Four Seasons
The first term always endured a lull, a moment for everyone to return to their daily routine before the flurry of work began. She had spent the summer planning her schedule and on returning to school, she waited for the other teachers to match her pace. It needn't matter; she was patient. As long as they came around eventually.
There were the stories of the students and teachers as they returned from holiday, sun-kissed and fresh-faced. And for something to look forward to, there was always the Halloween parties for the younger years, a month after they returned.
Not long after, there was her birthday. She had said it wasn't important, only a small matter, but Eddie had still bought her a present all the same. Not long after, they braved the windy, rainy day to return home together, hidden underneath their coats and scarves, their gloved hands clinging onto each other, despite the weather.
It persisted till the Christmas holiday, and it wasn't until they returned to school that it began to snow. Heavily. The students were delighted. Rachel had said it didn't matter if it snowed; they were coming in. Her speech was followed by a collection of sighs and a- "But, Miss!"
They had forgotten by spring. The teachers were busy with the extra work and the upcoming stress of exams; the students equally stressed. Rachel said there would be no cheating this time, her gaze falling on Steph and Grantly. They didn't appreciate the insinuation, but she hadn't forgotten what had happened.
But there was no need to worry. Most of the students passed, which was all they could ask for. The summer heat meaning that their blazers were in their bags or tied around their waists. Fanning themselves with the exam results, the teachers offered a congratulatory smile. Rachel clambered onto the stage, thanking everyone and applauding the students, though they were embarrassed by her enthusiasm. From the back of the hall, Eddie gave her a thumbs up.
The students left, some leaving that would never return. She said goodbye to them all, desperately trying not to cry. It would only embarrass them all. Taking the flowers up to her office, pleased with another year accomplished.
Eddie arrived later, his head peering around the door.
"Fancy a pint?"
And that was how her summer began.