Mother

Chapter 27

Lunch was in twenty minutes, but instead of heading to the bustling cafeteria, I decided to eat here in the classroom, where it was peaceful. 

I pulled my lunch from the drawer and set it on my desk, a simple sandwich, an apple, and a bottle of water. As I ate, I flipped through the student rosters, my mind wandering back to the brothers. I hadn't had time to read their files yet, but something told me it might be worth a look. 

The hallways began to echo with the noise of students heading to lunch. I could hear the typical laughter, shouts, and chatter filtering through the door, but I stayed put. I liked this quiet moment between classes, even though my thoughts were anything but still. I stared at my sandwich, but my mind kept turning over Ivan's quiet eyes and Julio's cold indifference. It was clear that something was weighing on them. 

Sighing, I put my sandwich down and glanced at the clock. Fifteen minutes left. I'd need to get myself ready for the afternoon classes soon, but my instincts were already pulling me in a different direction.On a whim, I pulled up the student files on my laptop. It was easy enough to find Julio, Ivan, Juan, and Paul, I didn't know there were more of them. 

Juan and Paul are twins who used to be students here six years ago. "Why aren't they here anymore? what happened to them?"I thought to myself. 

 Their records were sparse, six years ago but now they're glaring red flags, but there were no details that explained their current behavior. I made a mental note to touch base with their other teachers, just to see if anyone knows something.

After lunch, the day moved more quickly. The afternoon classes blurred together, groups of students eager to finish their projects or chat with their friends. I kept an eye out for anyone who seemed off, but none of the other students struck me quite like Ivan and Julio. 

By the time the last bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, I was ready to leave. Teaching was rewarding, but it could also be draining, and today had felt heavier than most.I packed up my things and slung my purse over my shoulder, locking the classroom behind me before heading out to catch the bus. 

The hallways were mostly empty now, just a few stragglers grabbing books from lockers or lingering in small groups, but as I made my way outside, I spotted Ivan and Julio again. They were walking ahead of me, Ivan a few steps behind his brother, his posture hunched as if the weight of the world rested on his narrow shoulders.For a moment, I considered calling out to them, but something stopped me. It didn't feel like the right time. Instead, I watched them head toward the street, disappearing around the corner just as my bus pulled up.

I boarded quietly, finding my usual seat by the window. As the bus rumbled to life and began the journey home, I couldn't stop thinking about the two brothers. Whatever was going on with them, I knew it wouldn't be solved overnight. But I was determined to keep trying, even if it took the rest of the semester. 

The streets passed by in a blur as I rested my head against the cool glass, thoughts of my students slowly fading as the gentle rhythm of the bus ride carried me toward home. By the time we reached my stop, the sky was beginning to deepen into a soft lavender, the last remnants of daylight stretching across the horizon. 

As I stepped off the bus and made my way up the street to my apartment, my phone buzzed in my pocket. It was a group text from Reachel and Lila, the new friend I had made, and the messages were simple.

 Reachel: "Dinner tonight? Our treat. at  Renjox?"

Lila: "You better say yes, Ayla!"

I couldn't help but smile. After everything with the new job, the new school, and trying to settle into a routine, I hadn't had time for anything else. And they knew me too well already. 

Ayla: "sure. When are we meeting there!"

Lila: "at 7PM let's meet at the front desk."

Ayla: Okay see you there." I tucked my phone away, already feeling lighter at the thought of catching up with them. 

I had first met Lila at the Cafe while looking for a job. Then Lila and Reachel both got me a job at a private school. Where I work now, I haven't had time to catch up with Reachel at work, because we work on different sides of the school. 

Reachel had an endless energy and bold sense of humor, and Lila, who was quiet but fiercely loyal. 

Last night, we had a long talk, getting to know each other. I thanked them a lot, because if it hadn't been Lila, who had told Reachel about me. I wouldn't have this job now, but every time they just brushed it off, saying that they're glad we met.

I threw on a light sweater and headed out. The evening air was crisp, and the streets were alive with the sounds of people winding down from their day. Renjox was a little further from my apartment. 

When I got there the place looked expensive, I entered the restaurant, where Reachel and Lila were already waiting at the front desk.

"Ayla!" Reachel waved me over enthusiastically, her red hair catching the last rays of sunlight.

 "You're late, we already ordered us a room!"I laughed and walked over to them stopping beside Lila, who gave me a warm smile. 

"How was your second day at work?" Lila asked, her tone gentle as always. As we made our way to the room the girls had ordered.

"It was alright," I replied,. "Actually, no, not really. There are these two students..." I trailed off, unsure how much I wanted to get into it. 

Reachel raised an eyebrow. "Two students? Already giving you trouble on day two?"

"Not exactly. Just... they're different. I don't know. I can't figure them out yet, but something tells me there's more going on than meets the eye."

Lila nodded thoughtfully, and Reachel waved her hand dismissively. "Teenagers, man. They're all complicated. You'll figure them out."

I laughed, entering our room, feeling some of the tension from earlier easing away. Reachel made everything seem way simpler, like there wasn't anything a good meal and a glass of wine couldn't fix.