Fiction/interracial couple/older man/younger woman.
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Being the new girl at Montgomery High was quite a journey. My college professor dad/author was the acclaimed and rich Myles Everton. He had written 4 poetry books, 1 autobiography, and 11 fiction books by the time he was 42. He told my mom one day that he wanted a bigger house. So we moved from Ohio to Florida when I was 14.
Despite my dad's wealth, charisma, and popularity, this came at a price: he was a very absent father. Usually too busy writing or socializing or going to parties to hang out with me. Dinnertime was my moment to prove to him that I was a good kid, worthy of his attention and love.
After we moved, I channeled my anger at my dad to my academics and sports. (I joined the tennis team). For awhile, I was very talented. Despite my accomplishments, my dad still remained too busy to talk to me too much.
By the time I was 18, I had a very low amount of respect for my dad and I gave up trying to "win him over".
In the start of my senior year, my school gained a new professor and girls' tennis coach. Mr. Clarence James. He was white, lanky, with brown hair and brown eyes. Very nerdy. I was black, average looking, with black hair and brown eyes.
His first day as my new Psychology professor was a bit rough.
"My name's Mr. James, but you kids can call me CJ if you prefer," he announced.
One of my friends, Cynthia, laughed loudly.
At him. I shot her an evil glance-after all, Mr. James was kind of adorable. It was a bit strange, since he wasn't my normal type.
I usually crushed on guys closer to my age, but the crushes I had ended up having were temporary once I found out how mean, obnoxious, or immature the guys my age were.
So Mr. James was quite refreshing.
As he took attendance, everything went smoothly until he called my name.
"Jada Everton," he said.
I raised my hand. "Here, ready to learn," I replied. He stared at me for a bit.
"Everton...huh?" he asked.
I smiled shyly. "Yes."
"Are you by any chance related to the writer Myles Everton?" Mr. James inquired.
"Yeah, he's my dad," I answered softly.
He got quiet for some time. I couldn't tell what he was thinking, but he seemed a bit lost in thought.
"He was a classmate of mine in high school,"
Mr. James shared. Still a serious look on his face. His voice lowered. "I'll have to keep a close eye on you then," he added.
What? What did that mean exactly? Was my dad one of the bad kids in high school? My stomach swirled with tight knots. This wouldn't shock me if he had been, as I reflected more.
Then my professor continued on with the rest of attendance like nothing weird had just happened.
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Turned out, I wasn't the only girl who developed a crush on Mr. James. During the next few months, I'd overhear the girls in the locker room before PE or in the hallways mention our new teacher. How cute he was, that he wasn't like our more stern or old teachers, that he was so nice, etc.
One of these girls was a cute, blonde, and very busty cheerleader, Parker Robbins.
She'd check him out during class sometimes, ask him for more help after class, and ask him questions about the notes and etc. during class. This really ticked me off.
On one occasion, as I stared at the two of them talking at his desk, I squeezed my pencil so hard that it snapped. Parker had said a joke and made him laugh. Mr. James suddenly glanced over at me from ogling Parker's chest. Cleared his throat.
"Daydreaming again during class, Ms. Everton?" he asked.
I felt myself blushing. Some students turned to look at me. How embarrassing! Livid as I was, somehow I managed to force a polite smile.
"No, I was just going to ask a few questions I had for tonight's reading assignment. I don't understand some of the theories," I answered. Actually, I wasn't pretending. But I also didn't want him to think I was a bad student.
He sighed. "Give me a minute. I'll be right there," he replied.
5 minutes later, he walked over. Class had ended by now, but I stayed after. Lunch was next on my schedule, so it wasn't a big deal if I was a little late.