The first week of senior year was always a whirlwind, but Blair found herself particularly anxious as she made her way to her first English class with Miss Hawkins. Despite the reassuring words from her friends and family, Blair couldn't shake the butterflies in her stomach. She took a deep breath and walked into the classroom, her eyes immediately seeking out the new teacher.
Miss Hawkins stood at the front of the room, arranging her notes on the desk. She looked up as the students filed in, her striking green eyes scanning the room. Blair couldn't help but notice how the sunlight streaming through the windows made Miss Hawkins' hair gleam, the waves catching the light in a way that seemed almost ethereal.
Blair quickly found her seat near the middle of the room, sandwiched between Emma and Lucas. The chatter of the students filled the room, but it quieted down as Miss Hawkins stepped forward and began to speak.
"Good morning, everyone. My name is Eleanor Hawkins, and I'll be your English teacher this year. I know starting a new year can be a bit daunting, but I hope we can create an environment where we all feel comfortable exploring literature and expressing our ideas."
Her voice was calm and measured, with a certain warmth that Blair found oddly comforting. Miss Hawkins continued, introducing the syllabus and her expectations for the class. As she spoke, Blair found herself drawn to her presence-the way she moved with grace, her thoughtful expressions, and the passion in her voice when she talked about literature.
Blair's cheeks flushed slightly as she realized she was staring. She quickly looked down at her notebook, trying to focus on taking notes. Emma nudged her playfully.
"She's pretty cool, huh?" Emma whispered.
Blair nodded, not trusting herself to speak without revealing the confusing mix of emotions she was feeling. She glanced over at Lucas, who was doodling in his notebook, completely oblivious to the turmoil in Blair's mind.
Miss Hawkins started the class with an icebreaker, asking each student to share their favorite book and why it resonated with them. When it was Blair's turn, she hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"My favorite book is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen," Blair said, her voice steady. "I love the characters, especially Elizabeth Bennet, and the way Austen critiques social norms of her time with wit and insight."
Miss Hawkins smiled, her eyes lighting up with genuine interest. "A classic choice, Blair. Elizabeth Bennet is indeed a fascinating character. Thank you for sharing."
As the class progressed, Blair found herself more and more captivated by Miss Hawkins. She was knowledgeable and engaging, encouraging thoughtful discussions and making even the most reluctant students participate. Blair couldn't help but admire her poise and intelligence.
At the end of the class, Miss Hawkins assigned a reflective essay on the themes of their favorite books. Blair packed her things slowly, her mind racing with thoughts of the assignment and the lingering image of Miss Hawkins' smile.
"Hey, Blair, want to grab lunch?" Tyler's voice broke through her reverie.
Blair turned to see her boyfriend standing in the doorway, his usual easygoing smile on his face. She smiled back, pushing aside the confusing feelings that had taken root during class.
"Sure, let's go," Blair replied, joining Tyler as they walked to the cafeteria.
They found their usual spot under the oak tree, and soon Emma, Lucas, and Sophia joined them. As they ate, the conversation flowed easily, but Blair found her thoughts drifting back to Miss Hawkins. She felt a pang of guilt as she glanced at Tyler, who was animatedly discussing the latest soccer match with Lucas.
"Blair, are you okay?" Sophia asked, her voice gentle.
Blair snapped back to the present, realizing she had been unusually quiet. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking about the English assignment."
Emma grinned. "Miss Hawkins does seem pretty intense, but in a good way. I think we're going to learn a lot this year."
Blair nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I think so too."
As the day went on, Blair couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted within her. She knew she had to keep her budding crush on Miss Hawkins a secret, not just because of Tyler but because it complicated everything. She valued her relationship with Tyler, and the thought of hurting him was unbearable.
But as she lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, Blair couldn't help but replay the moments from class in her mind. The way Miss Hawkins' eyes had sparkled with enthusiasm, the subtle grace in her movements, and the warmth in her voice. Blair sighed, knowing that this was a secret she would have to keep to herself, at least for now.
She tossed and turned, unable to escape the vivid images of Miss Hawkins that danced through her mind. The memory of her smile, the sound of her voice, the way she looked when she talked about her favorite books-it all lingered, making Blair feel things she knew she shouldn't.
Blair found herself wondering what Miss Hawkins was like outside of school. Did she have a favorite coffee shop? What kind of books did she read in her free time? Blair blushed at the thought, feeling her heart beat faster. These were questions she would never dare to ask, but they haunted her nonetheless.
The year ahead promised to be challenging, not just academically but emotionally. Blair was determined to navigate it with the same grace and poise she had always strived for, even if it meant keeping a part of her heart hidden. Yet, as she lay there, unable to sleep, she couldn't help but feel that keeping this secret would be harder than anything she'd faced before.
Blair knew she had to find a way to manage these feelings and keep them locked away. Her relationship with Tyler, her friendships, her academic goals-everything was at stake. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts, but the image of Eleanor Hawkins stayed with her, a bittersweet reminder of a crush she had to keep in the dark.
Eventually, exhaustion overcame her, and Blair drifted into a restless sleep, dreams filled with green eyes and warm smiles that only made her secret crush feel even more real.
YOU ARE READING
I think we should get together now.. WLW ( strictly )
RomanceBlair Rose was an honor student, graduating middle school as the valedictorian did her really well. She was the sweetest, friendliest, and she likes to say, funniest. she has been in a serious relationship with her boyfriend, Tyler, since primary...