Call the roll

This chapter is co-authored by NeedAMedic whose work can be found at https://chyoa.com/user/NeedAMedic

You glance at the girl a few times, giving her a smile of welcome that she returns with a cute toss of her head. She looks sweet and somewhat naïve, much different than some of the brazen brats you've encountered in the last few days.

When all the students have arrived, you consult a sheet of paper and nod, then raise your eyes and speak to the class.

"Until we get to know each other, please identify yourself when I call on you. I find things go better when we can all put names to faces."

You begin to call the roll, noting the students who identify themselves, wondering which name belongs to this petite keener in the front row.

"Faith Owen?" you call, and are met for a moment with silence. You're about to repeat it when the girl in the front row blurts "Here!" looking flustered as she raises her hands. There are few muffled giggles, and Faith holds eye contact with you for a moment, her face flushing, before you move to the next name on your list.

Your eyes flicker back to her a few times as you continue the roll, making eye contact every time. You notice her squirm slightly in your seat, and your mouth turns up with a hint of a sardonic smile. You see her flush slightly, and smile again as you finish the roll call.

Finished, you tell the class to open their texts, and begin a lecture on plate tectonics. You adopt a friendly, almost folksy style that seems to resonate with the students, and you notice many of them listening intently, and smiling at your small jokes. Faith seems very focussed her eyes fixed on you as she scribbles page after page of notes.

Your eyes return to her several times, each time holding eye contact for a few seconds and giving her the same sardonic, knowing smile each time. You do the same to a few other students, but you her eyes just a second longer, and you can see her visibly glow at your attention.

"So, that's almost it for today," I say as you wrap things up. "If you have any questions, please feel free. I have office hours at my cottage starting at 10:30 today, and if you have any concerns, please come see me."

Faith takes her time putting her notebook away and gives you a lingering smile, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as she makes her way out the door.

Definitely some potential there, you tell yourself with a tight smile.