TEACHER TEACHER! [re-uploaded due technical issues with first upload]

Chapter 10- Change

WARNING:
UPSETTING & GRAPHIC CONTENT.
Includes details about panic attacks.

The faint hum of noise brought the classroom to life.
All eyes were on Eloise as she told the rest of the class what the group had discovered.

"Poor guy", said a boy called Sammy.

"I'm glad we went", said Eloise.
"Now his obsession with the award makes sense."

"I can't imagine not caring about my brothers or sister", said Atlas.

"Same here", said Elliott.
"Family is everything."

Spencer, who would usually engage in the class conversation before class, was unusually silent.
He just kept staring at his phone.

Eloise opened her mouth to respond, but was cut off by Irene rushing into the room.

"Mr. Patel's here!", she whisper-yelled.

Not even five seconds later, Aahan walked into the room, stopping abruptly when he saw Irene.

"You're late."

"She was here before you", said Zee.

"Yes, and I'm a few minutes late", he replied, his snarky tone taking Zee by surprise.

"Is everything ok?", asked Rowan.

"No, everything is not ok, Rowan", he snapped.
"The local council hired painters to finish the paint job in the community centre.
I missed my chance to get the credit for it."

"You started the job", said Irene.
"That's got to count for something."

Aahan exhaled sharply and shook his head.
"It doesn't count for anything."

If Aahan acted like this a few days ago, the students wouldn't have been bothered, but since finding out about what it's like for Aahan outside of school walls, they couldn't help but feel sorry for the man.

"Come on, Sir", said Eloise.
"Cheer up."

"Look, just... get out your books, alright?"

The students did as they were told, but Eloise glanced at Aahan every few seconds.
His expression was emotionless, but his eyes were full of sadness.

A lightbulb went off in Eloise's head, and she slammed her hands against the table, before standing up.

"I've got it!"

Rowan and some of the others jumped, and everyone looked at Eloise.

"Our annual football tournament is coming up!", she revealed.
"A bunch of us advertise it, but you could lead us."

A curious Aahan furrowed his brow.

"What would I have to do?"

"Make posters, interview the team, sell tickets for the tournament—that kind of thing."

"That sounds like a lot."