Getting ready to go back to work and I think about the past few weeks since I've moved into The High Rise and how my life has changed slightly. The one night with Andy Barber who lives on the thirty first floor, meeting Mickey in the supermarket and spending time with him then there is Robert, my really attractive neighbour. He is the one man I can't seem to get out of my mind ever since I met him which led to us having sex in his kitchen.

Sighing, I sit on my sofa and sip at my morning coffee while watching the television with the volume down since it is still really early in the morning and I don't want to wake anybody up. I listen to the weather and sigh because it's going to be raining which means the children will have to stay inside for their break.

Once it's half past seven I get my coat on and put my phone and keys into my bag before walking out of my apartment. While locking the door I hear a small chuckle from beside me so I look over to see Robert leaning against his door.

"Wow, you look amazing. Going to work I see." He says then stands up as I do the same.

"Yes. It's about time I went back to work. I've been on leave for the past few weeks and I can't wait to get back into my teaching because I miss my students." I say with a small smile. Robert nods before offering me a lift to the school where I work.

We get to the parking lot and I notice that a lot of the cars that belong to the people who live on upper floors are closer to the building and the ones that belong to the people who live on the lower floors are further away. Luckily Robert's car isn't too far from the building. He opens the door for me then closes it once I'm inside before walking around and getting in himself.

"So where do you teach?" He asks as he starts the car.

"Little Oaks Primary on Oaks Lane." I answer then he nods as he leaves the parking lot and onto the roads of the busy London streets.

The drive is silent except for the slight bit of talking on the stereo and even that's low. I'm a little nervous about going back to work but I need to if I'm going to be living in The High Rise for the long run. The car stops and I look at Robert to see him already looking at me then realise that we have already arrived at the school. He gets out and opens the door for me so I slowly get out then he walks me to the gate of the school.

"If you would like me to could I also pick you up after you have finished?" He asks and I smile a little

"That would be lovely. Thank you Robert." I say then walk through the gate and towards the school.

Pushing open the door the familiar surroundings make me smile. I walk down the corridor towards the head teachers office just so I can pop in and let Trevor know that I'm back and to see what the new term is looking like. I've also got to meet my new class which is pretty exciting.

"Hello is anyone around?" I ask as I open the door to Trevor's office.

"Becky how lovely to see you again. I heard from one of the faculty here that you have moved into one of The High Rises recently." Trevor says as he happily lets me into his office.

"I sure have Trevor. Are there any new staff members this term since the school needs a few?" I ask then he nods before waving to someone. I look over then freeze when I see Andy and he smirks when he sees me.

"Becky this is Andy Barber. He will be sitting in on your class for the first week here before he moves on to having his own classroom." Trevor says and I have to look away because this has to be some kind or horrible prank and Trevor is going to tell me Andy won't be in the same space as me.

"Well, this is just fantastic and it's lovely to see you again Becky." Andy says with the same smirk he gave me the night we had sex at his party.

"You two know each other?" Trevor asks and I slowly nod before looking up at him.

"Andy lives a few floors above me at The High Rise. You could say we are distant neighbours." I say then glare at Andy who is still smirking.

"This is just fabulous. I hope you will learn a lot from Becky, Andy. She is one of the best teachers here and even though I know this may sound unprofessional but she is also the most beautiful." Trevor says then I see the smirk on Andy's face shift to a frown as he gives Trevor a death stare.

"Well, I need to go. I need to prepare for my new students so I will catch up with you later Trevor. Andy be in my classroom by nine am please." I say then stand up and walk out of the office pretty pissed off because now my place of work is invaded by the one man I've been avoiding since the party.

Walking into my classroom I look around and see some of the pictures my old class did. I think I will keep those up. While sorting out my desk I hear heavy footsteps enter the classroom then a deep chuckle and a pair of hands on my waist.

"You have been avoiding me haven't you baby?" Andy asks and I take a deep breath before looking at him.

"Well, yes I have and you also know why I've been avoiding you. We were just a one night thing. I needed to get fucked to release pent up frustration." I bite back. He just chuckles as his hands start to move down towards my thighs.

"I want to show you an even better time than that night. Maybe once the children go home tonight after school I can have you over this desk." He says close to my ear and I feel a pool of arousal form in my underwear. God fucking damn it.

"No we can't do that Barber. It's against school policy and I'm not risking my job just so you can get a cheap thrill." I say while pushing his hands away from my waist then get out some new workbooks for the children.

The bell rings and I stand at the front of the classroom as the timid pupils walk in then sit at their desks. I look over to see Andy watching me with the exact smirk I wish I could slap off of his face. Taking a deep breath and closing my eyes I walk over to my desk then get out the workbooks ready to give one to each of the children.

"Good morning everyone. I'm Miss Hale and I will be your teacher for the school year. Now I know you are all new to my classroom so what I'm going to do is give you your workbook and I would like you to write your name on the front. This week we have Mr Barber joining us because like you he is also new to this school." I say as cheerily as I can not letting Andy's presence deter me from doing my job.

Walking over, I split the pile of workbooks into two piles then smirk at Andy as I give him one pile to hand out to the children. I walk around and place one in front of each child then see Richard's two sons sitting in the far back of my classroom. Andy gives them a workbook then walks away not bothering to explain what they need to do so I walk over to them.

"Hello boys. Now if you could write your name and my name on these lines that would be greatly appreciated." I say then continue to hand out the workbooks repeating the same thing to each of the children.

When I get back to my desk Andy is already sitting in the chair with his feet on the desk just like the arrogant asshole he is while smirking up at me.

"If you need somewhere to sit you're more than welcome to sit on my lap sweetheart." He says then winks which makes me roll my eyes and sit at the front of the desk.

Once all of the children have written their names I stand up and start writing the lesson on the chalkboard while ignoring the snide comments coming from Andy. I just want this day to end so I can go home and have a glass or five of champagne.

"Now we are going to be writing a short introduction. Things that need to be included are written on the board and you have all day today to write it then tomorrow we will be creating some art for the wall at the back of the classroom to brighten it up a bit." I say as I walk to the front of the desk again still ignoring Andy who is now throwing sexual comments at me.

As the day goes on I'm getting more and more annoyed with Andy with his stupid remarks and comments towards me when he thinks no one is around or looking. He even tried to grab my ass when we were in the teachers' lounge at lunch but luckily Trevor and Sylvia saw him. How am I going to be able to cope with this insufferable asshole for the rest of the week when I'm already so close to murdering him?

"How about I show you a good time tonight in my apartment?" Andy asks as he walks past me in the classroom while I'm helping one of the children.

"Seriously Barber. What part of no don't you understand? Or do you want me to show you what it means in the English dictionary?" I snap back as I stand up. Even though I'm much shorter than the male standing in front of me I'm not afraid to assert my authority in my own classroom. He lifts his hands with a chuckle as he walks backwards then trips over one of the empty chairs making the children snicker while I try to stop myself from laughing.

"Alright children settle down. Who has finished their introduction and would like to read it to the rest of the class?" I ask while Andy pushes himself up from the ground then brushes himself down. I look around the classroom just to avoid eye contact with him then point to one of my students.

"Okay erm..." They say and I can tell they are nervous so I invite them to the front just in case they get a little stuck.

"Go on Harry." I politely say and he looks up at me.

"Okay. Well my name is Harry and I live with my aunt, uncle, and cousin Dudleybbut they don't treat me very nicely and make me live in their cupboard under the stairs. I don't mind though because I have my horses and army men to play with. Erm... oh I also don't have many friends because the children in this class bully me because I have a cool scar on my head shaped like a lightning bolt and wear glasses. They also helped my cousin Dudley beat me up." Harry says and I feel my heart break for him then see Andy frown slightly with a shake of his head.

"Thank you Harry. Would anybody else like to read their introduction?" I ask then Andy walks to the front and grabs my arm before pulling me to one side.

"That boy Harry, I think you said his name is shouldn't be living in those conditions. He is a child and should be with a family who will treat him like a normal child. Not some type of freak or monster." Andy says and this is the first time I've ever heard him sound serious.

"His aunt and uncle along with his cousin are his only living relatives Andy. We can't really do anything about it." I say which makes him look at me and shake his head again.

"Well I will be talking to his aunt and uncle when they come to pick him up or does go home by himself?" He asks and I sigh because I know he has to walk home with his cousin and his friends.

"He walks home with his cousin and his cousins' friends." I say almost defeated because I wish I could do more for the boy. Andy shakes his head again then walks over to Harry before kneeling beside him and of course I have to watch on to see what is going to happen.

Once most of the children have read their introductions because a few of them didn't want to I walk around the classroom and collect their workbooks before allowing them half an hour of free time before the parents or relatives of the children come to pick them up. I decide to read more of Harry's introduction while sitting at my desk and Andy volunteered to oversee free play with the children.

"My aunt and uncle call me a freak every morning and evening even though things happen and I don't know why. They always keep me out of family days out and make me cook and clean for them but the worst part is I have to wear Dudley's old clothes which are always too big for me.

Sometimes I want them to treat me the same but they never do. Then there is my uncle's sister who brings her dog to the house. I don't like that dog because it will chase me. One time it chased me up a tree and I was too scared to come down because it was going to bite me..."

I stop reading then look over to see Andy sitting with Harry while the other children play in their own little groups. Including Dudley who is always looking at Harry before throwing something.

"Dudley Dursley go and sit in the corner and think about what you have just done. I will not have you bullying anyone in my classroom." I sternly say when I catch him throwing something at Harry.

As the day ends I get the children to line up then talk to the parents. Luckily today Dudley's mother comes to pick him up so now is my chance to talk to her about her son's behaviour not only at school but at home too. The moment I open the door the children well most of them go quietly then I see Mrs Dursley waiting for Dudley and Harry.

"Hello Mrs Dursley could I possibly talk to you for a moment?" I ask and the woman looks me up and down before scoffing.

"What about? Can't you see I'm here to pick up my special little Dudders and that freak of a child?" She asks and I have to take a deep breath.

"Well, it's about your son's behaviour at school. He keeps bullying Harry and I have noticed Harry seems to have a bruise and his glasses are broken." I say while trying to stay professional but this woman is really pushing my patients to another level.

"My Dudley would never do that. What are you accusing him of? How dare you accuse my son of such a heinous thing?" She practically screams and I shake my head. Andy walks over and looks at the other woman before looking at me.

"Are you Mrs Dursley?" He asks and she looks up at him then nods.

"What Miss Hale is telling you is the truth. I have witnessed it myself today in this classroom since I have been with Harry all day. I also can't believe you would make a child sleep and play in a cupboard under the stairs." He says and even I'm shocked at how he is handling this. Mrs Dursley looks at me then back at Andy before scoffing and storming out of the classroom with her hand tightly around Harry's wrist and dragging the poor child.

Once all of the children have left I start to pack away my things until I hear footsteps. I look over to see Andy walking over to me. He stops at the front of the desk and puts his hands flat on top before looking at me with a smug smile.

"What do you want this time Andy?" I ask and he moves to where I'm standing leaving hardly any space between us.

"I believe you owe me a thank you for dealing with that vile woman. I think you should let me take you out for one night just the two of us and I will show you why I'm the better choice out of Robert, Mickey, and myself." He says and I shake my head at the audacity of this insufferable man.

"And my answer is no. Plus, what if I don't want either of you? Or what if I just want Mickey or Robert? What are you going to do about it?" I ask as I walk past him and towards the classroom door then hear him chuckle as he follows me and I roll my eyes.

"Come on babe, just one meal and a drink, please?" He asks. I shake my head as I lock the door then walk down the corridor praying Robert is waiting outside for me.

When I reach the car park I see Robert leaning against his car so I walk over then see Andy trying to follow me. Robert raises his eyebrow so I shake my head as I get into the car and close the door before letting out a sigh. Robert gets in then takes my hand which gets me to look at him and I see amusement but also announce in his blue eyes.

"Andy works there now. I have to have him in with me for a week before he is allowed his own classroom." I explain then Robert smiles slightly with a small nod.

"By the looks of things you are already fed up with his shit." Robert says and I nod which makes him chuckle.

"All bloody day he has been making sexual comments towards me or trying to touch me inappropriately. Luckily Trevor and Sylvia copped him and made sure he didn't try again. Just now after the children left he asked me to go for a drink and meal with him because he helped. Well, what he thinks is helped with one of the mothers of one of my students. A bloody bully that kid is and you can tell he is a spoiled little brat." I say which makes Robert laugh as he starts the car and pulls out of the car park.

"Take it you wouldn't want any of your own?" He asks and I raise an eyebrow before almost laughing.

"Definitely not anytime soon. I spend enough time with them for it to put me off." I say then we both start laughing.

We arrive at The High Rise and Robert being a gentleman opens the door then helps me out and also takes my bag as we walk into the building. Recently he has been different and it's not a bad kind of different. No it's more of a good kind of different.

While waiting for the elevator I look up at Robert to see him look at the large red numbers on the board as the elevator descends down to the ground floor so we can step inside. I see his lip lift slightly then his eyes find mine which makes me blush a little before looking away again.

While in the elevator I keep feeling Robert's hand brush against mine so I tuck my little finger around his which makes him smile without looking at me before smiling to myself. The elevator stops on our floor so Robert offers to walk to my apartment with me even though we literally live next door to each other and it makes me laugh a little.

"I guess I will see you around darling." Robert says as we reach our apartments.

"Yes. Maybe sooner than you may think. Goodnight Robert." I say as I open my door. He smirks then steps in front of me and cups my cheek in his large hand before gently stroking my cheek.

He leans down then stops to search my eyes so I grab his jacket and pull him closer then kiss him. His other hand goes to my waist while both of my hands rest on his chest feeling his heart beating erratically under my palms. His other hand that has been caressing my cheek moves to the back of my head then he pulls me even closer and deepening the kiss which makes me sigh slightly.

"Goodnight Princess." He says as we part with both of us breathing heavily and our eyes are closed. With a giggle I turn around and walk into my apartment with my lips still feeling the softness of Robert's lips.

While sorting out what to have to eat I hear music playing from Carley's apartment and she only ever plays this song when she has had her heart broke. Abandoning my current task I go next door and knock on the wooden door, but there isn't any answer.

"Carley I'm coming in!" I call through then hear the music stop and hear shuffling behind the door. As it opens I see Carley has makeup down her cheeks and her eyes are red and sore so I walk into her apartment and see it's mostly trashed. I look at her to see she has also lost weight.

"What is going on Carls?" I ask as I take her to her ripped up sofa and sit her down.

"He left me. I also found out he was cheating on me with someone who lives on the thirty seventh floor. A model no less." She says through small sobs so I wrap my arms around her.

"He wasn't any good for you Carls. Come on, let's have some ice-cream and watch White Chicks." I say but she just shakes her head. Now I know this breakup must have been something more than she is telling me.

"I love him Becky. I was actually going to settle down with him. I was ready to actually let myself belong to one person but he is just a cheating prick." She says as more tears fall down her cheeks and onto my white blouse making black spots drip. I stroke her back as she cries against my shoulder knowing exactly how she feels because my ex did the exact same thing.

"You will find someone else who is worthy of your love and affection. Plus, I know there are many guys in this place who are single and want more than just one thing." I say and she shakes her head.

"I've only met the ones who want a quick fuck. Once they get it they throw me aside for someone else." She says and I feel my heart break more for her.

"Maybe I could set you up with someone. We have two new teachers at the school. Unfortunately one of those is Andy who lives on the thirty first floor but the second is Thomas Sharpe. He lives on the edge of the city." I say and she chuckles bitterly before sitting up.

"I'm never being with anyone again. I will be that crazy cat lady that every apartment complex has." She says and I roll my eyes with a small laugh. She smiles a little then we plan to have a girls weekend next week because we both need it. We haven't really spent much time together due to our jobs.

A few hours later I leave her apartment then stop when I see Mickey standing outside of my apartment. I walk closer to him then gently grab his arm which makes him turn around with a smile and I shake my head at him.

"What are you doing here Mickey? I'm just about to go to bed because Carley needed me just now." I ask as I open my apartment door.

"I haven't seen you in a while and I was on my way up to my apartment so I thought I would pop by to see how you are." He says and I chuckle.

"As you can see I'm fine. Maybe we can do something fun another time because I'm tired and have another long day at the school." I say then he nods before hugging me then kisses my cheek.

"Sleep well doll." He says then turns on his heel and walks down the hall toward the elevator. Well, today has been full of many unexpected things so hopefully the rest of the week will go by without any drama. Who am I kidding of course there will be drama because Andy will be in my classroom for the rest of the week.