January: The First Day with Students...

The 2nd semester (the 3rd nine weeks) officially began for students on a Thursday following the teacher work day. Leah had planned on it being a complete wash of a day. It would be going back over policies and procedures, talking about the semester’s plans, and catching up on how the students spent the holidays.

Leah walked into her classroom that morning with a mix of dread and excitement churning in her stomach. On one hand, she loved teaching and looked forward to connecting with her students again. But on the other, all the challenges that had been stirred up because of her past was becoming draining.

Leah plastered on a smile as students began to file in. She tried to focus on the positive and savor the parts of her job that still brought her joy.

This was going to be a long semester…

During one of the class changes as Leah was standing in her doorway welcoming students and catching up with students who no longer had her but loved to tell her all the “Tea” Mr. Howard made a sudden appearance.

“Ah Miss Williams having a good first day with students?” He smiled. He was going to ask her to come by his office during her planning.

Leah's heart raced as she turned to face Mr. Howard. "Um, yes, Mr. Howard," she stammered, her voice wavering for a moment as he caught her unawares. "The students seem to be settling in well." She shot him a smirk and a look that could kill.

Mr. Howard leaned in, his voice lowered to a near-whisper. "Good, I'm glad to hear it. Listen, Leah," he lowered his voice even more, "I need you to stop by my office during your planning period. We have... some things to discuss." His eyes lingered on her breasts before meeting her gaze again, a wicked smile playing on his lips.

There was an awkward pause but Leah was saved by the bell-literally. The bell rang and she slipped into her classroom not looking at Mr. Howard’s face as he leered at her as she closed the door.