But still, he decided to get up and prepare a quick breakfast, unsure about what to do today. He was idly watching the news in deep thought when his pocket started vibrating. Taking out his phone, Ensen realized it was Emilia Wells, his former boss. Unsure of what she wanted, he gently tapped the green answer b.u.t.ton on his phone and waited patiently for Emilia to speak first.
"Hey Ensen, I know I was a bit harsh to you a few days ago. I really didn't mean it. It's just that the parents of the students here are utterly unbearable sometimes. But anyway, I didn't call you to complain, I know you have it worse. I was wondering if you wanted to meet up for a coffee, there is this charming little coffee shop near my house that I've been dying to try." She said in a cheerful tone.
'Wait, is she asking me out?' Ensen screamed in his head.
Ensen took a minute to recollect his thoughts, before realizing that most likely wasn't it. After all, she had made it very clear to men asking her out in that past that she did not have the time or energy to deal with a relationship. After thinking more deeply, he realized that she didn't leave any room for him to say much else.
Thinking his response out carefully, Ensen slowly jittered with his feet. "Sure Emilia, I have time. What's the address of the place?" He said, his foot jittering slightly faster.
"Oh, it's right next to the academy. The Jasmine Hut, I've never had time to try it before. Would an hour work for you?" She spoke softly with a more relaxed tone.
Thinking little about the time, he promptly responded "Yeah that works fine for me, I'll see you then." and promptly hung up.
Upon hanging up, Ensen suddenly smelled a foul odor near him. Taking his time to look around, he a.n.a.lyzed every corner of the room before coming to a realization, 'd.a.m.n it's me isn't it?'
Since he didn't have much time before he had to leave, he hastily got up, took off his clothes, and quickly got into the shower. He took a short but steaming shower and soon came out smelling much better. He grabbed a nearby towel and dried himself off completely before walking himself over to his bedroom.
After entering the bedroom, he decided to spend a little time preparing his outfit for the day. He didn't want to look like a complete slob after all. Quickly picking out white socks and underwear, he turned his gaze onto his pants and shirts. After a while, he decided on a simple light-grey slim-fit t-shirt combined with a nice black bomber jacket. With little thought about his pants, he chose his regular dark blue jeans. Jeans fit pretty well with everything, that's what he believed at least.
Once he was finished dressing he looked a little above his dresser, where a medium-sized mirror with straight edges hung. Looking at his slightly handsome face in the mirror, he smiled to himself.
Glancing at his phone that was resting on top of the dresser, Ensen realized he had just 35 minutes left before it was time to eat. Normally it took him around 30 minutes to get from his home to school, but considering it was Sat.u.r.day morning still the traffic should remain the lighter side. But either way, Ensen always prided himself on being early. With a swift motion of his hand, Ensen picked up his phone and gently placed it in his pocket. Exiting his room, he swiftly put on his shoes and grabbed his keys.
He headed out to his car and began making his way over. After about 20 minutes Ensen arrived at the front of The Jasmine Hut. The front of the building was absolutely beautiful.
The building itself was made of bricks. The front had a small canopy over the top of a small, little fenced-off section for out-door seating. There were around five nice rounded tables with two chairs on either side. On each table had a vase with their unique bouquet of flowers. For example, the table closest to him had a mix of vibrant purple and bright white flowers. The vase on the table beside that had a mix of vibrant red, orange, and yellow colors.
After taking in the beautiful site, Ensen pulled up into the parking lot for the cafe. Since he still had around 15 minutes until the time arrived, he pulled out his phone, reading a popular novel online to pa.s.s the time. After about 10 minutes, Ensen noticed a car pull into the parking lot. It was a car that looked similar to a Ferrari, but he couldn't be too certain. In the driver's seat of the car, was a charming red-haired woman wearing a white sweater.
'She's here.' Ensen muttered under his breath as he slowly opened the door to get out of the car. Upon getting out, Emilia had apparently noticed him as she parked at the s.p.a.ce right beside him. She quickly got out of the car, carrying a small brown folder seemingly full of a couple of papers In her hands. Ignoring the strange brown folder, for now, Ensen decided to go up and greet her.
With light steps, Ensen quickly made his way towards Emilia with a gentle smile. This wasn't a fake smile like the ones he had shown to others earlier in the week. Ensen and Emilia had always been friends throughout their time as students at SilverLeaf Academy, and while they were not as close after they became faculty they still had a fun time together.
After a simple set of greetings, they quickly made their way inside. The interior had much of the same elements as the seating outside. Each table had a bouquet with beautiful flowers that seemed fresh inside. The aroma that all of the flowers combined gave off quickly relaxed Ensen.
"What would you like? My treat." Said Emilia with a genuine smile, her eyes slightly shining as if excited to announce something to him.
Ensen wasn't too picky about coffee. Sweets, on the other hand, were another story, though. After quickly scanning the menu, he simply picked something cheap that sounded interesting. "I'll just have a small vanilla bean Frappuccino then, thanks for buying."
"Oh, the Frappuccino? Good choice... probably. Okay then." She said while slowly walking towards the barista, still staring at the menu as if undecided.
After she had arrived, she immediately placed her order. "Yes, I would like a medium vanilla bean Frappuccino and an... original mocha I guess." She said, her feet slowly bouncing in excitement.
'Wait, a medium? Hmm looks like she's up to her old tricks again.' Ensen thought to himself.
Deciding not to stop her, Ensen slowly walked up beside her to make small-talk while they waited for their drinks. After a few minutes, both of their drinks were served.
"Okay, so this... is mine. So that one is yours." Emilia said, after pulling up a lid and checking the contents. After a thankful smile, Ensen grabbed his coffee and moved to the outdoor seating with Emilia following behind.
They decided to pick the table the furthest away from the sidewalk. After quickly sitting down, Ensen realized these seats were surprisingly comfortable. Judging from Emilia's expression, she thought the exact same thing.
"So, I know it's pretty soon but how have you been doing recently," Emilia questioned, still feeling guilty for his firing.
"Well I admit, it wasn't the easiest thing leaving the school after all those years teaching. But at the same time, it's a pleasant change of pace in a way, You know?" Ensen said, finally starting to make peace with his dismissal.
Emilia sat there, looking sort of stumped. To be completely honest, she didn't think that he would be this put together after his firing. "Well, that's good to hear at least." She said in a relieved smile, happy that he wasn't in a bad mood or state.
Looking at Ensen carefully, Emilia slowly opened the brown folder and shifted it around for him to see. This was the real reason she wanted to meet with him.
Ensen curiously took a look at the contents of the folder. There were three pieces of paper stacked on top of each other. Upon taking a closer look, he realized they were all job offers to reputable private schools in the area. Not only that, but their offers for salaries were also quite substantial.
Observing his shocked look, Emilia giggled. "Go ahead, pick any offer you'd like. It's the least I can do, honestly." She spoke gently, her smile matching her words.
While Ensen was touched by this gesture, his determination towards building his own school stayed firm. "Emilia... I really appreciate this, but I already have something I want to do. I think I'm moving into a new stage in my life and honestly, I want to be more than a teacher. I want to establish my own private academy." Ensen said with new-found dedication towards his dream.
Although he knew in his heart that he wanted to found his own private academy for a long time. This was the first time he stated it to another human. While it didn't seem like much, it was a big step forward in his eyes.
Emilia stood there in deep thought. With a swift move of her hands, she closed the brown folder.
"Oh, I see. I never really pictured you the type who would want to do that." Emilia said in a light smile, obviously not bothered that her efforts went to waste.
Ensen let out a light chuckle. "I know right, but it's always been a dream of mine. And I feel this is the best time for me to pursue it. Even if it doesn't work out, I won't be satisfied until I try."
With an even wider smile, Emilia immediately p.r.o.nounced without any hesitation "Then feel free to contact me if you need any help, I know a thing or two about running a school."
