for the first time since he got here. He looks at me, then back at the professor again, and asks, “Who are you?” There is an unmistakable edge to his voice.

Professor Caleb extends his hand and says, “I’m Caleb.” Oblivious to Jake’s tone.

Jake takes it and responds, “Jake.”

I give him a pointed look, hoping to convey manners, but he is busy glaring at Professor Caleb instead.What is his problem?

“Jake, this is Professor Caleb. He teaches at our school,” I tell him in a tight voice, emphasizing the word ‘professor,’ hoping he gets my point and tries to behave.

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