Page 32 of Troublemaker: The Big Picture Edition

And I will tell you that I’m not in the habit of asking questions that I don’t want answers to.

So I will ask again—how do you like teaching at Silver Lake?

And I will also ask—has your blouse dried out yet? What do you have against shirts? It seems you use them to soak up various forms of liquid. Maybenext time you’re on Google you should research “towels” instead of “Alex Vega”…

TO: ALEX VEGA

FROM: EMILIA STILES

I like teaching at Silver Lake very much and would like to continue teaching there.

And none of your business.

But I do have another question, and then I’m done.

What’s the story behind that peach pit necklace? Did Ryder make it for you? I have several beaded necklaces that were made for me by former students, and I treasure them. I would have worn them out that night that we didn’t meet, but my roommate would not have it. Why didn’t you wear it to the club? Do you not think it’s cool? Because I think it is.

TO: EMILIA STILES

FROM: ALEX VEGA

Ryder did make it for me, yeah. And it’s one of the coolest things I own. Which is why I would never wear it to a place like that club. If I lost it there, I’d never forgive myself.

Are you sure you’re done?

Because I’m sure I’m not.

Is there some rule about teachers not dating the parents of students?

If there is, I know of at least one staff member who did not get the memo.

Said person may have practically tackled me when she saw me in the hall when I was on my way to Room 15 this afternoon. I tried to make it very clear that I’m not interested. She may not have gotten that memo either.

If there isn’t a rule, I want to take you out. For gelato. Or more frosting. Or sushi and sake. Whatever you want. As soon as possible.

TO: ALEX VEGA

FROM: EMILIA STILES

There is no official school or school board rule about this, no.

However, I have my own reasons for being hesitant.

I appreciate the offer.

I really do.

But more than gelato or frosting or sushi or sake, I need time.

Without getting into it, I think I still need to get some emotional distance from someone.

So my thoughts and feelings about him don’t get tangled up in my thoughts and feelings about someone else.

And I also don’t want my thoughts and feelings about you (if I were to have them) to get tangled up in my thoughts and feelings about Ryder when I’m teaching him.

Do you agree that my relationship dynamic with Ryder is more important than my hypothetical attraction to you?

TO: EMILIA STILES