Chapter 10: Treading On Thin Ice
Derek looked at the broad prevocative smile on Mrs rose. He couldn't help but bring his head down blushing as he recounted his experience.
Derek paused, uncertain of what to do next. He hadn't expected that response. After what felt like an eternity, he slowly and quietly spoke, his face lowered.
"Yes, ma'am. I've been feeling that way lately," he said, still not raising his head. He was expecting Miss rose to expose him or say something alarming.
"In that case, have dinner with us before you leave," Rose offered, a warm smile lighting up her face. "At least you'll have time to rest."
Derek let out a huge sigh of relief but kept his tone calm to avoid raising suspicion. "Sorry, ma'am. Maybe another time. I'm already running late," he said, glancing at the wall clock again.
"The food's already ready — it won't take long. That's actually why I came out here," Rose replied instinctively.
"But—"
"I'll drive you home. You need a proper meal and the right medication," she said, turning back toward the dining table.
At that point, Derek realized he didn't have much of a choice. He gave in and followed her orders.
Soon, they were all seated at the table. Dinner was steak — richly prepared and beautifully garnished. It looked delicious even from a distance.
They began to eat, and Rose kept the conversation going, casually trying to keep things lively.
"Have you had a girlfriend before?" she asked, looking directly at Derek as she took a bite of her steak.
"No, ma'am."
"Are you planning to date anyone?" she followed up, still keeping her eyes on him.
By now, Rose had been asking Derek questions for over thirty minutes. He was starting to feel uncomfortable and decided it was time to leave.
"No, ma'am… but I think I should get going now. It's already dark," Derek said, rising from his seat.
John stood up as well, ready to walk him out.
"I'm driving you home, remember?" Rose reminded him.
"No, ma'am. Thanks for the food, but I think I'll be fine," Derek said, trying to excuse himself.
"Well, alright," Rose replied, as if letting him win a small battle.
Miss rose soon got up and headed toward the car. Derek followed quietly. John said his final goodbyes before heading back into the house.
Derek reached for the back seat, but Miss Alison signaled for him to sit in the front instead.
He obeyed, sitting calmly as the car pulled away.
Rose was in her nightwear — part of her thighs exposed — and it was driving Derek crazy. He silently prayed the ride wouldn't take long.
Rose, fully aware of the tension, took her time behind the wheel. Eventually, they reached Derek's home.
He got out, thanked her, and made his way to the door. Her car had already driven off by the time he began knocking.
After a short wait, the security guard finally opened the door. The house was cold and quiet — everyone was already asleep.
Derek headed straight to his room, changed into his nightclothes, and prepared for bed. He tossed away the medication Rose had given him. He knew he didn't need it — not really.
As Derek laid down, the events of the day replayed in his mind. His quiet mood gave way to a wave of sadness.
He wondered why wasn't he already "average" in his academics by now. That thought lingered until sleep finally took over.
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The next day was bright and sunny. Derek arrived at school early, as usual, to carry out his duties. When he got to Miss Alison's office to submit the assignment she'd given him, she reminded him of something he had nearly forgotten.
"Derek, don't forget to see me in my office after school today," she said with a serious expression.
She usually joked around whenever he dropped by, but today she seemed different — stricter. Derek decided not to overthink it and went on with his duties. Though uneasy, there wasn't much he could do about it.
"Okay, ma'am," he responded, heading back to class.
It was a long, tiring day of lessons, but eventually, it came to an end when the geography teacher finally dismissed them.
Derek, now deep in thought, couldn't stop wondering what trouble he might be in. Had he slipped academically again? If so, his dad would be terribly disappointed.
He was so lost in thought that he didn't notice John standing right in front of him, waving his hand.
"Derek!" John called, trying to get his attention.
"Oh—John! What's up?" Derek said, trying to sound normal despite everything on his mind.
John chuckled lightly. "You got kids to feed or something? You look like you just paid rent," he joked.
Derek smiled and began packing his bag.
"So… how did the pills work out? The ones my mom gave you?" John asked, this time with a bit of concern.
"They worked fine," Derek said with a smile, and they started walking down the hallway.
"I actually need to see Miss Alison today, so we can't walk home together," Derek said as they neared the turn toward Alison's office.
"Yeah, that's fine, bro. Just be careful," John said, his tone more serious now. "I saw what happened yesterday. It wasn't cool. People are talking. All eyes are on you."
He paused, unsure whether to say more.
Derek felt the sincerity in his words and, without saying anything, pulled him into a hug.
John hugged him back — tighter than expected.
"Trust me, Derek… in this school, it's really easy to get expelled. You need to be careful," he said while they were still in the hug.
"Thanks, man. I appreciate it," Derek said, letting go.
John nodded slowly and turned to leave, walking down the hallway and out through the gate.
Such a good guy, Derek thought as he watched him go.
Then he turned toward the stairs and began making his way up to Miss Alison's office.
After a few moments, he stood in front of her door — unsure of what to expect.
Slowly, he reached out to knock.