Our last meeting

The week flew by smoothly as it possibly could, with Ayla stressed about her test, Diana busy with art, Jason and Kevin swarmed with practices and Mason on edge with everyone.

"You have your test today Ayla?" Monica asked over breakfast.

"Yes," she let out in a mouthful of waffles.

"You will do great. You have Jason to help you," Monica said to ease her up.

"No she doesn't. Jason has a science congress to attend," Jason interjected.

"Why didn't Jason say so earlier?" Monica asked.

"Because nobody asked what Jason has planned," he snapped a bit.

"Because Jason is going out with Sam," Ayla laughed.

"That pretty girl he has on his home page?" Monica asked excited.

"Since when does Jason and Sam talk," Mason asked shocked making the already blushing Jason squirm in his seat.

"Since party,"Ayla answered, making everyone become alert.

"What party?" Monica asked immediately.

"No party," Jason and Mason  answered immediately trying to dissolve the matter.

"What party Ayla?" Monica asked her again.

Looking at Jason shaking his head she answered," Welcome party for me. With friends," turned to Monica smiling and added," was great had so much fun,".

Looking from her to the boys then back to her, she sighed but still managed to smile," that was a good thing you did for her. Mason you are taking her to school, getting moving before you all are late,". Getting up she gave them all forehead kisses before clearing up the table.

******

"I really am sorry. I never meant to hurt you," he started.

No response.

"Ayla? Please give me a chance!" Mason pleaded.

"How far to school?" Ayla asked instead.

"Not far but just let me make things right," Mason tried again.

"How make things right?" Ayla finally let up.

"For starters are you busy today after school?" Mason smiled.

"No," she said with enough nonchalance to think the conversation was about weather and refusing to let on what she was thinking

"Great. Met me here immediately after school," mason told her as he parked in the already packed parking lot at school.

"Bye," she whispered running out of there as is if her ass was on fire.

"Morning, where are you running of to?" The person she collided with asked.

"Probably to study for her exam. Let her go Kevin," Diana spoke up coming near the duo.

"Jealous are we?" Kevin asked pulling Ayla further into him as a smirk formed on his lips trapping Diana's gaze for a minute.

"You wish," Diana scoffed.

Staring into each other's eyes, Ayla coughed," hurting me Kevin"

"Oh my God, sorry didn't mean that," Kevin quickly apologized letting her go.

"Yeah right. You always hurt everything you touch," Diana admonished pulling Ayla with her as she left.

******

"You like him," Ayla commented nonchalantly over lunch.

Choking on water," what are talking about,"

"Early today, giving each other look,"

"You are nuts and seeing your own things," Diana lied.

"Then you want him?"

"Who the hell is teaching you this stuff? They are completely off,"

They settled into a comfortable silence before Diana suddenly remembered,

"How did your tests go?"

"No results but hope good," Ayla said managing to smile.

"Good. Hope we will have more classes together, and you helping me with the charity gala, okay?"

"Sure. Where Sam?"

"At some congress or shit,"

"Science congress with Jason," Ayla informed her with a smile.

"I don't like that smile, I know you know something but I don't have time to get it out of you. I need to head to the arts room. See you later," Diana said putting her stuff together ready to go when Kevin sat next to them.

"Just got back to whatever hellhole you crawled out of".

"Don't worry feisty am not here to burst your bubble," he smiled.

"Then why are you here? " Diana sassed.

"The swim meet is today, wanted to invite you guys," he smiled.

"Something planned. Success though," Ayla rejected the invite before standing up to leave.

"Its okay," Kevin gave her a sad smile before she left.

*******

  Ayla's POV

"Hi Michael, told come see you," I hoped into the room smile like a Cheshire cat.

"Yes, please have a sit Ms. Miller," he addressed in that annoying voice that I heard him using while teaching.

We have know each other for far too long for him to not understand that my name is not Miller.

"Ayla," I corrected. " How are you feeling today?" I asked generally concerned about his well being.

Clearing his throat, he replied," am doing quite well, Ayla thanks for asking. And thank you for the soup you made it was delicious."

"Your welcome," I smiled, happy that he liked it. I wasn't really sure if it would turn out half as good as Monica's but I was happy he liked it.

"Now back to the matter at hand,I have your test results," he began in that same monotone voice making me squirm, not for the voice but for the results.

I really did want to pass the test and get placed with Diana. Everyone else was graduating next year and only Diana would remain and she would be a senior and would soon graduate leaving me on my own if I didn't get into the same class as her.

"With regards to your past and your language," he continued after a long pause only to pause again watching me as I got more anxious and tense.

"You did great," he announced.

A huge smile broke out and my shock, relief and happiness were evident on my face and when I asked to confirm if I heard right.

"Yes Ayla, you are join the junior grade as early as school resumes. You shall also receive your new class schedule when school resumes." He confirmed.

I couldn't keep the joy in me any longer,and without warning I shot out of my sit, rounded the table and hugged him rumbling on about how scared I was that I will fail especially after Stacey's crude comments that she manages to throw my way every time we are in the same vicinity.

He very awkwardly gave me two pats on my back before breaking away for me,"I think that's all I have to say, you may take your leave now," he choked out.

A heavy feeling made its way to constrict my heart at his blatant dismissal," Of course," I said tersely making my way to the door.

"Ayla?" He called as I got to the door.

"Yes"

"This also marks our last meeting for tutoring. As a last lesson, from today onwards please address me as Mr. Ross," he dismissed coldly.

Walking away feeling hurt, I went to met Mason at the parking lot.