How to Hate Your Crush - My Teacher is the Devil

Chapter 4

    I felt like I desperately needed to tell someone. It has been a week since Mr. Brady last kissed me and I fear I might be going mad. It’s the only thing I can think about. Heck, yesterday in gym class I was so immersed in thoughts about him that I failed to see the dodge ball aimed at my head – and now I have a bruise on my forehead. As my friends – Noy and Maia – giggled about boys and crushes and exes, I sat quietly, munching on my lunch and struggling internally as to whether I should tell them my secret. I hate keeping things from them, as we have been best friends since childhood, but how would they react to this news? Would they even believe me? No one could ever imagine the hottest guy in school (even though he is a teacher) would ever kiss a shy, introverted girl like me. I bet they would laugh and tell me to stop joking around.

    The conversation became increasingly opportune for my secret to be revealed and my mind kept mulling over the idea of telling them. My head throbbed until I was so incredibly nervous – until I began feeling physically ill.

    “What’s wrong, Ellie?” Noy asked, and Maia also observed me inquisitively.

    “I’m not feeling very well…” I clenched at my stomach and winced at my headache.

    “You seemed fine just a while ago.” Maia added before her face took over a smirk, “Or are you faking it so you can avoid the History test? Oh! Ow! My stomach… it hurts! I’m dying! Let’s go together to the nurse!” she giggled.

    Noy nudged her. “Stop that. Can’t you see she’s actually in pain?” Noy got up from her seat and held my arm. “Come on, we’ll take you to the nurse.”

    I nodded and dragged myself along. What kind of magic is this? Could my emotions really have made me sick, or was this simply an incredible coincidence? Suddenly, I don’t feel so bad for what Mr. Brady did. After all, I am missing a test over it.

    “We’ll tell Mr. Bloom that you’re here. I’m sure he’ll understand. After all, you never lie.” Noy said as soon as the nurse checked me and handed them a note for our teacher.

    “See ya.”

    “Good luck!” I shouted back at them as they walked out the office.

    The nurse handed me a cup of tea and told me to lie down as she took some phone calls and typed furiously onto her computer. Soon, however, she left the room, telling me she would come back shortly, but never did. In the end, I spent the entire class time sleeping tranquilly. It was the first time in a while that I haven’t dreamt about Mr. Brady, and that felt amazing – I could finally feel at peace.

    I woke up completely dazed, having no idea how long had passed since I entered the nurse’s office nor how long I have been sleeping. My entire body was numb and so was my head. However, that feeling of anesthesia soon passed with a startle as I heard footsteps in the room, treading closer and closer. From below the curtains I saw a shadow lurking towards me until I could finally see a pair of brown shoes – men’s dress shoes. Could it be…?

    I gasped as the curtain pulled open and my heart appeared to stop for a moment, but only for a brief second. I then sighed in relief. It was Mr. Bloom. He was surprised at my reaction and apologized for scaring me. He then asked how I was feeling and, since I told him I seemed to be all better, he asked me to take the test right now, afterschool. Part of me wanted to fake pain at this moment and lie to him about my condition, but I just told him I feel fine and I know I’m a terrible liar.

            Hence, I accepted his offer and here I am, isolated in a room, staring at an enormous packet laid out in front of me, of which I do not understand a thing. I don’t know any of this… crap! Why must we memorize so many dates? It’s not like this will ever be useful in our lives. I grabbed onto clumps of my hair, whining in silence, even though I was alone. I can’t fail anymore tests…

            In the midst of my suffering, I heard the door knob turn. My mind instantly thought of Mr. Bloom. I thought he had already gone home. What if he asks for the test? I’m not even halfway through it… The footsteps crept closer as I rushed through the test. My eyes then drifted slowly upwards and I saw black leather shoes instead of Mr. Bloom’s brown pair. I scanned the rest of the figure until my eyes met with Mr. Brady’s. My heart stopped before it raced frantically. I felt my face flush, turning a deep shade of beet red. W-w-what is he doing here?!

            Mr. Brady seemed to resist a smirk as he scanned the room, as if he were searching for something. Perhaps he’s looking for Mr. Bloom…

            I opened my mouth but struggled to let my voice out until I finally said, “Mr. Bloom has already gone home.”

            “No matter. I wasn’t interested in him anyhow.” The familiar, evil grin took over his expression once again.

            “Huh?” I kept observing him curiously as Mr. Brady walked up to my desk and sat on its edge.

            “You know… It somehow annoys me that you’re staying afterschool for another man besides me.” He sighed to the side, as an actor playing a role. “You know what else bothers me?” his glance fixed back on me, but his head did not face me completely. “The fact that you and that old man share the same last name. Wouldn’t you like to change it?”

            Mr. Brady took my chin in his hand and drew his face closer. I mouthed a “Huh?” but do not know whether any sound came out at all.

            His smirk grew as he proceeded his act. “Let’s say… to Brady?”

            I flushed and my eyes widened in disbelief as he simply kept staring. He doesn’t mean it, right He is just teasing… right?

            Mr. Brady drew closer until our noses were almost touching. Suddenly, all I could think of was the last two times he kissed me. So, I quickly covered my mouth with both my hands and turned my face away in fear. However, that did not stop him. Mr. Brady took my hand in his warm and gentle touch, pulling it away as another hand cupped my chin once again.

            “Don’t try to resist.” he said, whispering seductively as he brushed a loose strand of hair behind my ear and drew nearer. “You’re mine.”

            Suddenly, he closed the distance between us, and our lips were locked. I stopped struggling and welcomed his caress, accepting his sweet kiss. Not for long did this sweet embrace last, for he soon pressed against me more violently and bit my lip. I gaped my mouth to breath and, as soon as I did, Mr. Brady thrust his tongue inside. Not knowing what to do, I followed it with mine and allowed myself to melt in his sweet, lingering taste of coffee. I felt my face burn up from ear to ear and, with my eyes closed, my senses were heightened, feeling every slight touch, smelling his sweet fragrance, and hearing everything from our synchronized breaths to our heartbeats. Never have I felt this way, and part of me wanted this moment to last forever. However, the rest of me knew that I had to break away, no matter how unwilling I was to do it. I might love him but he, on the other hand, has no feelings towards me whatsoever; he is merely teasing me for his own entertainment. I cannot let him do this. I must break away.

            Yet, as though he had read my mind, Mr. Brady pulled away before I did. My eyes began to water as soon as they laid eyes on his vile grin, as it proved my point that he is merely teasing me. Before I could look away or hide my face, a single tear ran across my cheek and I sniffled softly. Mr. Brady’s eyes widened as if he could not understand the repercussions of his actions. I struggled to wipe the tears off as they continued flowing like an endless stream, but soon I was wrapped in a warm embrace. Even though he was the reason I was crying, I only felt like hugging him and not let go. He toys with me and breaks my heart continuously, so why do I still think of him the most?

            My grip tightened on his shirt and I whimpered whilst trying to guise my sobbing. Hearing this, Mr. Brady pulled apart gently and cupped my chin, kissing my tears away.

            “Don’t cry,” he whispered into my ear, “I’m right here for you.”

            He stroked my hair and stared into my eyes reassuringly once more before kissing me once again. This immediately calmed me down. This kiss was much soothing and reassuring than the others. My tears stopped and my breath slowed down with his bewitching warmth. I grabbed onto his shirt and he pushed me against the wall, resuming this tender kiss.

            Once the sky darkened outside, I finally got to finish my test as Mr. Brady supervised me. This made me extra nervous, as I’m sure he could tell I did not understand the subject. I pretended to write and spelled out nonsense on the papers just so I did not leave any questions blank. I was sure I failed that test, but I could not think straight, especially since the moment Mr. Brady walked into the classroom.

            I left the packet on Mr. Bloom’s desk and, since it was late and dark out, the demon proctoring me insisted on driving me home once again. It was a silent drive, more so than the last time since he now knew the way to my house – should I be frightened about this? Moreover, my head was in a bigger mess than ever. I was so sure that he was simply teasing me before, but after that last kiss, his tender eyes, and gentle voice, could he really not feel anything at all? Could any person act so kindly whilst having only demonic intentions?