A/N: Sorry about the delayed update. Was kept kind of busy during the holidays. Hope you all had a great Christmas and I wish you a happy New Year! :) Thank you everyone for your continued support of this story. It keeps me motivated!

Just Be You

Chapter IV

"Student Teacher"

[Blake's POV]:

I flick on the light of my apartment and set the paper bag down on the counter. I pause and stare down at it a moment before a small smile finds its way to my face. I had no idea what a curious sort of person Andie was. She really wanted to know what I had bought.

Reaching in, I pull out a handful of classic compact discs before turning and placing them with the rest of my collection. It was strange to run into the girl outside of school and I rarely frequent that particular neighborhood. However, I had to go there to visit the store that is one of the only ones that distributes the largest collection of European music within the Baltimore area.

As I lower my hand, I consider my conversation with her. She was actually being somewhat…civil. Well, other than the annoying blast of music in my ear. I had known it was her before even turning to confirm that insight. The girl has the worst taste when it comes to music. Someone really needs to broaden her horizons.

I don't know what I was expecting when speculating over what sort of place she resided in. Her neighborhood is admittedly run down, but it's hardly anything to scoff at. Like everything else about her, I find it best not to try and make any prior observations.

And the existence of a brother is new. I suppose I've never really been one to pry into the private life of my students. I don't usually discuss those sorts of things with Chase either. Andie's mother died, I knew that, but now I'm left to wonder if she perhaps lives in a foster home.

Which seems difficult. At least she seems to really care for the boy though. I had stopped to observe her a moment as she helped him across the monkey bars. The sight of it was oddly pleasant to me. Andie enjoys helping other people out, though that ambition is hidden beneath layers of cutting attitude. Thinking back on the streets, I thought it was rather interesting that she put forth the effort to train her crew members.

And they followed her. She was a beacon to them.

Venturing to my room to change into something more comfortable, I sigh as I look to my coffee stained shirt. I don't know if it can even be saved. Andie had been pretty upset by that little accident, despite it being entirely her fault. Oh well though, it's useless trying to argue with her about every little thing.

As I toss the shirt aside, I then tilt my head as another thought occurs to me. Andie has no idea what sort of future she should pursue. However, an undeniably fitting course of action presents itself to me. She seems to enjoy leading others and she's a somewhat decent instructor. A career in actually teaching dance would be suitable.

MSA could use an instructor for the new style of dancing that seems to be spreading like a plague. Some people just aren't suitable for ballet and the traditional courses. I continue to consider the proposition before deciding to bring it up with her tomorrow during our session.

I have no idea how she'll react, but it's worth endeavoring.

Looking to the clock beside my bed, I decide to cook up a meal before catching up on some extra sleep. I've been even more worn out than usual lately. People from every direction have been demanding my attention. Students, staff, parents, brother. It's a lot to juggle around. Still, I wouldn't prefer it any other way. It keeps me active.

…

I turn on the stereo and then shift my focus to the girl as she grimaces, sliding her heels onto her feet before tossing her sneakers to the other side of the room. I withhold a roll of my eyes as I hear the rubber collide unceremoniously to the floor. She smiles at me then before striding forward and tucking her bangs behind her ear. She looks uncomfortable and I observe that she's been a little more tolerable so far this morning.

She wasn't actually serious about being cooperative though, was she? There's no way.

"Listen, Blake," she begins and I shift to face her fully, allowing the way she addressed me to slide for now. Whatever she wants to say seems to be difficult for her. Best not to stoke the fire, as it were. I nod, urging her to continue.

"I uhm," she clears her throat and glances to her feet before returning her eyes to mine. "Just wanted to thank you for putting in a good word for me."

Chase must've told her that. I stare down at her silently a moment and recall that phone conversation with my parents. I hadn't said much but, when they asked about Andie, I informed them that she was an excellent student and, as far as I could tell, a good match for Chase. They seemed doubtful, but I know they'll just have to experience the girl firsthand.

I decide to only offer her another nod. She's wearing a tentative smile and I somewhat awkwardly return it before shifting to step away. However, suddenly deciding against it, I glanced back at her and inhale slightly. I suppose now's as good a time as ever to try and bring up the matter of her future.

"There's something I would actually like to discuss with you."

She looks curious and I humorlessly consider her curiosity from yesterday. At least, this time, it'll be satiated.

"Okay…" she's a little wary now. "What's up?"

The girl probably believes she's in trouble. It's actually kind of pleasant that I don't have to scold her this morning. It's a nice change to our absurd routine.

"It's more a…suggestion than anything," I say, attempting to alleviate her concern. Not sure how effective it was but, oh well. "Have you ever considered a career in teaching?"

"Teaching?" She scoffs a little at the idea but she doesn't seem completely disgusted by it. No doubt she's comparing the very thought with my own position. "Where's this comin' from?"

"Just food for thought," I say with another half-smile. "I think you might actually be suited for it. What you did with your crew," I can't help the admiration that enters my tone, "was…borderline incredible. You have an eye for talent, which is something…" my smile widens a little. "I'm still working on."

"Psh," she can't help but return my smile at that, her eyes giving a little roll. That smile lowers though as she seems to consider what I said. The girl has no idea what she wants to do. After a moment, she shrugs, "I dunno…I mean, we'll see. I'll think about it though."

"I'm only bringing it to your attention," I say before deciding the conversation is over and beginning to amend her stance.

Andie, always preferring to make a good joke out of most semi-serious situations, chuckles and doesn't seem to notice my prod at the slouch of her shoulders. "Hey, maybe I'll come work for you."

It's exactly what I'd been considering. She'd be an excellent asset to the school. However, I also know she only said that out of an attempt to be humorous. I decide to play along. "Perish the thought."

"It wouldn't be so bad," she tilts her head, "we'd make a fabulous team."

"Hm…" I say before facing her. "Suicidal, perhaps."

"Nah," she shakes her head. "We're both too stubborn for that."

"True," I turn on the stereo before motioning her forward. "In that case, I accept the challenge."

Another eye roll and she heeds my command before taking my hand and adopting her typical and forced expression of over-board confidence. We move through the steps slowly before easing into a more appropriate tempo. She has already vastly improved as far as keeping time with the tango's rhythm. We'll be able to progress to the next stage soon.

I take the time to further contemplate the prospect of having her work for me. It would definitely be frustrating but I know I would accept her application with hardly a second's thought. I've already seen her in action. I know she'd be able to do it. I also know she'd enjoy it.

I decide to encourage her as much as possible. She really wouldn't even need to attend much schooling. MSA could probably cover the tuition cost too. It'd be interesting to witness the changes she'd potentially bring.

The lesson continues until half-past the hour, at which time I excuse her. She always seems so excited to leave. Grabbing my own belongings, I nod to her as she passes and automatically begin planning the next session. We meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday, which means that I have the entire weekend to prepare myself for something even more challenging.

…

The rest of the day is mostly an ordinary blur. Matters are finalized for the holiday party and I fulfill my several appointments with parents, financers and sponsors. It isn't until my last class of the day that I feel my stress dissipate a little.

I'm able to actually instruct dancing here, it's something I enjoy. It doesn't always feel like just 'work' to me. But then I hear Andie, Moose and Chase talking and laughing in the corner and I'm reminded of my supervisory position. They're really a hassle sometimes.

Catching the ringleader's eye, I lift a finger to my lips and hear her loud huff before she nods and whispers something to the other two. That wasn't as bad a reaction as it could've been and I intend to make her aware that her effort is appreciated.

"Most of you have either already come to me about your showcase ideas or are actively brainstorming them. Thank you for following my instruction. This class is primarily devoted to the success of the event and so I invite you to use this period as a practice session. If any of you need advice, I'm available."

I've basically just given them free reign to either take the opportunity to devote their time to extensive practice or to slack off and waste their time. There isn't any helping those who weren't serious about this to begin with. At this point, it's a bit of a lost cause.

I receive a couple cheers at my proclamation before the room erupts in an array of voices as different groups form. Turning, I greet Jimmie with a smile and discuss his vision. His career as a professional is practically sealed already. He and Sophie are incredibly devoted and I never have to spend time worrying over either of them.

But, her decision to include Moose as a partner to her performance is risky. It could either serve to awe the judges with its unique qualities, or it could horribly plunder. Guess we'll just have to see. Glancing to the other side of the room, I see the boy scribbling on his notepad. He's definitely putting forth the effort. The pressure of her success is a good motivator for him.

He told me that he wants to look into the choreography side of dancing. I think it's fitting and I look forward to his future productivity. Turning back to Jimmie, he demonstrates a step he's thinking of adding to his routine. I nod and stand back to better observe. After a moment, I mimic the movement. It could definitely work. He's a very inventive dancer. It will work nicely for him in the professional world.

Opting to do a solo piece with all the traditions of a ballet classic, I know he'll have to opportunity to shine. It's a smart move for him. As he continues with a few different steps, I can't help but pick up on the conversation between Chase and Andie. Their voices are both exceptionally loud and stand out from the murmurs around them.

"You find someone to partner with for this thing?"

I hear her sigh, "Blake says he knows some people. Juniors. Not sure when I'll actually start practicin' though."

"How're the lessons going?"

"Eh, he says I'm getting a little better."

"That's cool. I'm sure you'll be great."

She laughs, "yeah, whatever. What about you?"

They begin discussing his showcase and my attention wanders. I find it curious that she didn't mention my proposition from earlier. Maybe she isn't seriously considering it?

One girl, a bit soft-spoken than the others, approaches me and I nod to Jimmie before turning to her. "Yes, Anna?"

"Uhm, I want to do something different for my piece. I've been practicing a few moves but they aren't really traditional. I've been talking to Moose and he gave me a few tips. I'm thinking of using some of the moves Tyler and Nora demonstrated a couple years ago, but I need some help making it all work together."

I never actually witnessed the performance which my predecessor and the other staff members described as the best the school had ever displayed. I had seen footage though and it really was phenomenal. I couldn't argue with their extensive praise.

Still, I was hardly an expert on Tyler's demonstration. It was the perfect fusion of the classical and modern styles. An idea strikes and I glance in Andie's direction. This opportunity might serve to inspire her. Anna's already familiar with the classical side, but she'll definitely need some direction on modern technique.

Lifting a finger, I indicate for Anna to wait a moment before venturing over to the incessantly chatting duo. They both look up at me with dejected expressions. Do I really reprimand them that much?

"Andie, will you assist me a moment?"

She rolls her eyes and exchanges a head shake with Chase before standing and quirking a brow as I turn and lead her towards Anna. I can tell she doesn't have the slightest idea what's going on.

I motion to the blonde, "Miss Beck here would like some advice on a modern piece. This is your area of expertise. Care to offer some insight?"

"Ooh, am I playing student teacher now?" She asks with a smirk.

She sees right through my plan. Returning the smirk, I simply motion for her to start before returning to Jimmie and making sure to keep the pair in sight.

Anna looks a little flustered at first and anxiously watches as Andie displays a few different steps. However, Andie is a natural at this and patiently instructs the other student with an enthusiasm that is somewhat infecting. I smile before Jimmie reclaims my focus and I continue observing and critiquing his piece. The rest of the class period passes in relative normalcy and I can't help but marvel at how smoothly it goes as Andie and I instruct in each of our different ways. This only affirms my observation that this could very well be the most appropriate career for her.

The bell rings and the students rush from the room, Chase and Moose stand beside the door as they wait for Andie to gather her things. She lifts a hand apologetically to them before approaching me as I file the attendance sheet. I look to her with a tilt of my head but can already somewhat predict what she intends to say.

"Don't think for a second that I don't know what that was all about."

But she isn't angry and I humor her with a lift of my brow, "has your interest increased at all?"

She sighs and shakes her head, seemingly at a loss of words before a grin spreads, "a little, yeah. I guess I can kinda see where you're comin' from. It was actually fun, the playing teacher thing."

"You were doing a little more than playing at it."

"So, I just immediately go from class outcast to star student?"

"Let's just say, I'm doing my part to help you find that 'drive' I was talking about."

I place the strap of my bag over my shoulder and then walk towards the two at the door, Andie keeping pace with me and continuing to shake her head. At least she's actually somewhat serious about this now.

"Well," Andie says as she slips her hand into Chase's, "it's lookin' like that team thing might end up happening after all."

"We'll see," I tell her before offering a wave as I turn in the direction of my office. Fridays usually mean long evenings here at the school. It's never any fun to play catch-up. "Have a good weekend."

I don't fail to notice the look of confusion that each Moose and Chase display. Andie will definitely have to explain a few things to them.

But they seem to ignore it for now as they excitedly discuss their evening plans when Sophie joins them. I feel it safe to assume that they planned some sort of double date or whatever. They're all so young. I enter the teacher's lounge and nod to Kate before asking her to make another pot of coffee. I need to sort through the submitted applications and transfers for the spring semester.

It's simply a routine though, and I actually don't mind the strenuous task of paperwork. It's calming, in a way. I smell the brewing coffee emitted from the other room and it serves to sharpen my mind. I associate the scent with motivation.

I always prefer to get everything done before the start of a new week. It never did anyone any good to let things pile up. Like every other weekend, I resolve to just relax at home. It's important, after all, to take time to rejuvenate. Maybe I'll get some Christmas shopping done though. My list is pretty small.

And tonight I'll probably just order some take-out. That's pretty much the norm for me after a long day at the office. Kate brings me my coffee and I nod in thanks before focusing on the task at hand. There's no more time for distractions.

But one last, whimsical idea prompts my attention first. Would it be appropriate to include Andie on that small list? Chase has certainly blurred this line of professionalism. I'm not sure what the social protocol is here. More than that though, I actually feel inclined to include her.

To be continued…