Adela's Class
Copyright© 2026 by OmegaPet-58
Chapter 5: La Cocina
ADELA
David was watching me chop vegetables for the big dinner.
“Mom, I’m not keeping up here. You started out listing reasons against teacher-student relationships. Tonight, he’s coming to dinner, and you confessed to kissing him. Did you just surrender to his good looks, or what?”
“It wasn’t his looks—it was his sweetness. We talked about my car on the way in, and he showed he was sincerely worried about me. About my safety. And then, during class, he had a brainstorm. Oh, I need to teach him that word. Anyway, he’s paying for a towing service for me, so I won’t get stranded if the car breaks down. It’s like a hundred dollars for a year, he said.”
“That’s a great idea. Thoughtful, even.”
“So, yes, my limits, my boundaries—they collapsed. And I kissed him. Many times. You’re not going to report me, are you?”
“No, of course not. I thought you were worrying too much. So, I guess after dinner you want me to go to a movie or something so you can do some more, uh, kissing?”
“David, don’t tease your mother. Besides, Paolo is bringing his daughter with him. She’s your age, twenty.”
“Is she cute?”
“I haven’t seen her, but we’ve talked on the phone. The whole carpooling thing was Julie’s idea.”
“Then we owe her, don’t we.”
“We sure do. Anyway, you’ll see her soon.”
Of course, when they arrived I was in the middle of something I couldn’t put aside to answer the door. So David let them in, and instantly embarrassed himself.
“Hello again, Paolo, and you—”
I heard him seize up. I’d seen this before with him, when emotions blocked his ability to speak. I finally put my knife down and rushed to the front door while still wearing my apron.
“David, step back. Please come in, I’m not sure what’s going on with him. Julie, you look lovely. Paolo, you didn’t need to put on a jacket and tie.”
“Of course I did. I feel honored to be here with you for dinner. My daughter, Julie.”
“I’m pleased to meet you, and your partially mute son. Maybe I should have worn Levi’s and a T-shirt.”
“No,” David croaked. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t expecting ... Julie, can I start over?”
Julie giggled. “Of course, David. Did I scare you?”
“No, not scared. You’re very beautiful, Julie. I’m happy to meet you. We owe you for suggesting the whole carpool thing. My mother is so happy.”