Given the strange encounter Erik had experienced over the weekend with his ex girlfriend, he was disappointed to find himself the following Thursday still in a sour mood. After Bianca had begrudgingly left that night, Erik couldn't help but replay the conversation shared between the two of them, and focus in on the crazy threats that had left Bianca's mouth. Erik had been stunned into silence ever since Bianca had told him this wouldn't be the last time he would hear or see from her. Erik was far from scared of Bianca, but given her surprise welcome and careless attitude, he wouldn't put it past her to try and hurt him in some way, especially since Erik had been forthright in his argument against getting back with her. Rubbing his temples in small circles, Erik barely notices as the car he is currently being driven in slows down to a gradual stop.

"We've arrived sir." Speaks up Mr Arnold from the drivers seat.

"Thank you Harold, I'll call you when I've finished business here."

Stepping out from the car, Erik cranes his neck back lightly in an attempt to distract his mind from focusing on wasteful thoughts. Even after Erik's made his way into the administration building and sat down on one of the single sofas provided in the room, he can't help but feel a sense of detachment and confusion. Struggling to pull his head together, he inevitably stands to greet Mr Brighton just as he exits through a door.

"Good morning Mr Silverstein, nice to see you again. Please." Dallas says, while ushering Erik through the same door he exited from.

Inside, Erik takes in the expanse of Mr Brighton's office. Given the fact he is the principal of Panorama Elementary, one of the most elite schools in the country, he isn't the least bit surprised to see his office decked out with bay windows, a large rounded conference table, collective artworks, a traditional fireplace and what even appears to be a mini fridge hidden by the corner of his work desk. Taking a seat on one of the plush leather seats surrounding the conference table, Erik's attention is immediately captured when Dallas asks him what he could like to drink.

"Black coffee thank you."

"I'll have my assistant bring that right out to you." Smiles Dallas, whilst moving over to his work desk to pick up the phone.

A few minutes pass, in which Erik has been brought his coffee and Dallas has joined him at the conference table. Sprawled out across the table are various documents and photographs which reflect the success of the fundraising event that was held just the previous week. Erik can't help but think for a split second at just how that sunny and joyous day seems almost light years away when he thinks of how the events of the weekend had taken such a drastic turn. Distracting himself with a sip of his coffee, he turns his head and pays Dallas his full attention whilst he explains how much money was raised during the event and what steps will now be taken to ensure that the donations are received by the most suited health organisation.

"Understandably, we've already narrowed down our choices, which include three appropriate children's health organisations but from there we haven't really researched into how the finances might be able to support them. So for that, I've asked Miss Covault to come on board and assist you in making that decision." Explains Dallas later into his discussion.

Simply the mentioning of Rosaline's surname is enough for Erik's interest to suddenly be spiked into overdrive. He quickly averts his gaze from the document he is scanning in his hand and interrupts Dallas before even realising how inappropriate that might be.

"Miss Covault?" Clarifies Erik.

"Yes."

"That's wonderful actually, since I had already organised to see her after this meeting so that I might be able to sit in on one of her lessons. In that case, I might be able to bring forward this news to her, should she find a spare minute from teaching."

Erik can't contain the excitement he feels from within, because even a minute longer in Rosaline's presence at this stage is enough to warrant him another opportunity in getting to know her better.

"Seems to me as if you have everything already sorted then, thank you. I'm sure Miss Covault will be happy to hear the news from you and also, if I may just say, I'm delighted to hear that she has agreed to allow you into her classroom."

"As am I." Smiles Erik, feeling somewhat triumphant.

After speaking and finalising all of the new changes with Mr Brighton, Erik slips out his office and awaits a student messenger to escort him to Rosaline's classroom. The walk to her classroom is rather short, but after feeling rather glum all day, Erik can't help but want to see her working in her own element as something tells him that simply her presence will be enough to change his overall mood. After thanking the student messenger for bringing him to Rosaline's classroom, Erik takes a calm breath before knocking on the door. Behind the door, Erik can hear the murmur of voices before the door is quickly opened and he is being welcomed by what he believes to be thirty intrigued and fresh faced children.

"Mr Silverstein, please come inside and make yourself comfortable using one of the chairs located in the corner. Students, would you join me in properly greeting him." Echoes Rosaline's voice from the other side of the room.

Only after Erik has followed her instructions to take a seat at the back of the classroom, can he settle in and take in his surroundings, including how Rosaline looks. Wearing black tailored pants, a soft pink silk shirt and a pair of nude pumps, Erik can't help but hum to himself in appreciation of how Rosaline is dressed. He also appears to be rather taken by the warm invitation into her classroom and so chooses to send her a charming smile and hopes she catches it from across the room. Together, the children greet him using sing-song voices that children are so well known for. Smiling in gratitude at their ability to not only follow instructions but in making him feel very welcome, Erik sits back for the next hour and merely observes as Rosaline carefully instructs the students during a spelling activity. Finally, after what seems to be a very long time spent sitting in an infant chair, a loud bell rings out and Erik watches as the children scramble out of their seats and make their way outside. Immersed by the herd of small bodies, Erik barely notices Rosaline as she makes her way toward him and stands beside the door.

"Thank you for being patient and waiting until the recess bell to speak with me." She begins.

Only now that Rosaline is standing barely a few feet away from Erik, can he truly admire the extent of her beauty. Her long brown hair is pulled behind her delicate ears, he brows are fixated in a strong, yet elegant shape, her emerald coloured eyes pierce into his own as if she is looking into the darkest depths of his soul and as for her lips, even after using them to speak for the past few hours they still appear to look rosy, plump and moist. Needing a second to regather his thoughts, Erik is a more than a little stunned by the impression this woman continues to leave on him.

"It's not a problem, in fact I've enjoyed sitting back and watching you employ your methods to teach the students." Admits Erik.

"And may I ask what you've deduced from your time in my classroom?" She almost nervously asks Erik.

"I can't think of one negative or constructive piece of criticism I might be able to offer you. You're absolutely brilliant in your abilities and it is definitely not hard to see why your students hold such an interest in your class. They adore you and frankly who wouldn't?"

Erik hadn't anticipated to state his truest and most inner feelings to Rosaline, but for one reason or another, he couldn't find it in himself to hold back. Suddenly, he was very curious to see how she could react to his indiscrete compliment.

"That is extremely kind of you to say, thank you, but as an educator I like to think there is something I will constantly need to learn or improve on for myself, otherwise my students might not ever truly reach their full potential."

"And whilst I cannot argue with you about how important consistent learning is as a lifelong skill, particularly in your career, I hope you believe me when I say that I've never seen another person put in as much effort, care and consideration into their work as you do."

Judging by the blush, shy smile and proud gleam that now resembles in Rosaline's eyes, Erik believes he not only said the right thing to her, but because of it, he too can't stop the smile that has now formed on his own lips.

"That means an awful lot coming from someone with your stature Erik, thank you."

Erik silently beams at the sincerity he sees in her eyes, before remembering the news Mr Brighton told him to share with Rosaline.

"Rosaline, I must inform you that during the meeting I shared with Mr Brighton this morning he asked that you and I try to come to a decision about what children's health organisation we might financially support."

"Of course. I'm sure you will want to take a few days to decide when you might want to come into the school again so that we can sit down and discuss the options available."

"Actually, I thought it might be more suitable if you and I arranged a meeting outside of school. After all, there is no guarantee how long it might take us to come to a decision and I'd prefer having the option of eating somewhere, should it come to that."

Erik holds his breath whilst awaiting Rosaline's reply. He hadn't considered the idea of seeing Rosaline outside the premise of the school, but of course now that the opportunity had presented itself, he thought he would try his luck. Unfortunately, judging by the way the wheels appear to be turning in Rosaline's mind, Erik thought he best make a suggestion that she might favour a little more than the one he initially proposed.

"If you would feel more comfortable selecting a restaurant or cafe of your choice to have the meeting at, I would be more than happy to accomodate." Erik gently offers.

After waiting for what seemed to be longer than Erik's idea required, Rosaline finally spoke up between the two of them.

"Seeing as I have your business card now, expect a call from me within the next few days."