Chapter 2

Chapter 2

"What are you, it's been a long time since he reached your imagination." I criticize here. I can't say that Sir Cace warned me last night. He openly said that he did not want Elliott to flirt with me.

What do I care if Elliott doesn't date me? I don't have your case because I don't like his brother.

Since there were still a few minutes before Sir arrived I chose to lean my head against the wall first to take a nap. The air coming through the window next to me added to my drowsiness.

I don’t know how many minutes I fell asleep. I just woke up shaking Georgia.

I slowly opened my eyes. The whole class was silent as I frowned.

I was about to ask Georgia when I saw Sir Cace standing in front of me staring at me.

"Sir ..."

"Are you tired?" He asked coldly as his eyebrows met.

"Ah Sir, Dal has a job—."

"I'm not asking you Miss Caliente." Sir Cace said coldly that he was the one I had built. He then looked at me with an emotion I'm not familiar with.

"Sir Cace ..." I said nervously.

"Are you tired?" Sir Cace asked again.

I shook slowly. "I'm sorry Sir, I won't do it again."

"Are you sure?" The wrinkled when he asked me.

"Y-Yes Sir."

"Take your seat, Dalha." He said seriously. He stared at me for a moment before walking back to the table in front of him.

"Gosh, Sir is scared, I've been scolded." Georgia said with a smirk that I just stared.

"I wish you had woken me up when he was still at the door." I whispered loudly.

"For your information Dalha, Sir will go straight to our place. I didn't wake you up right away because I saw you were very tired."

"I haven't slept in half an hour ..." I confess to Georgia.

"What ?! You haven't slept for thirty minutes ?! What's the matter—"

"Miss Caliente, is there a problem?" Sir Cace asked. His hand holding a marker hung in the air.

"No Sir. I'm just surprised. It's like Dalha hasn't slept for thirty minutes." Oh how I hate my friends. It's nice that they're honest, but sometimes it's also annoying.

"Bring it?"

"Yes sir?"

Sir Cace let out a violent breath before lowering the marker and book he was holding. He scratched his forehead while looking at me. "Follow me ..."

"Eh Sir, it's okay, I can still listen—."

"Follow me." He swallowed hard again.

"Oh, good luck girl. It looks like Sir will take you to the detention office. I'm really sorry, I should just wake you up right away." Georgia said tearfully.

When I looked back at my other classmates, they thought the same way about me. They're treating me well more than my extended family.

They know the story of my life. They know why I am sometimes late. Why sometimes I get sleepy. Because of Aunt Sabel's work and the way they treated me.

An apologetic look were on their faces. I took a deep breath before smiling. After that I went out to follow Sir Cace.

This is the very first time that I am going to the detention office. It's not because I'm a critic. I am one of the students with high marks. The rest of our teachers were kind to me. So

when my classmates need to let me know, they ask me. They want to be with me. So maybe they were kind to me. Because they know how to be grateful. While my aunt and cousins ​​just wanted to evict me from home.

"Are you sleepy?" Sir Cace asked as we walked down the hallway. Quiet around because most are in their respective classrooms.

"A little ..." I answered weakly. I just walk slowly. Sometimes I yawn because of drowsiness and hunger. I forgot I hadn't had breakfast yet.

My forehead furrowed for a moment when I realized that we were not on the road to the detention office. I was no longer able to ask Sir Cace.

I just took a bite out of the person who followed him into his office.

"You can lay on the couch. Take some sleep. When you're hungry there's food on my table. I'll come back here later after I teach." Sir Cace said seriously as he handed me a blanket. I don’t know why he has that. But that would help a lot because it was cold in his office.

"Eh Sir, I still have a class—."

"I'll excuse you."

I was relieved when Sir Cace finally came out. I was left wondering why he was doing that.

Maybe out of pity? He saw my work last night. He even found out that I hardly slept at all.

I could do nothing but lie down on the soft couch. As soon as I closed my eyes, I was immediately swallowed up by drowsiness.

Opening the door woke me up. I got up quickly but I also came back immediately when I felt dizzy.

"Are you alright?" Sir Cace asked when he saw what had happened.

I nodded slowly. I tried to get up again. I am no longer dizzy. I'm a little sleepy. Just hungry.

I simply glanced at the paper bag on Sir Cace's desk. That did not escape his sight. So when he saw what I was looking at, he immediately took it and laid it in front of me.

"I didn't wake you this lunch. Eat that so you can go home." Sir Cace said seriously before walking closer to his desk.

"Thank you ..."

I quietly ate a sandwich. He also put down some orange juice.

While eating I couldn’t help but look around Sir’s entire office. Now I just noticed the paintings inside his office. I didn't see that yesterday.

"You like paintings?"

Sir Cace paused for a moment at what was being done. "I love arts."

"You like to draw, Sir?"

"Yes." He replied that he seemed to want to end the conversation.

I just don't talk anymore. Maybe he doesn't really want me here. Maybe it's just a pity because of what I've heard before.

"How about you? Do you like arts?"

I looked up at Sir Cace. To what he was still doing his attention. Occasionally he glances at me.

"Bring ..."

"Uh, yes Sir. I also love the arts. My Dad loves to paint. He taught me so he's pretty smart."

"Okay."

When the meal was over I immediately stood up. "Uh, Sir I'll go first."

Sir Cace turned quickly to me. Out of nervousness I quickly folded the blanket he had lent me. I neatly put that on the couch.

I no longer waited for Sir Cace's answer. I immediately walked closer to the door. Maybe I can still weave in class.

When I opened the door, the cold night air greeted me. It was dark all around and only light on each pole was turned on.

"It's late?!" I said aloud once in front of Sir Cace. It killed me, I might get fired.

"It's already ten in the evening. Just come home with me." Sir Cace said casually.

"It's going to make me lose my job!" I said tearfully. I can't be fired. I need money for my college education! Then I will pay a lot more for the upcoming graduation.

"We can still go there and talk to your manager. Maybe they can give you a second chance. I'll help you explain."

I bit my lower lip. "Why didn't you wake me up? I'm fed up with Aunt Sabel."

I noticed Sir Cace's jaws tighten. "I'll deliver you."

"But Sir ..." I stopped slightly when Sir Cace stared at me. "... you're my teacher. Maybe people will think about what when they find out I slept here in your office and then they'll be taken home."

"So?"

"So?" Meet the eyebrow as I did what he said. "You want me to get expelled? Do you also want to lose your license?"

"You're overreacting Dalha." He answered me seriously before pulling me out of his office.

I knew there was no one in the whole school except the two of us and the guards. I'm still afraid someone will see us. That will surely spread throughout the school. So I chose to walk slowly and I also made sure that Sir Cace and I were far away.

"You're creeping me out, Dalha. Stop being paranoid. No one can see us. One more thing we're not doing anything wrong."

"Because Sir, you can wake me up earlier to go home alone. It's not now that it's midnight and we're still together. How's your reputation?"

I couldn't stop biting my lower lip again. This is how I really am when I am nervous or scared.

We were at the gate when Sir Cace stopped walking. I also immediately stopped three  away from him.

"Sir Cace, you're still here. It's late at night ..." I heard the guard at the gate say.

"There are just finished paperwork Manong June."

Fortunately, it's a bit dark here on my part. Otherwise Manong might have seen me.

"Manong June, Manong Ricky is looking for you. I met him earlier. Maybe it's at gate 3 now." Sir said more as he motioned me to come a little closer to him. Because when Manong June follows him, it will definitely pass where I stand.

"Oh, of course. We'll look at the one on the third floor of the college department. The ceiling fell earlier while he was spinning." Manong June replied that he walked back to the guard house for a while. I took the

chance. I quickly approached Sir Cace and hid behind him. I gripped Sir Cace's dress tightly. It was also a bit dark in his place. He also covers me because of his height. It's impossible for Manong June to notice me.

"All right, Sir Cace, I'm going to see Ricky." Manong June said before running to Manong Ricky's whereabouts.

I don't know if Manong Ricky is really looking for it. But we seem to have been given a chance.

When Manong June finally left, I was able to breathe easily. I bowed and leaned my forehead against Sir Cace's back.

I took a deep breath. Reason for me to wear Sir's familiar smell.

I just walked away from Sir Cace when he sneezed.

"Let's go."

"I'm going home alone Sir. I'm used to going home at midnight."

It was already dark in our place and it got even darker when I saw the expression in Sir Cace's eyes. It was as if I had said something that made him angry.

"You're grade twelve, seventeen, minor. Do you think I'll let you go home alone at night?"

"But Sir—."

"Let's go." Sir Cace finally said that I was annoyed. What is his problem?

"Sir!"

"What's up Dalha, I'm your teacher, get well soon."

"That's it, I'm a teacher. That's why I don't send." I'm annoyed.

"What's wrong with me delivering you? I'm just worried. You're a student, maybe that's how you'll be on the road when I let you go home alone." It was also wrinkled when Sir Cace said.

The wind blew me away violently. The steps were big as I stepped out of the gate. Sir Cace doesn't understand what I mean.

"Bring it!"

"No Sir, I'm going home by myself."

"Bring Mae!"

"Will you please—."

"You're going home with me! I'll explain to your aunt."

"I really don't want to send you!" I shouted angrily.

"Why ?!"

"At least let me graduate first! Maybe someone will see the two of us! I don't want to be expelled from school. This is all I have to use to reach my dreams. You're not like me Sir! I'm just poor! And I need to strive for me to be able to get a comfortable life! "

In that long line of mine, Sir Cace had only one reaction.

He smiled.

I don't know why, but I feel like someone's being proud of me.

"Still, I want to take you home. Let's go Dalha. You can't achieve your dreams if you go home alone. Maybe that's how you can."

I could do nothing but drift. My acting before was useless. Eventually Sir Cace still drove me home.

I frowned when I saw Sir Cace's car. Familiar. But maybe just the same. Maybe he's not the only one who owns such a car.

"Are you feeling hungry?"

"I'm full Sir, thank you."

"Are you full of a sandwich?" Meet the eyebrow he says.

I nodded lazily. If possible I just want to keep quiet. I don't want to get close to Sir Cace. Many things will surely slap me when I ride his kindness.

"I'll talk to your manager so you can still get to work." Said Sir Cace before I got out of his car.

I just nodded before thanking again. I waited for Sir to leave before I finally went inside.

I took a deep breath when Auntie Sabel's palm hit my cheek. "That's why you're not at the convenience store, you're shopping!"

"T-Auntie, no—."

I got another slap from my cousin. "The thickness of your face to flirt with Cace!"

I frowned when I heard what Ate Melanie said. I didn't know it knew Sir.

I ended the night quietly crying in the small room next to the kitchen. Now I miss my mom and dad more. I hope they are here. Hopefully we are complete.

The next day I woke up early. I had cooked breakfast in less than five o'clock. After I cooked, I took a shower and prepared myself.

In a few moments the people with me here at home ate. I have nothing left. If I could just get out of here I would have done it. But I can't do that yet. I have to graduate first. For me to finally achieve the comfortable life I was fighting for with Sir Cace last night.

Until now I wonder why he treated me like that. Last year he became my teacher, but it seems like nothing. The other day, too, everything was still

normal. Until Elliott and I got lost at my place of work. He clearly slapped me with the fact that he doesn't like me being with Elliott. Then yesterday, it was different again. He was very alert and thoughtful.

He's weird.

I entered the school almost hiding my face from those I met. Not because I was afraid that someone might see Sir and me last night and get to know me.

But because of the cut below my cheek. That was done when Aunt Sabel slapped me hard. Wearing this ring cut my cheek. There is also a small cut on my lip.

It still hurts because it hasn’t dried yet. I just put on a band aid so as not to be seen. But I was still embarrassed.

"Good morning Dalha!" Georgia and Lois shouted at the same time when they saw me walking into the classroom.

"Morning ..." I greeted briefly as I bowed.

"Why are you bent over? Are you sleepy again?" Lois asked as the rest of our classmates looked at us.

I could no longer hold back the two when they presented me to them. There was a look of shock on their faces when they saw the band aid on my cheek and the small cut on my lower lip.

I knew they wanted to ask but they couldn’t when Sir Cace came in. I quickly tilted my face as he turned to my seat. I distracted myself. I tried to hide the wounds inflicted by mock reading.

"Sammy, Glen, please help me hand out the workbook." Sir Cace calling the President and Vice President of our class.

Again I distracted myself by reading what was in my notes. I have a feeling that Sir Cace is holding my workbook. And I wasn't wrong. He stopped in front of me and handed me my workbook.

"Thank you Sir ..." I said softly while bowing.

"Are you sick Miss Gregorio?" Sir Cace asked seriously.

I shook quickly while still bent over.

"Why did I notice earlier that you just bowed to my whole class?"

"I'm reading notes, Sir." my reasoning.

Suddenly the whole class fell silent. I still don’t lift my gaze because I can still see Sir Cace’s black shoes in front of me.

"Miss Caliente, what's wrong with this friend of yours?"

I heard the violent breathing of Georgia and some of my classmates.

I heard nothing from the friend. But it seems to have signaled the answer to Sir Cace. Because without saying a word he touched my chin.

I saw the flickering of various emotions in Sir Cace's eyes. But only anger when seeing my appearance.

He stared at my face for a long time. Take that on my lips and on my cheek with a band aid.

My eyes almost widened when Sir Cace touched that part of my cheek. After a while he gently removed the band aid. His jaws tightened. Then I was pulled out of the classroom.

I was shocked.

He pulled me until we got to his car. Without saying anything he forced me to sit on the passenger seat.

I can't ask. I could feel Sir Cace's anger. Maybe he's just angry because I'm his student.

I was no longer shocked when we got home. But I was afraid of what would happen.

"Sir ..."

"I'm going to talk to your auntie. Don't you ever dare stop me Dalha!"

I just swallowed as I watched Sir Cace enter the house.

I immediately complied. I don't want him to face Aunt alone.

"I'm her teacher. I would like to know why Dalha has wounds?" Sir Cace said coldly to my aunt who looked down on me.

"You're her teacher, I thought you were my boyfriend. I saw you bring Dalha here last night."

"That's not what I want to hear. Who did that to her ?!" Sir Cace asked angrily and loudly.

"Sir ..."

"Why are you not answering me?" Sir Cace asked Aunt Sabel again. "Dalha, who did that to you?"

"Sir ... that's right, let's just go back to school. I'm fine." I say weakly.

I want to tell the truth, I can't. My education depends on it! Where will I be picked up when Auntie Sabel kicks me out?

"Bring it." There was a warning in the voice that Sir Cace said.

"Sir please ..." I said tearfully as the expression on his face softened.

"I'll let it go Mrs. Gregorio. But once I find out it's happened again, I'll file a case. Child abuse and physical abuse, she's still a minor."

I feel peace in what Sir Cace has said. But I couldn't help but get angry because he was doing this and I might not be able to go to college forever.

"Why do you even need to intervene Sir ?!" I asked angrily while holding back my tears. Why can't he understand me.

"I'm your teacher Dalha, I'll naturally interfere because you're a student!"

"Why don't you understand me Sir ?! My education is important to me!"

"You're over thinking again! I'm doing this because I'm -."

"That's not what I meant! I'm afraid Auntie Sabel might kick me out! When that happens I'll be forced to move my savings for my college studies!" I couldn't stop crying.

"We're not the same. You can always have anything you want because you're rich! You don't care when it

comes to money. But I'm not! I need to work every night to finance my education. I need to work for the comfortable life I want. ko. Why can't you understand that? "

I have not heard anything else from Sir Cace. I just cried when I cried in his car.

"I'm sorry ..." Sir Cace said softly after a while.

We just went back to school when I finally stopped crying. When I got there, without saying a word, I got out of his car and walked away quickly. I didn't even bother to say thank you. I feel bad for what happened.

"Bring it!" Call from the college department I went through.

It was Elliott. He's smiling at me. I sparingly smiled back before refocusing on walking.

I was even more annoyed to think there were still rumors about me and Elliott. If that hadn’t spread Sir Cace wouldn’t have noticed me now.

"Bring it!" Lois called me with a big smile. "It looks like the camping will continue next week. Come along."

"I have no money-."

"Georgia and I will take care of it. Just come along because there are some college students!"

I couldn’t help but be embarrassed. Elliott and I will definitely be the ones to deal with them.

To Be Continued.......