34
JULIAN COMES AROUND
Whenever I remembered Julian’s text message, I rolled my eyes at his display or, rather, drama. I mean, I was wrong, but wasn’t he taking it a little too far? Separating me from a child he knows needs me is so extreme. But I guess he never wants to see me again.
All this rage he’s feeling, is it justified? It’s not like he had asked me out. We only just had sex. Sex doesn’t mean a relationship, does it? And I was on a platonic date with Damien. I mean, yes, I know Damien likes me and all that, but he’s a playboy. There’s no way I would reciprocate his love, but Julian doesn’t know that. Also, I need to know who was gossiping with my name and telling Julian I was sleeping with all the rich men in town. For the love of God! Who can that be?
My head was spinning like a roller coaster. I was surprised I didn’t hit the gate, and this is why I shouldn’t have taken one of my mum’s cars, but she insisted I take it home with me to use till I bought my car. According to her, no child of hers should be seen in a taxi. ‘I’ve been seen in a lot. I think it’s too late to be concerned,’ I wanted to say, but I shut my mouth and took the car keys. After all, it was for my benefit, and I needed my own car for so many reasons. For example, Look how the taxi man I had hired for two hours ran off without waiting for me to come out of Julian’s house. What if I had been hurt? He obviously didn’t care.
I kept my gaze on the road and only averted my eyes when they started to water or when my thoughts became overwhelming.
The big gates of ST LAWRENCE School opened, and I drove in. On the left side of the road was a garden and on the right a car park. Today, the kids were to do their PE very early, so I came by 7:00 am.
When I packed in the parking lot, I took a deep breath. “God. I don’t want to face Damien today.” I prayed silently as I walked to the assembly hall.
“TEACHER WE ARE READY!” Mark, a cute little pupil of mine, said. All my students gathered in a straight line today, and Holland seemed so happy to participate in today’s exercise, unlike other days when she would grumble about it and I would have to bribe her with early lunch.
I took each of their hands individually and led them to the open field. We were going to exercise, then match around the area and also paint. I wanted to spice things up by playing music, so I came with my own beatbox.
A lot of effort goes into being the cool teacher, I must tell you, especially when you are handling little rich kids.
When we got to the open field, I arranged all my pupil’s things beside their mat provided by the school.
“First, we will be doing Yoga,” I announced. “Who’s excited to start!”
The kids jumped up excited to do something they’d not done before, plus the name sounded cool. I’m sure it added to their excitement.
When I was about to leave Holland’s mat, she stopped me, her little hands grabbing mine. “Baby, are you okay?” I asked her, smiling and pulling her cheeks.
“Stay.” She said excitedly, jumping up and down.
“I will stay. I know. I just want to show your classmates what to do. Do you like this mat?”
Holland nods happily.
Seeing her happy just makes me so so happy.
“If you like it, you stay here, but if you don’t, we change it. It’s all up to you, dear.”Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.
“I like.”
“Do you want to exercise today?”
“Yes.” She nods vigorously.
“Stop nodding so hard. You will get a headache.” I told her, holding her head in place. She looked up at me with puppy eyes. “You are so adorable, baby,” I said, smiling. “So so cute, and I love you.” I leaned down and pecked her cheeks, suddenly overcome by the grief of suddenly losing the opportunity to spend more time with her.
What if Julian changes her school? Oh my God! I’m not sure my heart can take it. I hope he understands how important I am to Holland and how important she is to me. Would he forgive me because of it? Deep down, I knew that there was no saving me. There’s no way I can get Julian to forgive me. He seems like the kind of man to hold a grudge for a long, long time.
I exhaled and stood to my height. Then I walked to the front of my students, all waiting for my instruction.
Samantha! Do your job. Everything will be settled at the right time. Patience!
“Let’s all sit on the mat. Today, we are going to learn about peace and tranquillity …” My voice trailed off when a tall silhouette entered the field, Interrupting me. Julian stood beside the small stature of the oldest man in New Everest. He was dressed in a casual black shirt and pants and looked very hot. His dark hair and grey eyes were such a turn-on today.
“Why is he here so early in the morning?” I muttered under my breath. I was confused about what to do.
Do I go to him?
What if he embarrasses me?
Oh my God, I’m so confused.
I’m still Holland’s teacher, though, so I must attend to him. God, why is everything so complicated right now?
“Holland,” Julian called Holland’s attention, and she turned back immediately to see him, her face lighting up.
She rushed to him, “Go get your bags.” He told her.
“Kids, sit on your mat, okay? I’m coming back right now.” I said, rushing to Julian. I didn’t know what he was up to, but I didn’t want him to make any hasty decisions. I just had to intervene no matter how scared I was. And I was really anxious.
“Holland baby. Go pack your bags and give me and your father some time.” I told Holland, who was still clinging to Julian’s legs. I played with her chin a bit and bent to kiss her cheeks.
“Okay!” She screamed excitedly, scurrying away.
How much Sugar did she have this morning?
When she was out of earshot, Julian looked at me with rage-filled eyes. “What do you want, Samantha? I thought I asked you to stay away!” He spat.