Were's the Love?

Chapter 23: Stop and Sit; or How to Be a Good Boy

The sunlight reflects off the ripples of the lake's surface, illuminating the bright colors of the changing leaves that are still clinging to the maple trees around us making the area look as if it's on fire. Allison sips from her glass of wine, her beautiful blue eyes lost in thought while she stares out at the water. The sun is still hovering high in the sky, but if I have my wish, we'll stay here until it sets.

Everything has been perfect. Better than I hoped it would be.

Not only did Allison agree to go on this picnic with me, but we've spent the last hour talking. Just talking about anything and everything. I'm learning so much about her. It's great! I didn't know that her parents wanted her to follow in their footsteps and study accounting or pursue a career in medicine. I didn't realize she chose teaching because of her love for literature. I thought maybe she picked it because she liked children and wanted to help mold young minds. That's why I did. I never knew that she had dreams of one day becoming a published author, writing psychological thrillers and paranormal murder mysteries. I bet she'd be amazing at it.

We didn't just talk about her, though. She asked me a few questions about college and why I studied what I did. I guess my sister told her about my various degrees. If I knew she was curious, I would have told her about them myself, but most people simply aren't interested in what I studied. They see me as the failed warrior who became a P.E. teacher because there was nothing else he could do.

"It doesn't bother you?" Allison asks with her head cocked to the side.

"Not really. I like my job." I smile and set my wine glass on the ground. "Being a teacher gives me a chance to get to know the young of our village, see their strengths, and point those who are lost in the right direction. Since so many see me as naïve or stupid, I have a lot of students who feel comfortable coming to talk with me about their problems. I become their sounding board and it gives me a chance to really help them."

I think my answer surprised Allison. She's just staring at me as if she's processing what I said. She looks beautiful.

"But you can still teach other subjects," she says quietly, "Why didn't you try for the position of art teacher once Mrs. Grant retired last year?"

"I thought about it," I answer, "but I enjoy gym. I get to work with all the students in the school, not just the ones who like athletics. If I taught art, I'd only see the ones who like art. Plus, P.E. really runs itself, so if someone needs to talk, I know I can pull them aside and have a quiet one-on-one conversation with them without having to worry about what the rest of the class is doing. I know if they are still playing basketball or tennis, even without seeing them do it."

"Don't you miss painting or drawing?"

"Not really." I shrug. "I can always do those things at home and, until recently, I used my free period to draw. Sometimes, I'd read, but mostly, I'd sketch whatever made me smile most that day. I've been doing it since I first started teaching. At the end of the year, I usually give the drawings to one of the students that helped make that memory."

"I never knew that. That's sweet," Allison smiles. "I'd love to see some of what you've drawn so far this year."

"Um, okay..." I hesitate, "but a lot of them are of you."

"Hmm," she frowns and goes back to staring at the water.

Shit. I messed up. I shouldn't have told her that. I sound like a creeper now. She probably thinks I'm staring at her all the time. I am, but I don't want her to know that. Damn it. It's likely that she's already noticed that. Think, Jason. Think. The flowers! I haven't given her the flowers I bought her yet!