JADE
“Teacher!” I heard the familiar voice from the school gates and I knew at once who that was. It was Ellie and it shocked me to see that the blonde she introduced me to a few weeks ago was also there standing by the gate.
I waved at both of them, a smile immediately on my face. Not sure if that was because I see one of the most cheerful girls in my class or because of the person there with her today.
I waited for them as they walked up to me.
“Hi Teacher.” Ellie smiled up at me.
“Hi Ellie. I see you brought your guardian today.”
“Yes. I wanted to be formally introduced.” the woman stood straight and very intimidating, even though her smile seemed genuine.
I stretched out a hand to offer for shaking. “Yes, it is nice to see you again, Miss…” I didn’t even know how to address her now.
“Perrie. Just Perrie.” she smiled as she took my hand. From what I remember, it was her who seemed shy the last time we saw each other. Why is it suddenly tables turned?
“It’s nice to finally talk to you Perrie.” I just said.
“It is my pleasure.” she answered. “My cousin has been talking about you a lot. I just wanted to thank you for taking care of her here at school.”
It was really not a big thing. I just really care about Ellie. I knew her story, from her dad’s passing to her mom’s break down. But that was not what drew me to Ellie. Her joyfulness somehow reminded me of Jesy before the accident and it somehow lightened me up to see a smile like the one that Jesy has forbidden me to see. So I just want to see Ellie happy all the time. Besides, she deserves it.
“She’s a good girl, and I just give her what she deserves.” I responded to Perrie.
“She is, indeed.” Perrie looked to the little blonde girl who had sauntered away to greet some of her classmates who just came in.
“She is like my best friend.” I said out loud. Then realizing that I did, I quickly changed the topic. “Would you like to see her progress report?”
“Sure.” I led Perrie into my room and started searching for Ellie’s progress report, which was quite easy, filling her in on how Ellie is good in this and that school work and subject.
I handed Perrie some of the output that Ellie has submitted all graded with stars.
“You see, she is a genius.” I looked up to see that the blonde was not looking at the papers I just handed her but staring directly at me.
“Uhm…” This is awkward.
Snapping out of her daydream, the blonde stepped a little closer making me step back a little, my thigh hitting my chair.
“Don’t be scared.” she whispered. My heart is now beating frantically. What is she trying to do?
She picked out a white flower from my hair. I sighed. Must have caught one falling from one of the blossoming trees while I was outside.
“Oh, thanks for noticing.”
“Actually,” she handed me back the papers I was showing her. "
I was shocked. What did she want to talk about now. It’s not like we have anything we know about each other since we were newly introduced.
“I actually think I have one of your paintings at my home.”
I tried to think of when I ever met her in my studio. Was she a friend of Alice’s father? I can’t really remember. I just had to verify.
“You are a friend of Mr. Mahler’s?” I asked.
She shook her head, a smile on her face.
“Well, I do know Mr. Mahler as my investor, but I would not say a friend.” she mimicked the old man’s grumpy face with arms crossed on his chest. I found it hilarious I had to laugh.
“That’s him, right?” Perrie went on, laughing along.
“Yes.” I blurted.
Perrie explained that he was an investor in her company but she was talking about one painting she bought and did not know was my work, an angel portrayal of me. I remembered that I made it in college for a fundraising event. And we found out that we both loved participating and helping out for charity events, which led us to more topics and more interests that we shared. And all throughout that time, the awkward feeling was replaced by a comfort that rang I am so accustomed to talking to her, and maybe a liking for her. We could've told a lot more if not for the school bell that signaled for me to start work and for her to leave. She had to, but she's already brightened my day and I hoped it would last til the evening.
