Teacher's Girl (Aflyingwhale)

IAN’s POV : 

A MONTH LATER  

"Alright everyone, have a great winter break.Merry Christmas,"

I said as soon as the clock struck three and the sound of the bell pierced through the air.

The kids roared in cheers as they busily grabbed their things and scattered out of the room.

"Merry Christmas, Mr.Hayes," they said to me as they walked out the door.

I nodded and smiled at everyone.

I was never big into holiday spirits, but this year, things were different.

Emma and I went to New Jersey for Thanksgiving, so I decided to spend Christmas and the New Year with her in Georgia.

We didn't get a chance to spend Christmas together last year so this was gonna be our first.

Walking out of the empty classroom, I went past several other students and teachers that greeted me with ‘Merry Christmas’.

That was great and all, but actually I was looking for someone else.

I didn’t see Emma anywhere though.

She must be out already.

After thanksgiving, things got pretty busy for her.

On top of exams and homework, she also had to take her SATs and did her college applications.

I was so damn proud of her.

I proofread her essay and I wasn't saying this just because I’m in love with her, but seriously, those college admission people would be dumb if they don't take her.

Making my way into the teachers’ lounge, I noticed the Christmas decorations hanging around the wall.

They also put up a plastic tree and a desk with what I believe to be fruit punch and cookies.

"Hayes! Merry Christmas,"

Pullman yelled at me from across the room.

He was holding onto a red cup and he was wearing that stupid Santa Claus hat.

"Hey, Merry Christmas, John,"

I nodded back at him.

He strode over to me and that was when I noticed he was talking to Erica Diaz just a moment ago.

She acknowledged my presence and let out a small smile.

I smiled politely back.

"So, uh, any plans for the holidays?"

John said when he was an arm’s length away.

"Not much.Just gonna kick it with my girl,"

"The long distance girl? You still on that?"

"Yeah,"I nodded.

"Still on that,"

"Well, hey, that’s good for you,"he patted my shoulders and suddenly he leaned into my ears and whispered, 

“So, bro, I heard you had a thing with Erica Diaz a year ago.I was just wondering if it’d be cool if I make a move on her? Anyways you got a girl and everything,"

I stifled a laugh and said, "Dude, go for it, man,"

"Yeah? ‘Cause I just wanna make sure...bros before hos right?" he whispered back.

"John, I'm telling you, go for it," I looked him square in the eyes and smiled full of reassurance.

"Well, alright then," he nodded in excitement.

That stupid grin was back on his face as he made his way back to Erica.

I thought it was amusing that people actually believed Erica and I had something going on.

Anyway, I was done with school drama for the day.

I grabbed my things and made my way out of there faster than you can say spiked eggnog.

"Enjoy your holidays, Hayes!" John called out as I left the room.

"Oh, I will," I said to myself.

I had fun plans for the holidays.

Mainly it revolved around lazing around the apartment, working on my art pieces, and cuddling with my girl next to the fireplace.

deserved some rest.I wanted to take care of her.But before all that, I needed to make a quick stop at the mall.Yes, you heard that right.The effing mall. 

something and leave.But then I ran into a couple of other teachers from school, they were having drinks at

again.  They were being nice

no, but this was Christmas.And honestly, I

out

party at

plenty of time to spend together during the

up staying for a

singing karaoke and it was like a train wreck that you

Mercury and even I had to admit, it was

apartment at around 10 PM

little, probably because

open the door finally, I swung it open

covered wall to wall in glittery things,

my record player and I didn’t know I

"Emma?"

was standing in the middle of my living room

red dress with a Santa Claus hat

was probably the same hat that John was wearing, but on her it looked amazing.  "Happy early Christmas.I hope you don’t mind, I used the spare key

and bit her lip.  "No, of

my head quickly and closed the door behind me, "But, what are you doing here? I

Mean Girls.But anyway, I left early because I want to give you your present," she

laughed as I caught her little body in my arms I drank a little, but

what I

not even Christmas eve yet," I said as I cupped her little face with my

wait," she squealed

this flat square

chuckled and lifted the brown paper bag I was holding in

have a present for you

eyes

and she took the brown paper bag from

found a big blue box with a white ribbon

looked like a little girl in a candy store as she

she glared at me when she saw what was

out, so," I gave her a

she pouted and put the

your real gift,"I

a small blue box with a white ribbon

at it cautiously, perhaps afraid

the box from

and lid went away, and inside laid a small heart-

a locket?" she

"Open it," I instructed.

souls are the same..." she read the engravings

quote from your favorite

with wide glimmering eyes.Her breath was caught in her throat.For a moment, she just stared

you like it?"I

it!"she jumped to her feet as she

ever," she said as she stood on her tippy toes and gave me

was pretty good too,"

from her hand and turned her little

her neck, I clasped the lock on the back of

around and admired the little gold thing resting

said as her hand went to

a

also got you

"Oh?"

handed me the red box on

the

a Christmas present in a

"A sketchbook?"

when I saw

had, but

was my

artist can never have enough blank pages to draw on,"

beyond my wildest dreaMs.Ever since she came into my life, I had so

that she

and I would fill these

great.I love it.Thank

like it.And I hope you'll like your second present just as much,"she said and her lips twitched into

"What is it?"

you can see...but it’s something

I looked at her quizzically, but she just smiled at

as she

her as she led me

tracks when we reached the bed

up at me, her hands went to my shirt and she

are you

She didn't answer me.

off my clothes and pushed me

complaining, but I

her short

lips instinctively

could feel myself getting rock hard just by looking

darted to the nightstand where my box