My eyes did not leave him as he stared at his daughter lovingly. I poked her, "Holland, your Dad." She hesitated a little but later went to him.
He carried her, threw her up, caught her, and kissed her chin. "Baby girl, go to Aaron."
Holland looked at me like she wanted to cry. I felt the urge to pull her away, to protect him. Something didn't feel right.
She was so happy just now. Why was she suddenly sad?
Holland ran out, dragging her bag on the ground.
"My daughter calls your name always. It is the only thing she says now. It sometimes feels like you are taking her away from me."
"Of course not." I cut in. "That's not possible."
"You are a good teacher; I am happy you care for my daughter. The school is also lucky to have you." He continued.
"Thank you." I blushed.
My heart felt warm from hearing him speak so kindly of me. It felt so surreal in a beautiful way.
"I am Julian St Claire." He outstretched his hand for a handshake, his smile unwavering. I shook him, smiling, too, even though I still felt uneasy about Holland.
I have come to love her like my own.
"Samantha, like you already know."
I gestured for him to take a seat. The teacher's table here resembled an office table. It was a huge oak wood table with one chair for the teacher and the other for visitors of the teacher. The chairs were, however, used by parents who came to complain about one thing or the other. Some parents can never be satisfied, especially when paying considerable school fees.
The windows were all closed, so the air conditioner was on. I was starting to feel chill, but I'm sure Julian felt just good in his brown coat.
"So, are you planning to take Holland away from me?" Jillian laughed, unbuttoning his coat so he could sit.
However, I heard the insecurity in his voice.
"I share a close bond with my pupils, that is all. I definitely will not want to take her away from you. You are her father." My heart was racing hard now.
Where's this conversation going?
"Of course, you can't take her away. I was only kidding."
"That I am aware of." I grinned.
He nodded while he sat down, and I did, too.
Julian looked exhausted, and I was too. I tried my best to look into his grey eyes as it is required of a professional.
"Holland is like a child to me, just like all the children I teach. I love them all so much. Although I won't lie, Holland has become very special to me, maybe because we spend the most time together because she goes home later than everyone else. I must tell you I do not like that, Mr Julian." I blurted out, immediately regretting it.
I became anxious, even scared that he would hate me for reprimanding him and remind me of my place as a mere teacher. I might love Holland and treat her as my child, but I was still not her mother.
But you are her teacher, and picking her up late affects your work. Stand on business, Samantha!
Julian's face betrayed no emotion.