Rose

The aroma of a delicious breakfast fills Anna's nose and makes her stomach growl. She's drowsy and hungry at the same time. She couldn't remember what time she went to bed after a long conversation with her husband the night before. Anna had stated unequivocally that she wanted to give this marriage a chance, and her little heart wishes that Ibrahim will be willing to do the same.

“You got up very early today.” Ibrahim said, sitting in his usual chair, his briefcase on the empty seat.

Anna's lips curved into a smile. “Didn't I tell you? I'll start working from today.” She responded enthusiastically. Anna has been looking forward to this day because she fears she will die of boredom if she stays in this large house for too long without doing anything.

Ibrahim was never a fan of her desire to work. He just let out a forced smile. “You can leave at any time if the work gets too difficult.” He replied quickly and began eating his breakfast.

Anna liked the vibe between them for some reason. She could see from his gaze that the cold and arrogant gaze had completely disappeared. Ibrahim's willingness to give this marriage a chance gave her a glimmer of hope in her heart.

“Finish your breakfast, because I'm going to drop you off at work.” Ibrahim spoke up, breaking their peaceful silence. He wanted to know what his wife's workplace looked like. Anna just nodded.

Ibrahim stood up immediately after finishing the last bite of his scrambled egg. “Are you ready?” he inquired.

After gulping the remaining orange juice, Anna wiped her lips with a clean napkin. “Yes,” she said as she picked up her bag. She looked at Ibrahim and smiled in delight.

“What's so funny?” Ibrahim asked, as he doesn’t get it, why she chuckled.

Anna took a step closer to him, her hands resting on his tie. “How could a well-known CEO's tie look so crooked?” She said as her hands were busy tying his tie.

Ibrahim scratches his neck awkwardly. He was in such a hurry that he didn't notice his tie was unkempt. “Thank you very much.” He responded, trying not to sound awkward. As Anna trailed him from behind, he grabbed his briefcase and walked to his garage.

As one of his drivers was opening the door for him, he motioned for him to stop. “I'm going to drive by myself today.” He ordered him.

Anna looked surprised. He was always accompanied by his driver, but today he insisted on driving himself to her workplace. Ibrahim motioned for her to take a seat in the passenger seat, and she simply obeyed.

“I believe you are well aware of my driving style, and I hope you do not mind.” Ibrahim said as he started the engine.

Anna looked unconcerned. She is well aware that he is referring to his expediting. “I won't.” She responded quickly.

When Anna told him the address, Ibrahim was taken aback as the school was so close to his office. “What a coincidence!” He murmured.

The ride was rather quiet. None of them were talking but were simply enjoying the scenery. It was the first time they had ever shared such a peaceful environment. It took them thirty minutes to get to the art school.

Anna took a deep breath, tried to remain calm and faced her husband. She couldn't tell whether Ibrahim was willing to try or not after their emotional conversation last night. She, too, does not wish to compel him. She believed that as time passed, things would improve, including their marriage.

“I appreciate the ride.” She said and unbuckled her seat belt.

Ibrahim swallowed and cleared his throat. “I'll come get you. Call me when you're done.”

Anna's lips curled when she heard him. “Okay. Thank you.” She said and got out of the car. It will be a fresh start for her.

When Anna got out of his car, he didn't drive away, but instead watched her back get further away. His mind is clouded by conflicting emotions about how he should feel about that woman. It's peculiar. He vowed to himself that he would never love another woman after his fiancée, but how could his heart begin to waver when he met her? It is extremely painful for him. How will she react once she learns about his original plan? He was not born to love her. He was doomed to destroy her, how could he persuade his heart to stop beating for her? The battle within his heart began to rage after their emotional conversation last night. She'll let him have her, and all she wants is his heart, but how? How could he possibly love again when his heart is so broken?

Anna entered the school and went straight to the principal’s office after seeing Ibrahim drive away. She knocked before entering and found a man in his fifties, busy with the papers.

“Sir, good morning.” She greeted him with a handshake.

The man smiled and accepted her handshake. “Oh. You've arrived. My name is Nicolas Schmidt. I will show you around, but first let me look up your schedule.” As his hands searched for the timetable, Nicolas stated. “Please take a seat.” He indicated the couch in his office.

As she received her timetable, Nicolas showed her around the school and introduced her to the other teachers. The first impression of the school is positive, and she senses a welcoming atmosphere. Nicolas’s appearance is quite friendlier. She chooses a good school for her work, she thought.  

Anna could hear children arguing and talking as she entered one of the classrooms. The class has about fifteen students. However, once she entered the classroom, the noise died away. She could feel all the students' eyes on her as if they had never seen her before.

While standing in front of the class, Anna put on her best smile. “Good morning, students. I will be your new drawing instructor from today. My name is Anna R…. Saunders. I would like you all to introduce yourselves. Can you do that?” Anna asked, trying to get to know the student first. Her students are so young.

“We can begin it from the very left.” She asked, pointing to the little girl, who was dressed in a sweet baby pink dress with her hair tied into two small ponytails.

“My name is Hailey and I’m seven-years-old. I like chicken.”

“My name is Chad. I’m seven-years-old and I like to play football.”

“My name is Dalton and I’m also seven-years-old. I like drawing.”

Anna chuckled a little upon hearing the introduction of the kids. She thought they were so cute and adorable that she would rather spend the entire day with them than stay at Ibrahim’s house waiting for him to return home.

“I’m Lucas. And I think you’re so beautiful. Can I call you pretty Anna?” said the little boy in the last row. His expression is solemn, he doesn't even smile. From where did this little boy learn to flirt?

Anna was a little startled upon hearing what the last student said. He can’t call her pretty. “Because we're at school, you must address me as Mrs. Saunders and pretty Anna are not allowed.” She explained herself clearly.

Lucas scoffed and looked towards Anna with his irritated gaze. “You don't like to be praised?” he asked, his hands crossed across his chest. He truly spoke like an adult.

Anna took a deep breath in an attempt to calm herself. Every class has at least one brat student who likes to cause trouble, and she could tell Lucas is one of them. “Lucas, that is not the proper way to address an adult, nor is it the proper way to express your anger.” Anna responded to this little guy's annoyance in the best way she could.

Lucas sighed and rolled his eyes. “Whatever.” He said without looking at Anna.

Anna exhaled a soft sigh. This little boy appeared to be her first challenge in her teaching career. She could tell he was rude and didn't pay attention when she was teaching. There's something wrong with this kid. That heart of hers wanted to know why, and she'll try it after class.

As the bell rang, she said goodbye to her students, as she had another class to teach and the kids had another class to attend. Although drawing is one of her passions, she had no idea teaching would be so difficult and exhausting. It was a challenging task for her to handle the children and educate them. She is not just talking about academics, but also about the kids' behavior and character.

She glanced at her watch, which showed it was past four o'clock in the evening. It was a long tiring first day for her, but it was better than doing nothing at all. She needed to call Ibrahim to let him know that she had finished her work for today. As she reached for her phone, she noticed a small boy sitting on the playground with his backpack, waiting for someone. It's Lucas, the naughty kid of her class. She pushed her phone aside and approached the youngster. She sat beside him, carefully looking at him.

“Do you want some ice cream?” She inquired, pointing to an ice cream shop in front of the school.

Lucas looked perplexed at his drawing teacher. Despite the fact that the day was getting colder and they were entering the winter season, the offer looked too good to pass up.

When she saw his excitement, Anna's lips curled up. Who doesn't enjoy dessert, especially when it is ice cream? “I eat ice cream whenever I feel sad or unhappy. It makes me feel better every time.”

Lucas was hesitant at first because of Anna's harsh words toward him earlier in class, but he really wants the ice cream. “Can I please have the strawberry one?” he asked with a pleading gaze.

Anna stroked his hair gently as she watched the child who looked like a little kitten. “Yes, of course. I will go and get it for you. Don't go anywhere, Okay?”

Lucas nodded and noticed that Anna went to the ice cream shop to get what he had requested. When he saw Anna return with two cups of ice cream, his lips curled. He was about to snatch the ice cream from Anna's hand when she stopped him.

“What should you say if you want something?” Anna asked, as she still refuses to give him the ice cream.

Lucas pouted and his face became glum. “I'd like some ice cream.”

Anna raised her head. Everything about this kid is clearly off. “You should use the word please.” Anna said her gaze fixed on him.

Lucas focused his attention on his teacher and then on the ice cream. He doesn't want the ice cream to melt and turn into liquid. “Mrs. Saunders, may I please have the ice cream?” In the end, he asked with a pleading tone.

When Anna heard this little boy's pleading, she laughed a little. “There you go strawberries for you.” She handed him the ice cream cup.

Lucas' eyes sparkled and he smiled with delight. “Thank you very much, pretty Anna.” He replied to her.

When she heard the words “pretty Anna” she looked at him in disbelief. “You should address me as Mrs. Saunders, Lucas.”

Lucas doesn't appear to be bothered. His focus has shifted to ice cream. “Because we're not in the class, I'm no longer your student. I can call you however I want.” He defended himself.

How could this little boy be so determined? “We're still in the school's vicinity.” She reminded him.

Lucas looked at her with a flat expression. “I've always addressed my father's friend by name. I think you are around my father's age.”

Anna couldn't think clearly right now. What kind of environment does this boy live in? calling out the names of his father's friends. “Will he come get you soon?” Anna inquired as the clock approached five o'clock in the evening.

Lucas moved his head. “Uncle will come and get me,” he said as he slid the last spoon of ice cream into his mouth.

“Uncle?” She appeared to be perplexed.

“Because Daddy is busy." The little boy responded.

“What about mommy?” she asked, a little hesitantly.

“No, mommy.” He replied quickly and stood up, holding the empty cup. “Anna, please let me help you throw your cup.” Lucas offered and snatched the empty cup from Anna's hand directly.

Anna concluded that this little boy might be rude, but he has a good heart. What did he say just now? No mommy? How could it be? Her brow furrowed, however, when she noticed the little boy returned with something in his hand. It’s a stalk of roses.

“Pretty flower for a pretty lady. Thank you for the ice cream.” He gave her the flower.

Anna couldn't help but smile when she saw how adorable this little boy is. How did he come across this flower? “Thank you for the flower, but you should be careful because, no matter how lovely the roses are, the thorns can harm you.” She happily accepted the flower.

Lucas doesn't seem to grasp what she's saying. thorns? “What are thorns?” he wondered.

“Did you notice the spike around the stem? It's known as the throne. If you are not careful, it may cause you harm.” Anna explained.

“Why would such a lovely flower have thorns?” Lucas asked. He still couldn't figure it out.

Anna cast a soft glance at him. “The thorns are guarding the roses because they are afraid someone will harm them.” She explained.

When she told the little boy about the thorns, the name Ibrahim popped into her head right away. How can they be so similar? He constructs a shield around himself to protect himself, just as the thorns constructed a shield around the roses, and as a consequence, he harms those who want to be close to him.

“Did I hurt them when I plucked them?” Lucas inquired once more.

Anna gave a nod. “The next time you see a beautiful flower growing on the soil, don't pluck it, instead, let it grow happily.” She explained to him.

"I get it…" Lucas replied that he understood and nodded naturally.

Anna felt compelled to contact Lucas's parents. This is too much. His class ended at three o'clock, and it's almost five o'clock in the evening. What kind of parents would allow their child to wait this long?

“Daddy!” Lucas squealed and dashed towards a young man who was approaching them. Wearing a blue fitted suit. Oh. He’s quite attractive for a young father Anna thought. Lucas took hold of his father’s hand and turned to face Anna. “Daddy, she's my new drawing teacher, and she just bought me ice cream.” He informed his father, bouncing on his little feet excitedly.

The young man laughed a little, seeing how happy his son was.

“Really?” he asked his son. “Did you say thank you?” he inquired.

Lucas nods enthusiastically. “I did.”

The young man looked at Anna and engraved a genuine smile. “My name is Leo Simpson, and I'd like to thank you for looking after my son.”  He replied and offered a handshake.

Anna accepted the handshake and returned it with a friendly smile. “I’m Anna Saunders. That’s perfectly fine. It is my responsibility to look after my students.” She responded.

“My son could be difficult sometimes and he didn’t like to get along with new people. I was surprised he seemed to like you.” Leo said, as he lifted his son in his arms.

Anna couldn’t be happier after listening to the little boy’s father's compliment. “Although he can be a naughty kid, he has a good heart.”

“That's great. We'd like to leave right now. Thank you very much. Mrs. Saunders.” Leo said as they needed to go home now.

Lucas waved to Anna with a smile. “Goodbye, lovely Anna.” He smiled broadly.

Anna chuckled. “It’s Mrs. Saunders.” She corrected him.