Drifting Grace [An Alastor Fanfiction] [PROOFREADING]

Chapter 17

WARNING

Anyone who is sensitive or uncomfortable with the topic of sexual assault, please skip the parts labelled with '*'

Thank you!

Emma Lovett's POV

I paced back and forth at school grounds, keeping my mind off of things and doing my job. It was a wonderful day outside! Birds were chirping, children were playing in the playground and I was fine.

Except I was not. I was less than fine. I felt like I was choking on my blouse but I will never admit that.

I have been carrying books around in and out of the library, helping children get to their classes, and finally finished marking the mountain of homework I had given to the students from my five classes. English was a confusing subject to teach, involving many books and dictionaries that some students still can not afford. The education system really needs to start doing its job.

"Emma, you've been working all day," William speaks up. "You haven't even had lunch and Alvin's outside the door for you."

I snapped out of my senses. Goodness gracious, I almost forgot about my own son.

Alvin stood at the doorway, his school backpack on his back and his blonde hair tussled. My little boy must've had a fun day at school again.

"Mommy, you look really tired," Alvin told me. "Are you okay?"

His eyes shone worry and his once ever-present smile was upside down. Not wanting him to fret, I nod with a wide smile. "Of course, sweetheart. I'm fine!"

Everyone in the room stopped to stare. William, as always, was the first to speak.

"You look like you're about to kill someone, Em," He states worriedly.

"Me? Kill someone? Of course not, William!" I laughed loudly. "How ridiculous!"

Everyone takes a step back. With a loud and heavy sigh, he ushers Alvin to go play with his friends. I raised an eyebrow at his actions, a smile stuck on my face.

He turns around and readies a cup of joe. Behind the rows and rows of desks, was a table only for snacks and drinks. Will and I, being the lucky few, were seated right in front of it. Will stirs two cups, the fragrance of the hot drink filling up my nose.

It calmed me down, slightly.

"So, Lovett," William starts to speak, turning to me with two steaming cups. "Let's talk."

He handed me a mug and sat down. The green mug was warm in my hands, and honestly, I've never felt better all day.

William was like a brother to me, and I, his sister. We were both only children and we met at work. I started talking to him when he was feeling down about his marriage failing, he started talking to me when I was having trouble with work, thus a friendship bloomed and we've been buddies for as long as I can remember.

Nowadays, he looks so... Happy. I've never seen him smile so much with his ex-wife, Jakob must be taking good care of him. I smiled at the thought, my friend was finally happy, and I'm happy for him.