New Introductions

*JAMIRA*

I had done my best to decorate the classroom before the students arrived. Mondays always seemed busier than the other days.

Mr. Greene had helped me mentally prepare for the new student today. Everything was going smoothly until I noticed a little girl holding the hand of a tall man in sweatpants and a T-shirt with a sleeve of tattoos on his left forearm. As they walked closer, I recognized other features on the man, like his dark, silky hair, muscles, and goatee.

Oh my god, it’s Eric from this weekend! I thought to myself. Just my luck, I thought I was in the clear with him since I had left no trace behind. But now he’s here, and with a child! Does he have a daughter? Where’s the mom? Are they still together? I don’t remember seeing anything that suggested a woman lived there. Dammit, I need to do better.

Before I knew it, his hand reached out for a handshake. I took his hand and greeted him.

“Good morning, you must be my new student. What’s your name?”

She barely whispered, “Kayla.”

“Well then, Kayla, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Ms. Hines, and I’ll make sure you get adjusted and have a great first day,” I said, still smiling.

She smiled back and entered the classroom, where Ms. Donovan showed her to her desk and helped her with her things. I started to turn to enter the classroom when I felt a pull on my arm.

“A teacher, huh?” he said with a smug look on his face.

“Yes, Eric. We all have to make a living somehow.”

Just then, he pulled me further to the side, out of earshot of anyone who might be listening. This time, he looked at me with confusion.

“It’s just that you’ve been on my mind ever since I met you and you left me without a trace. What the hell was that?” he asked, as if demanding an explanation.

He really had some nerve coming up here asking about our encounter. He didn’t even know my name, so why on earth would he care?

“Look, Eric. I’m sorry if I offended you, but this is my workplace, and we won’t be discussing this here.”

“If not here, then where? I don’t even know your name. How am I supposed to reach you?”

I could sense his irritation, and I needed to diffuse the situation before it escalated. Even though I didn’t regret what happened or feel as though I owed him anything, I could still empathize with him and understand his point. That’s why I decided to humor him—just for the moment.

“That’s the point of a one-night stand. It was amazing, truly. However, I suggest you forget about it because that’s all it was.”

Unsatisfied with my answer, he pushed the issue.

Man, this guy is relentless. It’s really too early for this.

“You can’t deny the chemistry between us. I know you felt it like I did.”

He wasn’t lying; there was definitely a connection there. But there’s also Chris. I can’t keep forgetting about him. That’s exactly what happens when I’m around Eric. Nothing else matters, and I can never seem to remember I have Chris at home. What is wrong with me?

“I have to get back to class and teach my students.”

I started to walk towards my classroom when he grabbed my arm again. This time, he put something in my hand.

“I’ll leave, but hit me up. I want to see you again. Now that I know where to find you, I’ll be back until you do.”

The look in his eyes was so intense that I couldn’t tell if I was turned on or scared. Also, did he just threaten me? What is with this guy?

Before I walked away, I said softly, “Jamira.”

Perplexed, he simply asked, “huh?”

“My name. You said you didn’t know my name. It’s Jamira. Now you do.”

He smirked at the revelation.

At that moment, I turned on my heels and went back to my classroom. Part of me wanted to kiss him right in the middle of the hallway, while the rest wanted to remain professional and stop ovulating at the sound of his voice. I’m going to need new panties.

Once I entered the classroom, I placed the paper in my purse (even though I should have discarded it). Subsequently, I introduced myself again to Kayla and invited her and the other students to participate in an icebreaker activity to facilitate better acquaintance.

Throughout the day, my thoughts remained preoccupied with that interaction with Eric.