John

I was finishing up my lesson plans for when we moved on to 'Pride and Prejudice' next week, but my eyes kept drifting up to the clock. Much like my students, I couldn't wait for the bell to ring, signaling the end of the school day. Normally, I stick around after school, grade some papers, straighten my room and prepare for the next day, but today all I could think about was picking up Renee' at three thirty.

I couldn't remember the last time I was this excited about anything. Sure, it was only coffee, but it didn't matter what we were doing, I couldn't wait to see her again.

The bell rang and I jumped from my chair, pushing through my students as I tried to beat them out the door.

"Where is the fire, Mr. B?"

"Sorry ... Sorry," I muttered as I reached the hallway, then started speed walking toward the exit closest to the teacher's parking lot.

"John."

I bit off the curse before it passed my lips, then turned to see who was currently stalling my swift exit.

"OH, hey, Rebecca. Wh