The Teacher (part 3)

When Appleby saw the symbol, her throat was dry and heart raced. She started clawing through the files in her drawer for any information, grades, work, anything. Names isn't her strong suit, for it's only been recently that she has been training herself to see the wholeness of these girls. Finally, she got the girl's photo from the administrative office, the file named: Daniela Russo.

The wavy dark hair floats down her slender yet healthy shoulders, her cheeks is tinted with a faint pink, her blue eyes sparkled the usual youth. The only thing that really differs her from the rest of these young girls is her mole just 1.5in away from her mouth, on her left cheek. Now, Appleby's got a full image, and she remembers this girl from her classes. She can't wait

when the winter break is over.

During the breaks, she always goes to far away places, a time to be herself. Hanging out with men, women, depending on her mood. Despite this little secret, she still prefers men, because men always made her feel safe, yet boring. Women, on the other hand, have always been the dangerous ones, like spicy food --- even though you know what you're getting, the outcome is always different.

Unlike her usual trips, she'd been making plans on her ways to approach. On the first day of school, she saw Daniela walking in, and for the first time, she looked at her in the eyes and smiled. The girl did not shy away, instead, she returned the smile. Filled with hope, Appleby discussed the answers on the finals, made intentional references to Danila's answers. And the young girl gloated with her friends of her well-deserved A plus.

Juggling between power and her tactics of being closer to the girl, Appleby has been bolder than ever; other than doing her usual stunt at the third period, she is completely focused on the classes, especially when Daniela is in. Unintentionally, the classes also respond well, more lively than ever. More after-class tutorials from students, from girls, especially. Appleby has started her own cult.

Daniela, on the other hand, has also become closer to her. One day, Appleby made a comment about not knowing how to bake when they were talking about Julie & Julia, then Daniela said she can bake the best apple pie there is, and even made an offer to Appleby, saying that she'd bring her some the next time she makes some. Weeks later, Daniela fulfilled her promise, and brought the pie to the teacher at break time. They shared the pie.