Picture Perfect

Chapter Six: Elliot

Back to Elliot and his dating trials...and his first impression of Tyler. Also my viva is next Tuesday (it got delayed by a week - typical!) so I won't be uploading on Wednesday as I'll likely be absolutely knackered. Wish me luck!

Love, Cam

Chapter Six

Elliot

I meet a very cute single dad

It was about two minutes until breaktime when Ros knocked on my door and wheeled in. I prompted the kids to greet her politely with, "Hi, Mrs Keller," as per usual, and then told them they could go to break early. Excitedly, they all zoomed out of the classroom with only a tiny bit more self-restraint than usual.

Ros wheeled further into the classroom once the kids had left. "Elliot, this is Mr O'Connor and Ms Thomas, they're here to discuss a transfer student to your class."

Two people followed Ros. The woman drew my eye; she had glossy red hair and stood confidently. She wore a skirt-suit and heels, and had not shied away from matching her red hair to her lipstick. Ms Thomas was instantly filed away in my head as someone who radiated self-assurance and happiness in who she was. I liked that sort of influence in a kid's life, especially young girls who needed positive female role models.

"Wonderful," I said, standing to greet the two. Ms Thomas met my eye and looked a little surprised at the sight of me.

That thought, however, didn't return to my brain for several hours after Mr O'Connor stepped to the side to greet me. Ros introduced me to the two of them, and said something about budget reviews, but my ability to pay attention had flown directly out the window.

It wasn't just that Tyler O'Connor was beautiful. He was beautiful, with his shy smile and big brown eyes, but it wasn't just that. It was that he was so incredibly sweet. It was how he smiled at Ros sincerely and warmly. It was how he sidestepped the kids' tables carefully to avoid knocking into their work. It was how he smiled at a crayon drawing of a big love heart with 'mummy' written under it.

"Sorry for interrupting your break," he hastily told me, blushing a furious red as he met my eyes. "Mrs Keller mentioned you'd want to escape to get coffee."

I couldn't help it; I laughed. "She knows everything," I said, the smile etching into my face. He was clearly embarrassed to have bothered me, and it was adorable. I quickly stared down at the application, focusing on the fact that he was here with someone and it was likely about their daughter. When I looked back up, I made sure to address both of them. "But I'd rather learn about my new student. I had a look at the application - your daughter is very well-liked by her teacher, it seems."

This was no exaggeration; I had a reference from a teacher singing Saskie's praises, especially when it came to creative exercises. I was looking forward to meeting her.

Ms Thomas held up her hands quickly. "Just his daughter, I'm a family friend."

A smile came to my face more quickly than I'd want to admit. "My mistake. Still, it's nice to get to know the important people in a student's life. I'm sure we will be seeing you at school shows!"

The woman was an open book; her face screwed up at the thought and she joked, "I think I'd rather punch myself directly in the face."

I tried to hide my smile as Mr O'Connor flushed an even more interesting shade of red and elbowed his friend in the ribs. "Sorcha, go play in the music room, I think it's next to the library."