by Laura Ann
“Of course.” She turned to the group of kids. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
She walked out to a chorus of ‘okays’. Bracing herself, Rory followed the older woman to her office.
Once inside her personal space, Ms. Millicent walked around and sat at her desk. Rory waited by the door, anxious to have the meeting over with. Time in the director’s office was never a pleasant thing. Rory couldn’t bring herself to agree with the woman’s ‘my way or the highway’ mentality, and had to consistently bite her tongue. Rory cared about helping the kids more than she cared about making a sarcastic comment. Still, the less time spent around the boss, the better.
“Please be seated.” Ms. Millicent waved her hand towards the chairs across from her desk.
“That’s alright, I’d rather stand. I don’t want to be gone from the kids for too long.”
Ms. Millicent leveled her with a steely glare, then said, “Suit yourself.” Straightening herself in the chair, she began. “I just wanted to warn you that we have another teacher joining the staff. He will be helping with Language Arts tutoring. Apparently,” her lips puckered in distaste, “he will also be producing a play with the students this spring.”
“That’s great! I’m sure the kids will be thrilled. Why are you warning me?”
“Because I understand that he works with you at your day job and I didn’t want there to be any surprise.”
Rory froze, “You can’t be serious.” She murmured.
The door opened as if he had been waiting for the most opportune moment, and the voice that had haunted Rory’s mind for eight years echoed in the room. “Aurora! Fancy meeting you here! The lovely Ms. Millicent,” he motioned to where the older woman was seated, “told me you were here.” He waggled his eyebrows at her; a boyish grin on his face.
“Mr. Phillips,” Ms. Millicent began in a stern voice.
“Oh, please.” He stepped further into the room and put a hand to his chest. “Call me Steven.” His smile could have melted the largest iceberg in moments, but Ms. Millicent sat with a deadpan expression on her face.
“Mr. Phillips—” She began again.
“Madam, you wound me! I must insist on hearing my first name uttered from those beautiful, red” he looked meaningfully at Rory, “lips.”
Rory’s eyes were wide, while her cheeks heated at his insinuation. Is he crazy? Ms. Millicent is a dragon. Pretty soon she’s gonna spit fire if he doesn’t knock it off.
“MR. PHILLIPS!” Ms. Millicent shouted, finally knocking the grin off his face. “Ms. Briar will tell you what you need to know. Please follow up with her if you have any issues or questions.” Taking a deep breath, she straightened her spine, gave Rory a firm look and said, “You are dismissed.”
Rory darted out the door as fast as she possibly could, but it proved not fast enough to leave Steven behind.
He grabbed her arm and brought her to a stop before she could get very far. Spinning around, she glared at his manhandling, but he paid no attention.
Steven opened his mouth to speak, but stopped and looked back at the doorway. Keeping his hold on her arm, he dragged her back a few steps and closed the office door, shutting Ms. Millicent inside. Then he turned back to Rory. “Well Aurora, it seems we get to spend quite a bit of time together in the next little while. How marvelous!” Taking her hand, he wound it around his elbow and kept hold of it. “Show me the way, dear lady.”
Rolling her eyes to hide the thrill that shot through her at his words, Rory started walking; simultaneously tugging on her arm in an effort to get him to let go. It didn’t work. “This is the family room.” She said as they entered a large room with couches and side tables. “I would assume you’re aware this is an after school tutoring center. It’s actually privately owned, but has a deal with the city, and gets funds to help out kids who struggle in school or just need a safe place to come in the afternoons. We also do fundraising occasionally to help provide extra supplies. Most of the adults, other than Ms. Millicent, and a few other staff members, are volunteers. The kids often like to take a breather after school is out and they often congregate in here.” She waved her free arm over the room. “The kitchen is just through that doorway,” she pointed across the room,” and they can get snacks or meals anytime they want.”
She walked toward a hallway that had multiple doors on either side. “This is the study hall. Each study room has a subject so the kids know where to go when they need help on a specific topic.” She gave one final yank and was finally able to free her arm. She grit her teeth when she felt cold from the distance. Stupid hormones. “Yours is over there.” She pointed to a door with the a sign that said ‘Language Arts’ on it.
“You already have a room prepared? Huh...” he rubbed his chin. “I thought this particular position had been empty.”
“The room was put together at the same time as all the other rooms, but no one has volunteered to tutor your subject yet. But lucky us, now you’re here.”
He spun towards her, a grin on his lips. “Aww...it warms my heart to know that you feel lucky to have me here.” He stepped closer, into her personal space. “But my dear Aurora...” his voice dropped in volume and pitch. “It is I who is lucky.”
Rory wanted to giggle at his corny performance, but knew it would only fuel him on. And I refuse to be just another giggling admirer. “Yep. Lucky you. Gotta run.” She turned the door handle behind her and slipped into her own classroom, slamming the door once inside.
Her hands were trembling from their encounter and she took a couple of deep breaths to try and calm her body.
“Ms. Briar, are you okay? Your face is all red.” A sweet voice whispered from one of the front seats.
Rory’s smile was genuine when she faced little Anita. “I’m fine. Thanks for asking. How is your homework going?” She walked over to look at the papers on Anita’s desk.
“Okay.” The young teen was not terribly talkative, in fact she was downright shy. It had taken Rory several months to get Anita to even be willing to ask her a question, but Rory had been persistent and now she felt as if they had forged a friendship.
Good thing too. Quiet, little Anita needs all the friends she can get. Anita’s home life was not the best environment and she struggled in social groups.
“Well, let me know if you need any help, alright?”
Anita nodded and then bent forward over her homework.
The door creaked open and every head shot that way. Inwardly, Rory groaned when Steven strutted through the door.
Hurrying over, she stopped him from coming in further. “What are you doing here? I told you, your classroom is down the hall.”
Ignoring her, he continued past her into the room. Over his shoulder he said, “No one is there, obviously, so I thought I would help out where I can.”
The students’ eyes were riveted to the two adults.
Oh heavens, give me strength. “This is a science classroom, I doubt your area of expertise is of use here.”
“What do you teach?” A high school girl in the back called out.
Steven smiled widely at Rory and turned towards the girl. “I teach Language Arts. Are you by chance in need of some help understanding Shakespeare? Or perhaps in finding thematic elements in Moby Dick? No? Let me see...should we discuss Pride and Prejudice? Who in the story was pride and who was prejudice? Or maybe...we can figure out why The Prince of Tides is neither about princes nor tides...” While he spoke he swept around the classroom waving his arms in a dramatic manner, his charisma charming every single student.
Giggles and grins could be found coming from every female, while hero worship emanated from the boys. Rory seethed at the front of the classroom. This is my domain. He can’t just come take it. I have worked hard to get these kids to trust me and to help them succeed and he thinks he can just waltz in and take over!
“Thank you Mr. Phillips, but I’m afraid right now we are working on science. If anyone needs help with their English assi
gnment, I’m sure they will know where to find you.” Her tone was filled with false sweetness, but she hoped the students wouldn’t notice.
“Of course, Ms. Briar.” Walking to the front of the classroom, he plopped himself in a seat next to Anita.
Anita’s face flamed bright red and she buried her nose in her textbook.
“I think it might be best for you to go, Mr. Phillips.”
“You’re supposed to show me the ropes, Aurora, I think spending time with you and the students will be very helpful in letting me know how things are run here.” Grinning, he put his hands behind his head and leaned back in his seat, smug and content.
“Fine.” Rory spat. Then closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she tried to reign in her frustration with his domineering attitude, and her attraction to it.
CHAPTER 3
“He’s awful, Char. Strutting around like he owns the place. Argh! I can’t stand him.” Rory put her elbows on their dinner table and buried her face in her hands.
“I think he’s charming and funny,” Charlotte Cinders, Rory’s roommate and teaching colleague quietly responded. “All his students love him and you have to admit that he certainly knows how to work a crowd. He had everyone in stitches at the last faculty meeting.”
“You’re just seeing everything through rose colored glasses, Ms. I’m in Love.” Rory grumbled, pushing her dinner around her plate without taking a bite.
Charlotte had recently gotten together with her long time crush, Christian Prince, the high school history teacher at their little academy. It had taken months for them to finally acknowledge their feelings as both teachers were extremely shy and quiet. However, now they were enjoying the ‘honeymoon phase’ of their relationship and Charlotte, who was already one of the sweetest people Rory knew, refused to step out of her little love bubble long enough to see things Rory’s way.
Charlotte’s cheeks flushed pink at Rory’s comment, but she didn’t deny the accusation.
A flicker of guilt hit Rory’s gut. “Sorry. I went too far, I’m just...gah! I don’t know... he just rubs me the wrong way.”
“It’s okay. I’m not trying to say you two have to be best friends, but I think you need to calm down and give him a chance. Don’t you think it’s wonderful he’s going to come help the children? That says really good things about him. Besides, you have been saying for a long time how you guys needed someone to come help the kids with essays and papers and stuff. Now there is.” Charlotte pointed out.
“Must you always be sensible?” Rory smiled to the take the sting out of her words. “You’re right...” Rory conceded.
“Of course I am.” Charlotte teased. “Besides, what’s to like about a handsome, charismatic, well read—”
“Should I tell Christian you called someone else handsome?” Rory asked with a raised eyebrow.
Once again, Charlotte’s cheeks flared up. “I didn’t mean—”
Rory laughed. “I know, I was just teasing you. Everyone can see very clearly how much you love Christian.”
“He is pretty wonderful...” Her eyes glazed over and Rory knew Charlotte was picturing her personal prince charming.
“So...where is lover boy tonight?” Rory asked around a mouth full of mashed potatoes.
“Oh, he had a large stack of essays to grade and didn’t want to overtake our house with his work.”
“Gotcha. Speaking of which, I have some grading to do myself.” Standing from the table, she took her dishes to the sink and then went to get her school bag.
“Why do you really dislike him so much? I know you always talk about him being arrogant but that can't be all. We know several people with egos too big for their heads and you don’t treat them this way.”
Rory paused, unsure how to answer. Can I tell her? She shook her head. No. I was young and stupid, and it doesn't matter now.
“Guess we’re just too opposite. Everything he does irritates me. And now I have to share my sanctuary with him.” Rory scowled. And keep this attraction in check.
“Hmmm...” Charlotte pursed her lips and looked thoughtful.
Rory tried to hurry away before Charlotte could see the thoughts in her eyes.
“I don't believe you.” Charlotte's response was soft.
Rory spun around and gaped. “W-what?” She said incredulously.
“I said I don't believe you. The Rory I know doesn't just hate people because they are different than her. You might be sarcastic and a bit snarky but you have a kind heart. In fact no one pushes to help the underdog more than you. So I refuse to believe he just rubs you the wrong way.”
“Wow. I don't believe I've ever heard you stand up to someone like that before.” Rory was in shock at Charlotte’s call out.
Charlotte smiled sweetly. “Some people are worth standing up for.”
Rory’s expression softened. “Thank you.” She said quietly. “But what happened between Steven and I is ancient history and I have no desire to revisit it.”
Charlotte eyed her curiously. “You knew him before you worked here? I don’t recall you ever mentioning him when we were in college.”
Rory frowned. “No. I mean, yes, I knew him. Sort of. We met once. That was it. I don’t want to talk about it.”
Charlotte put her fingers over her mouth in dismay. “That must have been some meeting. It sounds like something awful happened. And what are the odds that you two would end up working at the same place? That’s crazy.” She shook her head.
“Seriously.” Rory responded. And it wasn’t awful...it was the most wonderful night I’d ever had. He was the first person to make me feel special...wanted....but now I know I was just one of many. There was nothing special at all.
“Maybe he’s changed. Have you thought about giving him another chance? Most of us are not the same people we were younger.”
“Oh, trust me. Nothing about that man has changed.” Rory turned back towards the bedrooms. “And on that note, I’m going to grade papers and head to bed. Night!”
“Good night,” Charlotte responded, watching her friend disappear. “This won’t end well.” She muttered to herself before getting up to clean the kitchen.
CHAPTER 4
“Mind if I join you, Aurora?” Steven’s smooth voice tickled her ear and sent a shiver down her spine.
Glancing over her shoulder, she watched him slip into the seat at her side with a smug look on his face. Blast it all, he knows the effect he has on me. “I don’t remember answering your question. How do you know that seat isn’t taken?” She said in a haughty tone.
Steven glanced at the other women sitting with Rory, then the empty chairs still at the table. “I don’t see anyone coming for it. Everyone else is sitting down eating, who do you believe is still coming?”
Rory raised an eyebrow at him.
“You’re welcome to sit with us, Steven.” Charlotte said politely.
Rory whipped her head around and glared at Charlotte. Traitor.
Charlotte gave a small smile and went back to her conversation with Christian, who sat beside her.
Lucy, who sat across the table, snickered, but quickly sobered when Rory turned her glare on her.
“It would appear your friends don’t mind my presence as much as you wish they did.” Steven had leaned into her ear again.
Jerking back, to put space between them, Rory scowled. “If you know you’re not wanted, then why do you bother to talk to me? Surely there are dozens of other women who would welcome your attention, rather than spending time with me.”
A flash of emotion ran through Steven’s eyes, but Rory couldn’t read it before the playful mischievousness he was known for was back.
“Because I also know the truth, dear Aurora.”
“Stop calling me that,” she whispered harshly.
He put his hands up in a placating gesture. “I didn’t come to fight, I’d like to discuss our work at The Center.”
Rory took a bite of her sandwich and watched him expectant
ly.
“I have been tasked with putting on a spring play. I wanted your opinion on my choice.”
“Why do you care what I think?”
Steven studied her for a moment, his eyes were sad. “Who doesn’t care what a beautiful, competent woman thinks?”
Rory’s heart fluttered, but she covered it by rolling her eyes. “I don’t really care what play you do.” Rory said, then turned back to her food.
After a moment, Steven continued, choosing to let go of her comment. “You know those kids way better than I do. I wanted to make sure my choice would be accepted and that they would enjoy it.”
“He’s got a good point,” Lucy mumbled around her applesauce.
Rory gave him a sideways glance. “Okay...what did you have in mind?”
“Sleeping Beauty.”
“Really? An old fairy tale?” Rory thought about it for a moment. Most of those kids have hard lives, they struggle in school and home... “It might be a bit of a hard sell. A lot of the kids at The Center will think it’s dumb.” Her thoughts whirled. “But I actually think it’s a good idea. Those old tales are full of hope and happiness, something these kids are in desperate need of.”
Steven beamed, and Rory warmed at the sight.
“You’re going to have to sell them on it, though. A lot of them will play the tough card and try to make it sound too sissy.”
“My thought was that, the play could be an escape for them. Fairies, magic, happily ever afters...let them have a break from the harsh realities many of those kids face daily. You know, let them use their imaginations.”
Rory froze at his little speech, then her heart took off in a gallop. She couldn’t stop the small flame of respect that burst to life at his words. She nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
“Well, since it meets your approval. I believe I will begin to gather a crew.” Standing up, he prepared to take off. “Ladies...” he winked, causing several giggles and one set of rolled eyes. “And gents,” he tipped an imaginary hat. “I bid you adieu.”
