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.

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

something and leave.But then I

They were being nice and they invited me over

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

was out

Madison was throwing this party at her house and

of time to spend together during the break, she deserved to

for a couple

glass of beer, Mrs.Duvall started singing karaoke and it was like a train wreck that you couldn't turn away

inner Freddy Mercury and even I had

apartment at around

a little, probably because I drank a bit too many shots

open the door finally, I swung it open and my eyes

living room was covered wall to wall

playing from my record player and I

"Emma?"

the middle of my living room with this big smile on her

red dress with a Santa

was wearing, but on her it looked amazing.  "Happy early Christmas.I hope

her lip.  "No, of

quickly and closed the door behind me, "But, what are you doing here? I thought you were gonna be

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

I caught her little body in my arms I drank a little, but I am completely sober,"she

don’t you wanna know what I got

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

excited.I can't wait," she squealed and took a

the couch and pulled out this flat square red box

I chuckled and lifted the brown paper bag I was holding in my

have a present for you

eyes

and she took the brown paper bag

found a big blue box with a white

looked like a little girl in a candy store as

box of panties?" she glared at me when she

out, so," I gave her

she pouted and put the box

your real gift,"I

a small blue box

perhaps afraid that it

box from my hand

went away, and inside laid a small

locket?" she

"Open it," I instructed.

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

favorite quote from

glimmering eyes.Her breath was caught in her throat.For a

you like it?"I

love it!"she jumped to her feet as she

best gift ever," she said as she stood on her

good too," I laughed and she

her hand and turned

it around her neck, I clasped the

the little gold thing resting on her chest,

beautiful," she said as her hand

have a present for me?"

I also got

"Oh?"

your first present," she handed me the

pulled the ribbon away

for a

"A sketchbook?"

I saw what

to the one I had, but the leather bound

the corner was my initials engraved in

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

into

only fitting that she got

and I would fill these pages with

it.Thank you," I said

present just as much,"she said and her lips twitched into

"What is it?"

you can see...but it’s something

her quizzically, but she just smiled

said as she pulled

her as she led me to

the bed and she turned around to face

hands went to

What are you

She didn't answer me.

and pushed me

complaining, but

me, her hands went under her short

lips

hard just by looking at

darted to the nightstand where my box of condoms was