Infatuated

Six

I smile kindly as my students gather their belongings. If the stoic look on their faces doesn't constitute that I've done a successful job today, then I'm not sure what does. I mutter a soft 'thank you' as they place their papers on my desk, a soft sigh escaping me as I ready myself for mediocrity. When the last of them leave, I saunter over to my coffee maker and brew me a cup despite it being two in the afternoon.

A dormant volcano is how I would describe the Stephens family over the past two months. The eruption, thankfully, occurred during our vacation, and since then nothing has occurred out of the norm. I feel content. Antonio and Nicolette continue to work in school, Lorenzo settled into his new position at C. S. Enterprises, and I've fallen back into my old being. Granted, not having Josephine in my vicinity and lack of communication greatly contributed to my dive back into who I am.

Walking back over to my desk, I organize my students' papers and file them into my briefcase to take home. I breathe out a sigh as I stand beside my desk, patiently waiting for the last of the coffee to drip into my cup, my feet anxiously waiting to carry me out of my room and to my car. After little deliberation, I gather my cup and other belongings before heading towards the door.

A knock at the door catches my attention, slowing my stride drastically. "Mrs. Stephens?"

"Mr. Easton," I smile. I feel parched as I stand face-to-face with the Dean, the scorching burn of the coffee somehow offering relief. "Please, come in."

"I'm glad I caught you," he remarks, his hand gesturing towards my belongings clutched in my hands. I go to set them down back at my desk. "Please, this will only take a minute."

I stand awkwardly beside my desk, my lips anxiously turned inwards and my eyes frantically darting to track every movement of Jackson Easton. I can't recall a single person who is initially joyed to see their boss ask to talk, so my nervous stance and anticipation is justifiable in my opinion.

"It seems your name has repeatedly come up in consideration for the position of Assistant Director for the English Department."

Oh.

"First and foremost, congratulations. Along with Hawkins, the two of you will be going under immense review and observations in and for the next couple of weeks. I do hope I'm not springing anything on you, but I do want you to be prepared."

"Wow," I whisper softly, the proud grin growing on my lips. "I-I, thank you so much for the opportunity."

"Thank yourself, Corinne." Jackson replies as he comes to shake my hand. I continue to smile as we carry out the gesture. "Please send out an email to your students to let them know of the upcoming events and drop-ins during class."

"Yes, of course. Thank you, again."

In Jackson Easton fashion, he nods his head and silently exits the room, leaving me to bask in my own excitement. A soft, giddy squeal escapes my lips as my feet patter in place, my zealous aura radiating out to my entire body. Picking up my belongings, again, I stride over to the door with quick and happy steps.

~*~

I gently close the oven before running my palms down my pants, an easy sigh leaving me as I wait for the food to cook. Faintly, I hear the front door close, prompting me to scurry downstairs and hopefully greet my husband.

"Hey, Mom."

I'm not disappointed to be greeted by Nicolette, but I had readied myself to embrace Lorenzo at the door. Without a skip in beat, I open my arms and pull Nicolette in for a hug.

"How was school?" I ask, a wary smile on my face as I glance between my watch and the scrawny boy standing behind Nicolette. "And who's your friend?"