Nickolas Barkley, drove his old 1980s Ford, up a long and winding country side road. He wasn't quite familiar with this side of town, but GPS, was a great help.

"Left turn in next 500 meters." Spoke the British accented voice of his GPS system.

Mr.Barkley made his way, up, then found the designated left turn.

"Drive straight for 750 more meters then take your next right."

Nick followed the orders very carefully.

"Drive straight for 1100 more m, to reach your destination." 

Nickolas, now could see her house from his truck. It had a nice cabinesque, look to it. Large bay windows at the front, and a wooden wrap around porch.  There were flower bushes all around the house, which he could see was neatly trimmed.
When Nick reached the end of the drive, he pulled into an open parking space.

He made his way to the front door. For a moment he stopped, in still silence. What was he even going to say. He gathered himself quickly, as he already made his way here. 

One knock, then two. A middle aged woman answered the door. She had long flowing dirty blonde hair, slight freckles on her cheeks, and deep brown eyes.

"Hello, there, how may I help you today?" The woman asked. Her voice was silky and smooth like fresh buttermilk.

"I am sorry, to bother you, but are you Mrs.Prancer.?" Asked Nick.

"Why yes of, course, what can I do for you."

"Well I am a new teacher at Fairmont High, and was just wondering if I could speak to Evie."

A slight look of concern, basked on Mrs. Prancer's face. "Is there anything wrong, Mr...."

"Oh pardon me, I am Mr.Barkley. I am the new English teacher. Your daughter is quite talented with her pen, and mind, I must say. There really also isn't anything wrong. You see, I just wanted to discuss something she wrote, with her."
Mrs.Prancer smiled warmly. "Thank you, Mr.Barkley. Come inside."

The man followed her inside, admiring the place he was walking into.
There was a large hall, with a grand stair case leading up to the second floor. In the center was a large fireplace

"Pleased to meet you, I am Ava." Evie's mom, now outstretched her hand, for a shake. " I am a bit surprised she showed you, something she has written. Evie is rather secretive with those sorts of things. She must have some deep trust in you." Ava smiled, but that smile quickly diminished into a frown. " Actually she has been so quiet lately, each day, she seems to fall deeper into some form of depression. Me and her Father, Sidney, are starting to grow worried. We asked if she wanted a counselor or something, but she refuses to talk to anyone. Does this paper she had written to you, say anything that may be bothering her?"

Ava Prancer was obviously worried. It was very evident, that she did in fact, love her daughter greatly. It hurt Ava, to see Evie so  morose, that was something Nick, could intensely tell. Still, as much as he wanted to tell Ava the truth, he knew very well that it wasn't his place, and it was for Evie to say.

"If Evie is fine with it, I can show you what she wrote but please." Mr.Barker now tapped on his nose." If I want her trust, I have to be considerate, of her privacy."

"Yes, I understand. Maybe your what she truly needs. I can see it in your eyes, that you care. Why else would you drive all the way out of town to talk to her."

Ava now smiled back at Mr.Barkley, and decided to keep this little conversation between the two of them. She didn't want to dig, as she also respected Evie's privacy, and knew very well, that she would open up, when she was ready. She then invited Mr.Barkley in, and went down the hallway to grab Evie. 

Evie then came into the kitchen, and her eye's widened as she looked right at Mr.Barkley. immediately her eyes averted themselves towards the well manicured hardwood floors.

"I am sorry, to bother you, but I must talk to you. If you will let me, please explain your piece to me."   Said Mr.Barkley in his calm manner, trying to comfort his distraught student.

At that comment, Evie felt a shiver go up her spine.
She took a few deep breaths, then nodded in acknowledgement.

"I...I..I guess we could do that." Evie's gaze did not look up, as she spoke to the floor below.

"If you would like to, we can talk in privacy. Show me your haven, maybe that will help. I know things are hard for you, and I want to help. Your also a very talented writer, I can feel the emotions behinds your words. I also know what you are going through. I had it rough with my peers when I was your age as well. "

It was that moment Evie's tiny face looked up, and straight back at Mr.Barkley. she pushed fine wisps of hair out of her eyes, and it was then that Mr.Barkley noticed the icy cool, baby blues. She then smiled a little bit, and it looked good on her. It was something she should do more often.

"Please, show me the place that gives you, your happiness." Mr.Barkley now said.  

Ava nodded towards her daughter.
"Go ahead sweetie, I'll call you when dinner is ready."
Evie nodded back at her mom, before leaving the house with her teacher.

Evie, walked outside, and Nickolas Barkley followed behind. She made her way to lush coppice, with a small foot paved walkway. The air around them was very silent, save the ballad of the twittering birds. Evie stopped for a second, and looked at the thick forest surrounding them, once again there was that smile. That smile that suited her face so well.

"I was, a little worried, you wouldn't like my piece, honestly." Said Evie, her nerves now disapearing beyond the dust. "I thought you might, I thought you might see me as this whiney little girl, who had obvious emotional problems."

"I would never think that, Evie. Your composition, it made me weep, and it made me feel. It really was deep. It conveyed alot, and I truly wish, that you find your true happiness as well."

Evie now sat on her favorite stump, and Mr.Barkley sat on his jacket, next to her.

"I wish..." Evie now spoke up. " I wish people would see me differently. I wish I was included, I wish I was beautiful."

"You are Evie, inside and outside, and that is very rare." Said Mr.barkley while exsicating a sparkling drop from her cheek with his hand. "People are cruel, but don't let that stop you, from being happy. No one is ever worthy enough to take that away from you."

As he spoke, Evie looked up at Mr.Barkley. Her expression softened. Her eyes brightened with tears.  She gave him a hug, then another squeeze, she was clearly happy. "Thank you," said Evie, while releasing herself from her teacher embrace, wiping the last of her tears away. "I know what your saying, and I wish it was that simple." 

"I have been where you are now, and it does eventually get better. Your a rare person. You have talent, and a kind soul. These other people, don't have half the talent, or soul that you have. If you want to, you can always come to me. If you want, you can write me, in secret. I won't show anyone else, if you don't want to. Take your writing as a way to open yourself, and to heal yourself. Didn't it feel better after you wrote the assignment I gave you."

Evie, now looked back at her teacher, and smiled.

"It did, actually. It was transiently, but it helped. Sorry I ran off, my anxiety got the best of me. "

"Don't worry about that, use those anxious feelings as your worded ammo. Maybe someday I can read a book by you, or a lovely poem. I can then proudly show it around, as I knew you, before you were a famous wordsmith."

"I always wanted to be a great writer." Evie's smile now grew even more.

"Can I make a suggestion?" Mr. Barkley now asked. "You should show what you wrote to your Mother. I can tell she loves you very deeply, and is also worried for you. She should also know what's going on, I bet she would be willing to talk to you aswell."

"I want to, it's just..." Evie looked away. " I am always so afraid, what people will think of me. I know it's silly, her being my Mom, and all, but there's always that discouraging voice in the back of my head, that tells me otherwise. I am also worried that she will grow more worried. I'd hate to be a burden."

"I don't think you would be a burden. Your Mother would be as proud, as me. She would probably be even prouder, and would be happy, to know you are willing to open up all your suffering to her. She wants to know, but doesn't want to dig to much. She wants you to be able to come to her with your problems."

suppose your right, Mr.Barkley. did you bring it with you?"

"Of course I did." Said Mr.Barkley. He then handed it to her, and Evie looked back, at her own words of torment.

"I am going to show her now, would you like to join me." Evie's smile now seemed to solidify.

They both then, made their way back into the house. Ava was preparing supper, when Evie ran towards her. At first a nervous wave rushed over her, as she handed her mom the written piece without a word. Her eyes made their way back to the floor.

"I am now ready, and willing to explain everything behind those words Mom, if you would let me."

Avastin eyes slowly moved left to right as she read the piece of paper, now in her hands. Evie could see her lips begin to tremble, and her eyes grow glassy.

"Oh my goodness, Evie. I am so sorry, I wish I knew this earlier. Ava now graced her daughter in a big hug. Evies back was turned towards Mr.Barkley, and Ava mouthed "thank you" over Evie's shoulder, as they were in a full embrace.

"Would you like to stay for dinner, Mr.Barkley. I think it would mean so much to Evie, and me if you did. "

"It would be my pleasure Ava, and it smells amazing, thanks."   Said Mr.Barkley while smelling a fresh pot roast.
Ava smiled at Evie.

"Your father should be here shortly, would you mind setting the table dear."

"Sure thing mom," she said while giving her a smooch on the cheek.

Shortly after, Evies did came through the door.

"Sydney. This is Mr.Barkley. He is an English Teacher at Evie's school."

Sydney Prancer the teachers hand. "If everything okay, sir?"

"Oh yes, I believe Evie is ready to open up. I just came here to push her on the right direction. She I'd a very bright young girl,  very talented. She deserves so much love and attention, and if you want her to succeed, you need to be supportive of her. And encourage her."

"Yes Sir, you're right. I was getting worried about her," he grabs his wife affectionately by the side and pulls her on close. "We both have been worried. She lost the spark in her eyes."

"She has been having some trouble with kids at school. I know you know just as well as I  that she doesn't deserve to get bullied so harshly."

The two parents nodded their heads in agreement.

"Might I suggest a weekend away, said Mr.Barkley. I know a nice little resort. Ava and Evie can go the spa, have some bonding time. You and Evie can hike or go fishing. It's a really nice place. I know the owner, so could get you a hefty discount."

"Well.." Sydney pondered. "I think we could all use a little family time. Thanks, that's a great idea."

"You have done so much already," said Ava. "Thank you for everything. The world needs more teachers like you."

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Just a quick note to say, that No Evie and Mr.Barkley, are not going to grow a "romantic" relationship. He is quite a bit older then her. They will however grow a strong bond, as friends. I am sure I don't really have to say this, either. I just figured I would throw that all out there, as many of you fellow Watter's like shipping characters, lol. Sure it would seem like something nice, but once again Nickolas Barkley is many, many years her senior. That's not to say, that Evie may eventually have a romantic relationship with someone else. Anyone have any prognosis towards who?.

Anywho... Thank you so much, for choosing to read my story, and getting to this point. Please hit that vote, if you feel this story is worthy enough. Comments are nice, but definitely not necessary.

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