Ocean Eyes

CHAPTER 15 (BONUS)

It had been a year since Arthur and Roselyn's wedding. The two were happily married and it seems that even after a year, they're still in their honeymoon phase. It was a good thing for them but everytime Rachel and Ashley came to visit them and see Panda, the both of them can't help but feel like they're third wheeling and are constantly bothering the couple. Arthur ensured them that they weren't but it was still quite awkward for the sisters.

Rachel eventually had gotten a job as a kindergarten teacher. She was offered to become a high school teacher, teaching the students English but she politely declined and instead choose kindergarten because she simply felt like she wasn't ready to teach any high schoolers yet. Plus, she does enjoy being around kids, despite sometimes they can be brutally honest about everything. But, it doesn't bother Rachel. In fact it feels quite nostalgic, like how she used to take care of Ashley when she was younger. Of course she would never tell Ashley that because she knew that her dearest younger sister Ash would give her a weird look.

Ashley was doing great on her final year of university. She is very excited to just finish every assignments and tests of hers just so that she can finally get her degree after years of studying and learning. She wanted to become a scientist, or maybe even a pharmacist. Well, that's really up for her to decide especially considering that Rachel herself isn't really sure what degree Ashley is taking and what kind of jobs it could offer her. Is she a horrible sister? Yes, maybe. Or maybe she's also just very forgetful and doesn't really understand what Ashley is up to. But all that matters to her is that Ashley is happy doing whatever she's doing.

At kindergarten, Rachel was very much well-liked by the kids there. They all adored Rachel and always follows her around. It was adorable. Sometimes it made Rachel wonder if one day when anyone she knows has a child of their own, will they entrust Rachel to take care of the child? Because if so, she wouldn't mind. It is literally what her job is all about after all. As Rachel was sitting near the door, watching slowly as one by one of the kids she taught walk away with their parents, she suddenly noticed that one of the girls that were heading back was suddenly coming back to her.

"What's the problem Layla?" Rachel asked as Layla approached her. Layla was a very nice and polite girl. Always listening to orders given and never once causing trouble. Rachel was certain she is one of the few kids that actually behaved well. Not that she has problems with the others. But when the majority of the kids are noisy and active, someone quiet like Layla is very much appreciated. "Miss Rachel, Miss Rachel" Layla called out to her. "Yes, what is it?" Rachel asked, curious of what the child has to say.

"Miss Rachel, my uncle thinks you're really pretty" Layla said innocently. "?????" Rachel couldn't help the confused look on her face. Questions filling up her mind. What did she just said? Rachel decided to sit down and look at Layla in the eyes. "I'm sorry but could you repeat that?" Rachel asked again. She actually heard it already the first time but she was in a complete state of disbelief. No way this is actually happening. But also kids aren't usually great liars. "My uncle thinks you're pretty! He also told me to give you his number" Layla said once again while handing Rachel a piece of paper with a number written on it. It was obviously a phone number.

'....' Rachel would be lying if she said that she doesn't find this entire absurd situation quite hilarious. But, it's also kind of sweet. "Oh, ok thank you Layla. But, how old is your uncle?" Rachel asked, a bit curious. She was worried that the one trying to flirt with her is a much older man. Much worse if he isn't actually single at all! The last thing Rachel wants to be is labelled as a homewrecker. "He's 28 and he's still single! Dad always tells uncle to find himself a girlfriend!" Layla explained. Wow, kids really are brutally honest. She just casually revealed some of his uncle's personal matters.

Rachel could only give Layla a thin smile. Alright, at least he's single. But also, how could Rachel turn him down? Of course she doesn't want to outright reject him especially in front of his niece, and at the kindergarten at that! So Rachel could only ask Layla politely "Where is this uncle of yours?" Rachel asked, of course she was curious to see the face of the man who is brave to ask his niece to work as his personal matchmaker. Layla smiled brightly at Rachel and pointed her finger towards the front gate. Outside, there was a black car parked and a man simply leaning on said car. He was actually looking at them. How could Rachel not noticed him before? She must've been so focused on Layla during this entire conversation.

The man noticed that Rachel was looking at him and gave Rachel a blindingly bright smile. Rachel gave him an awkward smile. Oh, how is she going to handle this situation. Ashley, please help me! Rachel lets out a sigh and looked at Layla again. "Come on, give me your hand. I'm walking you back to your uncle" Rachel said as she grabbed Layla's right hand. Layla nodded and walked alongside Rachel. Upon nearing the car, Rachel decided to let go of Layla's hands and waved her goodbye, saying that they'll meet again tomorrow.

The man smiled at the sight and approached them. "Hello Miss Rachel. Can I have a talk with you?" He asked, voice gentle yet deep. "Layla, you can get in the car first dear, I'll be there soon" and with that, Layla quickly got into the car. If given the chance, Rachel would rather run away head back inside the kindergarten rather then confronting this uncle of her students and yet here she is. She would be lying is she says that this isn't both, awkward and kind of cringe for her to experience.

"So, Miss Rachel" the man started. "Just Rachel would be fine, you're not one of the kids" Rachel stated with a stoic expression. The man lets out a chuckle. "Alright then, hi Rachel, I'm Lucas, Layla's uncle. This isn't actually my first time picking her up so I've seen you multiple times already and I would like to get to know you better" he said. 'Confident, I'll give him that' Rachel thought to herself. "Well, um, Lucas, it's nice meeting you but I don't think that this is appropriate. You are literally trying your luck on your niece's teacher. What would she think?" Rachel asked. "I think she really, really likes you and would really love having her dearest Miss Rachel become someone closer to her" Lucas said.

Rachel was speechless. This guy sure has nerves. "...." Rachel genuinely couldn't give him a response. She is literally speechless because of this Lucas guy. "..did I went to far? Ok, Rachel, I understand that this is very sudden and I really don't want to force you to go on a date with me or anything. But I just wanted to give you my number. Whether or not you decide to hit me up after this is entirely up to you. I just you know, thought it'd be nice to take you out sometime and get to know you better. Especially since Layla really likes and adores you and I genuineness think you are very beautiful. But if you decide not to do anything then I also respect that. This is entirely your decision." Lucas said, trying to clear things up.

Rachel seemed to be lost in her own thoughts for a second before finally letting out a sigh. "Alright, I'll keep your number and think about it but don't expect much.". Lucas gave Rachel a gentle smile, "Don't worry, take your time, I'm not in a rush. But if nothing happens, that's also fine. At least I tried". Rachel could only nod. She can see where he's coming from. "Alright then Rachel, I'll be taking my leave now. Thanks for always taking care of Layla!" Lucas said. "It's literally my job, no need to thank me" Rachel replied. Lucas grinned at that before driving away.

Rachel stood still for a few seconds before letting out a sigh of relief. 'I'm glad that's over' she thought to herself. Now, on what her next course of action would be, maybe she will tell this story to Ashley, and she'll laugh at the situation, before finally telling Rachel what she honestly thinks Rachel should do. Well, for now, she should be getting ready to head back home. She was exhausted.

THE END

AUTHORS NOTE:

Does this count as the story ending on a cliffhanger? I don't think so. I find open endings quite beautiful because it really depends on your own choice on wether or not Rachel ends up with Lucas or not. This bonus can also just be ignored if last chapter ended in a more satisfying way for you. I just did this bonus because my friend questioned why Rachel ended up single so..yeah.

This story is finally over after I abandoned it for 5 years! Yeay! I can finally move on from this story and I won't feel burdened by it anymore. I completed this story solely for my own satisfaction but to those who are reading, thanks. This isn't my best work. It's actually one of the worst considering it's my first story. So, hopefully I can write another story soon. But for now, for Ocean Eyes, this is how the story ends. Thank you. See you when I see you and as usual, have a good day!