Amaria Crais

“So this is an official meeting then?”

“Should I have dressed up?”

“It’s as official as we are.“ Amaria laughed, holding her hand out for him to take. “Come here...“

“I apologize, it’s two month into the semester and my office is still a mess. Please, have a seat.“

“Ok maybe I overexaggerated a bit but the students don’t care about their work. All they do is complain about the assignments or the grades they get on them.” 

“This is college not primary school. We’re done holding hands and coddling them. It’s their money, fail them and removed them from the class if they’re disruptive. We’re teaching the future leaders of tomorrow and they have to learn that that kind of behavior isn’t tolerable.“

“Yeah.” She let herself slip farther into the pool until just her head was above the water. “Yes. At least I’m trying to do it differently this time. He thinks I’m dealing with some abandonment issues.”

“What’s different with you this time around? Sweetie, should I be concerned?“ Amaria frowned, She stepped closer to greer in the pool and mocked her position so she wasn’t standing over her. “I can see that.“

Roy shook his head with a big grin on his face. “No way. Maybe I’ll tell you for your birthday.” He let out a long breath and nodded. “Both sound good, thanks.”

“You know he’ll just climb through a window to prove a point.” Roy joked while flipping the box around. “I’m sure we can figure it out together.”

“You’ll tell me in September?“ Amaria looked skeptical but didn’t push any further as she made her way to the kitchen. “I made rooibos tea earlier with fresh ingredients my siblings sent over. Would you like to try someone?“

Rank the most delicious animal shifters to the least delicious animal shifters. (Wolves, Cats, Rats, Jackals, Nimbles, Heavies and Hyenas)

Heavies 

Nimbles

Jackals

Hyenas

Wolves Amaria has never tried wolf meat before but is willing.

Rats Amaria has never tried rat meat before/and will never.

“I have a guilty conscience so I’d end up telling on myself. Harvester ants, I’ll just leave them at the park.” 

Esther‘s eyes lit up at the idea “I like that! I could team up with the science teachers and do a thing on mating calls or how animals communicate.” She nodded excitedly putting the pieces together “On a semi-unrelated note, what brought you to my classroom?” 

“I can respect that, Esther.“ She nodded. “I like the way you think. I love it when you guys collaborate together. Maybe you can get with Josh or Miles and see if one of them can record some of the high points for the school website. Oh, I can’t remember. I hate when that happens.“

“Yes, it is. Although I had it planned out way more smoothly in my head. For the record.” Roy let out a breath and leaned against the door frame.

Roy smiled at that. “I trust that you know what you’re doing. And hope I’m here to see it when Carter has his conniption.” He teased while picking up the box. “Have you figured out how to set it up yet?”

  “You have to tell me the original plan! Please!” Amaria smiled. She felt younger and happier around Roy.  “Do you want anything to drink? I can make something for us if you’re feeling hungry.“

Greer shook her head and waded into the water, pausing as she decided whether she wanted to redo her hair. “Did I tell you I have gone back to therapy?”

“With Dr. Cleirigh?“ Amaria frowned. She wanted to ask if everything was alright but thought it was best not to ask stupid question. “And is it different this time around?“

Greer shook her head as they began walking away. She then passed Amaria and headed into the pool. “Is Clan Cat afraid of water now or something?”

“I have no idea.“ Amaria snickered. “Don’t be to hard on them.“

“I think Chris would kill me if these ants loose in the school but I get where you’re coming from. Music lets people feel free like animals should be, not to shabby huh? ” Esther smiled “Do think Chris would pay for a chinchilla?” 

“Chris doesn’t have to know. At least as long as they’re not biting students. What type of ants are these anyways? Sugar ants? I’m sure these guys will find their way outside or to the cafeteria.“

“Yeah, yeah.” He ducked his eyes and roughly ran a hand over the back of his neck.  “No, I’m not dying or moving. And I thought that too, but then nothing ever came of that. And I don’t know why, but I couldn’t do another 10 years of not being with you, Amaria.” His eyes finally found the doorbell that she set on the ground. “Didn’t Carter go off about that movie Smart House when he saw that doorbell?”

Amaria tried to hide her smile as Roy spoke but it was hopeless. She smiled sly, biting her bottom lip to keep from blushing as he continued. “I didn’t want to make the first move and when Rebecka moved here, I didn’t want to step on any toes. Is this your way of asking to start a romantic relationship?”

“Yeah, everything is fine.” Roy hesitated on the porch, unsure if he wanted to stay outside for an easy get away if this turned awkward. He took a step in, but still stood in the door way. “Amaria, I have feelings for you. Feelings that I’ve had for almost a decade now. You’re brilliant and one of the most captivating people have I ever met. And I know there may be a million reason we shouldn’t do this, but I would put those aside for you.”

Amaria released a breathe she didn’t know she was holding and placed her new RING system on the floor by the door, beaconing Roy in. Her head tilted when he didn’t come in all the way but she stood and waited for him to explain. What came out of his mouth wasn’t what she expected. She stood there with her mouth open in shock for a second before coming to herself again. “Where is this all coming from, Roy? Is everything okay? You’re not dying or planning on moving, are you? Umm... I thought it was already clear that I feel the same.”