The next day, my relief of actually being able to get dressed this morning was short-lived. As I walked into my Math class there was a cacophony of applause and hooting at my arrival. I blushed for I was reminded as to why that was. All of the girls in this room have seen me NAKED. They have seen, and some even felt, every nook and cranny of my body. They saw me dress up in ridiculous underwear and a lavender silk shirt like I was the faceless character on the cover of a paperback novel. I frowned as I looked to my students who were concentrating their x-ray vision in my direction. I tried to shake it off. I tried to be extra demanding of my students by calling on them for difficult questions, solving high level equations, and speaking as harshly and critically as I could manage.
It was to no avail.
No matter how hard I tried to make the class, no matter what I did to make them forget about yesterday's nude fiasco, my students would just laugh off any and all snide remarks I made towards them. Even more surprising was that they were answering any question I gave them correctly. They completed their work quickly and efficiently all the while eyeballing me lasciviously. Seeing me naked and vulnerable has permanently altered the class dynamic.
As the class was dismissed, it became clear to me that any fear and respect I achieved as an educator had diminished into almost nothing in regards to the relationship with my students. Once everyone left, I plopped myself down at my desk and cradled my face in my hands.
(Well, at least they're studying just like you wanted Avery. You will have the highest Mathematics test scores in Intectus Deprehendi's history. All it cost you was your dignity.)
I felt a soothing presence approach me. I didn't have to look up to see who it was. "Bridget." I called her name.
"I'm sorry," The apology was unexpected but I didn't raise my face "I'm certain you already guessed; it was because of me that everyone's test scores rose up so dramatically. I noticed that mistake you made in that first equation ages ago. Rather than telling you about it, I used it to my advantage to form a study group behind your back with all the other students so that they would excel come the next test. I'm the reason you lost the bet. By extension, I'm the reason you ended up getting seen naked by your class and my art class." She was being sincerely sympathetic.
I shook my head and looked up at her then. She looked so lovely, wearing a sleeveless blouse and a blue plaid skirt and stockings. "No, do not apologize. The blame lies squarely upon my shoulders. I'm the teacher, I should have noticed all on my own that I was pushing a flawed equation. I was hurting all of you academically without even realizing it. I deserved to lose that bet. I am also the one who signed up to be a nude model for Sands' class without even reading the prerequisites just so I could cover my ass...ironic, when you say it like that."
Bridget snorted. "Always the responsible one aren't you?" She reached across the desk and held my hand. Lifting it up to her face, she gave my palm a kiss and my heart fluttered a bit. "Go out with me Professor."
I blinked. Did I mishear her? "Sorry?"
"I think it is quite apparent at this point that I really like you. Have I not told you as such? And lets not pretend you don't feel the same way for me."
My mind was swirling. "What...do you...why do you like me?" That was all I could muster.
"You are a man who accepts both his strengths and his weaknesses. This grants you confidence and humility. You hold true to your word no matter the cost; that makes you dependable and trustworthy. You're smart, you're handsome, you have a very nice ass, and most importantly I have the most fun teasing you mercilessly."
I could not explain the feeling I had inside of me right now. Bridget liked me. She actually liked me. As I finally sorted out my thoughts, I knew I had to give her my response. A small flicker of happiness from within me stirred erratically at being confessed to by Bridget, only to have it demolished once my rationality kicked in.
"I'm sorry Bridget," I shook my head solemnly. "I am truly and deeply sorry. In another time...in another place...but...I just can't. I am your teacher, you are my student, dating is completely out of the question. I'm afraid I...indulged myself too much from your friendliness. I even gave you a false sense that this attraction between us can go somewhere, but it can't. I could get fired and you could have your reputation marred. So I deeply regret to tell you..." Bridget climbed on top of the desk and slid close enough to my face to kiss me.