The Spirit Seer

Chapter 11

Rachel and Becca nearly accost me as soon as lunch is over. They grab me on either side of my body and drag me behind the cafeteria where we’ll be able to talk alone. I can’t say I didn’t see this conversation coming but I didn’t think they’d be quite so hands-on about it. I'm pretty nervous about the discussion. I don't think it's going to go well. They won't understand, and I can't really explain it to them.

"Have you lost your freaking mind?" Rachel asked finally.

There are a few ways I can play this, but I decided to play dumb. I’m going to make them say exactly what the problem is. "What are you talking about?"

She gives me her practiced "don't even" hard look. "You know what I'm talking about. What were you thinking sitting with that guy?"

I could blame it on the project, and I'm tempted, but I feel like I've come to a place where making excuses isn't fair to Heath. I enjoy spending time with him, and I'm not ashamed of that. It kind of surprises me that I feel this strongly about it. I barely know Heath but at the same time, I care about him. He was so kind to my mom and that deserves some loyalty from me.

"You mean Heath? I don't see what the problem is."

"Bailey, don't be dense."

I barely refrain from rolling my eyes.

"You know people will start talking and jumping to conclusions. Do you really want them to assume those things about you and that guy?" Becca says a little less harshly. She’s usually the good cop. I watch them ganging up on people often, not usually in a mean way or at least I always told myself it wasn’t in a mean way. Now, though having it directed at me makes it seem a lot meaner than I ever realized.

Doing this is very common for them. I can’t even count how many times I’ve stood back and watched them use this approach on others. Rachel is always the harsh one and then Becca usually tries to smooth any ruffled feathers. I’m a little annoyed that they’ve now turned the tactic on me like this

"They act like he is infectious or something. Geez, he's a loner not diseased." Spencer suddenly adds.

Great, that’s all I need on top of everything else...commentary from a ghost.

"I like Heath and I'm not embarrassed to be around him."

They look at me in disbelief. "You’re dumping Chad for him?"

Seriously? "No, of course not. He is just a friend. We had to work on that project and I realized I didn't completely hate having him around okay? That’s it."

"What about Chad? How do you think he feels about his girlfriend eating lunch alone with some other guy? It makes him look like a fool. It looks like you’re cheating on him."

I’m taken aback for a second. I hadn't really considered that. Is that bad? I should have thought about my boyfriend before spending time with another guy…shouldn’t I? We just aren’t like that; we don’t control each other or get jealous really. That’s one of the things I like about him. I guess I need to talk to him. I don’t want him to feel like I’m betraying him.

"Chad and I are fine, and if he has a problem with it, I'm sure he'll let me know." I plan to talk to him but I can’t let them know they struck a chord. I can’t show any weakness.

"Aren't you even the least bit concerned with how this looks?"

"I'm eating lunch with a guy. I'm not making out with him or anything. I like hanging out with him. So, get on board."

I honestly don’t know what I will do if they don’t accept it. We have been friends for a long time, but they are popular and they like being admired. If I risk that, they may decide I’m not worth it anymore.

Luckily, I don’t have to figure that out, because they pass looks between each other and quickly agree to let the issue drop. It's a relief, but I doubt this is the end of it.

~~~~~

Another freakin B. I can't believe it. I lament to myself while in math class after lunch. The talk with my friends sucked and now I find out I got another B.

I’m so disappointed with myself. How did I manage to get another B in Math? This is just messed up. I can't seem to get any higher on any math test. If this keeps up there is no way I will get higher than a B in the class.

There's only one hope left for me. I think I need to get into Mr. Echols' tutoring sessions. If I am going to have any hope of getting an A, I need the help.

After class, I stop at his desk as the rest of the class files out. He's grading papers. I'm kind of nervous to talk to him. He is just so hot. And he's my teacher, so I'm not really supposed to think of him that way. It makes me so nervous because every time I look at him, I have inappropriate thoughts.

Don’t judge me, you would too if you saw him. He is so freaking attractive and has such a sexy and deep voice. It’s impossible not to think bad things.

Once I calm down my inappropriate thoughts I clear my throat. "Um...Mr. Echols, can I talk to you for a sec?"

He looks up and smiles. I stop breathing for a second.

Come on Bailey get yourself under control. You’re not some stupid love-struck i***t. You know that it's just a silly crush.

"What can I do for you, Miss Beckett?"

I can’t help the next thought that crosses my mind, I can think of a few things he could do for me. Not that I could tell him those things.

His voice does funny things to my hormones; I just need to force myself to focus on the moment and my grade. That will get me through this conversation…hopefully.

"Well, actually I'm hoping I could take you up on your offer of tutoring."

He seems confused for a second. "I don't understand you have a B+ in my class."

And that was the problem. Under normal circumstances, a B is a very good grade, but I need an A. "I know, but I'm trying to get my grades as high as I can in hopes of getting a scholarship one day. And a B just won't cut it."

"I understand your dilemma, I really do. But I reserve my tutoring sessions for students who are failing and want help just to be able to pass."

I know that makes total sense, and it's a great idea, but why should I be punished because I'm not failing? I don’t want to sound selfish. He's such a great teacher to even go this far for his students. Most teachers don't care this much when a student is failing. They rarely go the extra mile to help us.

I appreciate him for that but even though I'm not failing I need a better grade if I hope to have a real future. I just need him to understand my side of this.

"I get that, but a scholarship is my only chance at college and this is the only class that I don't have an A in. I want to work for it. I just need a little help."

He stares at me for a second like he’s considering what I said, and finally, "Okay, you are a good student, and you’re not asking me to hand you a higher grade. You want to earn it, and as a teacher how can I say no to that?"

"Thank you, you will not regret this. I swear."

He smiles. "I believe you."

I try desperately to hide the blush that comes over my whole body when he smiles at me. He’s such an attractive guy. It’s not fair that he’s so hot and off limits since he’s my teacher. Not that I’m deluded enough to believe that I would ever have a chance with someone like him. I’m a teenager and he’s an adult. It would be totally weird, but that doesn’t mean I don’t realize how cute he is.

As I leave the class I feel like a huge weight has left my shoulders. I am finally going to get my A and after I graduate I will be able to leave all my "ghosts" behind...I mean my literally and figurative ghosts. It’s a good thing nobody can read my mind or they’d think I’d lost it.