The man turned quickly, "You got a problem sweetheart" he slurred as he looked her up and down. She jabbed the pool cue into his hand sharply "Yeah, and right now it's you" She spat moving Riley to one side. "Is that right" the man was now stood closer to Aaliyah, she hadn't even flinch. "Hey, Gordo back off" Heath interrupted pushing the dark haired man away from Aaliyah; "Sorry about him, he has no control over his actions when he's had a few" Heath smiled trying to clear the air. "Maybe you should put him on a lead" she said still not moving. "You stuck up…" Gordo launched at the blonde who to everyone's shock had not budged an inch since the confrontation started. Heath held back the man who was now acting like a rabid dog. Aaliyah took the hand of her frightened looking little boy and pulled him towards the door "Come on baby lets get you home" she whispered as she made her way out to the car.

Brax and Heath were at home talking about their hot new neighbour, Casey just listened quietly. "Well she's got more balls than most of the other boys" Heath grinned as he took a swig of beer. "And she's so hot" Heath added smugly, Brax glared at Heath. "We don't know anything about her, why is she so tough?" Brax had always been the thinker. "She's my new English Teacher" Casey finally spoke up. "You serious, sexy and educated? Nice" Heath was also now wearing the grin his brother's had shared earlier that night. Brax looked at his brother and shook his head disapprovingly. Great now Heath was gonna try hitting on the new neighbour. Brax couldn't work out whether he was worried that the backlash of one of Heath's flings was going to be a little to close to home or annoyed because he wanted a pop at her first.

Heath opened the door and spotted Aaliyah in the porch with Riley who was dressed in Mangrove Primary school uniform. "You're going to Mangrove, my little girl goes there" he smiled at the little boy. "See I told you, you would like it" Aaliyah tried to reassure her little boy. "I don't even know her mum" Riley whined "Well her name is Darcy Callahan and she is in year 2, just tell her, her daddy told her to be nice to you" Heath spoke softly. Riley looked up at his mum who nodded reassuringly. Aaliyah was a little confused, she had been warned by so many locals about the infamous River Boy's, but as far as she could see, apart from the guy last night, these boys seemed fine. "Thanks for that" Aaliyah said locking the door as Riley got in the car. "Hey, I'm looking after Darcy tonight, why don't you bring him round for tea he can get to know her better" Heath suggested. Aaliyah nodded "Yeah, thanks he'd like that" she replied as she walked over to the car. Heath just stood in awe for a few minutes before finally leaving the house.

After dropping Riley off at school Aaliyah finally arrived at Summer Bay High. The school had been completely rebuilt due to the storm. Aaliyah was about 30 minutes early for her first class; she always liked to get a feel for the classroom before she started.

She could smell the fresh paint smell as she walked into the classroom. She put her bag on the table before walking over to the cupboard, she took a deep breath as she opened the doors, inside were about 30 brand new Text books and Play's ranging from year 7 to year 12. She took an armful of the year 12 text books and put them on the desks. She was in a little world of her own when she noticed the figure stood near the door "Jesus" She exclaimed as her heart skipped a beat causing her to jump out of her skin.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you jump…you must be Aaliyah Henderson?" the woman asked. Aaliyah just nodded she was sure her heart was still trying to remember how to beat normally again.

"I'm Gina Palmer" the women extended her hand.

"Hi" Aaliyah finally replied shaking the woman's hand.

"Have you settled in to your new home ok?" Gina smiled

"Yes thanks, the whole place needs re-decorating though" Gina's smile was now gone. Aaliyah could have kicked herself, how could she have been so rude. It was Gina's house she had just brought. "Not that there is anything wrong with it, it's just not to my taste" Aaliyah quickly corrected. Gina's smile returned a little.

"Is there anything I should know about my first class" Aaliyah quickly changed the subject avoiding the awkward silence.

"Year 12 right" Gina looked at the nervous looking blonde woman who simply replied with a nod.

"Erm, Casey Braxton is a returning pupil who is retaking his HSC this year"

"Yeah, he told me last night" Aaliyah interrupted

Gina nodded before continuing "He's also dyslexic"

"Really" Aaliyah quickly added

"He's a good pupil, and he's worked so hard" Gina added before being interrupted by the bell. "Right, I'll leave you to it. Good luck" Gina walked out of the classroom. Aaliyah could hear the rushed footsteps of the pupils in the corridor.

Aaliyah's first class was brilliant; she didn't expect it to go so well. She seemed to make a connection with the pupils instantly. The pupils seemed to enjoy the lesson too.

Gina had decided to sit in on Aaliyah final lesson of the day. This was Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet with the year 9's. She handled them extremely well Gina was very impressed. After a busy but successful first day Aaliyah went to fetch Riley from school before popping him round to the Braxton's. Heath answered the door.

"Hey, we're not early are we?" Aaliyah had been home to change out of her work clothes, she was now wearing a plain red summer dress, her hair was loose around her shoulders, Heath couldn't resist looking the blonde up and down. Aaliyah smiled and raised her eyebrows waiting for a reply "No perfect timing, Darcy's picking a game for the wii, do you wanna go and help her Riley?" Riley ran straight past Heath and into the lounge where Darcy was sat near the cupboard. Aaliyah was a little shocked Riley wasn't normally so forward. "See ya later then Riley" Aaliyah yelled hoping for a response.

"Yeah bye mum" Riley didn't move and inch. Heath grinned "I'll bring him back after tea" Aaliyah nodded before turning back to her door. As she was about to go in her door Casey arrived with his surf board. "Hey Casey, just the person I wanted to see" Aaliyah said as she turned to face the wet haired youngster. She couldn't help noticing how tanned and toned his body was, he was just wearing a pair of board shorts. God if he wasn't in her class at school she could have sworn he looked older than 18, she shook her head sharply to gain her focus before continuing "I've got something for you inside that might help with you're assignment" Casey followed Aaliyah into the house, he had propped his board up just outside the front door. Aaliyah disappeared into the spare bedroom before returning with a pile of text books. "Text books, I already have these" Casey was a bit confused. Aaliyah put the books down on the sideboard before offering him one. "These are special, just take a look" Casey took the book and opened it inside were hints and tips for memory games and quotes, this book had been owned by someone who was dyslexic. "Mrs Palmer told me" Casey was a bit annoyed that Gina had told Aaliyah but these books were awesome so he kept quiet because he didn't want to seem ungrateful. "Thanks, these are great" Casey smiled. Aaliyah was blown away he had a gorgeous smile she thought to herself…she stopped her mind distracting itself again. Casey was about to go back into his house when he heard the shouts and laughter of the kids next door. "I can see I'm gonna get loads done" he said sarcastically. "Why don't you do it here, I can show you how to use your new book" Casey jumped at the chance of spending more time with Aaliyah. After just a few hours of intense conversation Aaliyah realised her and Casey had more in common than she had, had with any other man ever. He was funny, kind and so mature. Their conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door, Aaliyah opened the door. Heath and Riley were stood outside covered head to toe in flour. Aaliyah laughed "What happened to you" Riley flashed her a cheeky grin before walking over to the sofa "Erm I don't think so MR, shower now please" she said firmly, Riley threw her look before heading towards the bathroom. "We kinda had a food fight" Heath smiled "Mmm, well at least he had fun" Aaliyah smiled she was so happy Riley had made friends. Heath couldn't help but think how amazing this woman was, not a bit stuck up or snobby, such a turn around from Bianca.

Ok so I thought I would add another chapter, I wanted you to see more of Aaliyah's personality. If you read please review. I would love to know what you all think so far and if you have any tips for me xx