A comforting presence.

Beth could feel her eyes watering. {if Shame < 70
}What the...why the fuck am I crying? She grabbed a napkin and wiped her eyes. {else
}God damn it...Now I'm crying at work. Is this how its going to be? {endif
}
"Hey, Beth! I just had a quick...." Nick Jeffries, the 32-year old Phys. Ed. and Health teacher, was in his gym shorts and t-shirt as he approached the table. When he saw her face, his words died. "Hey...are you ok?"
Beth dropped her gaze. "Yeah, Nick. I'm fine." {if Shame < 70
}Great. Just great. She was so embarrassed. {else
}Of all the people to walk up at this moment... {endif
} Nick had always been friendly, kind, and above all, very professional. She had heard gossip when she first came to Serona that Nick had a crush on her, but he had never made a single inappropriate move or stepped an inch out of line. {if Athletic = 1
} The only forward move he had ever made was to invite her on a jog, which she had politely declined, and he had never made another attempt. {endif
}"Are you sure...?" he sat down, and Beth could feel her face getting redder.
"Yeah, it's just.... it's personal."
Nick nodded. "Say no more." He looked for a moment like he wanted to say something else, but instead, he simply continued, "anyway the reason I came over..." Beth lost herself listening to his request: something about helping one of his baseball players who was probably going to fail Math. "I think he just needs some extra attention to help him flourish, you know?"
"Nick, I don't know...I've got a lot on my plate right now with wedding planning,{if No Filter = 1
} and trying to get my fiancé to fu...." Her words cut off abruptly as she realized what she was about to say. Her eyes went wide, matching Nick's startled look.
"Uh....ahem...." Nick cleared his throat. {else
} and I already have a full Math club."
"I understand. I just figured I'd ask. He's a great arm and I'd hate to have to bench him on academic grounds." He paused for a second before getting up. "Are you sure you're ok? I know I'm not a counselor or anything but... people say I'm a good listener."
"You're very sweet, Nick. But I'm fine." She gave him her best smile. "Living the dream."
"Uh huh." He walked away, and Beth's smile slid from her face. He's such a good guy, and handsome too. It's not fair.
The rest of Beth's day moved along quickly enough, until the final bell rang. Time for detention. she grumbled. At least there's nothing I have to rush home for, except Brian's little brother. {endif
}