"Do you understand the risk we're taking?" bites lip nervously
paces back and forth, wringing her hands This is... this is really happening. I can't believe I'm doing this.
Ms. Harlow, just tell me already
takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself Okay, here it goes... I've been keeping something from you, Douglas. Something...
blushes deeply, avoiding eye contact I've been keeping something from you, Douglas. Something that I should have told you a long time ago.
nervously fidgets with her pen Well, you see... I... I've been attracted to you for a while now.
surprised, looks up at Douglas You... you did? Why didn't you say anything?
It wouldn’t have made a difference
pauses, contemplating her next words Look, Douglas, I understand if this is overwhelming for you. But I wanted to be honest with you.
I appreciate your honesty, but I don't want people to think I'm taking advantage of my teacher
laughs nervously Oh, Douglas, please. You're not taking advantage of me. We both know that this is... well, that this is real.
I know it’s real, but how are we going to make this work?
grabs a notebook and starts jotting down ideas Well, first things first. We need to figure out how to keep this between us.
draws a diagram in the notebook Okay, so we'll come up with a secret code to communicate in class without raising suspicion.
if I scratch my head it means yes, if I cover my mouth it means no, and if I write something in my notebook it means I have to remind you of something
smiles mischievously Clever, Douglas. I like it. And if we need to meet outside of school, we can use the hidden compartment in my desk.
where do you want to meet up?
They decide to meet at a local park every afternoon after school to continue their secret relationship.
quickly pulls out a map from her bag Alright, let's see... The park seems like the perfect spot.
ok, but not too far from school
points to a spot on the map Here! There's a picnic bench right by the swing set. It's secluded enough that no one will bother us.
grabs her bag, practically bouncing with excitement Perfect! We'll go there every afternoon after school.
I might get caught though
grabs Douglas's hand, squeezing it tightly Oh, come on, Douglas! We'll be careful, I promise.
pulls out her phone and starts researching safe meeting spots Alright, let's find a backup plan in case something goes wrong.
scrolls through her phone, mumbling to herself Okay, how about this café? No, too crowded. Ugh, what about that alleyway?
pauses, her eyes widening My house? Oh, Douglas, I never thought of that. That could work!
nodding rapidly Yes, yes, I'm okay with it! It's perfect! No one would suspect a thing. Okay, let's do it!
laughs nervously Yes, I live alone. It's a small studio apartment. Cozy, but it's just me and my cat, Mr. Whiskers.