A/N: I apologise for the long delay between chapters, I'm still not 100% happy with this chapter, but I really want to get on with the next one, so I'm uploading it. Enjoy! I'll try not to leave it so long between chapters next time, but I can't promise anything.
Disclaimer: I don't own PLL or any of the characters, and the last part of this chapter is heavily based on a scene from the show.
I was woken by a loud buzzing the next morning, but as I reached to switch off my alarm I realised it was coming from my phone. Sitting up and rubbing my eyes I grabbed it, unlocking it and opening the message that had appeared. It was from an unknown number, but I knew who it was from as soon as I read the message. 'I was 5 minutes late yesterday, so thank you for that :P' I grinned, saving the number and writing a reply. 'Hey! You seduced me :P' I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and stood up, groaning at the numbers on the clock. It was way too early to be awake, but I started my new job today, and I was excited to impart my knowledge and love of literature to my students. My phone buzzed again in my hand, and I read the new message with a smile 'If I remember rightly it was the other way around. Who followed who to the bathroom? :P' 'You make it sound so wrong :P Besides, you seduced me with your beauty and charm before snogging my socks off.' I chuckled and put the phone on my bedside table before getting in the shower.
Once I was dressed I checked my phone again, I had two new messages. I made some cereal and sat down to read them. 'Hey! You started it, being so cute and looking at me with those puppy dog eyes. How could I say no? :P' 'Are you ignoring me because I called you cute? I take it back, you're not cute. Better? :P' Taking the last spoonful of cereal I sent a reply. 'Much, but I wasn't ignoring you, I was in the shower. I have my first day of work today, remember? I'll speak to you later Aria, I have to get ready.' Checking that I had everything I put on my shoes, grabbed my keys, and walked out of the door.
I arrived at the school on time, and walked to the staff room to greet my coworkers. It felt great to finally be here, to be doing something I loved and getting paid for it. The staff were nice, and they made me feel really welcome. After being shown around the school I made my way to my classroom and sorted out my desk. I had a meeting with the principal before class started, so after getting a cup of coffee I went over to see him. After being ushered inside by the receptionist I cleared my throat and shook his hand. "Principal Hackett, it's nice to see you again."
"My sentiments exactly Ezra, I do hope you have settled in?"
"Yes, thank you. I'm sure I'll be able to find my way around in no time." He smiled and we sat down, he behind the desk and me in front of it.
"I do hope you've memorised the school policies as well; I would hate for you to do something trifling that would get you in trouble. Our last English teacher got mixed up in things he shouldn't have done, and I don't want to lose another good teacher to something so frivolous." I was a little startled at this, but smiled at him before assuring him that I had, and that there would be no trifling on my part. "Well then," he carried on, standing up and offering me his hand, "I welcome you to Rosewood High School, Ezra Fitz. We are honoured to have you on our staff." We shook hands once again, and I left the office to go and teach my first class of the day.
The bell went as I entered my classroom, and I was pleased to see that all of the students were seating themselves already. I put my coffee on the desk, grabbed a piece of chalk, and wrote my name on the blackboard. Once that was done I picked up the coffee and turned to face my class, a smile on my face. That was when I saw her. Long dark hair framing her face, her eyes on the desk surely the colour of hazel. A million thoughts ran through my mind, the most prominent being that she'd told me she went to Hollis, and the next being "Holy crap."
At the sound of my voice she looked up, and I found myself looking into her eyes as I had done the night before. She paled, and it felt like hours before her phone went off and we broke eye contact. While she dug around for the source of the noise I arranged my thoughts and tried to start the lesson. I heard her mumble a small "Sorry." as I introduced myself and the lesson plan for the day.
My first day as a teacher and I'd already fucked up. Welcome to hell Mr Fitz.