The Swiss Escape

German Lessons

I get every Friday off. During those days, I do the grocery shopping, deep clean the apartment, and prep food for the rest of the week. It became a part of my routine. I take Kayla to school, then get groceries. After I get home, I start preparing the meals that will take the longest to cook. I either cook entirely things or prep them, so all that has to happen is putting them into the oven. Once that is finished, and things are either cooking or put away, I start cleaning.

Today I feel like doing a deep clean, so I put on a pair of old shorts and an old t-shirt. They are my everyday cleaning clothes, mostly when I use bleach. I was scrubbing the tile floor on my hands and knees since I still couldn’t find a mop when a knock came at the door. Thinking it was Mrs. Wallin, I didn’t bother to look. I threw open the door, let out a scream, and quickly slam it.

Alex is at the door, and I am standing in cut off shorts with bleach stains and an old shirt with bleach spots. I open the door again. “Sorry, I thought you were my landlord, and I look like this.”

“I can come back later if it’s a bad time?” He smiles at me.

“No, I was cleaning. And I wear clothes that already have bleach on them, so I don’t feel bad about getting more bleach on them, and now I am babbling.” I shake my head, trying to regain my thoughts. “I’m sorry, please come in.”

Alex walks in and looks around. I motion for him to sit on the couch. When I did, I realized my purple cleaning gloves were still on. I pull them off and throw them into the sink. “Your place is nice, immaculate.”

“Yeah, I function better with a clean house. I hate cleaning, but I feel great when I finish. The same way I feel about working out.” I let out a nervous laugh.

I am yelling at my inner self, what is wrong with you. You and Alex have spoken before, many times. He is just here to help you learn the language. Stop babbling!

“Would you like something to drink? I have tea, water, and coffee.”

Alex smiles at me, “tea would be nice. Oh, I brought you a bottle of wine, by the way. It’s a late housewarming present.”

“Thank you. I will put it somewhere Kayla can’t get to it.” He nods. I go to the kitchen and put the wine on the top shelf of the fridge. Then I start making tea for Alex and myself.

I bring the tea over to the couch and hand him a mug. “Would you like milk or sugar?”

“No, thank you. Are you ready to begin?” Alex asked.

“Yes, of course. I know you’re busy.”

“I brought a workbook for you to use and some flashcards.” He hands me the items then continues. “I will come by for an hour once a week. We can discuss if there is a time that works better for you. I am sure you enjoy your day off.” Alex pauses for a moment. “Do the first lesson, parts a and b this week.”

When I don’t respond, he starts speaking again. “Let’s begin with the basics. We will start with greetings, then basic phrases, and go from there. I don’t expect you to get everything today.”

“Okay. I’m ready.” He starts teaching me, and I do my best to keep up with him. Alex isn’t a bad teacher; he is patient but seems nervous. When we finish, I ask, “How many people have you given lessons to?”

“You the only one. Most of the time, we have people go to a linguistics university class, but I figured this would be better since you have a small child. Besides, it gives me an excuse to see you.” He froze when he said the last sentence like it was something that only was supposed to be in his head.

“Is that why you are always watching me from your office window?” I smile at him.

Alex closes his eyes for a moment, “you notice that?”

“I guess stealth isn't your thing.” I let out a giggle. Alex starts to blush like he is embarrassed. “The only reason I noticed is that I was watching for you too.”

Alex smiles at that. “Well, how about that.” He looks down at his watch and sighs. “I have to go, but what time would you like me to come by next week? I can do the evenings if that’s better.”

“Evenings would be great. Kayla goes to bed at about 7. If you want to come after that.”

“Sounds good.”

“It’s not too late for you? I don’t know if you have someone waiting for you at home.”

Alex smiles. “I don’t have a girlfriend if that’s what you’re asking.”

“I just don’t want another person showing up where I live to scream at me.” I realize what I said too late.

Alex looks at me curiously, “Did that happen?”

“Yes, I shouldn’t have brought it up. I'm sorry.”

“Well, now, I'm curious. You can't say something like that and not tell the story.”

I laugh, “My ex’s mistress showed up at my house. Kayla and I were just getting home, she approached me and started yelling about how I needed to give him a divorce, that I was unfair. It was embarrassing.”

“That’s terrible. I hate that it happened in front of Kayla. At least she doesn’t seem affected by it.”

“I don’t think she is. What’s better is she hasn’t even brought up her dad. I guess he wasn’t around enough to make an impression.”

Alex looks sad for a moment. He places his hand on mine. When I jump, he moves it back. “I’m sorry. It was supposed to be comforting.”

“It was just surprising. I’m sorry.”

Alex’s phone starts ringing. “Sorry, they are wondering where I am. I have to go. Next Thursday at eight sound good?”

“Yes, sounds perfect.” He leaves after that. I look down and realize I am still in my filthy clothes. “Good job Kam. Made a great impression.”

At least he seems to share my attraction. I just wasn’t sure if it should go anywhere, he appeared to be interested, but I am still technically married. Not willingly, if I knew what is holding up the divorce, I would try to fix it to make this process end.

Looking at the time, I quickly finish cleaning. Then I jump in the shower to scrub the bleach off. When I get out, there is just enough time to get dressed and pick up Kayla.