Chapter 47: Chapter 47

As I predicted, we became the talk of the class. Though they tried to keep it as low as possible. I couldn't help but notice. Ethan noticed too cause he kept ranting about how popular I had become. I was more concerned about how Bella would feel when she finds out almost everyone knows we are together. What if the board hears about it?. What if they decided to withdraw her appointment?. After all, it's against the school rule for lecturers to be having an affair with his or her student.

I was afraid it has more effect on her than it has on me. She gets to lose more than I do. I tend to understand why she never wanted me to hold her in public. She might have suspected something like this could happen. That was the reason she stopped me from holding her. Everyone kept stealing glances at me. And whenever I turned to look at them, they quickly look away pretending nothing had happened.

I tried as much as I can to take my mind off whatever they had been saying, but putting Bella into consideration, I knew I needed to do something. If I want her last few months here to be lovely for her, I need to stand up and say something. "But what would I say?" I thought, "what can I tell them to stop them from saying any more words".

I stood up and all eyes were on me. Thanks to the confidence I had built up for a while. "Hey, class" I started. There was silence and I could confirm they were eager to hear me speak. I continued, "I can hear some rumors going on in this class. I don't care what you guys think about it. I don't care if you think it's real or not. Just stop making a fuss about it and keep your mouths shut" I ended and finally sat down. All eyes remain on me as they widen their eyes in surprise.

Ethan groaned. "What did you do that for?" He asked. I rolled my eyes. "They are staring at you "

I turned to see them still staring at me in surprise but I ignored them. They can stare for all I care. I just hope they listen to me and stop making a fuss out of it. I can't risk the board finding out. They might call Bella to a meeting to inquiry if it's real. And I don't want that. I wore my headphone to distract me from their unnecessary talks. I rested, closing my eyes and humming the song as I tilted my head to the sound of the beat. I was so concerned about Bella but I knew all I needed right now was just wait and see what happens next.

**

I waited around to see if Bella would be out of her office soon. Most of the students had left including some of the lecturers too. I wondered what she was still doing in her office. I wanted to go in but I knew most eyes were on us and though most people had gone, I was still conscious of the fact that anybody can show up. I kept pacing around until the door to her office opened. I quickly moved closer. She closed the door behind her and stared at me. "Jay?. What are you still doing in school?. It's late?"

I scratched my head slightly and chuckled nervously. I suddenly see no reason for staying back. "I-i, i-i was just worried about you and decided to stay back and be sure you're ok"

She smiled and my heart melted. She's got the cutest smile I have ever seen. She looked around then moved closer to me. She placed her hand on my cheek. "That's so cute of you"

"Really?". She nodded. "You're not angry I waited?"

"Of course not. I am happy you cared so much about me to have waited. I was worried you might be worried about me. We should get going. Someone might be watching"

I stared at her wondering if she had heard about the rumor. I wondered if that was the reason she had stayed back in her office. "Is that the reason you stayed back?"

"No, I was busy with the excursion stuff. Why will I want to stay back because people might be watching?"

I struggled. "I don't know. I just felt you stayed too long in the office. I never thought about the excursion. It's getting closer already"

She nodded. "Yes, it is. It's a good thing, the board sees it as a great opportunity for you, students. I can belt you it's going to be fun"

I smiled. "I trust you on that"

"Can you go now?"

"I should go?"

She nodded. "Yes, you need to leave now. I am hungry"

"I thought we would go together?"

"No, we can't. Rumors about us are everywhere"

I rolled my eyes. "I care less about what they say"

She frowned. "You can't care less. You should understand I have more to lose here"

"I..."

"You should leave, Jay. We will talk later"

I sighed. "Sure". I moved aside so she could go first.

"No, you will have to go first. Just..."

I sighed. "I understand. I will go first"

She smiled. "Thanks"

I turned to leave but stopped. "You know I love you right?"

She nodded. "Of course I do"

"I..."

"Hey, go. You have to go now"

I nodded. "I will be waiting in the car"

"I told you we can't go together. You should go home. Someone will be here soon to pick me. You don't have to worry"

I batted my lashes. "Someone?". I folded my arms. "He or she?. Who is coming to pick you up?. Are you going on a date?. Is that the reason you..."

She walked past me saying nothing. I watched her leave and wondered if I had said something wrong?. Maybe I shouldn't have asked such a question. Maybe I should have let it slide and go. Maybe I should have left when she asked me. Different thoughts ran through my mind. I wasn't sure of her countenance before she left. I couldn't tell if she was angry or not. I wanted to go after her and tell her I was joking but I knew that was the wrong thing to do. I brushed my hair backward in anger. I was angry with myself for being a nuisance to her. I was angry for acting so irrational. I should be more considerate than anyone else. As she said, she has more to lose than anyone else. But also have something to lose to which is her. If she loses anything it automatically makes me lose her and if I lose her I have lost myself. I called her number and she wasn't picking up. I tried so many times but she refuse to pick. I placed the phone in my pocket and punched the wall angrily. My knuckles were bleeding but I cared less about it. All I wanted was to hear her voice. I wanted to be sure she isn't angry with me. It was getting late and I need to return home. I sighed. I hope she doesn't stay mad at me for too long.