A Breath Of Fresh Air

Chapter 1: Connection

The train ride to Jericho is tranquil. You've been on the train for 6 hours and are ready to start this new chapter of your life. You have your headphones on, listening to your favorite podcast as you look out the window. You can't see very much out of the old, almost frosted-looking windows, but you're sure that it is beautiful. There are a few weeks until summer is over, so you thought it would be a good idea to come to Nevermore early to get familiar with the place. You heard about the new job opening as an art teacher through a friend that used to go there, so you applied and got a call back almost immediately. You had at least a few Zoom calls with the Headmistress, Larissa Weems, and she is very eager to have you there as a teacher. She told you everything you need to know about Nevermore, and then some. You've spent a lot of hours talking and getting to know each other, which makes you happy. You've always had a hard time getting to know your employers, so you're glad Principal Weems has been so welcoming.

Nervousness is coursing through your veins as you get closer to your stop. Principal Weems said she'd be there waiting for you, so at least you have a somewhat familiar face to help you find your way. Since there is still a few minutes left of the ride, you look into your phone camera and try to fix your appearance. Your brunette hair is in a messy bun on top of your head, so you decide to take it out to make yourself look more professional. You grab your hairbrush out of your bag, along with your favorite mascara, and begin pampering yourself. You part your hair down the middle and apply a few layers of mascara, livening up your appearance. Satisfied with the way you look, you just sit in silence until you hear the man on the intercom announce:

"We are approaching the stop to Jericho. Please be sure to gather all your things and have a safe trip."

The train stops and you grab your two suitcases from above your head, your small backpack from beside you, and make your way to the exit. As you get off the train, you start looking for Principal Weems. You look around for a few seconds and finally spot her sitting on a bench reading the newspaper. As you make your way to her, you catch her attention. She looks you up and down, almost analyzing you. You have on a long sleeve light green top, a pair of patchwork overalls, and your favorite red converse.

She smiles at you as if she is happy to see you.

"Ahh, Miss Y/LN. Welcome to Jericho!" she says as she stands up.

You watch her grow to almost a foot taller than you as she rises. Astonished by her tall stature, all you can do is stare at her.

"Are you alright? Those long train rides can really get to you. You must be exhausted" She snaps you out of the trance she put you in.

"Yes, I'm okay. it was very exhausting, but I'm happy to be here!" You say as you flash her a big smile, trying to pretend that didn't just happen.

She grabs one of your bags, even after you protest, but she insisted so you let her. The two of you walk to her car and you get in after putting your bags in the trunk.

And it all hits you.

"I can't believe I'm really here." you accidentally say out loud. Principal Weems looks over at you as she begins driving and smiles.

"Wild isn't it?"

"Yes."

"Jericho really is a beautiful town. Despite all of the gossip about us outcasts, it is an amazing place to be. We are really lucky to have you at Nevermore."

"I'm really lucky to have been given this wonderful opportunity. Thank you again, Principal Weems."

"Please, call me Larissa. I'd like to think that we are becoming friends, so calling me 'Principal Weems' wont be necessary, darling."

Your heart just dropped. Did she really just call you darling?!?!?!

"Sorry. Thank you, Larissa." You give her a smile, trying not to panic about the name she just gave you.

"Of course." She smiles back.

The ride goes on in silence for a few minutes. Usually, complete silence makes you uncomfortable because your mind starts to wander, but this isn't that. It's a very comforting silence. You look out the window, admiring your new home. The trees seem to sit perfectly, and the sky is the most gorgeous blue color you've ever seen.

"You must be starving. Would you like to go to the Weathervane for dinner?" Larissa breaks the silence.

"Sure! That sounds really great actually. I haven't eaten since this morning."

"You don't have to if you don't want to. I know you've had a long day and probably want to get settled in, but I figured we'd get the chance to know each other a bit better as well. The food isn't the best in the world, but the coffee is to die for." She says as if she can taste the delicious coffee on her tongue.

"I'd really like that. I'm glad to have you as a friend Larissa. It really means a lot."

"You as well, Y/N. I know how hard it can be to feel like you have no one in your life. I will always be here if you need anything at all." She looks into your eyes and gives you the most genuine look of kindness you have ever received.

"We're here!" Larissa says as she pulls into the Weathervane parking lot.

You and her both get out of the car eagerly and make your way into the Cafe.

You both tell one another about your families, past jobs, etc., not going into too much detail about your lives. Yet it feels so refreshing to have a new(ish) face to have in your life.

Although the two of you just met in person a few hours ago, it feels like you've known her forever. You are so grateful to her for this job and more importantly, for her friendship.

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AUTHORS NOTE: I hope you all enjoy the first chapter. I should be updating this story frequently (as long as I don't run out of ideas LOL) and if you guys have any suggestions, you can message me privately :). I didn't want to jump straight into the romance/smut part of the story yet, I just kind of wanted them to have some sort of connection first (HA see what I did there?), but I'm sure it will be coming in the next few chapters. Also, please don't bash me for grammar or any mistakes I've made lolll. I am open to creative criticism, but please be respectful! 

Thanks for reading!! <3