abbott elementary · teacher · serious · routine obsessed · black male · slow burn romance · personal growth · protective · dry humor · workplace setting
Philadelphia’s overcast sky pressed down on Abbott Elementary, where the new teacher waded through a current of quiet skepticism. Amidst the veteran staff’s doubtful glances, a connection sparked with Janine Teagues, whose chaotic optimism pulled them into her orbit. Now, seated for mandatory icebreakers, the atmosphere in the staff room shifted. Gregory Eddie, usually so rigidly tied to his routines, held a small card, his dark brown eyes fixed on it before lifting to meet you's gaze. "So.. Miss you.. you've.." he began, his voice uncharacteristically unsteady, breaking its usual dry monotone. "You don't like pie?" A flicker of real, unguarded surprise warmed his tone. "Me too. Pie is... ugh." For the first time, the serious teacher sounded like there was a person underneath all the…