Chasing Starlight

Chapter 6 - Kitten

Samia returned to work the next week in high spirits. She arrived several hours early to meet with Mr. Tennison to go over her class and plan details. She would continue to observe his morning honors class, and in the afternoon be in charge of her own class. She was given an empty classroom at the end of the hall from his, and finally her own desk in the teachers offices. Tennisons' office was one of the larger ones and was actually an enclosed room, she was put out into a larger area with the elective teachers and less tenured teachers. As a result, she finally was going to able to meet more of the staff she rarely saw. As he helped her carry over some spare office supplies from the closet, Mr. Tennison leaned over and murmured that he had also made sure they extended her cafeteria meals to breakfast as well.

"You'll be here quite early from now on to prepare for class, can't have you running out of steam before you start."

Samia beamed gratefully up at him, despite the rough start and his strict demeanor, he was actually really kind and encouraging in his own way. Right on cue, her stomach growled as they set down her things on her desk. He chuckled and checked his watch,

"There's plenty of time to review for your class today, Miss Hawes. I'll leave the material on your desk with the roster and come find me if you have any questions. The cafeteria should be open by now if you want to grab a bite first. Don't forget to join us for the morning class."

Samia grabbed his hand as he started to turn,

"Thank you so much, Mr. Tennison, I'm so grateful you took me on as a student teacher."

Her eyes sparkled with earnest, and Mr. Tennison 'hmph'd' as he pulled his hand away, trying not to look pleased. He fished around in his pocket for a second and deposited a butterscotch candy in her hand, and waved behind him as he shuffled off. Samia grinned and added it to her secret coin purse full of them, she had saved every one he gave her. She didn't want to ever forget how much his support has helped her. She sighed happily as she made her way downstairs to the cafeteria.

The morning breakfast array was just as impressive as the lunch set up. She didn't want to take too much time eating, so she settled on a breakfast sandwich with a bowl of strawberries, promising herself to make more time tomorrow to eat well. The cafeteria was much more full now than it was in the afternoon, many students coming to eat before morning practice or before studying ahead of class. She wandered around for a bit, trying to find a spot.

"Miss Hawes..Care to join me?"

A familiar chill went down her back as the smooth voice purred into her ear. She turned and came face to face with Rory, the student council president and crown prince of Royce academy. His crimson uniform was neatly pressed, though he had loosened his red and black stripped necktie and slightly unbuttoned the top.

"Breaking dress code so early, Rory?" She said coolly, raising her brow.

He laughed, a sound that hit like icicles breaking, cold and sharp.

"I always prefer to loosen up a bit before class starts.." he leaned in close, and plucked a strawberry off her tray, "what about you, Miss Hawes? When do you like to loosen up?"

She found herself blushing and looking away despite herself. She felt so irritated at his words... Even more at herself though, remembering her unexpected night with Elliot. Trying hard to remain composed, she tilted her head and said frankly,

"Well outside of school, something you would never see, Rory."

"Mmm...I wouldn't be so sure about that, Miss Hawes." He smiled at her, anyone outside of them would be dazzled, but she felt a sensation like insects crawling on her skin at the sight.