Kate and Claire were still seated in the dining room after everyone else left. "It's still early, do you want to go up to my room and hang out?" Undecided, Kate looked at her watch, it was only 9:45 pm. She frowned at Claire, "I'm not sure. I'm a little annoyed with you right now."
"I'm sorry-"
"I don't get it, why didn't you just tell me? Why the big secret that your brother is my teacher?" Kate growled.
Claire's eyes widened at the accusation, "It's not like that. It's not a secret."
Kate eyed her suspiciously, "I don't know Claire. I felt like you were unveiling a party trick at my expense."
"That's not why I didn't tell you."
Kate's eyebrows raised at her confession, "So you were keeping a secret."
Agitated, Claire drew in a deep breath before answering, "Okay. I don't know whether you happened to notice, but my brother is pretty good looking. Personally, I don't really see it. But all the girls at school say it, so there must be some truth in it. It's gross the way they talk about him and all the things girls say they want to do to him. Basically, I have very few friends because of it."
Claire waited for some reaction from Kate and when she saw none, she continued, "You'd be surprised how many girls have pretended to be my friend so they could get closer to Jack. Or how many guys would pretend to like me hoping that I would steal exams or help with grades. I'm sick of being used. Okay, Kate?
This disclosure was unexpected, Kate thought, but not wholly surprising. It made sense actually. Jealousy suddenly overcame her with the newfound knowledge that other girls actually pursued him.
"Are there any other surprises I should be aware of, Claire?" Kate's eyes narrowed.
Relieved, Claire giggled, "No that's it. I swear."
Kate debated before asking her, "Can I ask you a question?" Claire nodded. "How is Mr. Shephard your brother? You have an Australian accent, he doesn't. You both have different last names. I haven't been able to figure this out."
Embarrassed, Claire sighed and then poured out her answer, "It's not the most flattering story, that's for sure. My dad had a long term affair with my mum. They met at a hospital in Sydney, my mum was a nurse. He used to work there regularly, he'd spend about eight to twelve weeks over the course of a year. She died a few years ago and I have no family to speak of on my mum's side, so Dad brought me here. At first, I wasn't ready to take his last name and then when I started high school, I preferred not to because of Jack."
This shocking confession had an effect on Kate. Dr. Shephard seemed so… so proper. It was difficult envisioning him engaging in an affair, that produced an illegitimate child, no less. She could only imagine what this had done to Jack. Although she did detect tension between Jack and Christian during dinner. The tension simmered the entire time, but it was clear that there were issues between them and when the conversation turned to med school, that seemed to stir up conflict.
Kate then exhaled a long withheld breath, "Wow... Claire. That was ummmm… heavy. I wasn't expecting that."
"I know, it's not exactly something the Shephards brag about."
Taking advantage of Claire's apparent willingness to share, she persisted in her questions, "What's the deal with your brother and med school? That seemed to raise a lot of ire during dinner."
"Oi! Don't get me started on those two. Personally, I think Jack wants to go to med school, but won't just so he can stick it to Dad. It's sick, I know. But this kind of shit has been going on between them for years. My dad is really hard on Jack, I mean really, really hard on him. From what I've seen and heard from others, Dad's always been this way. Dad demands and expects only the best from him, so you can imagine how he reacted when Jack didn't apply to med school, even after acing the MCAT. Dad went apoplectic. Jack's mom got involved and because she was still so angry with Dad about the affair, she took Jack's side. She bought him a BMW for graduation and put a huge down payment on a luxury condo for him downtown. Jack's trust fund from his grandfather kicked in when he was twenty-one, so he's been able to be financially on his own, even with a teacher's salary. Dad and Jack didn't speak to each other for months and the only reason they did again was because Margo, Jack's mom, got sick."
The information that flowed freely from Claire was a lot to absorb. Kate realized that although Jack's life appeared to be charmed, he had experienced deep pain in his young life too.
"Oh. That's terrible. Is Jack's mom okay now?" Her eyes watered ever so slightly as the question tumbled from her mouth.
"No. She died about two years ago."
Instinctually, she cast her expression downwards, overcome by an ache for Jack, for his pain and loss. She now felt connected to him in some way, she couldn't explain it, but she did.
The school bell rang to indicate that Monday's class was over. The classroom got noisy as the kids began to chatter while gathering their belongings. Kate stood up.
"Kate, can you please stay after class?" He told her. She shrugged her shoulders and sat back down. Scattered thoughts flashed across the surface of her mind. He hadn't made this request before.
Jack waited until it was just the two of them before he circled around to the front of his desk and leaned on its edge. His long muscular legs were stretched out as he crossed his arms. He smiled warmly at her, "Hi Kate."
"Hello Mr. Shephard." She was consciously aware of how timid her voice sounded and she hated it.
"You feel awkward." It was a statement more than a question, she observed.
"Sort of." The words seemed to just drop out of her mouth. It was an honest statement, but perhaps one she would have preferred not to have admitted to. The dinner on Friday had been strained. From the initial revelation that Mr. Shephard was Claire's sister, to the exchanges between father and son and then Amy who, out of nowhere, became a bit rude towards her. So, it was fair to say that Kate was apprehensive about class today and how to interact with him.
He smiled at her, "Don't. You're friends with Claire and that's a nice thing. That also means we may see each other from time to time outside the classroom. Don't worry about what I may think of you or how you should act. When we're in here, just treat me like all your other teachers. Okay?"
She nodded a 'yes', but she knew what he was asking was an impossibility. He was nothing like her other teachers. If he only knew how many waking hours she spent thinking about him, fantasizing about what it would be like to be with him. But she knew that he would dismiss her as being like the rest of the girls that pined away for him - childish and pathetic. Ungainly, she gathered her books and then waved him goodbye.
Jack watched her leave and wasn't sure whether 'their talk' went over well. Earlier during class, he had noticed that she avoided eye contact with him. He presumed that she still felt uncomfortable about Friday night. But now he wasn't sure. He decided to just let it go for now. Surprisingly though, he felt generally much better. Somehow, having worked on his med school application all weekend gave him some closure and sense of being in control again. By next June, all this stress will be a distant memory. He will go to med school and she'll go on to some ivy league college- it will be as if they never met. He kept reminding himself that this slow torture will end, he just needed to continue to keep his attraction to her under wraps.
September and the first half of October went by quickly, but it hadn't been easy. When it came to Kate, Jack felt like he was on a long and restrictive diet. As much as he wanted her, she was off-limits. Some days were infinitely easier than others though. His desire for her distracted by other important things happening in his life. He was grateful for that and tried to occupy himself as much as possible. And just when it seemed like he was in the clear, she would give him a look, a smile or wear something that set him back to square one.
He was the teacher and she was the student, but he enjoyed studying her in class. The way she would bite her bottom lip in concentration during a quiz, the way she would blush with embarrassment for another student 's absurdly incorrect answer, the way her eyes would get dark and the ends of her mouth would dip if she didn't get something right. He also knew when Kate didn't get enough sleep by the way she quickly blinked to keep her eyes open and let out long yawns. Some days she dressed up in mini skirts and cute dresses, other times she was a tomboy in jeans and sneakers. He liked both sides equally and some mornings he would wake up wondering which Kate was coming to class that day.
Since dinner at his father's house over a month ago, his relationship with Amy hasn't been quite the same. She's become more jealous and possessive, traits he never saw in her before. And when it came to the topic of Kate, Amy lacked all subtlety. There were times he was almost convinced that Amy was as obsessed with Kate as he was. But he never hinted at his real feelings toward his student. Even though he and Amy were still together and fucked a few times a week, he didn't anticipate the relationship to last. They bickered more frequently now and he didn't seem to really care if they went a few days without speaking.
He also knew she was expecting a ring on her finger soon, a big one to be exact. Which was another reason why he never envisioned them being together for the long haul. He knew she was attracted to him, but he suspected that she wouldn't have stuck around as long as she has, if it weren't for his hefty trust fund account and inheritance from his mother. Jack was realistic enough to know, that when it came to Amy, his personality, intellect and skills in the bedroom would never have offset his teacher's salary. Amy was sexy, pretty in that California girl sort of way and she was smart and accomplished enough. Other men always looked at Jack with envy when they were together, yet, strangely, he never felt a pang of jealousy over her. He knew that Amy was someone that almost any man with enough money could have.
He also found himself often comparing Amy to Kate. Physically and personality wise, they were different in nearly every respect. And the appeal of the traits that had once drawn him to Amy seemed to be waning quickly. Amy's physique stood in sharp contrast to Kate's petite frame. Amy was bigger with full breasts and curvy hips. Kate was sporty, but distinctly feminine in every way. Interestingly, when he was in bed with Amy, he never fantasized about being with Kate. Jack preferred being alone when thinking about Kate and what her young, slender body would feel like writhing beneath him. He knew he sounded crazy. That he was more enthralled with a fantasy than the reality that most others would kill for.
Kate woke up to her phone ringing. It was 7:00 am on Saturday morning. Who was calling her at this ungodly hour on the weekend? She looked at the screen and saw that it was Claire. She was about to let it go to voicemail, but decided against it, figuring that something had to be up for her to call.
Her voice was hoarse, "Yeah?"
Awake and chipper, Claire boomed "What are you doing today?"
Kate groaned, "Why are you calling so early Claire?"
Alert and chipper sounding, Claire responded "Do you want to come to the club today and play golf?
Well, that will be an easy question to answer she thought. Kate stopped playing golf three years ago and had no intention of resuming.
Kate didn't hesitate, "Ahhh. I don't-"
Claire interrupted, "We need a fourth person. Amy cancelled at the last minute. So it's only Dad, me and Jack. Pleeeeease?"
After hearing that Jack was going, she reconsidered her stance. She thought about her mother and their days spent playing golf together. Yet she was undeniably drawn to accepting Claire's invitation. "What time?" She let out an impatient sigh, pretending to be put out by Claire's request.
Claire answered excitedly, "Dad and I will pick you up at 8:00. I'll lend you some golf clothes for the club."
"No. Don't worry. I have clothing and my own set of clubs." Unsteadily, she rose out of bed and headed to her bathroom.
The golf club was luxurious to say the least. It was massive and was located on a peninsula about 30 minutes south of Downtown Los Angeles. Over the years, Kate had accompanied her mom to a few tournaments that were held at upscale country clubs, but they were nothing compared to this. For the most part, Kate and her mother played at the local no frills public courses. And that suited them just fine.
Jack was waiting in the stately clubroom for them. He was dressed in a fitted navy golf shirt, khaki pants and baseball cap. He took a final gulp of his coffee before standing up to greet them. Jack's eyes widened as he recognized Kate.
"Hey. I thought you were bringing granddad." He asked Christian.
"Claire wanted a friend to come along, so she invited Kate, who apparently knows how to play. So I think this worked out nicely, no?"
Jack smiled at Kate, "Good morning, Kate. I'm sure spending a Saturday with your Physics teacher is exactly what you're dying to do. I hope, this time, Claire told you I was going to be here." He looked in Claire's direction for confirmation.
Kate's heart fluttered, "Claire told me. She said you were down a person and asked if I would join."
Jack took in her appearance. She looked lovely, her curly hair tied back into a ponytail. She wore a grey polo shirt with slightly puffed shoulders and a short navy golf skirt. Her hands were tucked inside the front pockets. He came to the conclusion that she looked beautiful no matter what she wore.
Christian smiled to his son, "So how are we going to divvy up the teams here? Kate said that she has been playing since she was seven years old, but hasn't picked up a club in three years. So she's a bit rusty now. But, I'm going to still assume that she is better than Claire." He shot a playful smile at his daughter. Claire rolled her eyes in response.
Jack quickly answered, "You're a stronger player than me, so I'll take Kate. That should even us up." Christian looked quizzically at him. They always sparred when discussing who was the better golfer. Jack always asserted that he was the better of the two. Then they usually would end up engaging in some jokes and smack talk.
He winked at Claire, "Okay, so that's settled then. Father and daughter versus teacher and student. Come on Claire, let's kick some butt."
Surprisingly, it was turning out to be a pleasant day. The vibe was upbeat and Kate couldn't help notice how relaxed and playful Jack was with his father today. They cracked bad jokes and shared plenty of laughs. She had a hard time recognizing them as the same father and son she witnessed in their dining room. They were fiercely competitive though. At the fourth hole they spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to discern the wind direction in order to opt whether to drive the green or lay a tee shot into the fairway for a wedge. Claire made plenty of comments, telling them to move on and quit the rivalry.
When they arrived at the sixth hole, Christian looked to the three of them, "Does anyone need a break? I'm going to use the restroom."
Claire answered, "I need to go."
Kate looked at Dr. Shephard and softly answered, "I'm okay. If you don't mind, I think I'll just stay here and admire the spectacular view." She then tilted her head in the direction of the seaside cliffs.
Jack looked to his father, "I'll stay here and keep Kate company."
Jack and Kate moved their equipment off the green and walked over to the side. "The sixth hole is a particularly challenging driving hole because of the bunkers on both sides of the fairway. You may want to consider adjusting a little so you don't hook the ball again."
Kate glared at him, but there was something playful about it. "Are you actually telling me how to play golf?"
Jack laughed, shaking his head, "Of course not, Kate."
Kate lifted her chin stubbornly, "I didn't think so."
Jack bent down and grabbed a few balls out of his bag. "Grab your driver and follow me."
They walked a small distance and stopped at the wide, two-tiered landing area to the left of the elevated green. He stuck a tee in and placed a ball on it.
"Okay. I want to show you something." Jack then proceeded to demonstrate a stroke and hit a long drive. The ball landed into the ocean.
"Let me see you do the same thing." He gestured at her. Kate let out an exaggerated sigh as she approached the tee. She positioned herself and took the swing. The ball distinctly hooked to the right. A sour look came across her face. Jack grinned and bit back the laugh that was itching to come out.
They practiced a few more times, but each time achieving the exact same result. Kate's competitive juices were pumping and he could see her patience was wearing thin. He looked at her, "Let's try something else, okay?" Before she had a chance to answer, he was standing right behind her. He gently rested his hands on her hips. He felt her jump ever so slightly. "Can I?" he breathed into the air over her shoulder. She nodded a 'yes'. He gave her hips a little squeeze as he tried to nudge them into the proper position. Kate's heart was racing now as he moved in closer and enveloped her in his arms. He placed his gloved hand on hers and together they gripped the driver.
"I think you're jerking your wrist during your swing and that's why the ball's hooking. Let's try this together and see what happens, okay?" He was consciously aware of how close she was to him. He enjoyed the feel of her against him and how she could be perfectly tucked away into his frame. She was perfection.
This time, Kate didn't hook the ball. Together they watched it fly up in the air and plop perfectly into the water.
"I think you may have hit a seal." He said jokingly.
She pulled away and rested her hands on her hips, "I did not!" She stared into his playful grin and let out laugh so hard that it had her bent over double.
"I don't even know why I'm laughing. That seal comment wasn't even funny." She roared as the tears formed at the corners of her eyes. Jack laughed right back at her. He looked over his shoulder and saw Claire and his father approach.
Even across the small distance, Christian witnessed the entire scene and wasn't sure what to make of what had transpired between Jack and Kate. But his instinct told him that there was something brewing between them. At first, he thought it was one-sided on Jack's part, but now he could see that Kate seemed more than amenable to his son. But most importantly, Christian knew that it was a potentially dangerous situation.
At the ninth hole, Christian's phone rang, he looked at the screen and saw it was from the hospital, he then gave the three of them an apologetic look. He pointed his finger to the phone, gesturing that he would make the call quick. He mouthed for them to continue to play before walking out of hearing distance. Claire seized on the opportunity to then check her phone and distanced herself for some privacy as well.
Jack looked towards Kate, "You're up next. Dad said for us to continue. At this rate, we'll be here way into the evening." His playful tone indicating that he's had plenty of experience with drawn out golf games with Christian.
Kate positioned herself by the tee and took the swing just as they had practiced together before. They both watched the ball soar into the air and finally land close to its intended target. Kate grinned as she celebrated inwardly, she nailed the swing this time.
Jack smiled, looking as if it were difficult to conceal his approval, "You're a natural. You mentioned before that you haven't played in three years. How come?"
Jack noticed Kate's demeanor change dramatically. Her eyes welled up at hearing him refer to her as 'a natural'. It was a term that was always used to describe Diane and her prowess on the golf course. Sullenly, in a quiet voice, she answered, "I haven't played since my mom died. She was an avid golfer and we used to play often. It was sort of 'our' thing. And I just never felt like playing anymore once she was gone."
"But… you're playing now." Jack quietly observed, wondering what made her decide to play today after all these years. His statement lingered. He hoped she would tell him.
Kate let out a soft sob followed by a shuddered breath.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you." He now regretted pushing her. He should have let her be and because he didn't, she looked as if she were about to cry.
Kate bowed her face such that it was now entirely masked by her sun visor. He placed his curled index finger under her chin and lifted it.
"Hey." He said gently.
Her eyes had pooled with tears and he then gently cupped the left side of her cheek. One errant tear zigzagged down between her freckles. His touch comforted her and a tiny smile pushed the corners of her mouth. Her eyes were closed and Jack could see how her lids were weighed down by the damp, thick eyelashes. Her face tilted upwards, a gesture that made her look expectant. He wanted to kiss her. And a familiar voice called out.
"Jack!"
Their moment vanished. Jack pulled his hand away and Kate took a step back. He watched Christian approach them, with Claire trailing behind. His father wore a sober expression, almost troubled looking.
"Son. Why don't we switch partners for the second half? You have too much of an unfair advantage. Kate didn't hint as to how well she actually plays. I need a chance to catch up here. Claire is killing me."
Claire pouted, "Dad. That's not nice."
Christian snorted, "Well, it's the truth. I can see your private golf lessons with the club pro have been a huge waste of my money."
Jack read the look in his father's eyes and he knew something was bothering him.
Author's note: Since I'm new to writing, I'd love to get some reader feedback and learn what I need to improve. I would welcome knowing if the story is of interest to you. I have so much more planned for Jack and Kate here and I will be changing the rating to M. So I hope that will not offend.