Percy regrets taking this job. He regrets even considering taking an internship as a teaching assistant.
He likes kids. They're adorable and funny. But sometimes, they are the devil's spawn.
"Pery," whines one girl, Louisa, who cannot pronounce the letter C yet, "Katy took my 'rayon."
Percy looks at the offender, who is happily coloring away. He doesn't want to disrupt her, for fear of another mess on his hands. However, Louisa is clinging to his leg with all of the strength her little body possessed.
He took a deep breath and said gently, "Louisa, why don't you go look in the crayon box? I'm sure there will be another."
Louisa's chubby face alights. "I will!" She scampers away and Percy breathes with relief.
Crisis averted.
Percy's standing at the door, greeting parents while scrolling through his texts, when Louisa runs up to him, looking upset.
"Katy's being mean again," she says, pointing to the other girl who is standing just a yard away. She's smiling mischievously, in a way that reminds him of Fred.
Katy's been establishing herself as a troublemaker of sorts, Percy thinks.
He gently pries Louisa's hands away and walks over to Katy. The little girl looks up at him defiantly, as if challenging him.
"Katy, have you been troubling Louisa again?" he asks, trying not to sound accusatory.
Katy looks at the ground, scuffing her feet on the colorful carpet.
"Let me tell you a story." Percy crouches, looking the girl square in the eyes. "I have—I mean, I had two brothers who were just like you. They were named Fred and George."
The mischief in Katy's eyes dissolves, to be replaced by curiosity. "Had?"
"Yes, er, they went away," Percy fabricates, a pang of sadness piercing his heart. "Anyway, they were a lot like you. They were troublemakers."
Katy's eyes sparkle. Percy smiles.
"My mother used to always get mad at them," he says wistfully. "But I know deep in her heart, she didn't mind."
Katy jerks, and Percy fears that she's going to run away. But instead, she pats him on the arm.
"My mommy is like that too," she says.
"...Oh. Your mommy must be like mine then," he says.
"I hope that means a good thing," says a new voice amusedly. Percy whips around as a large smile forms on Katy's face. "Mommy!"
The woman scoops Katy into her arms and gives Percy a warm smile, which sends butterflies spiraling through him.
"You're good with kids," the woman says genially.
Percy rubs the back of his neck, suddenly feeling warm. It doesn't help that the woman is exceptionally pretty. "Well, when you grow up with four younger siblings, it becomes second nature. I'm Percy."
He extends his hand and the woman takes it. "Audrey." They exchange smiles.
"I hope Katy hasn't been a lot of trouble," she says.
Percy's mouth dries. "Not really."
Battleships: PercyAudrey
Writing Club - Liza's Loves - Teaching Assistant!AU and Internship!AU
Photography Month - Candid Photography
Holmes Mystery: (item) phone
WC: 483
