Okay, I effed up. I effed up big time. After researching some details post-Eclipse, pre-BD, let's just say that the details/dates don't align with Jodha's arrival.

It won't align with BellWard's wedding and it won't align with the fact that I FORGOT summer breaks for schools. And...Jodha is a teacher who arrived in June AFTER the showdown with Victoria. Ugh.

Yes, my brain is fried from fixing this. I'll probably go back and add dates to each chapter so I can keep better track of everything. Also, I can't wrap my head around the American education system right now so I'll do summer breaks the way I know it.

Hopefully, this chapter fixes those glaring plot holes.

Sorry for the mess-up! 😣

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🎶 Playlist 🎶

Trevor Something — New High

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[19th June, 2006]

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PLOPPING DOWN ON HER chair in the teacher's room, Jodha knew that she would mesh well with the faculty and the children in Forks Elementary.

Smiling in self-confidence, Jodha hugged herself and wiggled a dance on the chair as she thought of all that she accomplished in such a short morning.

Being transferred to Forks at the end of the school term meant that she wouldn't start teaching until September but she insisted to the principal that she wanted to familiarize herself with the place and the children she would be assigned to in the new term. Admiring her eagerness, Principal Hensley agreed for her to sit-in and observe the classes — especially the way the kids interacted with their teachers.

Seeing as exams were over, the school liked to finish the term with revision classes where the teacher would answer the script that they would've been tested with.

Remembering her own days for revision classes, when she moaned to her friends about getting some answers wrong and panicking at the thought of failing — she was able to feel the exuberance when they cheered for getting the right answer and empathize when their faces dropped in disappointment and realization that they wrote a wrong answer.

Giddy, she recalled how a student had trouble understanding the teacher's explanation but seemed to finally grasp the concept when Jodha put forth her own explanation. That, in turn, caused Mr. Mills to leave the class to deal with an important issue, essentially leaving her on her own. While she had reason to suspect he didn't want to teach the kids, she shrugged and picked up after him. That meant more experience for her, after all, and the bubbly attitudes of the kids were finally brought to the fore with her style of engagement.

Their vibrance elated her to no end and she knew that they would remember her, even after their lengthy summer holidays.

They'd be itching to return to school as soon as possible. Might even attend summer classes since she told them she would also be teaching those.

She'd get them to love school.

At the very least, she'd get them to love Math.

Still, the fact that Mr. Mills left his class and never returned irked her.

No time to dwell on that now — the first recess was finally in session.

Doctor Cullen — Carlisle — had called the school a few minutes ago to postpone until lunchtime due to a medical emergency, which she readily agreed to. Knowing just how important and demanding it was to be in the profession that saved lives, she wouldn't have minded even if he apologized and asked her to make alternate arrangements. That he took some time to call her, despite being in a tough situation, proved that he was so considerate.

Carlisle.

She grinned, remembering his sheepish tone on the phone as he asked for her number. His silken voice winding it's way through the receiver into her ear, a delicious low tenor that sparked frissons of heat across her body, in the base of her tummy. So powerful, so potent that it almost knocked the breath out of her as he spoke. How she managed to compose herself in his presence, much less over the phone, was a wonder.

Top that with the inquisitive looks she received from the receptionist, she was thankful for the time alone in the teacher's lounge.

Time she utilized to think about Carlisle Cullen.

The lounge was devoid of a soul, save for Jodha. Most of them decided to patrol the school grounds while the rest decided to buy their lunches early rather than wait for their lunch break to step out.

The Doctor had been right on all counts. This place had the air-conditioning set on the lowest possible temperature. Had she not been wearing his coat, even her long-forgotten threadbare leather jacket, she'd have been an ice block by now. She didn't understand how the kids managed.

Carlisle's coat seemed to warm her from the inside out. Heat emanated from every thickly woven stitch, the heavy fabric swallowing her figure and when she pressed her nose on the inside to take a liberal sniff, she almost whimpered.

He smelled of rain and mist, a woodsy concoction that had her going for another whiff. Forest, greenery, and verdant mountains, dewy musk and raw desire, intermingled with a faint, sweet hint of citrus.

All tantalizing.

All man.

All Carlisle.

God, he had such a beautiful name.

Her chest heaved, a sensitivity cloaking, ensuring she felt the weight of the material on her body. A second skin that sent a rush of tingles along her nerve endings, intensifying with every subtle movement. She sank into her chair, knees pushing forward beneath her desk. Saliva pooled at the base of her mouth and she buried her nose in the coat with closed eyes, breathing in more of his aroma — hitting her full force between her legs, her thighs rubbing together, her thoughts of him in a jumble.

She could hear him now. Imagine him instructing her. The strength of his broad shoulders imitated by his oversized coat. Her back against him. His lips pressing soft kisses on her neck, his tongue licking the shell of her ear and his fingers...

His big, long fingers dancing along the contours of her body, skimming the curve of her breast, him lacing his hand with hers together as they roamed her body, down there, helping her get herself to that sweet edge of release.

In...and out.

Commanding her in that musical voice as she crept towards the pinnacle of pleasure.

Again. Easy does it.

Slow, deliberate motions, stroking deep inside as her mouth opened in a cry of–

The shrill clamour of the bell startled her out of her reverie. She shot up ramrod straight, heart thundering in her chest as she looked around the lounge to find that a couple of teachers had already returned.

Scorching shame flushed her cheeks when she noticed their glances and muted murmurs.

How many of them had seen her like that? Would they think she was simply resting herself?

God, she really hoped she wouldn't get in trouble. She hoped they assumed she was sleeping.

She hadn't exactly been overt in her attempts to garner more friction down there. The idea of walking around the school — or Carlisle — in soggy panties wasn't appealing in the slightest. Even if it was daring.

Still, the thought of losing her job over a weak moment made her stomach churn.

"Tough morning, huh?"

Jodha jumped, placing a palm over her heart when she realized it was the sweet older teacher who showed her around. Mrs. Weber smiled gently down at the girl who tried to steel herself with an air of composure.

Mrs. Weber chuckled, her chubby face holding no trace of malice or judgment, no hidden motives. She did eye the coat once or twice but wisely said nothing, much to Jodha's relief. "You look like the kids took the strength out of you."

Jodha gasped out a laugh but shook her head. "They were quite amazing actually. I just...I just thought I'd enjoy the break and refresh myself for the next few classes."

The older woman nodded in understanding, sympathy in her expression. "I heard Mills ditched his class and left you alone. He always wanted to get out for a while."

Waving the statement away, Jodha found the strength to gather up her duster and markers as she stood. "I don't mind, really. I've taught many students back at home so I'm familiar with the classroom."

"Amazing. No one would guess your youth, given your experience. The students can't stop talking about you."

"Really? That's good to hear!" Fixing her glasses, she smiled humbly at the woman's awe and reached to squeeze Mrs. Weber's forearm. "Thank you so much, ma'am. Your kindness means a lot to me."

"Don't mention it, Jodha dear." Lifting her books, the lady added, "We're glad you're here. My daughter, Angela, just graduated and wants to pursue teaching. If she meets you, she'll want to know all about your achievements."

A small flame of fondness seized Jodha's heart. "I...I'll be honoured to meet with her and discuss whatever she wants to know sometime, Mrs. Weber. Thank you for your vote of confidence. I really needed that today."

With a final shared smile and the germination of a new friendship, Jodha grabbed her stationery and followed another teacher towards their next class.

For the first time since her arrival, Jodha had no doubts that all would be well in her life.

Her future was here. Her future was now.

•  •  •

THE DAY FLEW BY without a hitch.

Killing the engine of her trusty old car, Jodha smiled — glad to have her transport back in working order.

Tired to the bone but intent on never becoming stranded again, Jodha ensured that the car jack was safely stored in her trunk. Carlisle had suggested on getting a good spare but Jodha assured him that the one she had home was top-notch. He hadn't seemed convinced but there was nothing she could do about it. Between her and her father, they only had enough funds for groceries until he could get a proper month's pay in July. Since Jodha wouldn't officially be on the full-time payroll until September, the summer classes would help fund her needs which meant she was totally dependent on her father's salary to foot the household bills. This mishap left her short-changed but she dared not tell Carlisle that.

A stab of shame pierced her at the thought of Carlisle seeing her as a charity case. Somehow, innately, she knew he was the type of man who'd help someone no matter the size of their problem.

No, if he was intent on forming a friendship with her, she would never allow him to see her weaknesses.

Apart from the journey from her school to the repair shop, they hadn't gotten much time to talk. Only for Jodha to give more profuse thanks before he chuckled, caressed her hand and told her not to worry about a single thing.

She was relieved too, for the most part, that there were almost no lulls in the flow of conversation. No time to dwell on her inappropriate thoughts of him. No time to feel ashamed facing him after imagining what she wanted him to do.

She did learn, however, that her assumption of his age was spot-on and that he and his sister had adopted children when they were quite young themselves.

The tenacity and grit required to take on a bevy of troublesome teens indicated to his admirable levels of responsibility, patience and tolerance. Jodha had never met someone like him and she doubt she'd find another akin to Carlisle on the face of this earth.

For someone she just met, she wondered how she could be this sure of Doctor Cullen's personality.

He was...enigmatic, to say the least. Yet he managed to also exude an open, welcoming demeanour.

Biting her bottom lip in a shy smile, she gave herself a gentle, playful tap on the head to keep her thoughts at bay before she went inside to meet her dad.

The instant she set foot through the doorway, she was greeted with the distinct aroma of mouthwatering masala and clarified butter — transporting her back to a time her mother just knew when Jodha was coming home from university to have piping hot butter chicken and garlic naan slathered in ghee, warmed and ready to serve with delicious cocoa tea.

She blinked away the poignant tears, plastering a cheery smile on her face when she heard the clank of a spoon and a hiss of pain from her father.

Always getting himself hurt somehow. At times, she failed to recall that he was a professional firefighter simply because of the little ways in which he managed to get into trouble in the kitchen. She loved him for trying though.

"Bapu, I'm home!"

"In the kitchen!"

I know.

She dumped her purse on the nearby armchair in the living room before rounding the corner to the kitchen to deposit her lunch-bag on the island. The cottage they had gotten on short notice was quaint and comfy. Small but enough for them both. Shivraj, her father, would probably overnight more in the fire station's loft which meant that she would have the place to herself most of the time. Still, Jodha was thankful that she had her own room and bath and overall, feminine privacy.

She watched her father hunching over the iron griddle as he finished cooking the naan, his bulky, muscled body outlined by the snug-fit T-shirt he wore.

"How was your first day, beti?" he asked, turning to dump the fluffy naan on a teacloth set out in a small basin — blowing on his fingers as he tried to chase the searing heat away.

"Why are you making dinner so early? I do it much later." Jodha reached for his hands with a smile, rubbing away the splotches of flour and oil from his fingers and palms. Even reaching across the countertop, her father loomed over her despite being a tad shorter than Carlisle. "My day was good, Bapu. Everyone was loving and wonderful. Including the students. How was everything at the fire station?"

"Welcoming and very nice too. I was thinking that maybe once I settle in, you can—wait..." Shivraj's brows furrowed when he took in the sight of her in a man's coat, much to her chagrin. "That doesn't belong to me. Where'd you get that, chori? Don't lie to me."

"Don't get mad," she began the obligatory preamble meant for strict Indian (and Caribbean) parents. Ever since her mother's demise, however, she had to say he was very liberal and accepting of Jodha taking up responsibilities and finding her own way to navigate life. "This morning, I—"

"Mad? Why would I be mad? I can't be mad about anything unless you tell me something to be mad about." Jesus Christ. He folded his arms, a sheen of perspiration on his brown skin. His aquiline nose was flared and his dark brown eyes — so alike her own — held an air of expectancy. While she had the decency to feel like she disappointed her father, she also knew she was not at fault.

Well, maybe when it came to borrowing a coat, perhaps she'd gone overboard. But she'd rather eat table salt than vocalize that admission.

"Jeez, Bapu, can you give me a chance to explain before your arteries explode?"

When he said nothing, she took that as her cue to quickly relay what occurred this morning. How Carlisle found her and extended a helping hand and assisted her down to her minutest need.

"Before you say anything, Bapu, I know." She held her hands up in resignation, a pout on her lips. "I should've double-checked everything before I left but I was almost late and got excited about my first day. Please forgive me?"

Her father cocked his head to the side as he slid onto a stool opposite her by the island. "And this...Doctor Cullen didn't ask for anything in return?"

"No, Bapu." She did tell Carlisle to collect on his favours but saying that would probably give her father an apoplexy. "He's very kind and respectable. He's wonderful, really."

"Is he single?"

"Bapu! I, he—" Fire blazed within her cheeks, trying to formulate a sentence from her incoherent sputtering. "I, I don't think it's appropriate to ask that to someone who's helping you."

Shivraj grinned, his sable moustache highlighting his pearly whites. Her father could be high-level crazy and fun-loving when he wanted to be, especially when it came to her liking guys. "Then I'll just have to ask Chief Swan about him."

She cocked her head, impressed. "Already friends with the Chief of Police? Nice." The name sounded familiar but she couldn't quite place where she heard it from.

He nodded, ruffling her already tousled head. "Of course it's nice. Gotta have someone to check up on you when I'm not around. Make sure you're safe."

"That sounds nice." She didn't relish the idea of always being alone in this place but she knew how important being a fireman was for her Bapu. It was an integral part of him. Everytime she looked into his eyes, she could still see the trauma he underwent, the heartache and guilt that tormented him. Even now, as he stroked her hair, Jodha noticed the scars trailing along his outer forearm. Scars of a past he'd never truly run away from.

Sometimes, she worried but she knew he was strong. He would be okay.

"I'm gonna go relax before showering. Love you, Bapu," she whispered, kissing his wrist before pulling away with a smile. She wouldn't let him sense her despondency, not after all they did to seek out a better life for themselves.

"Love you too, laado. I'll keep a plate warming for you. Come for it when you're ready." Shivraj's face softened, a knowing glint in his gaze.

Jodha didn't notice, nodding with a yawn as she ambled up the stairs towards her bedroom — already forgetting everything in the world except the highlight of her day.

Carlisle.

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Beti = dear

Chori = girl

Laado = darling

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Thank you so much for reading ❤️

Votes and comments to let me know how I'm doing would be much appreciated.

If you're interested in keeping up with my writing progress, do give my profile a follow!

Maybe I'll do dual POV in the next chapter.

I hope this update sorts out stuff but I may have missed something. Constructive criticism is always welcome :)

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