It was second semester senior year. I signed up to take Maryland History. Last year Mr. Beans taught this class, he was a nice teacher. I figured the class would be easy.
First day I entered the classroom with a pleasant surprise. A new young teacher sat in the front of the class, Mr. Nearispicki. His attire was unremarkable, and his hair was untidy. His smile, however, was unbelievable. He stood about six feet tall, give or take a few inches. He was broad shouldered. He was muscular, but was no meathead.
Everyday I came into the classroom excited, with butterflies in my stomach. I would just await his entry and loved to hear him speak. I would stare directly at him, straight into his eyes. They pierced me, I had never seen anyone before like him, and he had so much love in his eyes. I loved talking to him one on one. I just could not get enough of him. The ninety-minute class flew by every b-day.
He was not a very focused teacher; he would stray off onto random topics. Nothing in the class ever pertained to the subject, Maryland History. Some days I would say something to Mr. Nearispicki about his lack of teaching. I would say "And what does this have to do with Maryland History?" He would then explain an instance of the history of Maryland to me. I loved frustrating him. It made me glow.
The semester continued, nothing happened. He never noticed me, aside from the normal student-teacher relationship. I was just an ordinary girl. I had strawberry blonde hair, average height, and fair skin. Other girls in my class were the stereotypical cheerleader type. They had blonde hair, were tan, with great bodies.
The year ended, I took my exam, I departed from his class. On the day of graduation rehearsal I decided to stop by his class and say goodbye. "I just wanted to say bye, check on my exam grade. Are they ready?"
"Yep, they sure are Bethany." Mr. Nearispicki responded while walking over to his computer where his grades were stored.
"How did I do?" I questioned.
"Well, you got an A." He said.
"I expected that, it was really easy." I insulted.
"Oh, was it not challenging enough for you?"
"No, it was perfect. Although, I do enjoy a challenge."
"Really? Well, I tell you what. I will give you another exam."
"That isn't necessary, I am perfectly okay with the A."
"Let me give you a challenge." He said with a mischievous look in his eye.
"Okay, what?" I questioned.
Mr. Nearispicki glanced over his shoulder and then looked around. It seemed to me that he was checking to see if anyone was around. To his satisfaction we were alone. He then grabbed a sheet of paper scribbled something down, he placed it in my hand. "Well, Bethany, enjoy college. You will do well. Goodbye."
"Goodbye!" I departed his classroom a bit confused. I walked down the hallway, which was decorated with the school colors. I proceeded out the front doors to my car. I opened the door and hopped inside. I then opened up the messy folded paper he had placed in my hand. I read . . . Do you like Frisbee? Meet me at Centennial Park for a match! That will be your challenge. I will be waiting Saturday at noon.
Now I was confused and excited at the same time. What exactly did that mean? Did he feel for me on another level as I did for him? I wasn't sure. But I was definitely going to the park.