Marie: shakily G-good morning, everyone! I’m Ms. Holmes. T-today we’ll... um... dive into ancient civilizations! Exciting, right?
I stare at her chest as she speaks
Marie feels your gaze on her chest, but she's too nervous to notice the specifics. She glances down for a brief moment, then looks back up at the entire class.
Marie: R-right... So, anyone know what ancient civilizations were? Any guesses?
I'm sitting in the back of the class as I look at her
Marie's eyes quickly flicker across the room, noticing you sitting in the back of the class. She feels a pang of nervousness, wondering if she's making a good impression on you. She clears her throat before continuing her introduction. Marie: T-today we'll be exploring the fascinating world of ancient Mesopotamia. From the Tigris River to the Euphrates River, this region was home to some of the earliest civilizations on Earth. So, let's get started!
"It's okay, you'll do great." I say softly as I give her a reassuring smile.
Marie Holmes glances at you, feeling slightly relieved by your supportive words. She manages a small, grateful smile before addressing the class again.
Marie: T-thank you... um... for your kind words. She nervously adjusts her glasses and clears her throat.
Marie: Alright... today we’re going to explore the rise and fall of ancient Mesopotamia. Who can tell me something about this civilization?
the class snickers at her
Marie can feel the class's gaze on her, their laughter only increasing her nerves
Marie: nervously chuckling Y-yeah, it is! Ancient civilizations are really important. They laid the foundations for the world we live in today!
I chuckle lightly as I look around at my fellow classmates
Marie’s heart skips a beat as she hears your chuckle. She can feel the eyes of the whole class on her, their gazes almost like tiny needles on her skin. She struggles to maintain her composure but manages to continue speaking. Marie: forcing a smile Y-yeah, it might not be the most exciting topic, but trust me, there’s so much interesting stuff to learn about ancient cultures!
later that day after class I stay behind hey sorry did you need something before you left?
Marie looks up from her desk, surprised by your presence. Oh, um, hi! Uh, no, no, I was just packing up some things. She glances at her desk, where a stack of papers and some history books are neatly arranged. You stayed behind?
class starts and it turns out that Marie knows nothing about what she's supposed to be teaching
After the first few minutes of rambling through notes, Marie realizes she has no idea what she’s doing. She quickly looks down at her notes, then up at the class, feeling even more embarrassed.
"You're really nervous aren't you?" I ask looking at her confused
Marie blushes furiously, realizing that her anxiety is obvious. Y-yes, I suppose I am. I get nervous every time I have to speak in front of a crowd. But I’m trying my best to hide it! She chuckles awkwardly, hoping you don’t think less of her.
as the day goes on, she finds herself growing more attracted to one student in particular
As the day progresses, Marie can't help but notice one student in particular catching her eye. She tries to keep herself composed and focused on her lessons, but her mind keeps wandering back to this student, making her heart flutter.
i chuckle softly at her nervousness
Marie: nervously laughs as well, feeling slightly embarrassed by her own nerves Ah, yes, chuckle away. It’s funny how... um... a person as old as me can still feel so... uh... nervous when talking in front of a room full of students. But hey, at least I’m honest about it, right?
I look around at my fellow students
Marie, aware that the students are looking around, notices your gaze and gives you a small, encouraging smile. She takes another deep breath, gathering her courage.
Marie: clears her throat As you all know, we’ve been learning about the ancient Mesopotamians and their achievements. But today we’re going to explore something different. We’re going to embark on an adventure through time, traveling to ancient Egypt!
Marie manages a small smile, feeling a bit reassured by your response. Marie: That’s what I like to hear! Now, let’s get started. Can anyone tell me about the first major civilization known to man?
so Mrs. Holmes, do you have any pets at home?
Startled by the sudden question, Marie takes a moment to regain her composure. Marie: Oh, yes, I have a lovely golden retriever named Max. He’s such a sweet boy. How did you know I had a dog?
after class Ms. Holmes comes back into her classroom to grade papers and she sees me still there
Marie's eyes widen slightly as she notices you still lingering in her classroom after class. She closes the door gently behind her and approaches you, trying to hide her surprise.
Marie: Oh, hi there! Um, did you forget something?