The story I want

A new beginning (Scarlet)

I look at myself in the mirror and can't help but feel awkward. I look normal but somehow not like the people here. It's only 6:07am on a Monday and Im already having a existential crisis. Lovely. "Plain is safe." I say out loud trying to convince myself that I look fine. I quickly brush and curl my short brown hair, add some light makeup and signature eyeliner before heading to my closet. "Business casual. Not too business-y but not too casual." I pick out a burgundy button up and some black pleated slacks. I tuck in my shirts and grab burgundy and black floral flats with some gold jewelry. Simple chain, small hoops and gold studs for my other ear piercings, simple vertical labret, some simple gold wrist cuffs, and three rings with ruby and diamond stones. I look at myself in my full length mirror. I feel fake, like I'm playing dress up but also hot. I unbutton another button so you can fully see my necklace. Better. My biggest insecurity is my body shape. Inverted triangle, not the skinny kind but also not fat, not necessarily ugly, but not pretty either. I push my negative thoughts out of my head and focus on how well the colors suit my honey brown hair and blue eyes. "Damn girl, looking fine. Today is going to be great. Let's grab a good coffee and quick bite then try my best." I say to myself before grabbing my bag and heading out. I decided to go to a small coffee shop on my way to work. I had half an hour before I needed to be at class. I spent the whole day before setting up my new college classroom and I was exhausted. But hey, at least it turned out good. I looked a Final time in my car mirror to check my makeup before driving off to the coffee shop. I pulled up to a gorgeous cafe with ivy creeping up the aged brick. It had gorgeous glass windows on either side of the door, very chic, but kind of typical. The name was Cafe de la Paix, which my best friend told me meant cafe of peace. " It definitely lives up to the name." I told myself as I hopped out of my blue pick up truck. As soon as I stepped inside the smell of fresh baked goods, coffee, and lavender hit my nose. I took a deep breath and decided this would be my go to shop, so long as the coffee was good. I stood and line and decided on a blueberry creme brulee late and a blueberry muffin. I ordered and picked out a seat by the window. The window was also a seat but no one sat at either window, and it felt wrong to do so. I was lost in thought when I heard my name being called. I walked up but was bumped into by a tall blonde guy who was littered with tattoos. He wore a grey button down with cargo khakis. His two coffees held to both sides so he wouldn't spill them he said "Shit, sorry love. Didn't see you there" in a deep, but calm, voice. "Im sorry t-" I stopped as he simply walked back to a table on the opposite side of the cafe. "That was the troublesome couple from across the street" I told myself as I picked up my coffee and started to leave but someone was drilling holes into the back of my head. I glance over my shoulder and that lady is staring at me again. I ignored her with a sigh. The drive to work was only 5 minutes, but it felt like an eternity. I parked in the administration parking lot in the back of the school and scarfed my food before grabbing my coffee, purse, and the bag with my laptop and paperwork. I head inside to the front office to clock in, when I'm met by the principal Ms. Lane. "Good morning Ms. James! How are you today?" Ms. Lane is very boisterous and sweet and her voice perfectly reflects that aspect of her personality. "I'm doing rather well ma'am, I found a sweet little cafe and I'm super excited for my first day." I meant to show how excited I was but it came out kind of calm, almost sarcastic. I winced at my words. Ms. Lane seems to understand and she continues, "That's great sweetheart! Now then on t business. Because you're new, we have assigned you a teachers assistant. He's gonna help with your scheduling and lesson plans, walk you through our rules and where to go, so on so forth. You do your own thing, he just helps where he can to lighten your load. Sound good?" She questions. "Sounds heavenly" I say with a smile, feeling my self ease up a bit. In theory it was a good idea, so long as he was good at what he did. She handed me an extra key and teacher edition literature book. "These are for Mr. Killian, your assistant. Let me know if you have questions or concerns. I'll see you at lunch sweetheart!" She waves goodbye and heads past the front desk to her office that's tucked in the very back of a narrow hallway. I say my goodbyes to ye two ladies sitting behind the desk and the random teachers scattered around the office. I head down the hall and out of the main building into the English and language wing. This school was truly beautiful,and I admires the architecture on my way to the classroom. I stopped a few doors down when I saw that guy in front of my classroom door. I cleared my throat and continued walking. "Good morning, I'm assuming you are my assistant teacher, Mr. Killian?" I ask with a smile, being as polite as possible. He was leaning against the wall by the door but stood straight, waved, and smiled at me when I walked up and spoke to him. "Well hello again. Fancy meeting you again" he grinned wide. That same guy from across the street and the cafe. At least now he looked more professional. Im pulled out of my thoughts when he talks again, " My name is Killian, Asher Killian. It's a pleasure to properly meet you." He winks and I grimace. "Ah yes, lovely to meet you as well. My name is Scarlet James." I shake his hand then hand over his book and key. "Well them," I say taking a breath " let's get this party started Mr. Killian" I smile as he unlocks the door and opens it for me. I nod and enter the classroom. "Can you prop the door open Mr. Killian?" I say as I place my belongings on my desk. He walks in with his bike helmet and props open the door. "There's no need to be so formal love, it's college not grade school." He chuckles. I spin on my heels, "Maybe so, but id rather call someone I just met their formal names then a nickname" I retort as I tilt my head slightly to the left and smile. I turn back around and start organizing my belongings as well as pulling out the assignment for the day. Asher walked to his smaller desk beside mine and put his stuff down, which was just his helmet, book and key. But he flinches right before he gets to his desk. Maybe it was just my mind though. I shake my head and sip my coffee. Still warm and so sweet. Soon, student began filling in the room. The room wasn't completely full but it definitely had ame volume. For the most part it was full of women. The bell rang and I cocked my head left before standing straight and greeting the mass of whispering voices. "Hello class, My name is Ms. James and I'll be your English Literature teach for the semester. To start class off, Mr. Killian will be passing around an itinerary of what to expect for this semester, as well as a work page so I can get a grasp of your strong suits and weaknesses. While you look over the itinerary, and complete the paper, feel free to ask questions." I say with a smile. I hand the two stacks of papers to James, he smiles and heads towards the students. I begin to call role when a young lady calls my name with a raised hand. "Yes Ms..." " Louise, please call me Louise." She says oddly excited. I nod and she quickly continues, "is it true that your the author of the romance series, 'with bated breath'?" She asks hurriedly. I chuckle, "Yes I am, but if my parents ask, I write historical fiction." I chuckle. Some of the girls start laughing and three more ladies raise there hands. I point to a girl in the back. she's wearing a black and blue flannel with a white headband, Olivia. "Do you draw inspiration for your books from your real life?" She giggles and a girl beside her elbows her. I pause before answering, "Sometimes, but sometimes I just read too many romance books myself. It's a blend of what had happened and what might." Olivia, seeming pleased with her answer, squeals. The girl up front puts her hand down, when a voice from behind me speaks up. "How many books have you wrote, and are you working on a new one?" Asher, Mr. Killian, says from his desk with his arms crossed and a smile. I laugh sarcastically, "13 books so far and " some of the kids start whooping and hollering, some ask if I was lying, I laugh "I'm in the process of writing a new romance." I hear a loud "hell yeah!" From the back of the class, I look to see a guy in the back looking super excited and holding a copy of one of my first books. "You're the reason I took this class! I adore your books, I've learned so much even though they're romances, and they've helped me through some tough times." I smile sweetly, "my books have helped me a lot too hun. I'm also glad you learned some because that was one reason why I wrote them the way I did. I wanted an escape for myself and others. Plus some romance and spice." I giggle. Just like that the bell rang for dismissal, it was time for my break before my next class and I was so excited. When everyone was gone, I turned to Mr. Killian And smiled.