SERIAL FICTION

Off on the Wrong Foot

Teach Me to Love — Chapter 3

Welcome back! In Chapter 2, Kylie is a bit overwhelmed as she settles into her new life in Xi’an. Richter deals with his money-grubbing ex on the night before their school year starts.

The brand-new office building said ‘Smithson Educational Services’ in bright red letters above the entrance, but Kylie couldn’t quite read it in her early morning haze. It was still 6:45, after an unexpected night of shoeless karaoke, and her eyes were still adjusting to the light.

“This is it,” Wanda said.

She was sickeningly cheerful for someone who spent last night downing complimentary drinks with both hands. Kylie had half-expected to spend a few hours holding her hair back and giving her pep talks, but it wasn’t necessary. Instead, Wanda had woken up bright-eyed and runway-ready.

Kylie, on the other hand, didn’t drink anything last night and was still walking like a zombie.

“It’s nice,” she mumbled. “I can’t wait to start working.”

Wanda introduced her to a few of their fellow teachers. She spoke so quickly that none of the names could stick in Kylie’s brain. Except for Debbie, for some reason. The older woman with the red glasses was named Debbie. Or was it Becky?