Let Me In | Herophine Fic

Fishing For Compliments

JOSEPHINE

I have no idea where the time is going but somehow, we've come to the end of October. Specifically, October 31st which means one thing and one thing only. It's Halloween and the school I work in always goes all out unlike others. Every year, we're encouraged to decorate, dress up and have some fun. And thankfully this year, it's fallen on a Friday too, which means me dressing up and being in the Halloween mood, flows into my weekend plans with Hero and Mila perfectly.

Walking into my classroom half an hour earlier than I usually would, I waste no time in beginning my decorating. I've bought pumpkin bunting, already carved a real pumpkin out for display and have also bought some goodie bags too. It's not Halloween if you don't have sweets. My students will still be learning today but I do have a nice treat for them this afternoon, one I'm looking forward to too.

Similarly to the teachers being encouraged to go all out, so are the students. I've got little prizes for the best dressed but I've kept my outfit quite simple, considering I have to get the tube here and I'll be getting the tube to Hero's later on for our very own Halloween party. Which, goes without saying, I'm super excited for. Given my travelling, I've opted for a simple black midi-dress, a red velvet choker and a witches hat. Surprisingly, Mila requested a witches and wizards theme for our little soirée tonight which really surprised both me and Hero. I think both of us were fully expecting a princess and princes theme given her obsession with fairytales but no, witches and wizards. Trick or treating is obviously a no-go so we'll be doing our own things, me and Hero both having tricks up our sleeves, I'm sure.

Once my classroom is ready and the pumpkin is lit, I place my witches hat on and head to the door hearing the bell. Signalling it's time for school to start. I open the door, welcoming the students in, loving seeing all the different costumes. Various mini Avengers pass by me, Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk as well as some more traditional Halloween get-ups. Vampires, ghosts, ghouls, witches, cats and bats. The list is endless.

One little girl who isn't in my class is wearing a princess dress which immediately causes my mind to casts to Mila. I'm so taken by Hero's little girl. Much more than I thought I would considering, biologically, she's not mine. But I feel a pull to her, to look after her and protect her. I've no idea why or what that is but I do. I look forward to seeing her just as much as I do, Hero. I wonder if she'll call me princess Jo tonight or witch Jo?

Wandering back into the class, I see my students have already started digging into the sweets on the table.

"Morning, class,"

"Good morning, Miss Langford," smiling, I sit down and place my witches hat down beside me before loading up the attendance software on my computer.

"Okay, let's take attendance then we'll get started for today," I notice the class's disappointment in actually doing school work today. I can't let them have a full day of nothing, not in the middle of the semester.

"Now, as much as I'd love to let you do absolutely nothing for the day. I do have one treat for you all this afternoon,"

"What is it Miss?" As always, Aiden is the voice of the class, asking what everyone's thinking.

"Well, I was thinking after lunch, we can have Golden Time - if you're all good today. And then... we'll watch Hocus Pocus," this news definitely seems to perk them up. Is it even Halloween if you don't watch Hocus Pocus?

***

Before knocking on Hero's front door, I put the witch hat I've worn on and off today on my head and secure it in place. Knocking on the door three times as I always do, I wait until the little lady on the other side pulls open the door and leaps into my arms. Excitement courses through me every time she does this. The smile similar to her father's is plastered on her face as it always is.