A/N: Arthur characters are property of PBS and Mark Brown.
Word of Caution: This is the sequel to a story published a decade ago entitled: A Very Special Arthur, which was about Brain having an affair with Nigel Ratburn. I am writing a follow-up to the story and I am here to warn you in advance that the chapters to come will consist of controversial and disturbing subject matter. This story is about a very serious topic. If this topic is unsettling to you, I strongly advise you not to read this story at all. There are warnings for a reason. Viewer discretion is advised.
March 2008
Nigel Ratburn punched the alarm clock and proceeded to get out of the bed, anxious to start another day of teaching at Lakewood Elementary school. Just under two years ago, this nearly proved to not be the case. Nigel had gotten a love letter from one of his students, a kid named Alan Powers, known as "The Brain", one of the smartest students in his class. After rejecting the boy's advances the first time, he gave in the very next time, and thankfully, it never went any further than kissing. Nigel knew what he was doing was wrong morally, spiritually, and legally, and he was prepared to accept the consequences of his actions. Until Alan's parents barged in and told Brain to confess to everything. Nigel was able to keep his job, but the memories of those two weeks still haunted him from time to time.
He counted his blessings that nobody knew about what he and Alan did. He never told the principal, his students, his fellow co-workers, nor the school board. The man was not religious, so he never told any pastor, nor did he pray to any deity at all. If it was found out that he had gotten involved with one of his students, the consequences would be very severe. He would lose his job, he would be sentenced to a prison term, and if he happened to come across the wrong people in prison, he would possibly be killed. And if he survived prison, he would be a lifetime sex-offender, never allowed to be around kids for the rest of his life.
Every since the incident, Nigel was very squeamish about getting involved in any sort of relationship. He was a decent enough looking teacher, but he rarely, if ever, went out on dates. It wasn't that he didn't like women, he just didn't care to date anyone at this point in his life. As far as his career, he was a very successful teacher, closing in on his 20th year of teaching at Lakewood Elementary. He started as a fourth grade teacher, and eventually became a sixth grade teacher. He had received teacher of the year for his work in helping his students succeed during the last school year. He had a lot of respect from the parents and his colleagues in Elwood City, and was hoping to teach for 20 more years. As far as Alan, last he heard, transferred to another school and was continuing to excel and make the grade. Due to the respect that he had gained in the community, he decided to remain silent about his short affair with one of his former pupils.
As Ratburn put on his suit and tie, giving himself a once-over before he proceeded out the door. The sun was rising over the horizon on the beautiful early spring morning. The snow had melted off the trees, and the temperature was supposed to be in the mid 60s, just like a spring day should be. As Nigel Ratburn set foot into his car, proceeding on his way to Lakewood Elementary, it seemed like a normal day, in which Ratburn would arrive, teach the class, and go home at the end of the day.
But as Nigel would later find out, and if you keep reading this story, this day would be the worst day of his life. It is said that karma can turn around and strike whenever it sees fit...