I think we should get together now.. WLW ( strictly )

a teachers way

Eleanor Hawkins woke early, her apartment bathed in the soft morning light of the rising sun. She stretched, her thoughts already drifting to the day ahead. She had settled into her new position at the high-school with relative ease, but the initial excitement of the job had been replaced by a sense of determination to make a meaningful impact.

After a quick shower and a breakfast of coffee and toast, Eleanor grabbed her bag and headed out the door. The drive to the school was pleasant, the streets still quiet. Eleanor enjoyed the solitude, using the time to mentally review her lesson plans and consider how she could better engage her students.

As she walked through the school's front doors, she was greeted by the familiar hum of students milling about, laughing, and chatting with friends. Eleanor smiled, appreciating the energy that filled the hallways. She headed straight to her classroom, eager to prepare for her first class of the day.

Eleanor's morning passed smoothly, her first two classes going according to plan. She loved teaching literature, seeing students' faces light up when they connected with a story or a character. By the time her third period arrived, she felt fully in her element.

She was looking forward to seeing Blair Rose again. Blair had made a strong impression on Eleanor from the start-intelligent, articulate, and possessing a genuine passion for literature. Eleanor appreciated Blair's insightful contributions to class discussions and looked forward to hearing more from her.

As the bell rang, signaling the start of third period, Eleanor took her place at the front of the classroom, ready to begin. The students filed in, and Eleanor's eyes briefly met Blair's as she entered. She noticed the girl's hesitation, a slight flush to her cheeks as she took her seat. Eleanor's curiosity was piqued, but she quickly refocused on the task at hand.

"Good morning, everyone," Eleanor began, her voice steady. "Today, we're going to dive deeper into the themes of our favorite books. I hope you've all brought your reflective essays. We'll be discussing them in small groups before sharing with the class."

Eleanor walked around the room as the students broke into groups, listening to snippets of their conversations. When she passed Blair's group, she couldn't help but be impressed by Blair's thoughtful analysis of "Pride and Prejudice." Blair's passion for the text was evident, and Eleanor found herself admiring the young woman's intellectual depth.

As class progressed, Eleanor guided the discussions, challenging her students to think critically about the themes and characters in their chosen books. She was pleased with the level of engagement, noting that even the quieter students were contributing.

When the class ended, Eleanor gathered the essays, planning to read them in detail that evening. She watched as Blair packed her things, lingering a moment longer than necessary before leaving the room. Eleanor sensed that something was troubling Blair, but she reminded herself to maintain professional boundaries.

The rest of Eleanor's day was a mix of meetings and planning periods. She enjoyed her lunch in the faculty lounge, exchanging pleasantries with her colleagues. It was still early in the school year, and she was eager to build stronger relationships with her fellow teachers.

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Eleanor returned to her classroom. She liked to spend the last hour of the day in quiet reflection, reviewing her lessons and preparing for the next day. She sat at her desk, pulling out Blair's essay first. As she read, she was struck by the maturity and insight in Blair's writing.

Eleanor couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Blair's thoughtful analysis than met the eye. She wondered if there was something personal driving Blair's connection to the text. Eleanor made a mental note to keep an eye on Blair, to ensure that she was okay.

As she finished grading the essays, Eleanor packed her things and headed home. The drive was uneventful, giving her time to think about her students and how she could support them better. She resolved to create more opportunities for open discussions, hoping to provide a safe space for her students to express their thoughts and feelings.

That evening, Eleanor relaxed with a book and a glass of wine, her mind drifting back to Blair. She couldn't deny that she found Blair intriguing, not just as a student but as a person. Eleanor shook her head, chastising herself for letting her thoughts wander. It was important to maintain professional boundaries, no matter how fascinating she found Blair's intellect.

- Time skip !

The next morning, Eleanor arrived at school with a renewed sense of purpose. She was determined to make the most of her time at Blairwood Academy, to inspire and challenge her students while maintaining the integrity of her role.

Eleanor's first two classes went smoothly, her students responding well to her lesson plans. As she prepared for third period, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of anticipation. She looked forward to seeing Blair, eager to continue their exploration of literature.

When Blair entered the classroom, Eleanor noticed the same hesitation and flush from the previous day. She wondered if something was troubling Blair and made a note to find a moment to speak with her privately.

Class proceeded as usual, with Eleanor guiding the students through a discussion on character development. Blair was her usual insightful self, but Eleanor couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more beneath the surface.

After class, as the students filed out, Eleanor called out to Blair. "Blair, could you stay for a moment? I'd like to talk to you about your essay."

Blair looked surprised but nodded, staying behind as the room emptied. Eleanor waited until they were alone before speaking.

"Blair, your essay was exceptional. You have a deep understanding of the themes and characters in 'Pride and Prejudice.' I just wanted to make sure everything is okay with you. You seem a bit... distracted lately."

Blair's eyes widened slightly, and she looked down at her hands. "Thank you, Miss Hawkins. I'm fine, just... a lot on my mind, I guess."

Eleanor nodded, sensing there was more Blair wasn't saying. "If you ever need to talk, I'm here. Sometimes it helps to share what's on your mind."

Blair nodded, her expression grateful. "Thank you, Miss Hawkins. I appreciate it."

Eleanor smiled, watching as Blair left the room. She hoped that offering her support would make a difference. As she turned back to her desk, Eleanor couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to Blair. She resolved to be there for her students, to offer guidance and support whenever they needed it.

The rest of the day passed quickly, with Eleanor focused on her classes and her students. She felt a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that her role as a teacher went beyond just imparting knowledge. It was about being a mentor, a guide, and a source of support.

That evening, as Eleanor settled down with her book and a cup of tea, she thought about Blair and the challenges she might be facing. She hoped that Blair would find the courage to open up, to share what was troubling her. Eleanor knew that being a teenager was hard, and she wanted to make a difference in her students' lives.

As she read, Eleanor felt a sense of peace. She was doing what she loved, making a difference in the lives of her students. And that, she decided, was the most rewarding part of her job. or was it blair?