TE19 Iberian Adventure

Four by Four

They cover up by pretending to show each other their tits, as they’ve done on other occasions.

They discuss how they’ve grown, their shape, color, variation in the nipples. Then they agree on a vote-based, numerical ranking. When it’s her turn, Teeny lifts her shirt and bares two pale, tiny little sacks at her ribs. The girls laugh at the hint of breasts that aren’t really anything at all. Celia joins the group and sees Teeny; she laughs, too, pointing out the bit of fuzz that grows on her nipples. Teeny blushes and covers herself quickly. She looks away, unsure which expression will best hide her discomfort. •

The Teacher

There is a new teacher. Young. Héctor looks at her differently.

She looks back at him from behind her reading glasses. Her eyes are icy and move constantly.

She waves her hands as she talks about social movements, revolutions, monarchies, republics that follow one after another, about dictatorships and democracies, calling on students randomly, spontaneously, and surely, a flurry that always ends with Héctor, in the back row. She rests a finger lightly on her desk and makes him repeat what she’s just said. 83