It had been two long weeks since Erik attended the information night at Panorama Elementary and experienced what was undoubtedly one of his least impressive attempts at pursuing a woman. In the past fourteen days, not only did Erik struggle to erase the likes of Miss Rosaline Covault from his mind but she wasn't making things easier as she chose not to contact him during that time. Lately, Erik had been feeling like a love sick teenager, awaiting Rosaline's texts or calls and so when she didn't text or call, Erik had no option but to dwell over the possibilities that could potentially explain why she didn't want him to sit in on one of her classroom lessons. Erik was beginning to think that perhaps the true reason for her avoidance stemmed further than simply the fact that it would mean seeing him again. All of these thoughts swirled around in Erik's mind as Mr Arnold drove him towards Panorama Elementary for the first time since that eventful evening.

"Harold, I might be a few more hours than usual today, given the fact that I'll be participating in the walk-a-thon."

"Not a problem, sir."

"Feel free to have some lunch with the wife or anything to that extent, I'll call you when you're needed.

"Very well, sir."

Stepping out of her car with a small black carry bag in hand, Erik takes a rather deep sigh before walking towards the administration building. The email that Erik had received days earlier instructed him to bring a change of athletic attire and to meet Mr Brighton at the front of the school, where further instructions on the day ahead would be provided and explained. Pulling the handle of the door open, Erik is immediately engulfed by an air conditioned breeze.

"Good morning sir, what may I help with you today." Asks a middle aged woman who sits behind a clear glass panel.

"Good morning, I'm Erik Silverstein and I was told to meet Mr Brighton here at 9am sharp."

"Please take a seat Mr Silverstein, I'll inform Mr Brighton of your presence." Smiles the woman before dialling a number on the office phone.

Erik returns the woman's smile before easing himself into a nearby sofa, allowing himself the opportunity to scan his surroundings. Framed around the walls of the entrance room are photographs of teachers and students, past and present and what appears to be other schooling memorabilia including academic, sporting and creative arts achievements. As luck would have it, Erik miraculously spotted a tiny picture of a smiling Rosaline standing amongst her peers in one of the many photographs hanging on the wall. Standing to catch a closer glimpse at the image, Mr Brighton's cheerful voice suddenly broke through the silence.

"Mr Silverstein, it's wonderful to see you again. Thank you for choosing to participate in today's walk-a-thon. The students are very excited, as you can imagine."

"It's great to be back, thank you for having me. I'm just as happy to be here and to be participating in today's event. When do we get started?"

"Right away, if you'll follow me I'll show you to a locker room where you're welcome to get changed and then I'll take you up to the field where teachers and students are currently making their way toward."

Offering a single nod in understanding, Erik follows Dallas as he leads him past a series of buildings, until finally he enters a larger industrial type shed and ushers Erik over to a neighbouring change room located just inside.

"Feel free to get changed here and to leave your belongings behind. I'll lock the doors to the change rooms once you've finished so that no one else will be able to enter. Your valuables will be safe here."

"Thank you, I won't be too long."

After changing into a pair of loose black training shorts and a flaming red polo, Erik quickly ties the laces on his Nike's, grabs his cap and sunglasses out of the side pocket of his bag and exits the change room to see Mr Brighton patiently waiting for him, already dressed in his own athletic gear.

"Right then, let's go welcome the teachers and students."

The quick trek toward the field was filled with anticipation on Erik's part. He wasn't sure how Rosaline would react upon seeing him, despite knowing that it was inevitable that their paths would cross at some point during the day. He wanted to try and understand why Rosaline wasn't as forthcoming towards his advances as he would have liked her to be. Maybe she just wasn't as interested in him as most women were, but Erik owed it to his self esteem to try and find out. Dallas and Erik had just joined the mass crowd of people gathered at the back field of the school when Dallas informed Erik he would have to step away from him for a while to address and direct teachers and students on what the plan was for the day ahead. During the announcements, Erik didn't shy away from seeking Rosaline out in the crowd. Unfortunately, he wasn't as lucky as he was earlier this morning when he managed to spot her natural beauty out of a selection of portraits. He assumed it was because there were so many people gathered in one area, rather than the possibility that she had in fact spotted him first and was instead hiding from him. The silly idea made him chuckle to himself before his attention was diverted back to Dallas.

"As always, students and teachers drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, stay sun safe and most of all have fun. Thank you and enjoy everyone!" Called Mr Brighton over the loud speaker before the crowd erupted into cheer and applause.

Erik was still clapping when Dallas made his way back over to him and asked him if he would do the honours in commencing the walk-a-thon. Erik happily obliged and watched as hundreds of young students in wide brimmed hats and their accompanying teachers began the long trek ahead after he had shot the starter pistol. Erik had just turned his back around from lowering the pistol when he noticed who he believed was Rosaline from behind. The woman was clad in beige running shorts, a white shirt and sported a sky blue cap with matching sneakers. Even from behind, Erik thought she looked incredible, which was why he couldn't resist trailing after her until he fell into step with her.

"Hello Rosaline."

"Erik? I mean, Mr Silverstein."

Erik couldn't help but smile as she stumbled over her words. Even when she was nervous she looked adorable.

"I insisted that you call me Erik last time, remember?"

"It must have slipped my mind, sorry."

"Quite a turnout today, don't you think? It's wonderful to see so many people."

"It is, in fact considering it is the first year that Panorama Elementary has set out to fund an event that supports this health initiative I'd say we're doing pretty well."

Erik smiles in agreement and maintains his pace as he continues to walk beside Rosaline. Although he would like nothing more than to start throwing questions at her left, right and centre, he knows it would probably unsettle her and so instead he decides to use a different approach.

"So I never received a phone call?"

"Excuse me?"

"To organise a day and time that I might be able to sit in on one of your classes and decide for myself just how great of a teacher you are."

Erik knows he's said the right thing when he sees the light tinge of pink that now coats Rosaline's cheeks. Although she is too stubborn to admit it, she's one of the best teachers Panorama Elementary has to offer, and Erik didn't even need Mr Brighton to tell him that for him to see it.

"That's kind of you to say but..."

"So let me make this easy for you then. Next week, I'll be back so that Mr Brighton can brief me on the success of the fundraising event, including how much money was raised and afterwards I'll drop by your classroom, even if only for an hour or so, during which, I'll be finally able to see your teaching in practice, because believe it or not Rosaline I've been thinking about it since the last time I saw you."

Erik wasn't sure if what he has just admitted to Rosaline was the right thing to do, particularly because she suddenly became very quiet and still beside him. Regardless of how she would react, Erik thought that at this point it was best just to be open and honest with her, consequences be damned.

"You have?"

As Erik assumed he had already said more than enough at this point into their conversation, all he could manage to do was provide a simple nod in the hopes that it would be enough to convince her with his plans.

"Okay, you can come visit my classroom next week."

Erik couldn't believe what he was hearing for a second, but all it took was a glance at Rosaline and her shy glint of a smile to see that she was in fact serious about what she has said. Erik wasn't sure what made Rosaline not want to protest, but he wasn't about to start complaining about his sudden change in luck either.