Serena POV

Walking through the school corridors, I kept my head down, my eyes glued to the floor. Large groups of kids were stood together by the lockers, talking about whatever the newest piece of gossip was.

Like always, I ignored everyone and made my way to class.

School is definitely not my favourite place but it's far better than being anywhere else. It almost feels safe, not fully but safe enough. The full timetable of classes left me with very little time to think about anything else going on in my life.

I had English before lunch. It was my favourite class, not only because of the actual subject but because of my teacher.

She was amazing.

The way she talks about literature and language with such passion is inspiring.

Everyone loved her and people who weren't in her class were consumed with jealously.

Miss Savre had a way of making you feel like you could achieve anything. She made you feel like you were special in class full of people. For the hour a day I spent in ber class, I knew I was safe.

I knew when she was in the room, I would be okay for a little while longer.

I was just about to reach Miss Savre's classroom when someone called my name.

"Hey Serena catch!" They shouted.

I spun around and was just too slow to catch the football heading straight for my face. I tried to block my face and in doing so dropped my notebook and my paper notes flew out everywhere.

The ball hit my head hard, stupid teenagers around me couldn't stop themselves laughing at my expense.

I crouched down to try and collect my things and as I did, realised Miss Savre was already picking them up for me.

"Are you okay sweetheart?" She asked softly, looking at me worriedly.

I brought my hand to brush away the hair covering my face and winced as my fingers made contact with where the ball had hit me.

"I'm fine," I said quickly, standing back up.

She passed me my notebook and glanced at me suspiciously.

"We've got a few minutes before class, go wait for me in there Serena," she said calmly, opening the door to her room.

She was about to follow me in but stopped, turning back around to the group of fifteen year olds. They were two years older than me but acted years younger.

"Finn," Miss Savre said sternly to the boy who had thrown the ball.

"Yes Miss?" He chuckled.

"Detention Friday after school," she said simply, not giving him a chance to argue back.

She finally entered the classroom and walked over to her desk, placing down her bag underneath.

"Come here sweetie, let me take a proper look," she said kindly, telling me to come closer.

"I'm fine honestly," I said.

"Serena," she sighed sadly, knowing I was always reluctant to accept help.

"Let me look," she repeated softly.

I walked towards her, unable to make eye contact.

She tilted my head towards her and gently tucked my hair away behind my ear.

"There's a slight red bump," she told me, glancing over my face.

"Are you feeling okay?" She asked.

"Yeah," I nodded.

"Okay sunshine, I'll keep my eye on you. Go take a seat at the front," she smiled warmly.

"Thank you," I said genuinely.

"Have you thought anymore about what we discussed last week? About the extra tuition?" She asked as I went and took a seat in front of her desk.

"I don't know," I said quietly.

"I don't want to put you out," I admitted.

"Serena it's my job to help, I wouldn't have offered if I didn't want to," she said calmly.

"Are you sure?" I asked nervously.

"Of course sunshine, I can do Monday and Friday after school," she told me.

"Okay," I agreed reluctantly, still feeling so grateful for her help.

"We'll start next Monday then ," she smiled, logging on to her computer.

I began to feel guilty again about wasting her time. Why would she want to spend more time out of her day helping me?
Surely there's other things she'd rather do or other children she'd rather be helping.

I felt my chest begin to constrict. Even with her telling me she was I happy to help, I still felt so unworthy of her time.

She looked up and caught my eye.

"Serena," she said softly.

"Yes Miss?" I asked, my voice giving away my panicked state.

She got up from her desk and walked towards me. She pulled the chair beside me out and sat herself down.

She took one of my hands in hers and gently ran her thumb over the back of my hand.

"You can call me Danielle when it's just the two of us Serena," she winked.

My breath continued to increase.

"Sweetheart, it's okay to accept help. I want to help you in any way I can. I don't just mean with school work either Serena, I'm here for whatever you need," she explained.

I looked up at her.

Not fully believing that this incredible woman was willing to be there for me.

"Even if you just want to go for a walk after school to clear your head we can do that," she smiled, squeezing my hand.

I nodded shakily.

"Breathe for me sunshine, big breaths Serena," she whispered.

I tried to take a deep inhale and felt my eyes start to tear up. Using her free hand, she softly wiped my cheek free from the fallen tears.

"Class is starting in a minute, do you want a pass to go see Miss Spampinato in her office?" She asked me.

"No, I'll be okay," I assured her, offering her a small smile.

"Come here sunshine, you've got this," she said, opening her arms out to pull me in for a hug.

She wrapped her arms around me and she held me to her. She was warm and soft and I felt as though I could stay there forever.

"Just give me a nod if you need to get out of class okay," she said gently, holding the back of my head.

"Thank you," I replied, pulling away from the hug I desperately needed.

She moved back around to her desk just as the door opened, kids from my English class flooding in to take their seats.

I tried for the remainder of the lesson to focus on the calming tone of Miss Savre's voice. She even finished ten minutes early, giving her time to pick up from where we left off with the class novel.

As she read aloud to us, she saw me glance anxiously at the clock. I hated when this lesson was over and she knew that.

Continuing to read, she came over to my desk and perched on the end of it. This wasn't unusual, she often moved around the room.

Her moving that little bit closer was her small, discret way of letting me know she was there.

Authors note

Slightly different update today. Let me know what you think.

Let me know if you have any other one shot requests.
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