Chapter six – Open day
Sherlock knew it was a bad idea but he couldn't back out of it now, it would be too suspicious. It had been weeks since their 'close encounter' as he had named it verbally. And he had forgotten, yes Sherlock Holmes had forgotten that he had asked her at the beginning of the school year to help out at the open day for perspective year seven students. Now he was stuck in his classroom with Clarissa while she chatted away to the parent and their children with a wide smile on her face, she discussed the courses for the year sevens and how they progressed into GCSE classes then to A-level, like her. Sherlock wasn't idle of course, he was also chatting politely to parents and explaining in detail the courses and the subjects interest.
He couldn't help but notice how well she was doing. The kids seemed to love her, all asking her questions and commenting on the grey top and skirt she was wearing. He could hear her praising him in her sweet voice "Mr Holmes really is the best teacher of Physics, the subject would be far less interesting without him teaching it."
"He seems more interested in the subject then the children" A parent argued.
"Cold" another added causing the other mums to nod in agreement.
Sherlock didn't give much through to the parents views on him, they were not important in his mind. But he watched as Clarissa tensed slightly, before replying a little sterner but with the same wide smile. "It's a front, everybody has them. He seems cold and uncaring but in fact he cares a great deal. Recently he helped me out, I didn't want help but he's still there ready for when I change my mind and actually ask for his help." Her eyes found his for a moment but she looked back at the parents and continued. "He cares about the students education, he himself was an oxford scholar and knows the subject like the back of his hand, if you want your children to do well with this subject then you should pray to whatever God you believe in that they get him as a teacher. He's changed my outlook, I cannot imagine physics without him."
The parents seemed stunned. One rather plastic looking one with light blonde hair and fake eyelashes commented. "Seems like you've got the hots for your teacher" she joked, causing the other parents to laugh, adding "He is pretty dishy."
Clarissa's blue gaze settled on Sherlock's as she joined in the laughter. "I think we must separate having the 'hots' and admiration." She corrected. "I admire him very much. He is a great man."
Not long after the parents and students disappeared, either talking to other teachers or heading home. Clarissa was busying herself by sorting through the books and papers they had lying on the desks. Once in neat piles she turned to face Sherlock who was lent against his desk, leg crossed over the other, arms crossed and eyes fixed firmly on her.
"You admire me?" He repeated, the rising inflection at the end signalling it being a question. Clarissa could feel herself blushing and gave a small nod of clarification.
"Quite" She looked down at the floor instead of at him.
"Are you aware that now all those parents and their children think that you like me?" Sherlock raised his eyebrow at her questioningly.
"It did seem like that but I only told the truth" she smiled, finally looking back up at him. His grey eyes were fixed on her.
Clarissa didn't know where he sudden burst of confidence came from but she was crossing the room until she was stood directly in front of him. Their faces were only centimetres apart when he lent forward to seal their lips together. The kiss was chaste, lasting only a few seconds before they both pulled back.
Clarissa saw the conflict in his eyes and backed away. He might have been the one to kiss her but she didn't pull away and he had so much more to lose. Instead of apologizing for something she wasn't sorry for she left wordlessly, allowing him to think.
this is such a short chapter, i apologize.