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The school bell rang, signalling the end of 7th period, and Hugh Evans was the first one out of the classroom door. Flier in hand, he stood and stared across the hallway at the blue lockers, eager with anticipation. Fixated specifically on locker 113 he hoped, or rather expected, that soon the new transfer student would arrive to retrieve her books needed for the final period.
His hands were clammy. And yes, his chest was tight. But not because he was unsure about how she would react to his interest in her, no. On the contrary, it was because he knew without a doubt that she already understood who and what they were to each other. The undeniable thrill that ran through every fibre of his being, he was certain she’d felt the same charge too.
No one could ever dent his sense of pride in being composed dignified and astute. But from the moment Gabrielle Mosely walked into his life, she had blindsided him, wholly and truly, with her astounding brilliance. He couldn't remember the last time, if ever, he'd been stunned nearly speechless by someone else's resplendent intellect. An intellect that matched his own.
The way her love for literature was displayed with such poise and confidence? Unheard of for a person her age. Despite being in front of the class, Hugh could not help but notice how she’d made eye contact with him. How their interchange of ideas caused her to brim with glee, caused her to unknowingly lean towards him as though she were reaching for him, almost tipping over her desk as if a tether had formed between them connecting their minds and their spirits. A tether, Hugh was certain, that shall never be broken.
Sudden palpitations accompanied by a flurry in the stomach caught him unawares as he revelled in her brilliance, and he found himself stuttering as he tried to quickly regain his composure before his class.
Who could have predicted that that would be the day Hugh would meet his kindred spirit?
Folding his arms, he laughed to himself. Oh, how wrong his mother was. He was not broken. He was not unlovable.
Finally, out of the tiring bustle of dimwitted students, she appeared like a bright light and Hugh released a sigh of relief. With tempered steps he approached her from behind, his arm outstretched as he brought the flier over her shoulder to catch her attention. Startled, she swung around. But immediately her features melted into a sweet smile as she realized it was only him, Mr. Evans, her Literature teacher.
“What's this?” Gabrielle asked.
“It’s the Junior Class reading list,” he replied. “You have such a brilliant mind. I think you can handle it.”
And, as he predicted, she burst into giggles with pure unadulterated excitement. She was perfect. Given their scintillating exchanges throughout the day, he was not surprised in the slightest. He knew that his gift would be met with apt enthusiasm. It was only natural that he should be her mentor, yes. They fit perfectly. Two halves of a whole.
“Welcome to Beckson High,” he said, pleased with himself.
“You know, as far as first days go, this is pretty great.” In the next moment, however, that sweet smile slipped from her face. “Well, except for Kyle getting food poisoning, or whatever that was. I hope he'll be okay.”
Hugh took in a deep breath and set his jaw to temper his annoyance at the mere mention of such a twit. “What that was is called karma, my dear.” And Drainex.
“Still, I feel bad for him.”
He nodded. Not because he agreed with her sympathy for someone so beneath her, but because he understood that she was an empathetic soul. Pure and innocent. The perfect complement.
“Anyways,” she said, shrugging off the unpleasantness, “thanks for the book list and for letting me eat lunch with you today.”
Hugh followed suit and smiled. Another highlight of his day. “Of course. I'm your teacher. That's what I'm here for.” Already there was a bond, a closeness.
Whilst having their meals, they’d instantly connected over the import of manners and shared their experiences with loss. Not only did they share a common adoration for books but they also shared a familiarity with despair and disappointment. A streak of sadness glimmered in her eyes when she'd confided about being neglected by the one person who was supposed to cherish her and nurture her, and support the growth of her remarkable young mind. How unfortunate, Hugh thought. Gabrielle's father did not appreciate her, therefore, he did not deserve her. But Hugh did. He appreciated her. He deserved her.
Now she flashed another smile of appreciation before skipping off to her next class and his gaze followed her as she went.
This could be the best thing in his life.
He loved her.
And soon she'd come to love him too.
“I'll always be here for you, Gabrielle.”