The class was absolutely quiet when Mr. Dimitri entered the class again. His hair perfectly set along with his shirt which was now tucked in with the sleeves buttoned up. Not a single crimp on the beige shirt that he seemed to have changed into. Shoes shinning, like a mirror, and a mild earthy scent of perfume for men that you could hardly pick up unless you were aware of it already.
It seemed to me that the events from ten minutes ago were just a hallucination. His eyes flickered to me once, before he started handing out sheets to some specific students in the class, including me. He tried to meet my eyes, but I was too determined to pick at the small tear of skin at the corner of my thumb. It hurt slightly, yet the pain did very little to mask the feel of a set of green eyes digging into me.
I scrutinized the piece of paper with neatly printed blocks of letters and found out that it was a form to enter a competition. Specifically, a competition held by our college where other colleges also participate. I quizzically looked up from my form to see that others were confused as well. What has this competition to do anything with us?
It was almost the end of the semester, with our finals coming up in a week or two. I would hardly have any time to revise the rest of the subjects, let alone this one, and prepare for this competition if I did participate. Plus, the college had not announced any such events in the notice board like they usually did. I would know because I always checked it first every day.
"As you all know that our college holds a competition every year with other colleges on the extra co-curricular activities. This year, on my request, the higher authorities have agreed to hold a competition on musicals. I have given the forms only to some specific students, and they are to train and practice for the same in the upcoming weeks. Alone and individually with me. Others are not efficient enough, so they will carry on with their regular classes. While the rest of the selected students will be provided routines according to which they will have to prepare their schedule and make time for the sessions with me."
Mr. Dimitri droned on while I was in my own world of surprise and happiness. Sacred and a little anxious too, but I couldn't stop the small smile that crept across my face as I realized that it was one of the best days of my life. My dream was about to come true.
I will have my first stage performance.
****
I couldn't wait to get out of the classroom and tell Liza all about the competition, and as soon as the bell rang I stuffed all my belongings in my bag, ready to waltz out of the class when I heard my name in that awful heavy voice that sent a chill down my spine.
"Rose you are supposed to stay back" Mr. Dimitri had an eerie look on his face which slapped the grin right out of my face. Reluctantly, I cleared my throat and took slow steps back into the room and towards my seat, waiting for everyone to leave.
Mr. Dimitri got up from his desk and went towards the door to close it. He turned back towards me and leaned on the door, blocking my only exit. His sly eyes staring deep into my soul, a stare I couldn't break.
"So I heard from Ivan that you were looking very provocative the other day when you went to Max's party. He also mentioned of you having worn a certain kind of...revealing dress. I would like to know the reason as to why you went to such heights of change from your usual self."
His eyes were dark and hot with burning ashes. Such a sudden, swift change that I couldn't believe what I saw. The thing that bugged me the most was his reason to hold me back after school. Why did he care if I wear revealing dresses?
"Um, sir, I do hope that I don't need to tell you why I wore whatever I chose to. I have the freedom to wear whatever I want and do whatever I want?" The statement came out more like a question, which I didn't intend to, but perhaps it would help him remind how things usually work in life because he seemed to have a completely different notion about it.
I was very confused by Mr. Dimitri's behaviour as well. Why did he care? And why would it concern him at all. Moreover, why was Ivan talking to him about me?
"The thing is Ms. Dawson, I would be very upset if you are not able to concentrate on me and my lessons. The consequences would be very bad if I see you daydreaming about your boyfriend while teaching you. So I advise you to nip it in the bud before it's too late. I don't want to see you having a boyfriend anytime soon. Distractions of such sort are not allowed in my class, and neither do I expect such behaviour from my students."
I was pretty much sure that my mouth was hung open. What was his problem? I couldn't believe what he just said and demanded out of me. It was too ridiculous to accept.
He slowly walked towards me, and soon I found myself trapped between the chair and him as he placed both his arms on the desk and leaned down on me and I did the same, only leaning backwards, trying to get away, but he was so, so close that I could smell that same gentle musky perfume that was quite distinct yet familiar.
His green eyes looked me in the eye, daring me to do something, but I was too caught up in shock with all kinds of wrong scenarios going through my head to even realize that he tucked a small envelope inside the pocket of my hoodie.