Frerard - Yes Sir!

Chapter 1

I checked myself in the mirror one last time and took a deep breath. I straightened my tie and buttoned up my waistcoat, before running my hands through my hair once again. I rolled up my sleeves hoping to achieve that smart casual look. Once I was satisfied, I headed out the door.

It was the first day of my new teaching job, and to say I was scared shitless would be an understatement. I still felt like a kid myself. I couldn't see myself as a proper adult, never mind one to hold any authority over a class full of unruly teens.

"Hello. I'm Mr Way" I practiced saying in the mirror, internally cringing at how ridiculous I sounded.

Still, this is what I had studied for the last three years for. I knew I had the ability to teach and was more than confident in my art and the knowledge that came with it, but I was actually fucking terrified about the kids themselves. I knew I could show no signs of that though. The slightest whiff of weakness and they would swoop on me in an instant, making me that idiot, pathetic teacher that just looks like they want to hide away. Every school has one.

I left home with plenty of time to spare. All the worse case scenarios going through my mind; getting stuck in traffic, having a flat tyre, running over a puppy; potentially making me late for my first day. I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel to the music that was playing and continued to practice my "Hello. I'm Mr Way" introduction.

I parked up and tentatively headed into the huge establishment.

I had already had a tour and met the Head. I had my timetable and felt quite prepared for each year group's workload.

I forced myself to head to the Staff Room on shaky legs. I could feel my nerves bubbling up but knew I had to do this even though I really just wanted to go straight to my classroom and hide away there.

Taking a deep breath and pushing my shoulders back, I confidently entered the Staff Room, where I was instantly met with the sound of chatter and laughter. I stood to one side for a little while, just taking in the scene. There were a few women stood together looking at holiday photos on one of their phones, there were a couple of stuffy looking older men, sat cross-legged on the leather sofas reading newspapers, and there was a group of younger looking teachers (men and women) laughing together by the coffee maker. I didn't know who the fuck to stand near and was about to turn and head straight back out again, when I felt a hand on my elbow. Turning, I saw Mrs Welsh, the Head, smiling towards me.

"Gerard" she began. "How are you? I hope you're not nervous. I remember what it was like when I got my first teaching post. I was terrified. But let me assure you, this is a lovely school and I know you will fit in just fine."

I smiled back politely and tried to look confident, but before I knew it, she was calling everyone to order and introducing me to the whole room.

I could feel my cheeks burn as she welcomed me and revealed to everyone that I was the new art teacher, and to make me feel welcome in their school.

I felt like the new kid and just wanted the ground to open up and swallow me. Still, I smiled graciously as several teachers came over to say hello.

The younger women seemed to make a beeline for me, telling me to find them if I needed any help with anything at all. They were clearly flirting, but I didn't mind, it gave my ego a bit of a boost. The older men just nodded towards me and went straight back to their reading, not really showing any interest in me at all, which I was honestly fine with.

I made my way over to the coffee machine, hoping to grab a quick cup before my first lesson. As I reached for a cup, my hand collided with another tattooed hand and I instantly recoiled in embarrassment.

"Oh sorry man" a rich voice apologised. "You go first!"

I looked up and found myself looking at the most unlikely teacher ever. He had tattoos up both arms and over his hands, even up onto his neck, wore a band t-shirt and ripped jeans and had longish hair falling messily around his face. Oh. And he was as hot as fuck!

I smiled a little and mumbled something about him getting coffee first.

"I'm Frank" he offered, holding out his hand. "Music Teacher."

I shook his hand as firmly as I could muster and cleared my throat.

"Gerard" I replied. "Art. As you already know" I clarified realising that I'd already been introduced.

"Well, it's nice to meet you Gerard" Frank grinned. "Our rooms are just down the hall from each other's, so I'm sure we'll see plenty of one another."

"Oh. Okay" I replied. "Nice to meet you too Frank."

With that, Frank filled up his cup and walked away.

Jesus, I really was still like a fucking teenager. I had literally been in the building for twenty minutes, and already had a crush on someone. God I really had to get a grip.

Realising classes would be starting shortly, I drained my coffee and headed to my classroom.

I wondered around the empty classroom and smiled as I realised that I might actually like it here. I straightened the paint pots and blank canvases and made my way back to the front of the class, just as I heard students begin to enter.

"Hello. I'm Mr Way."