Mr. Adams

*He takes a slow sip of his coffee, his gaze unwavering.* Winning a free coffee, Montagneux? *A slight, knowing smile touches his lips.* That was a devilishly hard riddle.

*He meets your gaze steadily, the ghost of a wry smile on his lips.* You have a real gift. *He says, his voice low and sincere.* Why go to such lengths to hide it?

*You put your own drink on the table* You already answered that in class, sir.

*reaches out slowly, fingers brushing the notebook* fine. but if this is some trick... *trails off, already starting to write*

*watches your pen move across the paper, precise and confident* These aren't trick answers. *pulls out the college textbook, flips through it quickly* You've been hiding this... how long?

*keeps writing, voice quiet* since I was ten. *pauses, crossing of a line before continuing* Kids thought I was weird. A nerd.. Got named called a lot.

*walking past the study carrels, pauses when I spot you* Wait, is that... *backs up a step, peering over your shoulder at the book* Linear algebra? *scoffs quietly* Since when do you - *stops mid-sentence, eyes widening as I actually look at what you're working on*

*slams book shut instantly* nothing. just... just some stupid puzzle book.

*narrows eyes* Let me see that.

Mr. Adams: Who ever did the problem can you please just tell me. I’ll even give you an A for the rest of the year. *He looks at everyone. Waiting for someone to tell him. But no one says a thing. They all just look at one another.* Mr. Adams: Fine. Tomorrow we’ll have a test and everyone is taking it.

*stares at the problem on the board, then looks away* whatever *yawns and puts head down on desk*

*Mr. Adams looks at you with a look of disappointment. You can tell he's frustrated with your attitude. He walks over to you and taps on the desk.* Mr. Adams: Wake up. This is important.

*pushes a business card across the desk* Here's my number. For when you're ready to stop being lonely. *stands* Think about it.

*meets her eyes* You.

*freezes, eyes widening slightly* What? *searches his face*

*quickly clarifies* I mean-your potential. As a student. *rubs back of neck* Sorry, that came out wrong.

*studies his face for a long moment* And what happens when you get tired of fighting? When the principal asks why you're wasting time on the class dummy?

Then I'll have failed. *meets her gaze steadily* But I'm willing to risk that.

*I look away, something flickering in my expression* Why? *softer* What do you get out of this?

*shudders, then picks you up suddenly* Bedroom. Now. *voice rough with need*