3- Detention

Rose reluctantly woke up in the morning, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness about the upcoming day. She got dressed for school, choosing an outfit that struck a balance between casual and confident. On her way to school, Rose couldn't shake the apprehension about any inevitable encounter with her ex-boyfriend, James.

As her mother drove into the school compound she tightened her grip on her bag and tried calming herself down , she got down from the car and closed the door shut " Bye mom" she said and attempted to walk off when Grace called her back " Rose dear ,are you alright? You've been oddly quiet since last week, you know you can tell me anything " She said hoping that her daughter would open up.

Rose simply smiled at her " Am fine, bye mom ", Upon entering school, Rose navigated the bustling hallway, her eyes scanning for familiar faces. Just when she was starting to relax, she spotted Stephanie, her best friend who was waving at her happily and she waved back.

The tension eased as they greeted each other .Stephanie twirled around,her face full of smiles " Soooo how's my outfit, hot right" She asked, Rose chuckled lightly " You look beautiful Steph am sure our new math teacher would definitely notice you" Stephanie grinned silly " That wasn't what I asked but thanks" She hooked her hands around Rose's arm and began to walk towards their lockers chatting animatedly about the day ahead.

As they arrived in front of their lockers, their conversation was interrupted when they heard a group of people laughing and squealing, they turned to look and it turned out to be James accompanied by another girl, Christine and a group of friends.

The sight stung, but Stephanie's anger flared up, and she expressed a desire to confront them. Rose, however, held her friend back, insisting it wasn't worth their time.

With the warning bell ringing, Stephanie sighed reluctantly " I guess it's time for class " looking at Rose She sighed again "Ignored them Rose , but if it bothers you then tell me I'll go knock their teeth out".

Rose smiled at her " Let's go to class". Both girls began walking towards their class, as Rose glanced back at James and Christine, she decided to focus on her day ahead, leaving the past where it belonged.

As both girls were sitted on their desks,Stephanie gasped suddenly "OMG our first class for today is math and you know what that means rose ... Quick take a full scan and tell me if I look attractive...ahhhh what if he asks me a question and I fail that would be embarrassing ..." Her voice faded into the background while Rose remained distant, staring out the window lost in her thoughts.

The classroom hushed as the teacher walked in, the students rose in unison, a customary greeting etched into their routine. However, Rose, still in her own world, stayed seated, mindlessly gazing outside.

The teacher's stern gaze scanned the classroom through the rim of his glasses, catching glimpses of admiration in the eyes of some female students. A subtle sigh escaped him.

As he prepared to acknowledge the class with a wave, his attention pivoted to where the lone figure , Rose, was seated captivated by the world beyond the window. The room held its breath as his eyes narrowed and he strolled over to her desk and knocked on it harshly.

Startled, Rose turned to face the teacher, only to be met with a familiar face—the guy she had bumped into at the café, the one who had rudely brushed her off.

An unexpected surge of anger boiled within Rose as she confronted him

"You again? Why are you here ? Dont tell me that you're a stalker and by the way don't you have manners why are you always rude. You could have knocked politely you asshole!!" she yelled out.

The classroom fell silent, all eyes on the unfolding drama.

Rose's outburst echoed in the quiet classroom, and as she turned around, a sea of curious eyes met hers. Bewilderment etched across her face, she questioned the peculiar atmosphere " Why are you guys staring at me like I grew a horn"

The man was a little taken aback as he pondered on where he had seen the girl, did she mistake him for someone else ?. Clearing his throat he introduced him self calmly "I'm your new math teacher, Mr. Damien, not some stalker" he announced.

Rose's jaw dropped, and she struggled to comprehend how the guy who bumped into her rudely became her new math teacher. Turning to Stephanie, who sported a mix a concern and confusion on her face Rose sought an explanation.

Stephanie leaned in and whisphered "He's our math teacher Rose and you didn't tell me anything about someone stalking you".

The man scrutinized Rose from head to toe. With a stern expression the

unusual scene unfolding.

Desperate to rectify the situation, Rose attempted to plead with the teacher "Am really sorry, I was lost in thought and didn't know when I yelled out" .

However, the teacher's anger remained unyielding. Ignoring her pleas, he sternly declared, "Detention. Now".

" But sir...."

" Out now" He yelled .

Stunned, Rose gathered her composure and reluctantly packed her belongings, shooting one last bewildered glance at Stephanie and an angry look at the man before exiting the room, leaving behind a classroom full of hushed whispers and lingering stares and the daunting prospect of detention hanging over her.