The Teacher (part 6)

After Daniela had taken the train by herself, Appleby made her way to an my place on the way.

"Fancy seeing you here," I said.

"Well, you know I wouldn't come here if it weren't something that you can help me with," said she.

"What? About your job?"

"Not exactly, but more about a student."

"A student? Are you sleeping with a student?"

"You among all people shouldn't be surprised, Mark."

"Touche, but aren't they only teenagers? That's pushing it a bit, don't you think?"

"It didn't start out like that..."

She then told me about the whole thing and I must say, I was shocked about how young the girl was. But then again, who am I to judge? Appleby met me about the same age as that girl met her. Being the older, wiser one, I had to teach her many things about life, including pain. But then, the most painful part was to let her go and knowing that she might not return again.

"You know that you might be in serious trouble with this when you first started right?"

"Yes, but teaching is something I can take it or leave it."

"Well, what do you want to do?"

"I want to take her under my wings."

"To create another you?"

"Do you think you've created another yourself with me?"

"To certain extent."

Then she trailed off, talking about how her class and social life have changed since she met this girl. But in the back of my mind, I couldn't help but being intrigued by Daniela. What are the young kids like these days? What do they smell like? What do they talk about? What makes them tick?

I remember when Appleby was just a girl, she was smart and curious about life. Maybe that's why she chose me. Over the two years, we've shared some of the most intimate and wild moments. Being with a younger female, I really felt that my life had been turned around for the better.

When she had gone to college, however, I felt that I had nothing else to give her. Knowing that her best bet would to lose me, I wished her the best. Over the years, it was nothing but sporadic emails and visits. The passion was shared, but I knew my time has gone. Now, drifting in and out of women, Appleby has become my pride and joy.

After this get-together, Appleby kept her words and made her mark shown on Daniela when I saw the both of them next time. The next time, was nothing like today.