Chapter Two – An Irish Hello
Being fair to herself, she wasn't as late as she thought she was. It had not been her first choice of a career, but something in her had clicked when she had seen the ad requesting an art teacher for one of the private schools that resided in Boston. Sera couldn't help but think it had to be one of the musings her sister would talk about. It was like an augury hitting you, and it made it hard to turn away. Sera seemed to be having more of those than she ever had. It took time to adjust but within a month she had found she enjoyed working with the students. Trying to show them how she fell in love with art herself and hoping they would be inspired from the teachings.
Being the only teacher for the subject she liked to come in a few hours ahead to set everything up and make sure her lesson plans were solid. She may pick one theme throughout the day but you didn't want set things up for a twelfth grader as you would for someone in third. But that was out the window today, there were already children piled outside the door. Her schedule alternated between grades, and it was the poor first graders sitting outside in the hallway. Many of the kids brightened when they saw her approaching.
"Good morning, Miss Shafir and Shepherd."
Sera smiled down at the little girl, Molly. She wanted to believe the children liked her too, though she had the notion that Shep may have had more to do with it. She understood, it was much easier to trust a dog than a person, so he made her more approachable. The spotted Sheltie always patient with the kids, happy to pose and model on a few occasions.
"Good morning, sweetheart. I hope none of you had to wait too long for me. I'm afraid I nearly got swept away by all the rain and was running late."
She had said it loud enough for the class to hear, most shaking their heads, others still talking amongst themselves. Unlocking the door they all scrambled to their feet, getting to their assigned tables.
"Since there is so much water out today, I thought it'd be appropriate to work on our watercolors. We are going to go over a few facts first –"
A collective groan hit the walls.
"I know, I know, but we have to. It's in my job description guys. When you have yourselves situated can someone tell me when did watercolor art begin?"
"The cavemen!"
"That's correct, Trenton, can someone name a cave painting?"
"Lacroo?"
"Chateau!"
"They're in France!"
Writing the answers on the board she turned to them.
"One at a time guys, remember we raise our hands to get a turn. But a lot of you are right. There are many drawing in France, but it's Lascaux, just say it like Lasko, makes it easier. And it is Chauvet, not chateau, both are French but a chateau is more like a manor – a very expensive home. All right, I'm going to put the chapter lessons on the board, you can do the vocabulary and question sheet now while I set up for today's lessons. It'll be chapter six, remember to read it please."
She passed out the papers from her folder, watching the children skim over the questions.
"There's going to be a test next Monday. I want you to get an early start on studying. You know I don't make it that hard but the last results I wasn't too happy with. I know all of you can do better than that."
The morning had been fun, despite all the gloom outside, she was hanging her last class' pictures up on one of the clotheslines to let it dry when she heard a soft tapping on her door.
"Hi, Sera, ready for lunch?"
She glanced at the clock first, a little stunned to have time pass that quickly before turning her eyes to Claudette. She was a small blonde woman and one of the few teachers around her age range, the other, Janine probably waiting for them in the parking lot. She counted them both as friends, she could talk to them, and they would ask her to come along with them to lunch, even trying to get her to tag with one of them on their weekend plans. But Sera usually settled by keeping a distance, setting this as a work friendship and nothing more.
"Sure, let me grab my things, I need to grab the schedules, testing's coming up soon and I don't know which medium to use for eighth and up yet."
Claudette gave a humbling smile. It was odd, the contrast of them all, Claudette so soft-spoken whereas Janine had no problem saying what she needed.
"I'm happy to see you're adjusting well here. It's been about, what, six months?"
Sera thought for a second then nodded as she thanked Claudette for opening the door, her arms a little more full with the leash and folders. "About that, I think I've finally found my niche here."
I hope it lasts, that I can stay this time.
Janine waved to them from her car, a plume of smoke exiting her mouth as she dragged on her cigarette. It was then she realized the rain had halted, though the sky was still black as ink.
"You know you shouldn't do that on school grounds, some of the kids are out for recess and can see you right now."
Janine rolled her eyes but dropped the butt on the pavement, squashing the smoke out with her heeled shoe.
"So where to, ladies, I'm starving."
Sera shrugged. "Doesn't matter to me."
"Well, aren't you a bundle fun today."
"Cloudy days always depress me, make me tired too."
Janine perked, sliding into her seat with ease. "I don't why, I love them, brings out the philosophical thoughts."
Sera snorted. "Like what?"
"I don't know - death? Look up at the cathedral, and how the gray looms over the graveyard. Total death right there."
Sera could hear, as she and Shep filled up the back seat, Claudette's little gasp as her hand went to clutch the cross that forever hung around her neck.
"Eh, how about something a little more cheerful, huh?"
"Okay, how about plans for next weekend, there's an open Morisette concert, all the proceeds go to help fund the project to stop domestic violence."
Claudette played with a loose strand on her sweater. "I'll have to ask Toby what we're doing."
Janine beat the steering wheel. "See that's your problem! You don't need to go asking a fucking man what and when you'll be doing something. If you want to go, go. If not, then don't use him as an excuse."
Sera thought they could be sisters sometimes, then thinking of death and her own sister she wilted.
"Okay, Janine, back it off, let's let it go. I'm probably not doing anything, I'll go with you."
She got two sets of blank stares then and she shrugged. "What?"
Janine chortled but Claudette answered. "It's just, you never do anything with us. Surprising is all."
"Yeah, well, it may be a onetime thing, so neither of you get used to it. I don't know how Shep's going to like the noise anyways."
Sera saw the back of Janine's head tilt. "I didn't think of that – would you be okay too? Like I won't turn and see you foaming at the mouth or something, will I?"
She thought for a minute. "As long as I'm not headfirst into the strobe lights I'll be all right."
"Oh."
"Nevermind."
"No! No way, you actually accepted a night out with me, and I'm taking it. Hell, I can figure something out for us to do, and if Claudette comes then I'll bust her midnight cherry too."
Sera laughed and wonder how that little cross hadn't been rubbed away yet.
"Okay, everyone, I know the bell's about to ring, but you know I'm going to want your croquis sketches the next time I see you. I'm not asking for a Degas or anything, just do your best so we'll have something to broach the topic next time. Any references needed, my door is open or you can go by the chapter."
She smirked to herself as the bell went off; she was getting better at her timing. The class rushed out, leaving her to pick up the easels and smocks. Funny how a six year old is better at picking up after themselves than a teenager, she decided to let the brushes soak overnight, praying she'd make it in early tomorrow to rinse them off.
"It's not raining anymore, boy."
Shep trotted over, looking out the window with her. She remembered her promise, but now she didn't know what to do. She conceded to herself that she was nervous to go back. A handsome Irish accent or not, it was still dangerous. Only knowing Mr. MacManus for twenty minutes wasn't exactly an established level of trust, and then he'd have his brother with him. Two against one even if Shep was there to defend her it still wouldn't be in her favor.
It wouldn't kill either of you to have a little faith. You act like the whole world is against us.
Her sister had been right on that, and maybe Sera didn't want to go through life thinking everyone was out to hurt her anymore. She knew something like that wouldn't magically happen overnight, but she could at least keep a simple promise. That much she could do, and if something did happen she had Shep would fight back.
"Let's go, Shep."
It'll be okay.
Her heart still hammered a bit, and she breathed deep to get her pulse to slow down. Looking out she was glad the clouds were starting to break loose. Maybe the sun would be out tomorrow. She pulled up and parked, having arrived a little early, and watched people departing the plant. Many left their sullied white coats on, some casting curious peeks at her. Giving a check around at the other vehicles maybe her station wagon was a tad conspicuous. Deciding she could be waiting a while she let her seat lean back, she tipped her head back on the headrest, her hand wandering to the passenger seat to scratch at Shep's ear. It wasn't as cold as it had been this morning, the frigid air tapering on a more comfortable feel; it was relaxing, kind of nice. She was dozing that was until there was a banging from her window.
Her eyes popped open. "Holy fuck!"
The shout caused Shepherd to commence his barking, and she shushed him as she opened the car door, seeing the blonde grinning ear to ear at her, a bob of dark hair that must belong to his brother not far behind him.
"Didn't mean ta scare ye lass."
She rubbed a hand over her eyes. "You're okay, caught me off guard is all."
His smile remained the crinkling around his eyes made it easy for her to smile back.
"Ya probably could've guessed it, but this one 'ere's me brother, Murphy. Told ye he's an ugly thin'."
"Fuck off, Connor."
She couldn't help but laugh at the snub, she could tell the teasing wasn't meant to be hurtful, and it kind of delighted her reminding her of her own siblings' antics. She held out a hand and hoped he wouldn't notice her shaking.
"It's nice to meet you, Murphy. I'm Sera."
The brunette paused, looking at her hand a moment, his own had been busy looking through his coat pockets before, making her think she should've waited for the introduction. His hands stilled, eyes looking at her now, and her face florid as the same wave of that odd déjà vu struck her. It was probably only a few good seconds but she felt like she was staring, taking note that his eyes were the exact same blue as his brother's. She was about to let her hand fall back to her side, when he grabbed it, pulling her in close and kissing both of her cheeks. The places his lips had touched instantly began to burn.
"That'sa proper Irish greetin' for ye, love."
She gawked for a second. "And here I thought that kind of greeting would be considered French."
At last, finding the crumpled pack of what looked to be cigarettes, he unfurled the pack before smirking at her.
"Gotta correct ye there, them snail eaters took it from us. Irish're the romantics of Europe, y'know."
She continued to blush. "I suppose I do now."
He had flicked open his lighter, lighting it and taking a puff in a millisecond.
"Sure do, love, if my brother had any common sense he'da showed ye how our people say thanks."
The response to that was a slap to the back of Murphy's head, Connor looking livid.
"Is é an ag fuck cearr leat? Ná bíodh caint leis an cailín mar sin, nó beidh mé ag insint ma."
(The fuck is wrong with you? Don't be talking to the girl like that, or I'll be telling ma.)
Murphy wrenched away, clutching his fist. "I gcónaí ag rith go dtí ma, pansy tú cac. Ní raibh mé chiallaíonn sé liek sin sa chéad áit diabhal!"
(Always running to ma, you pansy shit. I didn't mean it like that in the first damn place!)
Sera had to cover her smile as she watched them grappling each other. "Is brón orainn dul isteach, ach tá mná a fháil go leor ag suí sa charr. Ar mhaith leat a bheith réidh chun dul?"
(Sorry to interrupt, but my dog's getting quite angsty sitting in the car. Would you two be ready to go?)
Murphy twisted out of Connor's arms, both having a look of incredulity. "Aye."
They got into the backseat, Shepherd turning his head to look at the newcomers. Connor sat up to let the dog sniff him. "There's me new best friend. Let ye replace ol' Murph here, doggo. Breath's already a step up from his."
Murphy scowled at his brother, flicking the butt out the cracked windshield. "Shut it. So ya can speak a little Irish there, love?"
What was it with the two of them and calling her that?
"I can speak a few different languages."
Connor turned to her then. "Das ist so? Und wie viele Sprachen hast du in deinem aresenal?"
(That so? And how many languages do you have in your arsenal?)
She smiled in the dash mirror. "Etwa acht." (About eight.)
She could feel the two smiling at her, making her flush, before she had never minded the casual banter and flirting. She wasn't sure if it was the feeling that accompanied the two of them or if it could be that what had become her daily life she was thrown off, not sure how to react, each one of their responses flustering her. At least that's what she blamed it on.
"Y en qué línea de trabajo conocéis a tantos?" (And what line of work are you in to know so many?)
"Sólo un profesor de arte." (Just an art teacher.)
She could feel their confusion and she laughed. "My mother had thought it would come in handy for her children. Secretly, I think she had hoped her children could use their language skills to woo a few politicians. I didn't want to break her heart by telling her those weren't our types."
"Aye, ours as well, not to woo per se, but it don't hurt us none."
"So where can I take you, boys?"
She could hear the leather to Murphy's seat shifting. "Like I was tellin' Connor, he needs ta thank ye proper. So we'll take ye out ta eat t'night."
"Oh, that's not necessary. I'm sure if the tables were turned you two would've done the same."
She couldn't turn but Sera could feel Connor's stare on her. "Aye, but not the point, lass, fer once me brother's right, can't be lettin' angels starve on our part. 'Specially when one was brought to us at a fittin' moment."
She heard Murphy's scoff. "I would've let him drown out there."
She smiled. "It's very kind of you both but really it's not –"
"Can't take no fer an answer love, if yer too uncomfortable we understand. But like Connor said, not many people out t'ere do the right thing anymore. Gotta give ye some credit on that regard. Besides that, maybe we want to be a little selfish, and bask in the presence of the angel Seraphine. He was right fer once, you are a mighty exquisite creature."
She blushed then hearing a resounding slap, and something she recognized as Gaelic curses coming from Murphy. She laughed, butterflies still swamping her gut.
"How can I say no to that?"
