She wants to get to know you better

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

Faith puts her backpack on the floor next to her as she looks over at you. Her eyes meet yours, then look away, then back again. you can sense that she's nervous, even overwhelmed, and you give her another smile as you eye her tender young body.

Finally, her eyes lock onto yours, just staring for a moment then taking a deep breath, her face still flushed.

"Well, I was mostly just hoping to get to know you, is all," she says, then hesitates as if reconsidering her words. She shakes her head, speaking quickly. "I like to get to know all my teachers! So its easier to talk... later. If we need to."

You nod thoughtfully, still smiling as you hold her eyes.

"I think that's very wise of you Miss Owen. Developing a personal relationship between students and teachers is crucial to the learning process. Don't be shy. I'd be happy to spend some time getting to know each other better." You smile again, with that slight sardonic tilt to your lips that she seems intrigued by.

"So what would you like to know about me Miss Owen?"

"Well..." she gulps, obviously at a loss, as though she didn't expect the question. You can almost see her mind racing, searching for something to say, when she suddenly blurts: "You're really charming!"

She pauses, blushing, obviously wishing she could take that back, and searching for something else to say. You smile at her, silently waiting for her to continue, deliberately making her nervous.

"Like... you were really good at holding everyone's attention in class! I just want to know... how? I guess"

You smile lazily, holding her eyes and making her wait for an answer for a few moments.

"It's a simple matter of letting people know that you think they're worth your attention. That they're important," you say softly. "All my students are important Miss Owen. Every one of them. But some of them are more important than others. Who deserve special attention."

You watch her for a few moments, as though considering something. "Are you one of those students Miss Owen? Or should I call you Faith?"

"Faith would be great!" she bubbles, then looks abashed at her own enthusiasm. "And I definitely try my best to be a good student! Sooo... I hope I'll be able to show that I'm one of those students that deserves special attention, Mr. Sharp"

You watch as she crosses, then recrosses her shapely legs, trying to get more comfortable on the couch.

"Faith," you say, as though savouring the name. "And I can be Darnell, at least while we're in private." Your eyes flicker over her pretty legs, flashing her your smile. She smiles uncertainly and recrosses her legs, accidently showing a length of thigh for a moment.

"I think its possible that you could be one of those special students, Faith. But you know that it takes extra effort to be one of those students, and not every girl is up to it. It's not just a matter of being smart or paying attention in class, or getting the required work done. It's about giving that little extra, doing everything possible to show your willingness to learn. As I said, not every girl is up to the challenge. Do you think your are?"

She frowns at your suggestion that shemight not be up to the challenge, her pride obviously stung. Her nervousness fades, replaced by a hard faced determination which is thoroughly adorable on her cute features. "Of course I am!" she replies indignantly, her hands bunched into fists, grasping at the hem of her skirt,

"Mr. Sharp-- Darnell, that is-- I've aced spelling bees, worked tons of hours of community service, even tutored some other students! I can handle a little extra challenge." Her eyes flash with outrage as she speaks.

You smile at her indignation, your eyes holding hers again as she flushes slightly, perhaps embarrassed by her own outburst.

"No offense meant Faith," you say calmly. "I didn't doubt that you're a serious girl. But this is a different environment for you. Away from the shelter of your parents, in a new environment, full of new stimuli. You have a lot to cope with, a lot of changes to adjust to."

You give her that lazy sardonic smile again and see her face colour prettily. "No need to be outraged, Faith. Part of the learning process is being challenged, discovering what you're capable of, what you're willing to do to succeed. And my I say that when you blush, your freckles look adorable?"

"I--" her mouth hangs open for a second, before snapping shut as she suddenly looks away, her indignant momentum shattered. "Um... thank you."

"Sorry, I got a bit ahead of myself there," she says, trying to regain her composure as she touches her hair and smoothes out her skirt. "I'd, um, I'd be happy to take on whatever challenge I need to complete to prove myself to you!"

She takes a deep breath, looking down at the floor, "And I'm sorry for my outburst. I should be more respectful to you, given that you're such an accomplished teacher, and that you definitely know more than I do."

"Well thank you Faith, that shows remarkable maturity. I think it's distinctly possible that you could be one of those special students. But you're right about being more respectful. You heard what the Dean said about the Code of Conduct yesterday. If you've had a chance to read it, you'll know that disrespect for a teacher is a serious matter. As I recall, the penalty for it is at least four strokes of the paddle." You pause as she gives a little gasp of shock, and you see her squirm nervously on the couch.

"I'd rather not have to send you to the Dean for disrespectful behaviour Faith. But unless we can think of a way to resolve this issue, I may not have any choice."

You look at her sternly, putting a trace of compassion and kindness in my eyes.