The Letter

The Reaction

I was rendered speechless. I tried to say something, to stop oogling, to prevent my inner fangirl from breaching out of me, but I was barely successful. I took a step back, my eyes still wide in their sockets, and reached out to the wall to prevent from falling. The thing is that, he noticed my tumbling and reached out for me. Reached out for my arm. Touched me. Like, me. We both suddenly looked at each other as we felt a shock through the sudden skinship. He tried his best to hide what he obviously felt as his perfectly dimpled cheeks turned slightly red, while asking me if I was OK.

I mentally face-palmed myself, took in a deep breath, and nodded. He let go of me and smiled. That almost caused the same reaction but I steadied myself before collapsing and continuing to make a fool out of myself.

Suddenly, I remembered that where there was one, there were six more, and looked around.

"They are waiting in the van," he said, apparently understanding whom I was looking for. He shared another smile and added, "They wanted to get out, specially the youngest ones, but I wanted to check if we were in the correct place."

"Mrs Rivera, could you please come to my office for a second?" the vice principal of the school abruptly asked. I still couldn't bring myself to talk so I nodded my head, gave him a sheepish glance at which he nodded, and went over to the office.

I heard the secretary talking to him so I didn't feel too bad about leaving him alone.

"Do you really know this group?" Dr James asked, a hint of amusement playing in his voice.

"I've been a fan for years," I confessed, finally finding my voice as I was lead towards his office. We didn't enter, him apparently just wanting to talk to me privately.

"How did you get them to come? I mean, I honestly didn't have an idea of who they were but, as I waited for you to arrive, I googled them up and, wow!" he admitted.

I had to laugh at that. "I once wrote them a letter along with last year's third grade. I got them into their music and they wanted to meet them. I really didn't know they were going to reply. All of them did sign the letter and I also included a picture of the class but, this is amazing for me as well." I couldn't have felt any prouder of what we had accomplished. When my group found out who came to visit, they would be excited.

Dr James seemed lost in thought for a moment, analyzing the situation. "We need to sort this out then. I know they are here thanks to you and the students but, this can benefit the school. I need to know if they are only going to be here today and for how long. I also need to know if they can have their pictures taken and posted online. Could you please find out? I don't mean to be insensitive but, I hope you understand my position."

I hadn't really thought about the repercussions their visit would have, but I admit I did understand what Dr James meant. "I'll find out and let you know. Is there any chance I could talk to them in my classroom? I still have another period free before lunch and the afternoon classes. That should be more than enough time to take pictures and meet the students, if they decide on staying here today."

"Sure, no problem. Just try not to be seen yet," he replied.

"I won't," I answered as he nodded.