Page 5

five

ada

T hankfully, my week turns around by Friday, and the kids finally behave themselves. Today, they continue to work on their clay creations for the upcoming art night, and this time, the clay remains on the tables instead of the walls.

One of my students, Maisie, a pint-sized pixie, flutters over to me to show off the mug she made for her mother. “Ms. Walker, look what I made! I’m an artist, just like you.” She beams up at me, holding out her creation. The mug was carefully crafted by her tiny hands, and it’s clear she poured all of her love for her mother into it. “Do you think mama will like it?” she asks, sounding uncertain.

“Maisie, this might just be the most beautiful mug I’ve ever seen,” I say. “You certainly are a fantastic artist, and your mother is going to love it, sweet girl.”

She flashes me a toothless grin, having lost her two front teeth recently. The sweet pixie flitters back to her friends with a sense of pride that’s clear in the way she carries herself. Moments like this make days like earlier this week worth it. Yes, there are days when I question my decision to become a teacher, but then moments like this happen and remind me of why I moved to Whispering Springs in the first place.

The only hiccup today was between an orc boy and a selkie girl. The poor little guy is still getting used to his growing body and accidently knocked over the little girl’s project. After checking in with both of them, it was clear that it was an accident, and they ended up giving each other a hug and going off to fix her project together.

It has to be difficult to be a young orc trying to navigate a world that wasn’t necessarily built to accommodate your larger stature. I wonder what it was like for Ulgan growing up. He must’ve been such an adorable child, with a lopsided grin and big kind eyes.

I’d be lying to myself if I said my heart doesn’t ache to be a mother one day in the future. Though I didn’t have my parents in my life for very long, Granny always made sure that I felt loved and special. She went to every parent-teacher conference, hosted every birthday, and taught me right from wrong. She showed me how to be a strong and kind hearted woman.

I hope to do the same for my children someday.

Three more classes later, I’m packing up my things and getting ready to head home when my phone buzzes. My breath hitches when I see a text from Ulgan. I open it and laugh. Taking up my screen is a photo of a smiling Ulgan standing in the bakery surrounded by the supplies I’ll need for my project tomorrow.

This man is adorable without even knowing it. I thought it wasn’t possible to be more attracted to him, but the universe decided to prove me wrong.

Ulgan

The space is all set for you tomorrow. Can’t wait to watch you work your magic.

Ada

Magic, huh?

Ulgan

Everything about you is magical, Ada. I’ll see you bright and early.

There was no mistaking his intentions this time. That beautiful orc is flirting with me. Tomorrow can’t come soon enough.

A gentle knock on the door brings me right out of my daydreaming. “Sorry, Ada. I didn't mean to scare you.” My coworker, Sarah, stands in the doorway to the art room. The wolf shifter was the first person who welcomed me to the school and made sure that I had everything I needed. She’s been working in the school for a few years now, and has thankfully taken me under her wing.

“No, I'm the one who should be sorry. I was just thinking about something. Come on in.”

Sarah makes her way into the art room and sits on top of one of the tables opposite me. “Who has you daydreaming and smiling like that?” she asks playfully.

My cheeks redden and a shy smile crosses my lips. “Just someone.”

Her eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “A male someone?”

“Oh, a very male someone.” Every single inch of Ulgan screams masculinity. “Do you have any plans this weekend?” I say, trying to change the subject.

“Max and I are staying at a cute B&B that we’ve been dying to visit. They’re hosting a spooky murder-mystery themed party. You know how much I enjoy my true crime podcasts. There really is no way that we’ll lose. How about you?”

“Well, my weekend isn’t as exciting. There’s a painting project on Saturday that I’ll be working on, and then I’ll relax on Sunday. I’m due for a good bath and face mask session.” Okay, not the whole truth, but a little omission never hurt anyone, right?

She stands up from the table and her eyes soften. “Get out of here and go catch up on some well deserved relaxation. Have a great weekend!”

“You too. Go catch that murderer!” I wave goodbye before taking her advice and grabbing my bag to head home.

Walking through the halls of the school, I can’t help but think back to my conversation with Sarah. I’m so envious of her relationship with her mate, and hope to one day have something like it for myself. What would it be like to come home to someone everyday? My mind is a jumbled mess of worry and apprehension about tomorrow. I need to take it easy on myself and really follow through with some self-care.

Near home, the plan for my evening is coming together. Tonight calls for a face mask, tacos, and the cinematic classic, Raiders of the Lost Ark .