The fall seems to be hurrying by quickly. October comes and goes with fun celebrations throughout. Halloween was especially fun when Ben saw Rey's costume was from the same movie as his: Mary Poppins. Ben was not able to keep from looking at how beautiful she looked and couldn't believe he matched with her as Bert the chimney sweep. He only dressed up because it was a school rule to have everyone on staff dress up for the Halloween celebration. In all his years, Ben has never liked dressing up. He didn't even like Halloween and swore off it. But this is the first year Ben actually likes the holiday.
November comes with a deep chill in the air as winter approaches quickly. The first week of the new month brings about parent teacher conferences. The students around campus are thrilled as they get to leave school early each day on a half day schedule. Ben isn't envious of the teachers as he sees parents marching through the halls, some looking more ticked off than others. Not all of the parents look angry but Ben can only imagine the conversations they are wanting to have with their child's teacher. He doesn't pay much attention unless he happens to lock eyes with Rey either before or after a conference. She always gives him a smile and a thumbs up, making Ben smile in turn. Ben knows her students love her and his heart warms from knowing how much she cares about each and every child she teaches.
This is why finding Rey sitting at her desk with her hands in her head crying shocks Ben beyond belief. Seeing her like this makes his heart sink and he instantly strides into the classroom and kneels beside her. His hand goes to her shoulder and he rubs it gently. Rey sobs quietly, her body shaking beneath his hand. He slides it to the middle of her back and slowly moves it in soft circles. Ben doesn't ask her anything, just kneels beside her and supports her wordlessly. It means so much to Rey and Ben's heart quickens when he feels her lean into him, her shoulder pressing gently against his head.
"I…I do everything for these kids. Late n-nights…my own m-money on proj-jects…hours of work…and I-I'm not doing enough?" she stutters, choking on sobs.
"A parent said you're not doing enough?" Ben asks softly, still circling his hand slowly on her back.
"Y-yes," Rey says before bursting into fresh tears.
Ben takes immediate action and pulls Rey into a tight hug. He holds her close to his chest, brushing his lips ever so lightly against her hair as she holds his shirt in a fist. Her sobs make her body quake in his arms but Ben holds fast. Rey cries into his shirt and stammers apologies. His lips brush against her hair again as he whispers words of calm to her. He gently tilts her chin up so they are looking into each other's eyes. Her hazel eyes warm his whole body and make his heart flutter.
"You have no reason to be sorry, Rey. You are the most incredible teacher and the kids are so so lucky to have you," Ben whispers, stroking her cheek softly.
He sees her eyes twinkle as a rosy blush grows across her beautiful face. She looks into his face and smiles softly, her lips trembling. Ben stares back at her and feels the breath flee his body when Rey suddenly leans forward to press her lips against his. Rey pulls back, her blush growing as she begins the first sound of an apology. Her apology is cut off when Ben slants his mouth over her own and kisses her back. The kiss starts out tenderly then deepens as they hold each other. Rey slides her arms around Ben's neck as his arms wrap around her, hugging her tightly. She leans into him and Ben falls back onto his back from sitting in a kneeling position. When he falls, Rey lands on top of his chest and they look at each other. He chuckles softly and she can't help but giggle back. Ben rolls them over to their sides before helping Rey to her feet, offering his hand out to her. Rey takes it and is pulled into his embrace, smiling as their lips collide together once again.
A timer suddenly goes off, pulling Rey and Ben out of the heat of the moment. She looks at the clock on the wall and looks sadly at the floor. Then she looks up into Ben's eyes, feeling her heart swell as he looks at her with concern and care. He doesn't let her go.
"My next parent conference…" Rey says quietly.
Ben smiles down at her before kissing her forehead gently. Then he presses his forehead against Rey's and gives her a squeeze. Rey smiles, feeling so safe in his arms.
"Would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow night?" he whispers.
"Ben, nothing would make me happier," she replies, her smile growing as she reaches on tiptoes to kiss him.
It's difficult for them to let go. Rey walks him over to the door and squeezes his hand. He squeezes back before dipping his head to kiss her cheek then her lips tenderly. With one more hand squeeze, Ben turns but not before flashing her another smile that makes Rey hold her hand to her heart.