Constructive criticism is always welcome :)
Something about the way Mr. Ferguson leered at me in the school hallways set my teeth on edge. It might have had something to do with the hungry look in his eyes or the obvious bulge in his pants. I wanted to tell someone, anyone, but being the new kid transferring in the middle of her second attempt at senior year, I didn't want to upset anybody. Besides, I only had a few more months of high school before graduation.
My grades were ok, barring the disastrous year before when my GPA was too low to graduate with the the rest of my class. My mom ended up having to move again, and this time, she promised this was the last time. I wanted to believe her, so I allowed myself to settle. Part of settling meant not making any waves and reporting the beloved teacher, pervert or not, would make some pretty big waves.
I shoved my notebook into my book bag and pointedly ignored the teacher as I passed him, leaving his public speaking class. I'd resorted to wearing long skirts and turtlenecks. Nothing helped. He still looked at me as if he had X-ray vision and could see my naked body beneath my layers and layers of clothes.
I walked the block or so to our apartment building in a rundown part of town and after changing into an oversized t shirt and sweatpants, I fixed myself a bowl of cereal and sat down to work on my presentation for my next class.
My mom came clattering in a few minutes after six. We looked alike, same round face, strawberry blonde hair and large blue eyes, same lithe athletic body from our daily 5k runs.
"I know I promised to cook tonight..." She began, sounding apologetic. "But I picked up some take out. There's something I want to talk to you about." By then my presentation was long done, so I trailed my way to the kitchen table while she gathered plates and forks.
"I had some cereal so I'm not that hungry." I told her even though the smell of the sweet and sour pork was making my mouth water. She handed me a fork and some chopsticks.
"Sit. Eat." I did as I was told, and she sat down opposite me. We began to eat. Clearing my throat, I decided to broach the subject of my school troubles to the one person I knew I could trust.
"Mom?"
"Yes?"
"I have a little issue at school..."
"Well, I know just the person who can help." I frowned. "James?" She called and the front door opened. All too aware of my fucked-up luck, I squeezed my eyes shut. I knew exactly who was walking into the kitchen. "Sammy, you remember James? Or you probably know him as Mr. Ferguson." I looked up into his dark brown eyes.
"Hi Mr. Ferguson."
"Please, when I'm on my own time I'm just James."
"This was part of what I wanted to talk to you about, Sammy." My mom, ever the romantic, had stars in her eyes. "We bumped into each other at your orientation and it's been kismet." I grit my teeth. "He says you've been doing so well at school."
"Oh, good." I swallowed thickly. I had no doubt that Mr. Ferguson had ulterior motives for befriending my mother. I wanted to scream but instead, I chased a piece of pork around my plate. James and my mother continued chattering but I couldn't bear to listen.
"Sammy was just telling me about an issue she was having at school."
"No." I said immediately. "It will solve itself, mom. Don't worry about it." My mom placed her hand on top of mine and gave me one of her patented 'concerned parent' looks.
"Are you sure?" She wanted to know. "James will be able to help."
"I'm sure."
We wrapped up dinner quickly. Mom seemed to realize that I wasn't the best company. I sat down on the sofa and listened to them talk. When James excused himself to go to the bathroom, I saw my opportunity.
"Mom..." I began. I walked towards her and sat opposite her. She looked up from her cellphone. "I don't think James is the best person." I grit my teeth when she narrowed her eyes. "I mean, I don't think he's with you for the right reasons..."
"What does that mean?" Her voice was brittle, but I was hopeful I could make her see what I was talking about. I kept one ear trained on the bathroom door, but I couldn't hear anything.
"I just mean I see the way he looks at me at school." My mom's eyes widened. "I think he might be using you to get to me." She scoffed and I felt all my hope dash away.