NovelEnglishZoey had been in her classroom for an hour when a nagging feeling crept up on her-there was something she had forgotten to do today. But for the life of her, she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
The previous night had been a whirlwind with her parents hitting it big on the lottery, and on top of that, she had to mull over Henry's plans to study abroad. It was enough to make her feel a little off-kilter.
She had to meet with both families for lunch later, so she quickly called Curtis to give him a heads-up before heading back to her office.
Though she was in charge of the class, the preschool in Zion City was top-notch, with a rotating roster of teachers; and as luck would have it, she had a break around noon.
Upon entering her office, she found someone sitting at her desk-Fitch. Since yesterday, after dropping off Nolan, the man seemed to stick around, lazing about as if he had nothing better to do. Odd for someone of his means, who you'd expect to be too busy to touch ground.
Their encounter the day before hadn't been exactly pleasant, and the sight of him didn't do much to lighten her mood today. "Mr. Haskins, this is my office," Zoey stated.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAs she spoke, her eyes caught sight of a jar of candy on her desk. It was one of those heart-shaped, transparent jars that screamed girly. But she was well past the age for such things.
It was Fitch's first tbuying something like it, and he seemed a tad uncomfortable.
"A gift," he said simply.
Zoey flashed him a polite smile, "No need, really. Looking after little Nolan is part of my job. I have plans for lunch and won't be able to entertain you with small talk, Mr. Haskins." Fitch had a wireless earbud in one ear and his gaze lingered on her.
"Got a lunch date with your boyfriend?" Zoey frowned. How did this man seem to know everything? "That's right.' Grabbing her bag, she opened the door to leave, only to hear footsteps following her.
She didn't think much of it until she reached the hallway and the footsteps continued to shadow her. Even as she left the school grounds, the sound persisted.
Zoey finally stopped, her patience wearing thin.
"What's the meaning of this, Mr. Haskins?" "I'm also going to grab lunch." She was at a loss for words. She couldn't very well forbid him from eating.
Was he following her? But why? She stepped aside, her smile polite but strained, "Please, after you, Mr. Haskins." Fitch stared at her for a few seconds before actually walking ahead.
Watching him drive away, Zoey's brows knitted together. It felt as if Fitch was heading in the sdirection she had arranged to meet Henry. It couldn't be just a coincidence. But when she arrived at the restaurant and parked, sure enough, she spotted Fitch's car outside.
Taking a deep breath, she went in and found a seat, with Fitch landing right across from her.
Her fingers curled slightly by her side.
She decided to stay quiet.
Seconds later, her phone rang. It was Henry.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Zoey, I'm sorry, but I've got to handle a complex document for overseas, and it's due in an hour. I can't make it today; I only just got the news and I'm heading back now. My folks are within the car." A premonition washed over Zoey, a sense that things were veering in an odd direction.
"No problem, you handle that. We can catch up in two months, I guess." That was when her parents would be back from their trip to Europe, and they were set to leave tonight.
After a few seconds of silence, Henry apologized again.
et Zoey's heart sank. As adults, they were making the right choices, yet deep down, she wished someone would give up something for her sake. Śwswn Henry was marriage material, but inside, she harbored a twinge of regret.
After hanging up, she called Curtis.
"Dad, don't cover today, Henry's tied up with something." "Alright, Zoey. Where are you now?" "I'm still at school, haven't left yet. You and mom pack up; I'll cby later to see you off." Once the call ended, a sudden, sharp pain gripped her stomach, draining the color from her face.
Her period had decided to start early, and she was completely unprepared.
It was probably the emotional rollercoaster, and now, she was left with Fitch.
As the pain surged, a sheen of sweat formed on her forehead.
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
