January 5th, 1872

Ariadne started teaching today. As she got dressed she couldn't help but feel more nervous than she had in months. She had thrown herself into preparations over the last week, anything to distract herself from the unpleasant realization she had come to on New Year's or the terrifying start to her new career. At least now it was easier not to think about Arthur… Not only did it hurt thinking about him, but she was so busy that it had been surprisingly easy to put him out of her mind.

She, Mal and Abigail had cleaned the inside of the school room from top to bottom. They dusted away all the cobwebs, beat the dirt and dust out of the rugs and curtains, cleaned the windows… Really everything they could think of. It took two full days but the whole place shined.

Arthur, Roy, Dom and Miles had come over one afternoon to rethatch the roof. That was the hardest day for Ariadne. Arthur had tried to talk to her and she only responded as pleasantly as she could. She had no reason to be mad at him. The last thing she wanted was for him to question her anger because then she might have to admit to him that she had cared for him. So there was always a bright and cheerful smile on her face, she answered his questions but left it at that. No extended conversations or lingering glances. She knew he could tell something was different. But she had put walls up around her heart and they were there to stay.

Regina had made a nice meal of pancakes and bacon for breakfast and had even packed Ariadne a lunch. She was too nervous to eat much, but tried to get down as much as she could. Even though school didn't start until 8:00am, at 6:45am she was ready and couldn't stand walking around the house so she left.

Arthur always took an early morning ride through town just to make sure things looked proper and safe. Especially since Nash had broken into the general store, Arthur wanted to double check for broken windows or signs of trouble before everyone was out and about. Just as he was riding back to the station, he saw Ariadne walk out of the boarding house. He couldn't have timed it more perfectly if he tried.

She had been acting different towards him all week. Arthur wasn't sure, but he suspected it had something to do with Ruth and New Year's. Did Ariadne have feelings for him? Did she think him inappropriate for kissing someone in the middle of the party? Was it all in his head? Was she just nervous about school? Arthur could tell there were walls up around her heart; she was usually so open and friendly with him. Now whenever they talked, she was friendly all right, but definitely kept him at arm's length. It was so frustrating because Arthur didn't even know what he could do to change it...

He rode over to her and she looked up, "Hello Arthur." Short, simple, not even a smile. Not how I wanted to start this! He thought desperately.

"Hi Ariadne," Arthur said as he looked down at her. "Would you like company on your walk?"

"Oh no thank you." She said, looking nervous and distracted. Is that because of me or because it was her first day?

"Hey... You're going to do fine." He said with all sincerity he could possess. She stopped and looked up at him.

"Do you think so?" She almost whispered.

It was almost comical to see her so frazzled. How could she be so nervous? She was going to do fine. "Absolutely! I've seen you with kids, you're a natural. And you're smart and a great teacher."

She laughed. "You couldn't possibly know that." Even though she denied it, Arthur was happy to see a smile back on her pretty face.

"I believe it though. You'll be fine."

"Well thank you. That does make me feel better." She looked up at him with the first genuine smile he had seen all year. Why does she have to affect me this way? He wondered as his heart pounded. The silence stretched out creating an awkwardness he wasn't accustomed to with her.

"Ok well I won't keep you. Have a good day", he said and pulled the reigns to turn his horse around.

"Bye..." She said as she started walking again. Arthur looked back only once as she walked away. Whatever she was upset about, he vowed he would figure it out and fix it. If there was anything he wanted to accomplish this year, it was making her fall in love with him. Usually he thought the whole notion of New Year's Resolutions was ridiculous but he now had one and he intended to work hard at it.

Ariadne looked out at 26 expectant faces. What would she say? Did she have a stern bone in her whole body? She decided that now, if any time, was the right moment to buck up and have some gumption...

When she had arrived at the school, the sun was just starting to rise. She was very early but glad that she didn't feel rushed. While she waited for the kids to arrive she went around and put out chalk boards at each spot. With her little piece of chalk she wrote each student's name on their board. As the kids trickled in they had to find their seat. Some were excited but others already looked bored or annoyed to be there.

Mal had warned her that the Yuseff boys could be a handful and within thirty seconds of meeting them, Ariadne knew she agreed. They had apparently decided they wanted to race to the school and the oldest and apparently fastest one burst through e school door about five minutes before class was supposed to start. The other two boys came barreling through less than a minute later. They seemed to be arguing over who won second place. As the last students to arrive, everyone turned to watch to see what they were doing.

She knew that if she didn't quiet them down now, this would set the tone for the rest of the year. Ariadne's hands were practically shaking as she stood up from her desk and raised her voice to get their attention.

"Boys!" They turned; apparently none of them had realized she was even there.

"Do you see anyone else who has not taken their seats?" Trying her best to keep her face authoritative and commanding, she stared them down.

"No..." The youngest, David, said. He still had some respect for authority. Thank goodness, she thought. "That's because when you enter this school room you are to quietly take your seats. None of this rough housing or arguing. You can race during recess or on the way home."

"And why should we listen to you?" The oldest, Mark said. At 16, he towered over her in height and was only three years her junior. Ariadne could feel everyone's eyes on her. The younger kids looked scared but some of the older ones found the situation humorous. Several we're snickering at the conversation.

"Because ... I don't think your father Dr. Yuseff would like to hear about your manners right now. He and I had a lovely conversation last week and he has high hopes for you this year. I'd hate to see what would happen if you disappoint him... Now, take. your. seat. I won't ask again."

Oh God, did I really just threaten to tell on him? What am I? A child!? Oh this is bad… Her mind was racing with things she might have said instead… Thankfully though, he looked at her for a moment but decided it wasn't worth it to keep arguing.

Ariadne tried to control her shaking hands but she was sure everyone could see. The amazing thing was that her voice hadn't shaken when she was speaking to him.

"Now that everyone is here I will introduce myself. My name is Miss Nicola, I've met most of you I believe and for those of you that I haven't met yet, I will come around and say hello when I take roll.
Let's be clear students, we are here to learn. You need to be respectful of each other and of me. I will not tolerate inappropriate language or disrespectful actions. If we can all get along then I think we can have fun! Does everyone agree!?"

Most of the younger students yelled something along the lines of "yeah, yes, uh huh!" But Ariadne could hear Mark mutter "No..." under his breath. Oh this boy is going to be a thorn in my side... She thought as she walked back to her desk.

And thus began the first day of Ariadne's teaching career. By the end of the day, everyone seemed to be ready to go home, her included. When she announced it was time to go she had several students run and give her a hug before heading out the door. That in itself was enough to keep her mood jovial.

Abigail hadn't been this excited in a long time. In her aunt's last letter she had mentioned attending a suffrage rally in Denver. She reminded Abigail that she was always welcome to come and visit if she ever wanted to come see what all the fuss was about.

Abigail hadn't waited at all to respond. Of course she would love to come and visit! The politics in Denver were so much more exciting than Juniper Springs. Mostly because her father was the mayor and that was it. There were no parties, no opposition, no desire to bring life and excitement into the political scene here. If ever there was a need for a Judge the matter was taken to the court in Cheyenne.

Hopefully they could arrange a trip for this spring. Abigail wondered if Ariadne would want to join her. If she would then they couldn't leave until at least May when school was out. I wonder what Arthur would think of this? Mother and father as well… Abigail thought suddenly. Her family had never been as forward thinking as she was, but they didn't disapprove of it either. Best not to say anything until more is settled, just in case, she thought.

Abigail hurried a reply to her aunt telling her she would LOVE to come join her. Also she mentioned her new friend and how the both of them had been following the suffragists for some time. Just as she was finishing her missive Roy, Ashley and Arthur walked into the kitchen.

"Arthur! You scared me half to death! When did you get here!?" Abigail had practically fallen out of her seat at the sight of them. Apparently in her eagerness to write her letter she hadn't heard the front door open. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she grabbed her letter from the table and folded it up in her hands.

"Sorry Abby! Jesus, you look like you've seen a ghost. Didn't you hear us come in?" He said with an amused look on his face. By now they had all noticed the letter she was trying to hide in her hands.

"Don't call me Abby! And I didn't hear you at all! I was just… distracted I suppose. What are you guys doing here anyway?"

Roy spoke up, "Hey Abigail, who are you writing?"

"Roy McCrery that is none of your business" She said with an amused grin forming on her face. Leave it to these three to want to know every detail of every situation.

"It's a love letter isn't it?" Roy said with a light in his eyes, "You have a secret relationship that you've been hiding from us don't you!?" Arthur laughed and looked at his friend.

"Don't you worry about it. It's my business who I write and not yours!" Abigail said, wishing they would just go away and forget this love letter nonsense. It wasn't even a big deal who she was writing… But now they were prying and probably wouldn't even believe it if she told them it was just her aunt.

"Abby, I just need dad's shovel, mine broke. Have you seen it?" Arthur, ever the wonderful brother, had changed the subject. "My name is Abigail! And it should be in the shed… Didn't you check there?"

"No not yet, but I will." He said with a smile, he knew she hated it when he called her Abby. The group said their good byes and as they were walking out towards the shed Abigail heard Ashley ask Arthur, "Do you really think she is writing someone? Romantically and all that? How exciting! I wonder who it is…"

Abigail laughed and rolled her eyes at the notion. Ridiculous, she thought. Honestly if I were writing anyone romantically it would be Eames…

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