The Intern Teacher

Chapter three

~Nancy Pov~

I had been anxiously waiting for Maxwell, the handsome teacher who had invited me, to text me and confirm when the party would start.

My nerves were on edge. I had spent the last fifteen minutes checking myself in the mirror over and over, making sure everything was perfect. Just as I was about to spiral into panic, a knock at the door jolted me back to reality. I hurriedly ran to answer it, but paused just before opening, forcing myself to breathe and not act desperate.

“You look amazing,” Maxwell said the moment I opened the door.

“Thanks so much, Maxwell,” I replied, my voice slightly shaky.

He smiled boldly and said, “I feel better if you just call me Max.”

I locked the door behind me, and we left together. After walking for about five minutes, I finally mustered the courage to ask him where the party was. He kindly told me we’d be there in another five minutes and, true to his word, we arrived exactly on time.

The venue was breathtaking. Elegant decorations adorned the space, and there were around a hundred teachers, some familiar from previous encounters, and others completely unknown to me. Instantly, I felt out of place, like I didn’t belong. Noticing my discomfort, Max gently touched my shoulder. His presence was reassuring, calming the nervous flutter in my chest.

As the evening progressed, I began to enjoy myself more than I expected. I met several teachers: Sophie from Agriculture, Michael from Political Science, Tina from Human Resources, and many others. Conversations flowed, and laughter filled the room, easing some of my earlier anxiety.

By 6:00 p.m., I was exhausted and ready to return to my apartment for a well-deserved rest. But the night had other plans, the hosts announced an after-party at a club called Amnesia. I had heard of it before, but had never been. I wasn’t the type to go out much, even when Suzie had tried to persuade me countless times.

“I’ll keep you company,” Tina said, smiling as she persuaded me. With little choice, I agreed to go along.

When we arrived, the club was packed. We managed to find a small spot, and Max ordered drinks. I politely declined alcohol, settling for a simple glass of water. I didn’t drink.

After about an hour, boredom began to creep in. Many of my colleagues were either intoxicated or preoccupied with one another, leaving me feeling completely out of place. I sat there awkwardly, sipping my water, when my attention was suddenly captured by a pair of the most beautiful hazel eyes I had ever seen.

He was sitting alone in a corner, looking completely at peace. His brown, curly hair framed his face perfectly, and the intensity of his gaze made my heart skip a beat. Somehow, it felt as though he was looking only at me. Feeling suddenly flushed, I stood and decided to use the bathroom, hoping to collect my thoughts.

The corridors were alive with the chaos of a nightclub, people dancing, couples making out, and some even engaging in more intimate acts. My cheeks burned as I navigated through it all, trying to focus on my own thoughts. After freshening up, I made my way back to the table where I had been sitting with Sophie and Tina, along with their boyfriends.

But before I could reach my seat, a strong hand grabbed mine. I froze, and when I looked up, I was met with those mesmerizing hazel eyes from earlier. My body reacted instinctively, shaking, frozen, overwhelmed.

“Please dance with me,” I heard a voice that sounded like music to my ears. I couldn’t look away; my gaze was locked on his.

“I… I don’t even know you,” I whispered, my voice trembling.

“It doesn’t matter,” he replied, his tone calm but magnetic. “Everything has a first time.”

For a moment, the noise of the club faded, leaving only us. And despite the nerves and uncertainty, a spark of curiosity and something deeper stirred within me.