66

Magdalene and I took a seat at the dining table after serving ourselves joining a few other teachers who were already seated. I'd already met some of them but everyone had a name tag with their name and what subject they taught or their role in the school so I didn't have to keep asking that question. Most of the staff was young in their twenties and thirties so I didn't feel out of place.

Working in a school had never been a goal of mine but now it seemed as if I was slowly finding my calling, unless that was the delicious food talking.

Someone sat next to me while Magdalene and I were engrossed in conversation about the integrated school system so I didn't pay attention to them. A couple of minutes later when another teacher demanded Magdalene's attention I was finally able to pay attention to the person on my other side.

He was already looking at me and I immediately recognized him but couldn't for the life of me remember his name. He didn't have a name tag either because he was a new recruit like me so that didn't help.

"You're trying to remember my name aren't you?"He teased making me flush in embarrassment.

"Yes."I laughed.

"Nice to meet you again Nala, I'm Eugene. The new martial arts teacher."He introduced himself holding his hand out for me.

"Eugene yes, nice to meet you. Congratulations on getting the job."I smiled shaking his hand.

"Same to you. Remember our deal?"He asked me.

"I look forward to learning that backflip."I replied.

"And I look forward to teaching you."He replied smiling back.

We talked for a while longer just the two of us getting to know each other better and our experience at the school so far. Eventually we had to cut our conversation short because Magdalene and I were not done with the tour.

"We offer accomodations for the teachers at the staff quarters or housing allowance if you're not comfortable living there. Which one is your preferred method?"Magdalene asked as we sat in her office to conclude my tour.

I'd already read that in the contract so I had made my decision before hand.

"I'll take the housing allowance."I replied confidently.

I didn't want to live in the staff quarters because I felt like it would limit my freedom. Hunter had also rejected that idea when I ran it by him. The staff quarters were definitely amazing if the school was any indication but I still wouldn't feel comfortable cohabitating with the other teachers.

"That's okay, we just have a couple of more forms to fill out then you will officially be part of the Rolling Hills family."Magdalene smiled pushing a couple of papers towards me.

"I can't wait."I replied picking up a pen.

An hour and lots of paperwork later I left the administration building with a badge in my bag and looking forward to starting work in a couple of weeks.

I ran into Eugene outside who was also leaving.

"You look happy."He commented.

"It's because I am."I confirmed for him.

"Me too. Are you heading home?"He asked.

"Yeah, it's been a long day. Long but successful."I replied.

"Same here. Can I give you a ride? Where do you live?"He asked.

"Kabete. You?"

"Wangige, Kabete is on my way. We can leave together."He offered.

"You sure. I wouldn't want to inconvenience you."

"You're not. Let's go."He assured me leading me towards the parking lot.

"Which one is yours?"I asked looking at all the different fancy vehicles parked there.

I'd probably have enough money to buy a car of my own after working at the school for a year. That would be good since I would already have my driving license.

"This one."Eugene replied pointing to a black Honda motorcycle.

"You own a motorcycle?"I asked admiring it.

"Yeah it's fast and I don't have to get stuck in traffic."Eugene explained.

I knew motorcycles were expensive so either Eugene came from money or he had been working a pretty good job before Rolling Hills. I didn't know him well enough to ask him so I postponed that for another time.

"Good thinking."I replied watching him get on.

"You're okay riding with me right?"Eugene inquired.

I couldn't think of any reason why that wouldn't be okay so I nodded enthusiastically.

"Yeah it's going to be fun! Let's go."I declared holding his shoulders for support as I got on behind him.

I thanked the heavens that I'd chosen a pant suit that morning because if I'd been wearing a skirt I would not have agreed.

My hair wouldn't allow me to put on the helmet so I just grabbed a pair of sunglasses from my bag to shield my eyes from the wind.

"Ready to go?"Eugene asked putting on the helmet.

"Yes."I replied putting the strap of my bag securely across my chest.

"Hold on tight."Eugene declared as he started the engine.

The design of the bike meant that I was a little bit higher than Eugene so I had to be careful before I fell off. I didn't feel okay wrapping my arms around him since he wasn't my man so I just held onto the sides of his jacket tight. We started off slow as we got out of the school compound but as soon as we merged into traffic Eugene sped up. I'd never ridden on a sports bike before so this was a new experience for me and I found myself enjoying it. Eugene was right about a bike being good to escape traffic jams because it was the end of the day meaning offices and schools were letting out so the roads were jam packed. That didn't affect Eugene though as he rode through traffic effortlessly.

Riding a sports bike was fun but definitely not something I would be doing again. I didn't like the aspect of such a high powered machine being so risky and dangerous. A motorcycle didn't have a body meaning in case of an accident we would have some serious injuries. But Eugene was a good and skilled driver so I had confidence in him.

"Just drop me off at the city center."I yelled in his ear due to the loudness of the engine.

"Okay."Eugene nodded changing lanes.

I wanted to buy what to eat for supper before getting into the house because I didn't want to leave after I closed my doors behind me.

Eugene stopped infront of a supermarket to allow me to get off. I straightened my clothes making sure my hair was in place after being whipped around.

"That was fun, thank you."I smiled at Eugene.

"You're welcome, maybe I can be your designated driver once we start working."Eugene suggested with a wink.

His statement had a double meaning to it and I immediately realized my mistake. Eugene was cute but I was already in a relationship with the most gorgeous and perfect man so he and I could never be.

"That was my first and last time riding a sports bike plus I don't think my boyfriend would like that very much."I apologized.

Eugene's face immediately went blank when my words hit him.

"Oh."He mumbled looking away embarrassed.

"I'm sorry, I feel like I've led you on. I sometimes cross the boundary between being nice and innocent flirting and for that I apologize."I explained.

"It's okay I'm sorry too, I should have asked first and also realized there's no way a beautiful girl like you could be single."Eugene replied with a sad smile.

"We're good though right, you won't turn hateful just because I've rejected you?"I asked knowing most men handled rejection terribly.

Eugene laughed at my comment looking at me with fascination.

"No I'm not. I'm disappointed I can't date you but we can still be friends and good coworkers. You are a great girl and if you can't be mine I'd at least like to have you as a friend."Eugene reassured me.

"Good thanks again for the ride. I'll see you once schools reopen."I replied.

"See you then. Bye Nala."Eugene said putting on his helmet.

I stepped aside and watched him as he rode away looking like one of those bikers guys on pinterest. Eugene and I would have had a chance if I wasn't dating Hunter and didn't know of his existence. But now I couldn't imagine myself with any other person but my bear.

I entered the supermarket and bought everything I'd need to make myself a nice meal. I passed by the market to get more ingredients because I didn't like buying vegetables in the supermarket.

I walked home smiling to myself because I'd had a successful day. I was officially employed with the contract signed and a badge to prove it. I had to remember to call my mom and dad to tell them everything. My mom already knew everything but I had been waiting for the deal to be finalized before I told my dad. Now that it was all done I couldn't wait to share with him. I knew he would be really proud of me and what I had achieved.

The gate was already open when I arrived so I just walked in to find someone moving into one of the empty rooms on the second floor. There was a lot of stuff and boxes outside so I walked past it greeting the young lad sifting through it politely. I didn't really know anyone else other than Sonie so I minded my own business and let myself into my room.

I immediately stripped out of my clothes and put on a pair of shorts and a tank top. I always felt uncomfortable staying at home in my work clothes so I always made sure to get out of them as soon I was in the safety of my home. I entered the bathroom to pee and clean my face washing off the days grime from my skin.

I started cooking since the meal I'd planned required quite a bit of preparation. I'd been so used to making food for two after living with Hunter for a few weeks that anytime I was cooking for myself I had to remember to measure down the portions otherwise I would have a lot of left overs.

When I settled down to eat an hour an a half later I took a couple of photos for Hunter and sent them to him. He'd been gone for over a week and even though we talked everyday and kept each other updated I missed him deeply.