The rest of the week past thus so. Peter and Britta became suspicious of their sister's whereabouts by the end of the week. After everyone had left on Friday they marched to the front of the room and Peter slammed his hands down on the desk. "Where have you been all week Kirsten Larson?! I demand to know!" Britta crossed her arms sternly, "I am your sister and you have never kept secrets from me." Her little face grew red under her golden blond braids, and she pouted with such enthusiasm that her bottom lip jutted out in extreme.
"Ja!" Hans chimed in, not fully understanding what his older siblings were talking about.
But Kirsten shooed them off telling her that teachers do not share all factors of their lives with their students.
"I need a place to plan lessons and prepare and grade papers where my students are not. If you where with me when I was planning a test would it be fair if you knew before the others in the class?" She questioned. It was not a lie; Kirsten did like to plan away from home whenever she could. But she did not feel comfortable telling them yet about Svein. He was not courting her . . . so then there was nothing to tell . . . but she hoped he would. But if did not then she would feel silly getting her hopes up and telling her brother how she was sweet on a boy. Peter would make fun.
As her siblings were questioning her whereabouts, Svein arrived at the schoolhouse, "Ready for my English lesson Miss Larson." He smiled at her and then looked quizzically at the youngsters in the room.
"Aaahhhh I see." Peter said slowly and he picked up Hans and placed him on his hip, "Make sure you are home for dinner Miss Larson, mama would not be pleased." He scowled and walked out of the building. Britta trailed behind with a confused look, "Who is he?" she asked, tugging on her brother's coat.
***
"Are those your siblings?" Svein asked walking up to Kirsten's desk.
"Yes." She replied glumly, getting up and turning her back on him as she cleaned the chalkboard.
Svein placed his hand on her shoulder, "You are upset?" the statement came out more as a question.
"Yes." She stopped wiping the board and bowed her head in shame. "I did not exactly lie to them, but I was not truthful to them about why I was not walking home with them after school. My siblings and I have few secrets from each other."
"I see. And why did you not tell them about me? You have done nothing to be ashamed of." He held her chin in his hand and stared into her eyes. Kirsten stared back, not knowing what to say.
"I . . . I . . ." her voice trailed off.
Svein took a deep breath, "I like you Kirsten."