Second Chances

A New Man In A Dream

When I woke up in my classroom, I immediately walked to Abby's room. I looked around confused when I didn't see her sitting at her piano. I walked over to her office in the back and smiled when I saw her at her desk.

"Hey," she smiled when she looked up from her computer. Her eyes softened as she stood up and walked over to me.

"How are you feeling?" She asked gently. 

"Better," I smiled. "Thanks to you."

She cleared her throat, hesitating to say what was on her mind. She crossed her arms over her chest, sighing as she finally gave in to whatever she was debating.

"Look," she sighed, "I know it's not any of my business, but you had a panic attack yesterday and I know how serious those can get. I just want to let you know that if you ever need to talk to someone, I'm here for you."

"I know that," I smiled. I reached over and grabbed her hands in mine. I gently squeezed them reassuringly. "I really appreciate that, Abby. Thank you."

She cleared her throat and slowly pulled her hands out of mine when the bell rang.

"I'll see you at lunch?" She asked, wrapping her arms around herself. I looked over my shoulder when I heard some of her students come in.

"See you at lunch," I said, sending her a wink before turning on my heel and walking out of her classroom. As I left, a few of her female students giggled.

* * * * *

Throughout the day, I left my door open so I could hear Abby working with her kids. During my prep period, I was working on a painting when I heard a familiar tune. I stood up and followed the melody, smiling when I saw Abby playing her piano.

"Senior year talent show."

My sudden voice made her jump. She looked up, her cheeks instantly burning when she saw me leaning against the doorway. She chuckled as she placed her hands in her lap.

"If I remember correctly," she said, her voice low, "I messed up the chorus."

"And no one noticed but you," I teased.

"How'd the Starry Night project go?" Abby asked, changing the subject.

"So far, so good," I chuckled. "The kids are really excited to make a twist on the famous painting."

"What do they need to do exactly?" She asked, turning more towards me. I walked over and leaned on the edge of her piano.

"Without losing the main elements of the painting, they need to paint something inspired by their favorite area in town."

"That's amazing," Abby said, her voice dropping to almost a whisper. She looked away from me, playing with her fingers.

"You okay?" I asked.

"I'm fine," she said, her voice dropping even more. I sighed as I sat next to her, reaching over and grabbing her hand.

"Talk to me," I said gently.

"It's just," she hesitated. "You get your students so interested in what you're teaching them. I tried to do a history lesson and my students kinda zoned out on me. It's getting to the point where if I don't teach them a new song, they aren't interested in what I have to say."

I let go of her hand and wrapped my arm around her waist, pulling her into me until she leaned her head on my shoulder.

"I feel like a horrible teacher," she said, her voice breaking.

"Abby," I sighed, "you are an amazing teacher. Your students love you. It's just that time of year."

"What time of year?" She asked under her breath.

"The time of year where the students are ready for summer. They're grumpy and constantly annoyed. The kids are tired, Abby. That's all. It has nothing to do with you."

"I hope you're right," she sighed as she lightly rubbed her cheek on my shoulder, cuddling closer to me.

We sat like that for the rest of the period, only moving when the bell rang. We stood up, both of us clearing our throats. I started to head to my room but stopped in the doorway. I turned around, smiling as I gathered my courage.

"Can I take you out?"

"Like with a sniper?" She chuckled.

"No," I laughed, sending her a knowing look. "Like on a date."

Before I could hear her answer, things started to fade.