My Taboo Obsession

Chapter Five: Diana

If I were to have a favourite subject, it would be English. I found it easy to understand the teacher, my best friend was in the class, and my worst nightmare wasn't. I called it the D trinity. Today though, the principal wasted no time in calling me to his office.

As his loud voice called my name through the speakers, my classmates looked at me in confusion and curiousity. A lot of them started to barrage me with questions, but I quickly stood up and walked away from the class. I wasn't sure I would be able to bear it if more people knew about my failures.

Most of my classmates viewed me as this intelligent girl who only needed to lose a few pounds, and I couldn't afford to lose that respect. Fat and dumb wasn't a good combination. As I ran towards the principal's door, my heart sped up. Whether it was from a lack of exercise or because of the nervousness I felt, I didn't know but one thing was certain: I couldn't afford to join math and history classes.

The embarassment would be too much to bear. Unfortunately, that seemed to what the principal wanted because immediately I barged into his office, he thrust a set of papers towards me.

“Fill them and get back to class.” Like I suspected, they were acceptance forms and I frowned.

“I don't want to join these clubs. I can study on my own.”

There was a look of boredom on the man's wrinkly face and he slowly rubbed his bald head. “The school isn't giving you a choice, young lady. Either you join the clubs or prepare to be suspended till after exams.”

A gasp escaped my lips at the outright threat. Would they really be able to stop me from schooling till after exams? One look at the principal's face, and I could tell he was getting impatient. Still, I had to try.

“Sir, if you check my records, you would know I've been a model student. I get good grades, attend classes always, and I'm big on social events,” I paused at the last part, which was obviously a lie, but he didn't have to know.

“However, last semester was hectic and rough on me which caused the failures. I promise, if the school gives me another chance, I'll do better.”

The man gave me one of his expressionless stares for a moment, and then just when I thought my speech got through to him, he shook his head and leaned back into his chair.

“Diana, the only reason you're still writing the exams is because the school is giving you another chance. As for joining the clubs, you don't really have a choice. Now, if there's nothing else, just fill the forms and hand them over.”

My deflated sigh must have been beyond audible, but he didn't look up at me once. Instead, he continued to file away papers till I gave him mine. “I'm done.”

“Good. History club continues today, and I expect to see you there.”

By the time I left his office, the second class had already started and a lot of students still roamed the hallways. As I walked to my next class, I could feel their hot stares and it took all my willpower to not run from it. In a few days, I would be known as the fact girl who couldn't keep up with school.

The thought brought tears to my eyes, but I managed to make it to math class without crying. Luckily for me, the teacher was slightly late so I got in without any drama and went to the back seat. Immediately Cathy saw me, she pulled her chair closer.

“Why did the principal call you?”

“To sign me up for the clubs. He basically threatened me,” I whispered back, and gave the full details of what happened in his office. By the time I finished, my best friend was grinning like an i***t.

“What?” I asked in irritation, and her smile just got wider as she grabbed me in a hug.

“Now, we get to be in History club together! Don't you like that?”

“No! I don't.”

“Oh, please,” she scoffed, and pulled out her textbook as the teacher walked in. “I still don't know why you think the club is only for B and C grade students. It's also for those of us who just love the course, and want to have fun after school.”

“I highly doubt that.”

“Don't worry, you'll see. After all, you're stuck with us for the next two months.”

The rest of the day passed by very quickly, and it bothered me. By the time break approached, my brain was already tired and the fact that I had to stay back an extra hour for club activities unnerved me. Cathy, however, used every opportunity to taunt me.

“What if they ask you why you're in the club? For fun or studies?”

“You know why I'm there.”

“But they don't,” she whispered in a sing-song voice, and I rolled my eyes in response.

I couldn't figure out whether she was doing it because she knew how much I didn't like staying back after school, or if she was upset I didn't see the point of their clubs. Either way, she didn't hesitate to remind of the meeting time every five minutes.

“If there's one good thing about History now, it's Mr. Lucien.” Hearing his name sent my mind into overdrive, and I began to flush. I hadn't heard his name throughout the day, but it didn't stop my mind from constantly wandering.

I saw his retreating back in the morning, right after my meeting with the principal. He was dressed in his usual black slacks and even from where I stood, it was easy to see how other girls drooled over him. Mr. Lucien was clearly the most handsome teacher we had gotten in a while. Infact, ever since I had been in Louisiana High.

“...there? Diana!” The sound of my name broke me out of my thoughts, and I glanced at Cathy who was frowning at me. “Did you hear anything I just said?”

“What?”

“You've been staring at your food for the past five minutes, and… oh my god, are you blushing?” She poked my cheeks with her free hand, and drew her chair even closer. “What were you thinking about?”

“What? Nothing. I wasn't thinking about anything.”

“Wait! Do you have a crush on Mr. Lucien?” As she asked this, my best skipped a beat and I quickly shook my head.

“No, I don't. Why would you say that? He's our teacher, Cathy. Jeez!”

She shrugged, and popped a fry into her mouth. “That never stopped anyone. Don't worry, you'll see him in about...two hours.”

I shook my head and bit into my apple, as I fell my hair to cover my embarassment. If Cathy got the smallest idea that I had a crush on our history teacher, she wouldn't rest till the whole school knew about it and that was something I couldn't afford.