Laughter and chatter echoed down the hallway as a couple of guys and a girl talked, saying their goodbyes. Chiki stepped through the door, forcing a fake smile as she entered the room, quietly shutting the door behind her. Hey, teach!" She flops into the chair, spinning around with a carefree grin. "Miss Mari said you’ve got something for me, so like, what’s the deal, teach?" She starts playing with the paperweight, spinning it, but her demeanor suddenly changes. “Whaaat?! What do you mean, Miss Mari saw me in the stairway, like, fuckin a guy?!" She puts on a fake shocked face, dramatically widening her eyes and gasping. “Bleh~ I’m just fucking with you, teach. Yep, it was me! A girl’s gotta get her dough somehow, ya know~" She laughs it off, flashing a carefree smile. “You’re the new PE teacher, right? Look, I’ll be real with you... I’m like, totally the girl who does it all, for a price, of course. So, if you want me to sit through your boring yapping about what’s right and what’s wrong, you’re gonna have to pay up. I charge by the hour, lol~" She crosses her legs, keeping one over the other, flashing a sly grin. “For your counseling session, it’ll be 2 hours, so like, how about 200 bucks? You can do whatever you want, or just eat away at my empty brain, lol.” She pulls out her phone, quickly typing a reply to someone. She waits for his answer, smiling at her phone and tapping her foot impatiently.
There will be no money, no fucking, nothing. You'll cut that carefree attitude or else. Yes, that's a threat. Don't make me teach you manners. Because I'll make sure you've learnt.
Her smile falters, confusion and annoyance clouding her face as she looks up from her phone at the PE teacher, clearly not expecting that answer. She starts to open her mouth, about to speak when another voice from the hallway interrupts them both. A female counselor peeks inside the doorway before stepping further into the room, looking concerned and nervous. Chiki tenses slightly, feeling uneasy as the woman makes eye contact with the PE teacher before turning to her with a pleading expression. Relief washes over her for a moment as she thinks this might change everything, but then reality sets in again, reminding her of the mess she's in and that there might be no easy way out after all...
"Oh, hello Ms. Stephens," *Chiki says, her tone casual as ever as she continues to play with the paperweight on the table. She looks from one adult to the other, not bothering to hide the annoyance in her expression anymore."Well, I was just letting Chiki here know that we've got a plan for her... Maybe you should tell her about it?" The counselor says softly, glancing at the PE teacher before shooting Chiki another sympathetic look.
"Okay then," Chiki replies nonchalantly, deciding to feign interest as she puts on her most disinterested face and leans back in the chair. Her fingers still play idly with the paperweight while she watches the adults talk around her, unable to shake the feeling that this is all just another facet of her messed-up life. She bites her lip, trying not to fidget too much as they discuss her future...
"So," *the counselor starts carefully, "The school isn't giving up on you yet, Chiki
"Oh yeah?" *Chiki replies sarcastically, lifting an eyebrow. She doesn't bother to hide her disbelief or distrust. "So, what's the deal? I gotta do something special for you guys this time, huh?" There's a hint of challenge in her tone as she eyes both adults warily.
"Well," the counselor begins gently, "The school is willing to give you one last chance. If you can pass your final exams this year and maintain a good attendance record until graduation..." She pauses as if trying to find the right words. "We'd be happy to offer you a scholarship for college. It could change everything for you, Chiki." "Yeah, right," Chiki replies dryly. "And how am I supposed to do that? You guys keep taking away my teachers, and I can't even concentrate with all the bullshit going on around me!" She crosses her arms defiantly over her chest, scowling at them both.
Then probably you should stop fucking your teachers? he tells with a high volume, then lowering his voice Look, Chiki. You do that for money, I understand. I might be able to help if you tell me why do you need the money for. You don't have to do it. There is so many other way.
"Oh please," she scoffs. "You think I'd tell you the truth? Look, I've been through this before. You guys just want to save your little fucking school or whatever." Her voice drips with sarcasm as she continues to play with the paperweight on the table. "Look, just give me a grade that won't get me kicked out and let me go back to what I was doing before. We both know it's fine either way."
I'm new here, okay? I don't know what you've been through and don't fucking care about the school. I care about my students and you are my student, so I care about you. Stop being dramatic and tell me.
"What do you want to know?" She sighs, uncrossing her arms and leaning forward in the chair. "My mom's a crack whore, okay? And she took me with her when we ran out of town. I slept with anyone who'd help keep us alive." Her voice is flat as if she's been through this story so many times it's lost all meaning. She shrugs, glancing away for a moment before looking back at them. "I just want to get out of here, you know? But every time I try... everything falls apart."
Who do you live with? Your mom still?
I'm technically living on my own, but I've been staying with a friend of a friend while we were here. They don't really have the room for me though, so I probably should find something else soon. But honestly, what choice do I have? Everyone around here knows who I am and what I've done... She trails off, running her fingers through her hair in frustration before letting her hand drop back to the table. "I just want this all to be over, you know? I'm tired of pretending like any of it matters."
Okay. If the principal agrees too, I live on my own and have an empty room. You can start living with me and you won't have to worry about money. You can just focus on your study.
She laughs humorlessly. "Right, like you'd trust me in your house. Like I'm some kind of fucking angel." She shakes her head, glancing away again as if trying to hide the hurt she feels at the thought of being rejected yet again. "But thanks for offering... I guess." Even though it sounds bitter and sarcastic, there's a small spark of hope that flares up in her chest. It's fleeting, but it's there. She wonders if this could be her way out, even if it's not under the best circumstances.
I want to trust you. Why wouldn't I? You weren't a thief or anything. And you were doing what you were doing just for your needs, to survive. I even respect that, but can't let that keep going. Just accept it.
She stares at him for a long moment, searching his face for some sign that he's not just saying this to try and manipulate her into changing her ways. His expression is...oddly sincere, despite the tough words he's using. It makes her feel uncomfortable in a way she can't quite put her finger on. Finally, she lets out a small huff of laughter. "Fine," she says with a shrug. "If you really want me to..." Her voice trails off as the weight of the decision settles onto her shoulders like a lead blanket. This isn't how she thought it would go, but maybe...just maybe, this could be the chance she needs.
Okay, so don't need to waste time here. We can continue counseling at my house. Let's go and get your stuff from that house of a friend of a friend of yours. he giggles
"Whatever," she mutters, standing up. She stuffs her phone into her pocket and follows the PE teacher out of the room, feeling a mix of relief and dread wash over her. Maybe this won't be so bad after all...but then again, it could be worse too. At least she has somewhere to go for now, even if it's not under ideal circumstances.
they walk to his car, it's a brand new Camaro. They gets in and goes to the place she mentioned. Gathers all the stuff and goes to his home. It's a slightly big, modern house. There we are.
Chiki follows him, looking around curiously as they enter the car and then his house. It's nicer than she expected. As she sets down her bags in one of the empty rooms he showed her, she can't help but wonder what kind of man would just offer to let a total stranger live with him like this...and why he'd even want someone like her around. But maybe it doesn't matter. For now, she has somewhere to go and things to do. Maybe this will be the change she needs after all.
"Thanks," she murmurs, looking up at him from where she sits on the edge of her bed. There's a newfound wariness in her gaze as she takes in his features again, wondering if there was more than just kindness behind that offer...
No problem. I just want one thing in return, study more and raise your grades. If you keep up the good attitude, I can even help you get into college. And all of these things can stay behind, in the past. You can sail to a new life.
"Whatever," she says with a shrug, leaning back against the headboard. "Like I've got anything better to do." Even as the words come out of her mouth, there's a hint of desperation in her voice. This offer...it means something more than just having a place to sleep and food to eat. It's an opportunity she can't afford to squander. Maybe she won't end up like her mom after all...but first, she needs to prove herself worthy of this second chance.
She forces a smile, feeling the muscles in her stomach twist into knots as she tries to keep up the facade of confidence and ease. "So, what do you want me to work on first?"
You can start with maths. As I know, you really need to raise that grade... I'll leave you alone to study. he turns to leave, but turns again to her By the way, I'm gonna cook, do you have anything special that you want to eat?
Ah, math. Just what I always wanted to do...well, it could be worse, I guess. "Uh, sure, anything's good," she replies with a shrug, forcing another smile before turning back to her books. It feels like every part of her life is being turned upside down right now, and she can't help but wonder how long this new arrangement will last. But for now, she has work to do if she wants any chance at a real future.
Alright. Don't be embarresed to tell me if you ever need or want something, or have something to tell me. I'd be happy to help. he turns his back to leave
"Okay," she mutters under her breath as he leaves the room. She takes a deep breath, trying to steel herself against the nagging feeling that this is all too good to be true. There's an unfamiliar knot forming in her chest, somewhere between hope and fear. With a sigh, she cracks open her math book, determined to focus on the task at hand and not let her emotions get the better of her. She might have finally caught a break, but it's not over yet...not by a long shot.
he goes to kitchen to cook a good beef for themselves. About in 20 minutes, whole house smells like beautiful beef scent. Even Chiki can get it while studying. He hums a song while cooking
The delicious scent of beef fills the air as Chiki studies, her stomach rumbling in appreciation despite herself. She focuses on her math, trying to block out everything else but the problem at hand. It's hard not to wonder about her new living situation though; this nice house, a PE teacher who seems genuinely interested in helping her...it feels almost too good to be true. But for now, she pushes those thoughts aside and immerses herself in her studies, determined to make the most of this opportunity before it slips through her fingers.
after several minutes, he knocks on her door Chiki? Dinner's ready.
She jumps to her feet, wiping her hands on her jeans as she hurries over to the door. "Thanks!" She says, flashing a quick smile before remembering herself and forcing another shrug instead. "I'll be there in a sec." Then she takes a moment to compose herself, brushing down her clothes and pushing her hair behind her ears before entering the kitchen, attempting to look presentable despite her less-than-ideal circumstances. "Smells great," she says, sitting down at the table. "I didn't even realize how hungry I was."
he pours a glass of wine to himself What do you want to drink? You got some options. he shows her some alcohol-free drinks
She hesitates for a moment, then shrugs. "I'll have whatever you're having." She tries not to look too eager, feeling awkward and out of place in this unfamiliar situation. It's strange being around someone who seems so...normal. Maybe it's just because he's a teacher or something, but she can't shake the feeling that there's more going on here than meets the eye.
She glances around the kitchen, looking for somewhere to put her plate before remembering she's supposed to be helping clean up after dinner. "Do you need me to do anything?" She asks cautiously.
Well, you're not old enough to have wine young lady. he smirks But I can make an exception for today. he pours her a glass of wine too And don't worry, just enjoy your meal.
"Thanks," she murmurs gratefully, taking the glass and holding it tentatively before her plate. She takes a sip, feeling the warmth spread through her as she savors the taste of the wine. It's not bad...much better than what she's used to drinking. As they eat in companionable silence, Chiki can't help but wonder how long this arrangement will last. She knows better than to get her hopes up, but for now, she decides to enjoy the moment and see where it leads. Maybe there really is a chance for her to turn things around, to find some sort of normalcy in her life after all these years. It's a scary thought, but also oddly exhilarating.
as they eat their dinner, he gets bored of the silence So, since when were you doing.. he makes some hand gestures pointing her body this?
"Well," she begins slowly, trying to keep her tone casual as she takes another sip of wine, "it's not like I had a lot of choice in the matter." She shrugs, looking down at her plate. "I just...did what I had to do to survive, you know? It wasn't ideal, but it was better than the alternative." She hesitates for a moment before adding, "And it didn't help that my mom is...well, she isn't exactly the best influence." There's a hint of bitterness in her voice as she says this, but also an underlying sadness that she can't quite hide.