Chapter 1
Ben Solo had been a janitor for most of his adult life. His father wanted him to work for the family janitorial business: Millennium Cleaners. This business is successful and Ben is thankful his father trusts him enough to help run it. But year after year, school after school, Ben felt he had been missing something more in his life.
As the new school year approaches, Ben's father Han comes to him with the school he will be working at this year: Mon Mothma Elementary. It's a new school using their services but it'll probably be the same old experience. No one will talk to Ben and he will be ignored by all, seen as nothing more than a lowly rat doing the job no one else wants. The first day rolls around and Ben takes a deep breath, keeping his expectations low as the principal gives him a brief layout of the school ground. He receives a map, keys to the supply closet and his office, and a list of his daily jobs. Ben holds the map in hand as he walks through the school halls. The campus is bustling with first day excitement from the staff and students eager to begin the new school year. As he rounds the corner, Ben is knocked backwards by a young woman who yelps in surprise.
"I am so so sorry! I didn't mean -" the young woman starts but stops as she stares at Ben.
The two of them gaze at each other for what seems like forever. Ben shrugs and offers her a small smile.
"It's no problem. I'm sorry too," he replies.
The woman blushes as she tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Ben can't help but gawk at the beauty of her. In all his years, he's never seen anyone as incredible as her. His eyes trace over her face and his eyebrows raise when he sees her hand stretch out towards him.
"I'm Ms. Oga - Rey! Sorry, already in the teacher-mode brain haha! I'm Rey," she stammers with a shy smile.
"I'm Ben, the new janitor," Ben says in turn, reaching his hand out and shaking Rey's gently.
They stare at one another, hands still clasped together, before they both shyly drop their arms. Rey's smile broadens and she opens her mouth to say more when the first passing bell rings.
"I have to go - my second grade class is starting soon! It was very nice meeting you Ben! If you need anything, my door is always open!" she exclaims.
Ben watches her wave and waves back at her as she rushes to her classroom. He smiles to himself, feeling his heart flutter in his broad chest. This year is going to be different. Somehow after all this time, he may actually stick with the same school moving forward.
"Nice to meet you too, Rey," Ben says quietly before turning to find his office.