Levelling the Playing Field (HD&D Sequel)

Chapter 5 - Eloquently Put

"The concept of having a soulmate has been floating around practically forever. The idea behind it is simple: There's one person out there who is destined to be your other half. Of course, this is a little controversial. And movies, TV shows, and books don't exactly play out like in most real-life relationships. While some people are all in with the idea of having a soulmate, others think it's total B.S. Many people are somewhere in the middle-" The English teacher went on, today's lesson being on the concept of soulmates, it's as if the stars aligned with the lesson plan.

Declan watched as Tessa soaked in the words the teacher was saying. He wanted to know what she was thinking about right now. Did she believe in soulmates? How would she react if he told her he knew they were supposed to be together? Of course, he wasn't going to do that. Nothing sounds more controlling than that. He would just have to let their relationship run its course.

"What do you guys think? Let's have some group discussions going," The English teacher broke Declan out of his trance. "Blake, what do you think?"

Here's his chance to hear what she thought. He held his breath in anticipation.

Tessa took a moment to prepare herself. "I think- I think it would be nice knowing that there's someone out there for you, someone destined for you."

"How about you, Mr Lynch?"

"I agree with Tessa," He started, watching the way she smiled up at him in encouragement. He knew he could never get tired of seeing her smile. It was so easy talking about soulmates knowing she was sitting next to him. She was the only thing he focused on, forgetting the teacher and the rest of the class like he was speaking to her and only her.

"I believe in soulmates. It's a feeling beyond our imaginations. Isn't it? You can't help but adore them, feeling your whole heart melt for this person, a beautiful soul who brings joy, laughter, calmness, and so much inspiration—someone matching your temperament on every level-."

Tessa looked up to meet Declan's eyes, transfixed on every word he said. There was an apparent certainty in his words like he lived a thousand lives before and knew exactly what love meant. His eyes never faltered from hers, and she couldn't look away. She didn't want to. She wanted to be the focus of his attention, be seen by him, be heard by him, be adored, and be loved by him. She didn't realise how much his stare was affecting her.

"-Imagine being able to say you're in love, that you can clearly see a future with them. You can share your life, your friends, your family with. Knowing this person is not a chapter in your book but the whole story." Declan finished, leaving the class stunned. He didn't care people were staring. He was staring at something much more important.

"That was eloquently put, Mr Lynch," The teacher cut through, grabbing the rest of the classes attention.

Tessa continued to stare. "Whoever ends up with you, Lynch is very lucky," She whispered to him.

He took in her words and the intensity behind her eyes before forming a knowing smile. "You think? Thank you,"

She nodded before turning back to the front, trying to hide the blush on her cheeks.

"Remember, having soulmates is very well and nice, but you don't just find your soulmate. You create your soulmate-," The teacher continued.

Bennett focused on what the teacher was saying. Why did it sound like he needed to hear this right now? He looked over at Davina.

"-You create one through years of learning about them, navigating challenges, creating a family, and loving each other through all the happy and the hard times."