Someone is Watching

Chapter nine

...Must come down

My hangover this morning was terrible. As much as I hated this part, though, I just couldn't stay away from the bottle. I needed something to fill the empty void I was feeling. I know I'm depressed, and I'm the kind of person to self-medicate, but it's not like I'm turning into an alcoholic, right?
Actually, I'm pretty sure I am.

I avoided looking at my reflection in the mirror as I brushed my teeth. I didn't want to see the after-effects of those two bottles of wine.

Once in the kitchen, I poured Arthur some dog food and made a myself a cup of tea. Outside was blanketed in thick fog, so I didn't have to worry about sunglasses.

I went through my morning ritual of getting rid of all the evidence that I had gotten drunk, then I got rid of the evidence that I was hungover. Afterwards, I looked fresh and ready to start the day, although I felt like utter crap.

I pulled on some black skinny jeans that I hoped were clean, tucked in a loose, grey blouse, and I quickly braided my hair.

After watering my plants and gathering my things into my bag, I unlocked the mud room door and headed out for work. I walked silently through the thick fog. I loved this kind of weather; it made me feel calm and at peace. I got to the bus stop and climbed in, handing over my ticket and taking a seat by the window.

Today is my last day as a teacher. I knew this job was temporary, but I felt like I was being cheated, like the job was going to be ripped from my hands. The kids are amazing and I really didn't want to part with them so soon. Teaching was so much fun and so rewarding, I just can't believe I only have one day left to do it.

When I get off the bus, I always go to the nearest coffee shop for a latté before I finish my walk to the elementary school. The line was short today, so I made it to the school a little earlier than usual.

Once inside the building, I found my way to my classroom and used my key to unlock the door. I hung up my coat and bag, set my coffee on my desk, and began setting up the classroom for the day.

I opened the many window blinds, put chairs down, and wrote the daily brain teaser on the board.
"Knock, knock." I heard a familiar voice say behind me.

I turned to see Eleanor, who teaches across the hall, standing in my doorway. "Need any help setting up? I'm all finished and bored out of my mind. Plus, I have some hot gossip." She smiled and began helping me with the chairs.

"Oooh, what's the new scandal?" I asked, playing along, although I knew Eleanor never gossiped about the other teachers. This was just her way of telling me how her night went.

"I met a guy. Hot. Funny. Smart. Extremely charming. It didn't take long before he was in my bed-"
"Elle!" I laughed, "save it for when we're not in school! The last thing we need is little ears hearing what you and Mr. Hot did last night." We laughed and continued setting up.

"So What are you going to do after today?" She asked.

"I don't know." I sighed, "I don't want to stop teaching here; I love it so much. Maybe I'll put in an application to be a substitute?" I spoke as I worked, trying not to think too hard about being out of a job.

"Well, from what I hear," Eleanor began, "Mr. Johnson might want to keep you around." She shrugged like it was no big deal, but my head snapped up.

"Are you serious?" The words shot from my mouth.

She raised her hands in mock defense, "its just word-of-mouth, Might be true, might not be."
At least there's hope. I thought. Hope is all I needed. It is just enough to get a person through the darkest storm. And even though I'm not in a very dark storm, that hope was shining bright as the morning sun.