The Swiss Escape

Teacher Alex

Alex

I decided that I would give Kamryn personal language lessons. Typically, they go to the university and sit in a class, but since Kamryn has a young child, it gives me an excuse to see her. The university offers childcare, but I don’t want to volunteer that information.

I ordered her a workbook and flashcards. It’s like the ones used at the university. Quickly I flip through it, not what I had in mind, but it will work. I pack everything into my bag, I know Kamryn is off today, and I finally have the nerve to talk to her. So today, I am going over to her flat to begin the lessons.

As I walk to her house, I pass the market, looking at the wine, I grab her a bottle. It will be a lovely housewarming present, even though she’s been in her house awhile. Putting the bottle in my bag, I head to her flat. The closer I get, the more nervous I become. Kamryn is different from other women; she’s smart and kind. I have watched her interact with individuals of all ages, and she always is sweet.

A few teachers were not excited about having an English speaking teacher, but Kamryn got to them. They tried to find a reason to dislike her but couldn’t. I am sure some don’t like her just based on others liking her.

I arrive in front of her door and knock. She quickly answers and slams the door. I am shocked. As I was about to leave, she reopens the door and apologizes. Kamryn explains she expected someone else, and she didn’t want me to see her in the clothes she was wearing. My eyes scanned over Kamryn; her hair is up in a bun, she wore denim shorts and an old t-shirt and had purple gloves on her hands. She was cleaning, and I felt terrible for just dropping by like this. I still can’t deny my attraction to her; she even looks good in her cleaning clothes.

Seeing she is busy, I offer to come back later, but she tells me to come inside. I explain why I am here and give her the workbook, flashcards, and bottle of wine. Then we start on the lesson. Mentally I am kicking myself for telling her that doing this is an excuse to see her. It is true, but still not something I wanted to admit.

It surprises me how well she took it. Not only that, but she also noticed me watching her. I was relieved when she told me that she reciprocates my interest.

I am enjoying talking to Kamryn when I realize what time it is. I have a meeting soon and need to get back to the school to grab a few files beforehand. It almost seems Kamryn has me in a trance; it’s hard to break away from her. We agree to meet again next week, and when the alarm on my phone goes off, I finally leave.

The next few days seem to drag by. I am ready to have time with Kamryn again. I wonder if I should bring her flowers next time I go to her flat or is that trying too hard. Every time I see Kamryn in the hall, I speak to her in German, I can tell she struggles, but she gets what I am saying most of the time. I have also caught her going over her flashcards in the lounge.

“You’re quite studious, Ms. Miller.” I smile at her as I enter the lounge.

“I want to know the language. That way, I can help Kayla. It doesn’t seem to be a problem now but might be in the future. I want her to have a firm grasp on both languages.”

“Du bist eine gute Mutter.” She looks at me for a moment, “you are a good mother.”

Her eyes light up, “thank you, I needed to hear that today.”

“Why is something wrong?”

“No, just feelings of isolation. You are the only person I talk to outside of the school. It just gets lonely. Jenifer and I have grown distant. I am sure most of it is in my head, but I don’t have anyone to talk to; I don’t have mom friends. Kayla isn’t involved in the activities she was. I just feel like I am failing to give her stability.”

Sitting down across from her, I check to make sure no one is around. Everyone is already talking about my infatuation with Ms. Miller. If she wasn’t a good teacher, they might think I was giving her special privileges. “I think every parent feels that way. I have spoken to a lot of parents who have said the same thing. Look at how well Kayla has adjusted. She has a group of friends, she’s picking up the language, and she knows you are always around. That her mom is always there for her, isn’t that what is important for a child’s development. It’s not about having them in dance classes or enrichment courses. It’s about them knowing they’re safe.”

“Thank you or Danke.” She smiles at me. “I need to get my class from recess. We are going to paint with primary colors to make secondary colors today.”

With that, she left. I sit there for another minute; maybe I should help her find enrichment courses for Kayla or find her a group of English-speaking moms.

I shake my head at the thoughts and go about my day. Tomorrow I will go to her house, and we can discuss those things. I am also curious about the status of her divorce and where she stands on dating. I know she probably isn’t ready yet. Maybe I should give her more time.

It feels so confusing in my head. Therefore, I rarely date. I have a hard time reading people. I am a numbers guy. I have checklists, and everything is black and white. But not Kamryn Miller. She is like a rainbow. Everything in her eyes seems to be magic. She’s like a teacher Mary Poppins.

Letting out a sigh, I go about my day. I do my best to keep thoughts of Kamryn from my mind. She always seems to pop in my head.

It s Thursday finally. Tonight, I will go to Kamryn’s flat. I am both excited and nervous.

Packing up for the day, I question if I should bring flowers or something for Kamryn. It feels odd to be this nervous over someone. I don’t even remember being this tense when going on my first date.

I decide against flowers. If we were dating or there was a possibility of a romantic relationship, I would.

Knocking on the door, she quickly opens it. Kamryn is wearing jeans and a plain blue shirt. She must change her clothes when she gets home. Her clothes at work were professional and also gave her the ability to move. But they didn’t show her body. Tonight I can see her figure. The curves of her hips, her waist, and I like what I see. I look down. I am still in my suit from this morning.

“Come in. Would you like some wine, coffee, tea, or anything?” Kamryn looks at me sweetly, but there is a sadness in her eyes. I wonder if it has to do with her past.

“Wine would be great.” I smile at her.

She gets two glasses and opens the bottle of wine I brought last time. Kamryn hands me a drink, “Table or couch?”

Since I was still checking her out, my mind questioned what she was meaning. “What?”

“Where would be the best place to sit? The couch is more comfortable, but the table might work better for what you have planned.”

“Wherever. I want to just work on the pronunciation. Writing can happen later. Let’s work on being able to talk with someone.” If she knew the type of thoughts I am having about her. I probably would never be allowed near her again.

“Couch then,” she and I walk over to her sitting area.

“I am going to ask you questions in English, and I want you to respond in German, then I will ask you questions in German,” Kamryn tells me she understands, so I begin. “What do you say when you meet someone?”

“Guten Tag, ich heiße Kamryn. Wie heißen Sie? Wie geht’s?” Kamryn looks at me with hope.

“Good. We need to practice a few things, but you are doing well. Especially since it has only been a week.” The rest of the night goes well.

After we finish the lesson and talk for a while longer, I leave. Heading home, all I can think about is Kamryn. I’m not sure why but something about this woman draws me to her.