Chasing Starlight

Chapter 7 - Stormy Weather Pt. 1

Elliot noticed when he walked into the teachers offices this morning that a new desk had been pulled against his. This was only his second year teaching at the academy so he hadn't earned a better office yet. His heart skipped a beat when he realized who it probably belonged too, after all, there was only one addition to the teaching staff this year. There was several piles of paperwork and office supplies and Samia's worn leathered bag was hanging off the chair. She must have come in earlier and started to set up.

   He set down his things and started to go through his graded papers to hand out. The room was starting to fill with other teachers drifting in, some chatting and laughing. He looked up each time, and quickly down again when he realized it wasn't Samia. He couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed every time.

   Almost twenty minutes later he realized he was still staring at the same stack of papers he had when he sat down. He leaned back and rubbed his face with his hands, and shook his head, trying to kick his brain into focusing. He decided that coffee would help, and made his way over the the lounge to grab a fresh mug.

  He ran into Mr. Yates, the astronomy teacher that shared an interest (in watching, not playing) soccer. They chatted about this year's team and prospects, the whole time Elliot's mind kept drifting back to Samia, wondering when she was going to get to her desk. He could just picture her bubbly attitude, tidying up her desk quietly with a smile. A smile he'd suddenly get to see much more often now.

   He finally excused himself and walked back to the desks, and saw her figuring sitting down at the desk finally. His heartbeat sped up and he felt nervous and excited. She had her head bent down and was shuffling through her papers.

"Looks like we're neighbors now, Mia." Elliot said, walking up from behind her and sitting down at his desk, unable to hide his smile.

  Samia didn't look up, her heart wrung inside her chest. She was ashamed to look at him, afraid he'd see what happened written all over her face. Afraid that if he showed her any kindness, she'd be unable to hold back.

"It would seem so...Mr. Webb." The words felt like ice leaving her mouth, and she felt her gut twist. She kept her head down, using all of her might to control her breathing and expression.

Elliot stayed quiet for a moment. She seemed unusually stressed. He wondered if she was worried about starting her new class today. He didn't mind too much about her not calling him Elliot, after all the office block was much more public and she might be embarrassed about what happened over the weekend. He decided to switch back to Miss Hawes around the office to help make her more comfortable.

"You must have a lot to prepare," he said gently, "Miss Hawes... You're gonna do great today, I'm sure of it."

Samia's heart dropped, and she wanted to grab his hand or hug him. He was so warm towards her, and she felt so affected by it. Compared to Rory he was like a summer day that was full of sunshine. She couldn't handle it and felt like bursting into tears and telling him everything. She knew he'd be kind, and maybe even hold her. Erase the feelings left from Rory with his touch. It just wasn't possible though, the closer she seemed to him the more risk she took. With Rory holding it over her head already, she couldn't afford for anyone else to suspect them or give Rory more fuel to come after her with.

   Samia grabbed her roster and teaching outline, standing up.

"I'm sorry, I have to go to Mr. Tennisons' class still." She hastily walked away, unable to look him in the face.

Elliot watched her petite figure scurry down the hall out of sight. He couldn't shake the feeling something was off. It didn't seem like her to act so cold, she wasn't the type to avoid eye contact. Her deep blue eyes and charming smile flashing at him had never really failed to greet him at some point. He wondered if something happened this morning with Mr. Tennison or the Headmistress. He sipped his coffee and pondered.