Young Love

My little brother, Ethan, got called into the principal's office for dating. Guess who his homeroom teacher was? My high school sweetheart, Jake.

"Is young love a family tradition?" Jake asked, his voice cool and even.

"Not at all," I retorted without thinking. "It's your expert teaching."

The office fell dead silent.

"Um..." I stammered, my mind racing. "Mr. Evans, I can explain!"

1.

If I’d known I was going to run into Jake Evans today, I wouldn't have shown up at school smelling like hot pot, with zero makeup on. The most awkward thing isn't bumping into an ex, it's bumping into an ex when he looks even better than he did back then, and you… well, you look like you just rolled out of bed.

"You're Ethan Parker's guardian?" he asked, his voice as crisp as I remembered. "I'm his homeroom teacher, Jake Evans."

Seriously? We broke up a few years ago, but it's not like I'm unrecognizable.

Jake and I dated senior year. He was the valedictorian-to-be, I was… not. He somehow managed to drag my grades up enough to get us both into colleges in the same city.

But those colleges were miles apart, a three-transfer subway ride and a three-hour round trip. Plus, once he started college, he got busy with labs, research, and competitions. We barely saw each other. Back then, I was young and impulsive, and "break up" slipped out way too easily.

We hadn't seen each other since, even though we lived in the same city. And now this.

My brother's puppy love had me, the responsible adult, feeling like a scolded child. I forced a respectful tone. "Hi, Mr. Evans. I'm Amelia Parker, Ethan’s older sister."

I’d spent plenty of time in the principal's office growing up, thanks to my mischievous streak, but this was a new level of mortification. I wanted to strangle Ethan. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be in this mess! Mom and Dad were both out of town; otherwise, I wouldn't be the one facing this humiliation.

The other kid’s parents were there too. I apologized profusely, outnumbered and outgunned. Thankfully, they were understanding.

Jake handed me both kids' report cards. "They're seniors now. The next few months are crucial for college applications. Their mindset is important. I've already spoken with them; they've agreed to focus on their studies until after the exams. I called you in today hoping we can work together to guide them."

I scanned the report card, muttering, "So that explains why he’s been pulling all-nighters lately, like he's possessed. He's taking after his big sis, I see…"

Jake paused, then finally looked at me. "Is young love a family tradition?"

What?

That didn't sit right with me. Meeting his cool, dark eyes, my brain short-circuited. "Not at all," I blurted out. "It's your expert teaching."

Dead silence.

The air in the office thickened. The other parents and teachers stared at me like I'd grown a second head.

And then I realized what I’d said.

Oh my god.

"Mr. Evans! That's not what I meant! Please don't misunderstand!"

T...