The meeting was long but helpful. We got to know the new school procedures and I could learn more about my co-workers. As Sophie said, there aren't many people my age working here, but everybody is friendly and I feel welcomed. 

I'll use this week to bring all the material and decorations I've prepared for my classroom. I can't wait for the beginning of the classes.

I'm so focused on the notes I made and the ideas I have for my first day of class that I jump a little on my seat when I feel John touching my arm.

"Sorry," he says, putting his hand in his pockets, "Are you ready to go?"

"Sure." I stand up and put all my notes in my bag.

"The restaurant is not very far, so I thought we could walk and then come back here to get our cars. What do you say?" Sophie asks.

"Sounds good," John and I say at the same time and we both smile, looking at each other.

"Let's get going then. I'm starving," Sophie says, leading the way.

Less than ten minutes later, we are all sitting in a booth of a very charming restaurant. Sophie's friend has just texted her saying she couldn't make it, and Sophia hasn't stopped frowning and texting since then.

"How are you enjoying the city so far?" John asks, and I'm glad to start a conversation.

"I don't really know it very well. I haven't left my apartment very much." I say, somehow embarrassed.

I know I put up a tough front, but I haven't wanted to go out much since Greg. I don't feel my heart is broken into tiny little pieces anymore, but I think it's going to take some time for me to start feeling like my old self again.

"We could do something together-" John starts but is interrupted by Sophie.

"Son of a bitch! I can't believe him!" she shouts, attracting the attention of a few customers.

"I'm sorry," she says, shaking her head but keeping her eyes glued to her phone while she stands up. "Look, guys, I'm so very sorry, but Zoey's husband has just left her and she is a mess. I have to go. Alexia, I'm totally making it up to you," she says, holding my hand before rushing out.

"She is a loyal friend." John smiles after her.

"I could feel that. She reminds me of my best friend. Zoey is lucky to have her around." I smile at him, missing Lisa.

John smiles back, but before he can say anything a waitress appears to take our orders. After she is gone, I think we both realize it's a little awkward now that it's just the two of us.

"Well-" I start.

"Are you-?"

"You first," he says.

"How long have you worked at St. Clement?" I ask.

"For about five years. I studied there my entire life and let's say I was not an easy kid..." He shrugs as if remembering something. "Anyway, I had this teacher in high school... He really helped me through some stuff. I mean, he inspired me in a way no one could at the time. I decided I wanted to do the same, so here I am, trying to inspire, to help those kids." He finishes, letting out a chuckle when he sees my eyes are shining.

"Oh..." I whisper.

"Wow, way to make a first impression on a girl, you're already about to cry." He chuckles.

"No... Not at all." I clear my throat. "I got something in my eyes," I joke.

"What about you? You seem very young, is it your first job as a teacher?" He asks.

"Yeah, but I don't have a pretty motive like yours." I smile at him. "I guess I've always liked kids, so when I had to choose my major, this was what made sense... I'm excited to see how it is going to go, though."

"I'll be glad to help if you need anything."

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

*****

When I get home, I stop by Lucas's place to see if they want to have dinner together. I've always wanted to learn how to cook, so maybe they will make me company as I try some recipes.

I knock on the door and after some time, I'm faced with a distressed Lucas.

"Hey! What's wrong?" I ask.

"Nate has a fever. He is watching some cartoons in the living room," he says as he opens the door wide, inviting me in.

"Has he taken any medicine, gone to the doctor?" I ask.

"Yeah, he's had a sore throat and a fever since this morning. I've taken him to the doctor, he is just refusing to eat anything right now."

"Have you tried offering him some soup?" I ask, looking at Nate, whose eyes are now closed.

"I have, but he's just not having it, I guess. He just had some orange juice earlier."

"Can I try something?" I ask, making my way to Nate.

"Uh. Sure," he says, and I smile at his wide eyes.

"Hey, Nate," I say as I kneel in front of him and he opens his eyes. "Your dad said you don't feel like eating?"

"No... My throat hurts." He frowns, reminds me how young this little boy is.

"You know, when I was a kid like you and I got sick, my dad used to give me some bonus cards so I would do what he asked me."

"What is a bonus card?" he asks.

"It works like this. Your dad says you need to have some soup, so every time you have a spoon of soup, you get a bonus card with a fun activity you can cash in when you get better." I smile, and his eyes shine while he looks at his dad as if asking for permission.

"What kind of activities?" Lucas asks, sitting by my side on the floor.

"You say." I stand up and take a pen and a paper from my bag, our fingers brushing as I give them to him.

"Alright, let me write the cards." He turns off the TV and writes about twenty cards as I cover Nate's eyes with my hands so he doesn't see them.

"Ok, all done, let me reheat the soup so we can start our game," Lucas says as he makes his way to the kitchen and after some time he is back with a bowl full of soup and a bag for the cards. "All right, little man, sit down so we can get started".

Nate sits down on the sofa and eagerly has some soup. "Okay! What do I get?" he  asks.

"And for the first card, we have... One school night watching TV after bedtime," Lucas says, and I clap.

"Yay!" Nate shouts and starts coughing.

"Easy there, tiger." Lucas chuckles.

We go on like that for some time, and when the bowl of soup is empty, Nate looks at me, smiling. "That was awesome, Alexia. Do you want to watch some cartoons with me?"

"Well..." I look at his dad.

"Stay." Lucas rubs my shoulder before standing up. "I'll just put the dishes away."

"All right." I make myself comfortable on the floor while Nate turns on the TV, choosing something for us to watch.

*****

I don't know how it happened, but one moment I am laughing and watching some cartoons, and the next I'm snuggling to a delicious wall of muscles. I might have fallen asleep after the tenth cartoon, but I'm too comfortable now to move.

"I know you're awake," Lucas whispers, his arms around my waist.

"I'm not." I open my eyes and realize it's already night. I try to stand up, but he holds me tightly.

"Thanks for today..." He kisses the top of my head and I turn my face so I can look at him.

"He is a great boy," I whisper, not wanting to wake up Nate, who is fast asleep on the couch.

"I- You must be starving, let me put him to bed... We could... order something?" he offers and that trace of shyness I like so much makes an appearance again.

"I'd love to," I say.

Sitting on the sofa as I wait for Lucas to come back, I send a quick message to Lisa to check on her.

Me: Hey there!

Lisa: I miss you! Why did you have to move so far away?

Me: It's not that far ;)

Lisa: I know... It's just I miss having you around.

Me: Me too :(

Lisa: Argh! No weepy texts! How are you doing?

Me: Great! I had my first meeting at school today and I loved the place and everyone! What about you?

Lisa: Same old! work work work

Me: Come visit me!!!!!

Lisa: I will. Soon. Have you met any interesting people?

Me: Yeah... ;)

Lisa: Oh! Don't yeah me!!! I'm calling you!!!

I don't have time to ask her to call me later because my phone rings immediately.

"Aren't you curious?" I laugh.

"Come on, tell me!" she says.

"I met Sophia and John at work earlier. They're both teachers. Sophia is about my age, and adorable. I think we are going to be good friends. We had lunch together but couldn't talk much because something came up and she had to leave before we even had time to order, so... it was just John and me..." I say, not because something happened between us, but just to tease Lisa who is sure a rebound will make me move on faster.

"Oh, do tell!"

"Nothing to tell... He seems to be a good guy, very passionate about his job-"

"Is he hot?"

"Well, yeah..." I don't know why I compare him to Lucas in my mind or why I can't make myself talk about him with her.

"Is he single?" she asks, and I know where this is heading.

"I don't know, Lisa! It's not like I'm going to ask him out."

"And why the hell not?"

"You are impossible." I chuckle.

"And you, my dear friend, need to get laid." She laughs, making me blush.

"Oh, my god! I'm hanging up now."

"You're such a prude! Okay. I'm still at work and my boss just knocked on my door. Talk to you later, sweetie! Love you!"

"Yeah, yeah. I love you too," I say before hanging up.

"So, John, huh?" Lucas says from behind me, startling me.

"Dear God, you scared me!" 

"Sorry. Are you hungry?" He fishes his phone from his pocket, and I'm sure he is avoiding my eyes on purpose.

"Yeah. Hey, are you okay?" I make room for him to sit.

"Sure, so how was that meeting at school?" He sits by my side but keeps his eyes on his phone.

"It was good." I give him a small smile and he turns his attention to me, his eyes going to my mouth.

"Who is this John guy?" He swallows hard and looks into my eyes. "Sorry, you don't have to answer. It- just... be careful... You're new to the city... Don't really know anyone around here."

"You're cute when you mumble like that." I pinch his cheek slightly, and he holds my hand, kissing my palm.

"I just care about you," he whispers, still holding my hand close to his lips. I can feel the air coming out of his mouth as he speaks, and it sends a trail of goosebumps through my arms.

"Lucas, you can't say things like that..." I whisper back, shaking my head.

"Why not if they are true?" he asks, and I pull my hand away, smiling at him.

His phone chooses this moment to ring, startling both of us, and when I look down and see it's Clare calling, I close my eyes disappointed.

"Fuck!" He shakes his head and ignores the call, his eyes hard and full of emotion I can't understand.

"That's your answer." I stand up to leave his apartment and this time he doesn't stop me.

It doesn't matter how well we seem to get along; we want different things from life. I need to pull my life back together, focus on work, and eventually move on with a guy who wants a future with me.

And Lucas has already made it clear he's not the one.

_____

A/N: Thanks so much for your support! It means the world! :)

Please don't forget  to vote (click on that little star) every time you hit a new chapter and to click here : CelesteABrook to follow me for news and updates.

XOXO

Celeste