The Italian Lesson

“Hello, I’m your new tutor. My name is Mario and I’m looking forward to getting to know you all this term. Firstly, I’d like to know why you’ve chosen to learn Italian.”

“Well, Mario,” replied Jennifer coyly, “I thought it would be good to study a foreign language.”

What Jennifer omitted to say, she’d spotted Mario on enrolment night and all thoughts of joining an English Literature class went out the window. She was besotted.

Jennifer was always early for class and always the last to leave. She hung on Mario’s every word. She loved being up close to him and took every opportunity to ask a question just to hear his beautiful harmonious dulcet tones.

Unbeknown to Jennifer, Mario realised almost right away she had an unwelcome fascination for him. He knew he had to do something to save her embarrassment and any unwarranted accusations of being over-familiar with her.

Five week into the programme, Mario had a light-bulb moment!

“Next week before half-term,” Mario started, “I thought it would be a good idea for you to invite a relative or close friend to come and join our group after the break to hear how well you have done with your Italian. I’ll invite my wife as she’s heard so much about you all.”

Unsurprisingly, after half-term, one student had dropped out of Mario’s popular class.

232 Words