There was pin-drop silence in the class. Melanie was teaching trigonometry to the students and it being a difficult subject, the students were listening with grave concentration. It was not easy to teach high school mathematics, but it was a walk in the garden for Melanie. She knew the art of teaching as well as how to hold her students' concentration. So, her disciples adored her and her class would have a hundred percent attendance in every sitting.

Also, she was very friendly and easy-going with them, making her easily approachable compared to the other teachers. There were still ten minutes for the class to end, but she dismissed them early.

"Okay, class. I will return your graded answer sheets tomorrow. I am sorry for the delay." She gave them a smile.

"Miss Parker, it is alright. We will wait for you. Are you fine now?" One of the students on the first bench enquired.

"Why do you ask?" Melanie asked as she picked up her notes.

"We heard that you were sick."

"I am fine as you can see. But to tell the truth, I am actually sick."

"What happened?" All the students questioned at once.

Melanie was their favorite teacher. Not only was she beautiful, but also she was also cool and cordial with them. She never looked down upon the students who were weak in their studies. Also, she supported her students wholeheartedly whenever they took part in tournaments and competitions, encouraging them to participate with full vigor.

"You see. I am amazed at your creativity. It is beyond this galaxy."

Everybody in the class blinked. They did not know what she was talking about.

"Sometimes, I am really surprised by your answers though they don't make sense with the actual question asked. I end up having a headache." The students laughed at her words.

"I am just kidding. You guys are the best. I have corrected twenty-two papers as of now and I am impressed with your performance. Class, now if you have any doubts regarding today's chapter...."

"Please don't come to me but discuss it with your friends. If you still have doubts, then come and ask me." The students finished her words.

"Wow, you guys know me so well. I am touched." Melanie wiped a non-existent tear, making the class crack up again.

"Ok class. That's it for today. Take care."

Melanie walked out of the class with a smile. She always felt calm and happy whenever she was with her students. They made her forget her sorrow and grief. As she approached the staff room, she heard someone call her name. Looking around, she saw the physical trainer, Jacob Smith sauntering toward her.

"Hello, Miss Parker. How are you?" He asked her with a gentle smile gracing his lips.

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"I am doing good Mr. Smith. What about you?"

Jacob Smith was a physical trainer in school. He was also the coach of the football and the volleyball teams. True to his profession, he was once a national-level football player but had to quit playing due to certain circumstances. He was tall with an impressive athletic height and he looked quite muscular. His tanned face made him look more charming and attractive.

Jacob had turquoise-colored eyes and his chestnut brown hair looked so soft and shiny that Melanie wanted to ask what conditioner he used. She always wondered how he maintained such good hair. Her hair would always look like a bird's nest and on some bad days, it would look like she had just returned after taking a tour on the roller coaster in the amusement park.

"I am fine too. Miss Parker, I heard that you were sick. Are you alright?"

"Yes. Mr. Smith, it was a mild headache. I am absolutely fine now."

"That's great." He smiled cheekily and scratched his head.

"Do you have something else to say?" Melanie asked, waiting for him to speak.

"Yes, can we meet after class?" He spoke so softly that Melanie thought she was hearing things. But, looking at the big man blush, she was sure that she was not hallucinating.

"Why?" She smirked at him before composing herself and putting on an innocent face.

"To get to know each other."

"Don't we know each other already?"

"I mean... I.. We." He stuttered.

"Are you asking me on a date?" She asked straight-forward, startling the man for a moment.

"If I say yes, will you be angry?" He asked boldly but not daring to make eye contact with her.

Melanie laughed. "Why will I be angry?"

"Then will you go on a date with me?" Jacob asked with a glint in his eyes. He had taken a liking to her since the day she had joined the school. In his entire thirty years of life, it was the first time he had been attracted to someone of the opposite gender and he was not sad about it. Melanie was sweet and adorable and she had a good rapport with her colleagues. Sometimes, he also found her cute making him want to pinch her cheeks.

"Let me think," Melanie said raising her eyebrows while looking at him from the corner of her eyes. He stood beside her waiting for her reply expectantly. Though the man was well built and hefty, at that moment he looked like a small kid who was waiting to get his favorite cookie.

Suddenly the bell rang indicating the end of class, the door to the staff room opened and out walked the teachers who had their classes next.

Melanie smiled at all the teachers while Jacob just gave them a nod. Among the teachers who had walked out, there was Kate Wilson. She was an English teacher and was close friends with Melanie. Seeing Melanie and Jacob chatting outside the staff room, she sent her a wink only to get a scowl from her friend in return.

When all the teachers left the two alone, Jacob glanced at Melanie. "So, Miss Parker?"

"Sure, why not?" Melanie replied with a grin. Jacob was not a bad guy. He came from a well-reputed family and was a gentleman. He had an amicable personality and was sweet by nature but his job expected him to be strict and dignified. So, his kindness was hidden behind his stern face. If everything turned out well, maybe she could have a long-lasting relationship with him. After one failed love story in her college days, she had not dated anybody else. She might as well give him a chance.

Her answer made Jacob smile brightly. He was very happy and excited about the date.

"I'll see you after class." He reminded her.

"By the way, where are we going?"

"That is a surprise." He said giving off a mysterious vibe making Melanie narrow her eyes.

"But don't worry. You will love it. Now I have to go. I have a meeting in ten minutes regarding the inter-school volleyball tournament."

"Sure. See you later."

Melanie went to her desk and sat down. She pulled a water bottle from her bag and took a sip. It was only eleven in the morning and she was already tired. She still had two more classes for the day and a date to follow. Sighing, she took out the answer booklets and started to evaluate them. She had switched off her phone, so she missed the calls from her aunt. Even if her phone was switched on, she would not have entertained her.

Why would she when her aunt was the reason for her misery?