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.

lately and she 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

had to pick up something and leave.But then I ran into a couple of other teachers from school, they were having

right again.  They were being nice and

no, but this was Christmas.And honestly, I didn’t have anything else better

out

party at her house and I told Emma she should

plenty of time to spend together during the break, she deserved to enjoy herself with

up staying for

her third glass of beer, Mrs.Duvall started singing karaoke and it was like

inner Freddy Mercury and even I had to admit,

to my apartment at around 10 PM or

probably because I drank a bit too many shots

the door finally, I swung it open

covered wall to wall in

record player and I didn’t know

"Emma?"

standing in the middle of my living room with this big

wearing a short red dress with a

on her it looked amazing.  "Happy early Christmas.I hope you don’t mind, I

her lip. 

are you doing here? I thought you were gonna be at

I left early because I want to give you your present," she rambled and stumbled a little as she walked

laughed as I caught her little body in my arms I drank a little, but I am completely sober,"she stated firmly, as firm

you wanna know what I

said as

I’m just too excited.I can't wait," she

couch and pulled out this flat square red box tied with a

the brown paper bag I was

a present

eyes widened

took the brown paper

found a big blue box with a

in a candy store as she sat down and

she glared at me when

her a playful

very clever," she pouted and put the

is your real gift,"I said as I took off my

out a small blue box with

looked at it cautiously, perhaps afraid

box from my hand and opened

lid went away, and inside

a locket?"

"Open it," I instructed.

she read the engravings on

quote from your

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

like it?"I

it!"she jumped to her feet as she said

the best gift ever," she said as she stood on her tippy toes

good too," I

from her hand and

neck, I clasped the

around and admired the little gold thing resting on her chest, just below

her hand went to touch the little

a present

I also got

"Oh?"

your first present," she handed me the red box on the

the ribbon

been so excited for a Christmas present in a

"A sketchbook?"

when I

I had,

my

of pages in your old one.An artist can never have enough blank pages to draw on,"

dreaMs.Ever since she came into my life,

only fitting that

muse and I

love it.Thank you,"

present just as much,"she

"What is it?"

something that you can see...but it’s something you can

quizzically, but she just

me,"she said as she pulled my

followed her as she

we reached the bed and she turned around

hands went to my shirt and she started undoing

What are you

She didn't answer me.

clothes and pushed me

complaining, but I was

her short dress

licked my lips instinctively

hard just by looking

where