Page 6 of Shuttered Hearts

“I appreciate that, but I want to give it a go myself.” Quinn stands from her desk, walking toward the door with me.

“Of course.” I stop at the threshold, turning back toward Quinn. “I’m around if you need anything. My second planning period is at the end of the day, so I imagine you’ll probably be gone, but I’m always here early if you need anything.”

“Thanks, Declan. I’ll be staying today. I have to pick up my younger brother from school, so it makes sense for me to hang around instead of heading home.” That is the first time she’s said my name, and something about how she says it gives me goosebumps.

“Sure. Well, I’m around whenever.” The halls are quieting down, and I know I need to get to my classroom so I’m not late, but I’m struggling to walk away.

I haven’t technically known her for more than an hour, but it feels like I’ve known her just as long as the rest of her family. While they talk about her often, they’ve never shared anything too personal. They’re always bragging about this amazing photo she’s taken or this incredible trip she got to go on. It’s clear how much they all love and support each other.

Something about her calls to me. If I were the type of person who believed in it, I might say it’s our souls calling to each other. But I’ve thought that before and was proven wrong. It’s not a feeling I trust anymore.

There might be something about Quinn calling to me, but I’ll never act on it. Friends are the most we’ll ever be. I may know this in my brain, but I’m still struggling to turn away from her.

“You better go if you don’t want to be late.” There’s a slow smile growing on her face, and I just know if she gives me a full one, I won’t be walking away.

“Right. I’ll see you later,” I say, turning on my heel and practically running out of her classroom.

three

QUINN

Barely noonand it’s already been a long day. I didn’t expect my first day of teaching to be a breeze, but I hadn’t anticipated it would be as hard as it was. And I can’t even blame the kids for it. Most of them have been fantastic.

No, I’m distracted by my conversation with Declan this morning. I know I didn’t share anything too revealing, but the fact I shared any of that with him is not like me.

I can admit I’m a little closed off with people I don’t know, and I don’t make friends easily because of that. It’s hard for me to trust people, and I know it.

My mother really did a number on me. Then, there was the incident three years ago. That one still haunts me occasionally.

A knock at the door shakes me out of my thoughts, and I look up to see Principal Carter. “I figured I’d come check on you before the end of lunch,” he says as he moves closer to me. “How’d your first day go?”

“Not bad. You were right about the kids. They’re great. Very patient with me while I got my bearings.”

“Good, I’m glad. Did you have a chance to talk to Declan before the day got started?”

“Yeah, we ran into each other in the hall shortly after you left. He went over everything with me and offered to be here during second period if I needed him.”

“That sounds like Declan, always pitching in wherever he can.” He laughs softly.

“Did I hear my name?” Declan says as he pops up in the doorway.

“You did. I was telling Ms. Marks you’re always the first to volunteer when help is needed,” Principal Carter says with a soft clap to Declan’s shoulder.

“I don’t know if I would go that far.” Declan laughs, sticking his hands in his pockets, looking the tiniest bit bashful. “How did everything go?” he asks, turning toward me, a genuine look of concern crossing his face briefly.

“Fine.” I swallow the lump in my throat, not used to anyone but my family caring for me, and finally stand from my desk to join them in the center of the room. “Most of the kids were honestly perfect. There’s just one kid I can see being a troublemaker.”

“Tyler,” Declan and Principal Carter say at the same time.

“He’s a good kid at heart, but there’s some trouble at home,” Principal Carter continues before I can say anything.

“I want to laugh at the fact you both guessed it immediately, but I feel bad for the kid.” If Tyler’s having issues at home, I could probably relate to him pretty well, considering my past. “I’ll keep an eye on him. He didn’t do anything serious during class today. Just a few comments to get a reaction out of me and a laugh from the rest of the class.”

“That sounds about right,” Declan confirms.

Principal Carter claps his hands before turning for the door. “Well, I’ll let you get back to it. I only wanted to stop by andmake sure you weren’t running for the hills.” He pauses at the door, turning to look at me. “You’ll let me know if you need anything?”

“I will. Thank you, Demitri.”

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