Good Night, Katelyn

PROLOGUE.

My mother constantly told me not to trust men and to be cautious when they are near me because you never know what they hide behind those lovely smiles they offer every woman.

My mother's remarks that men are all ravenous wolves pretending to be good-hearted sheep have been instilled in me from an early age.

She stated that men would only be good at the beginning. That they will only show you their positive aspects at first, that they will give you everything you want, show you everything you want to see, say you the words you want to hear, and make you feel special with their love—but only until they have your whole trust and heart.

Everything guys do or say is a ploy to get a woman to say yes.

And it is only when you ultimately enter a relationship with a man that you will begin to notice and see the truth behind those lovely words, chocolates and flowers, and fleeting pleasures. You will witness a wolf disguised as a sheep, waiting for the ideal chance to bite your heart into bits, leaving you all alone as they look for their next victim while you are left behind, struggling to mend your broken heart on your own.

My mother taught me many things, especially about men, and I have all of those things engraved in my head, and it has always served me well as a weapon against those men. But now, I'm not sure I'll be able to protect myself against a wolf lurking around me, let alone the temptation that this strange man offered me. Every night, this man comes to me in my dreams and whispers my name in my ear in his seductive voice.

A man whose face I shall not remember long after I've opened my eyes.

***

KATELYN.

The sun's brilliant light woke me up early in the morning. As I opened my eyes, I noticed my bedroom window was open, allowing a fresh gust of air into my room as well as the sun rays that passed through the sheer curtains.

I carefully stepped down from my bed and moved towards the window when my eyes had acclimated to the brightness. I pushed the curtain back, stretched, and peered out the window to see the magnificent view outside my bedroom. Then, I noticed the dream catcher hanging just next to my window.

It has been a long time since I had this thing with me. This dream catcher was a gift from my mother when I was a child. She kept reminding me constantly to put this on my window or anywhere near my bed, and that is probably why even though she's not here with me, I still have a habit of placing a dream catcher inside my bedroom even though I'm old enough to know that dreams are just dreams and nothing more.

I guess old manners do lingers until old age, huh? I thought to myself as I started to fix my bed sheets and blanket. I looked at the dream catcher one more time and remembered my mother. I have been an orphan for a long time since I was still a child when my parents divorced, and I have no idea what the reason was.

My Aunt told me their breakup was because my mother had a mental illness, which is why my father left her. Others said it was because my father already had a new wife and chose to abandon us and go to his new family.

When my mother entered the mental facility, Auntie Kaylie was the one who took me in and took care of me. She was the one who supported my financial needs until I graduated from college, and when I finally landed a job, I decided to live on my own and be independent.

And today is the first day of the new semester, and I need to fix myself now so I can go to school earlier before the bell rings, not as a student but as a teacher majoring in arts.

"Hurry up, Katelyn! You can't be late on the first day of the semester, or your students will take you as a joke and might lose respect for you!" I lectured myself as I hurriedly walked out of my room. After that, I grabbed the group of keys from the key holder and opened the main door. Then, I locked the door behind me, quickly stepped down the stairs, and rode my car to the school.

"Oh, wait, did I lock my window in my bedroom?" I wondered myself as I tried to remember if I could at least close the window in my room.

"Hmm, even if I forgot to close my window, no one will still be able to enter my room since it is located on the fourth floor of the building," I assured myself and focused on driving towards the school.

After a few minutes, I finally entered the school grounds. Then, I quickly stepped out of the car and went to the faculty room where my office was.

Perfect! Just fifteen minutes before the first-morning school bell rings. I thought to myself as I placed my things on my desk and finished arranging them based on what I would need for my first class this morning.

"Good morning Ms. Hernandez," one of my co-teacher in the Elementary Department greeted me as she walked into her desk, which is located just beside mine.

"Good morning Ms. Hensley," I greeted her and sat down in front of my desk. I noticed she was busy texting her boyfriend, Charle. So, I just went to get things ready.

"How did your vacation go, Kate?" I was taken aback when she approached me and asked.

"Nothing new, haha," I replied, and she smiled wildly in my face.

"Well, that's sad, but guess what," she asked teasingly, and I raised one eyebrow, asking— "what?"

"Did you know that two new teachers were in the High School Department? I heard they are both handsome and single, so maybe this is a sign for you to have a boyfriend finally," she whispered to me and grinned at me as if telling me to give it a try, so I raised my left eyebrow at her, not because of her expression, but because I was surprised about this sudden news.

"Huh? Are they going to start today? In what grade will they be teaching?" I asked so that I could avoid them just in case since the Elementary Department and High School Department offices are just sitting beside each other.

"I'm not sure about that, but I think they will teach the Senior High Schools. Oh well, for sure, there will be a lot of teenagers who will fall for those handsome hunks," Aimee answered, and I just laughed at her reaction.

"Haha, alright, you better prepare for your class, Ms. Hensley. Anyway, I'll go ahead now since my classroom is a bit far from here," I replied to her and started walking towards the door.

"Okay! Good luck with your first semester, Ms. Hernandez," she responded, and I just waved my hand at her.

As I walked in the corridor, I kept wondering why I did not hear any news about the new teachers in the High School Department. I mean, it was usually announced on the teachers' bulletin board, but I did not see anything.

Were they transferred here in an instant? Also, who were the teachers that they exchanged with? This is such sudden news to me. But I should not get so indulged in that matter anymore since I'm sure I will not be able to see them on this vast campus, right?

This is a big campus that both Elementary and High School students attend. The left side of the campus was designed for Elementary students, and the right side belonged to High School students. The only thing separating the two is the long teacher's building in the middle of the two departments.

I might bump into them a few times in the hallway, but it will not be awkward or frightening to greet the new teachers, right? I mean, it's just for formalities' sake. I reminded myself then I tried to practice in my head how to properly and formally greet my two new co-teachers on this campus.

Also, I somehow got used to some men around me ever since I started living with Auntie Kaylie and when I entered college. It's just that I am not used to sitting at a table with a man beside me, and I am still a bit aloof to any man. That's probably why I still have had no boyfriend since birth.

Also, nowadays, I have the same dream every night, where a man's shadow is standing at the end of my bed, silent while watching me sleep.

When I was a kid, I always dreamed of a man standing in front of my window or at the door of my room. Sometimes, there are four men, sometimes two, or some other times, it's just one. But when I reached the age of fourteen, in most of my dreams, I only saw one man, and until now, I am still unsure of who or what that shadow in my dream was.

"I think I am too traumatized by men that even when I am sleeping, they still show up in my dreams," I muttered and breathed a deep sigh.

I really am too traumatized due to what my mother did when I was young. Now I remember the words she kept warning me about when I was still a kid, and sometimes, I admit that I am starting to notice that I am also starting to be paranoid, just like her.

Sometimes, I overthink things and fear that my mother's sickness is hereditary. I might have started manifesting the same imaginations and hallucinations she had seen before. I fear myself more than I fear men. I fear the real me and am scared to discover that I am slowly manifesting the same disease my mother has. With that thought in mind, I tightened my grip on my lesson plans while looking at the ground in front of me.

"Good morning!" My heart almost jumped out of my chest when a man with wavy brown hair suddenly appeared in front of me. He's so tall that if I stand next to him, I will only reach his chest line, he also has a broad shoulder, and he's wearing a plain white polo and an ID lace that looks the same as mine.

"Ah, hello? Did I surprise you? Hahaha, I'm actually one of the new teachers who just transferred here, so I'm a bit lost. Can you please tell me where I can find the faculty room? I'm sorry for startling you. I don't know anyone who might help me. That's why I called your attention," he explained, and that is when I realized that I had been staring at him for quite some time, so I quickly shook my head to snap my thoughts away and looked away from him.

Did my heart skip a beat due to being surprised earlier, or was it because of his handsomeness? I asked myself but decided not to mind that question anymore.

"I-It's fine. J-Just goes s-straight this hallway, t-then turn right at the e-end. Y-You will find the f-faculty building from t-there," I stuttered as I gave him directions towards the faculty room while pointing the direction with a shaky hand and without looking at him.

"I'm not so good with directions, so would you mind accompanying me? If it's alright with you," he asked and smiled at me, but I quickly shook my head and refused.

"Y-You'll be fine. J-Just follows the directions in the pathway, t-there are signages there as well. I'm sorry I can't accompany y-you because my class is about to s-start," I answered him.

And why am I even explaining to this guy? Now, it looks like I am really bothered by him.

"Ah, is that so? Well, I guess it can't be helped. Anyway, thank you for helping me, Ms. Katelyn Hernandez," he said and smiled at me, but I did not mind him anymore and quickly walked away from him because I started to feel nervous.

But when I was finally some steps away from that man, my mind was suddenly filled with questions.

"Huh? How did he know my complete name?" I muttered to myself and looked down at my ID card, but then I saw it flipped back, making it impossible for anyone to see and read my name.

KATELYN.

Seeing my students enjoying my lesson brings so much joy to my heart, and I feel happier since I teach them the thing I love the most: arts.

It is already my second class this morning, and since today is their first day this semester, I started the class with a simple activity: making their own name cards. And so I will also be able to familiarize their names more efficiently since they will wear those name cards after finishing it. In addition, doing this activity is fun for the students, which helps me leave a positive and fun impression on my students.

After some time, the bell finally rang, signifying the class's end. It also means it is already time for the student's recess and the teacher's break time.

"Okay, class, times up! You can bring your name cards to your house and finish them as homework. But make sure that you all have your name cards by tomorrow, alright?" I said to my students.

I cleaned my table before stepping out of the classroom. Then, I saw Aimee walking out of the classroom where she had a class.

"Ms. Hansley, are you finished with your class? Do you mind if we have our break time together?" I invited her with a smile and walked towards the faculty room with her.

"Ooh, I'm sorry, but Charles is on his way to fetch me today. I'm sorry, Ms. Hernandez, but I won't be able to join you for today's break time," she apologized and smiled sheepishly at me while rubbing her palms at each other.

"Tsk. Right, boyfriend over a friend. Again," I complained to her since it was the first day of the semester, and now, I'll be eating alone.

"You should get a boyfriend, Ms. Hernandez. That way, you will no longer be a loner. Plus, someone will always treat you to lunch and dinner. And you know what? I can testify that it is a great way of saving money," Aimee said as she gave me a wink, which made me giggle at her joke.

"It's fine. I have my credit card. I can afford my own lunch and dinner. I don't need anyone to buy me a meal," I replied, which made Aimee shake her head in dissatisfaction. Then, she placed her arm around my right arm and pulled me back to the faculty room.

"You know what? It would help if you started making some moves with those two new High School teachers. Both of them look like they are single. Oh, by the way, have you seen them?" She asked, and I just looked at her with an uninterested look on my face, but she ignored my expression and continued speaking.

"Here, picture this out and make your choice. One of those newbies looks cute and has this innocent vibe around him. And the other one looks cold and a mature type of guy. So, who do you think is much more attractive, huh? Did any of them catch your attention?" Aimee asked in my ears while we both walked up the stairs. I carefully looked around the area, and thankfully there were no students around, or else they might see Aimee and me as unprofessional teachers.

"Ssshhh— don't be too loud. You know we are not allowed to talk about that topic, right? We don't want our students to overhear those words and start a commotion, like a group of gossiping bees around here, do you? You know that they are most curious about that kind of topic at their age," I whispered back at her, and she sighed deeply at my response.

"Gosh, that is why you still don't have a boyfriend. It's because you are so strict with policies. Come on! Just let loose a bit," Aimee complained as she shook her head in disappointment.

Yes, I know I am strict with myself regarding policies and everything in life. And maybe it is because I don't want to impact those around me, especially my students, negatively.

After a few more minutes of walking to the faculty building, we finally reached our office and placed our things on each desk. And as soon as Aimee's boyfriend, Charles, arrived to fetch her, they left the school campus ahead of me, so I walked towards my car and drove my way out of the campus to look for an excellent place to have my lunch.

When you have been working in the same place for some time, you will start getting used to what they serve in the cafeteria. So, I left the campus and went to my favorite restaurant. It was only five minutes from my workplace, and since elementary teachers have a two-hour break, spending my time outside in my favorite restaurant might not be a bad idea.

"I still have extra time to take a nap later at lunchtime, or I can also stay in the campus's back garden'," I uttered while planning how to spend my remaining break time after I finish my lunch. I continued to drive until I reached the restaurant's building, so I quickly looked for a parking space near the restaurant and parked my car. After that, I entered the restaurant and quickly lined up to order a single meal for a single person.

The queue line took at least five minutes before I finally had my order in my hand, so after I received my order, I searched for a vacant seat inside the restaurant. Still, to my dismay, the whole place has been fully occupied already since it is also lunchtime for the other companies in this area.

I tried to walk around the restaurant to look for a seat, and luckily, I still found a vacant seat at a long table. However, someone else has already occupied the seat across the vacant one, and what's worse is that the person sitting on the chair was a man.

Should I have my order for take-out? Sitting next to a man is uncomfortable, so maybe a meal on the go would be a better option. Then, I turned around and saw the queue line, which had already doubled the number of customers, leaving me with no choice, so I faced the direction of the table where a vacant seat was available and sighed.

"I guess there is no other choice then," I whispered, walking toward the table. Then, I took a deep breath to gather my courage to ask the man next to the seat.

"Uhm, excuse me, sir? Is this seat already occupied?" I asked the man to ensure that no one occupied the seat next to him. Then, the man looked at me, and I noticed he was wearing the same ID lace as mine. I looked at his ID lace, then at him, and saw him looking at my ID lace as well before answering my question.

"No, you can take that seat," he answered, so I just nodded my head at him and placed the tray of my food on the table. I felt so awkward while sitting next to this guy, but I knew that I also had to get used to having a man's presence near me if I wanted to have a serious relationship as well, or else I would surely grow old alone and single for the rest of my life.

"I can see that you're also working in Ravenn School. May I ask from what department you are?" He asked. I never expected him to start a conversation since he looked serious and quiet.

Maybe he was the one that Aimee was referring to. That one of the new teachers in the High School department. I thought to myself as I nodded my head at him before answering.

"Ah, I'm in the Art department for Elementary students," I shortly replied to him and started eating my food.

While eating, I tried my best to avoid eye contact with him because I felt so awkward right now, and I was not used to having a man near me, especially a man who looked like he was just around my age.

"I see. I'm Gadreel Park, by the way. I am teaching History class for Senior High students," he introduced himself and extended his hand for a handshake, which was unexpected again. Hence, I stared at his hand in front of me and took a deep breath before shaking his hand with mine, just for professionalism's sake.

"I'm Katelyn Hernandez. Nice to meet you," I introduced myself as well, and I saw him plastered a smile with those thin red lips.

This man has a cold expression at first, but when he smiles, you can clearly say how handsome he is with that perfect smile, which will remove the negative first impression you had of him.

He has shiny black hair, fair white skin, a straight nose, and a pair of black eyes that also smile simultaneously as his thin red lips do.

"It's my pleasure to meet you, Ms. Hernandez," he replied, and I quickly pulled back my hand from the handshake and gave him a forced a smile before focusing on my food.

I didn't understand, but I felt nervous seeing his smile. He looked harmless, but I felt like he was not. Argh, focus on your meal, Katelyn. Yes, just concentrate on the food. I thought to myself and ate silently without looking at this man. And I think he also understood that I did not want to talk to or entertain him, so when he finished his meal, he quickly bid goodbye and went out of the restaurant first since he was part of the High School department. They only had an hour for a break, so I only nodded my head at him and waved my hand as a goodbye.

I watched him as he walked out of the restaurant, and I was surprised when he suddenly turned around, faced me again, and waved his hand one more time before he finally left the building.

"That man looks like a flirty person," I uttered as I ate my food.

After lunch, I returned to the school and went straight to the faculty room to take a short nap. Still, as soon as I entered the room, one of my co-teachers informed me that the principal was looking for me, so I quickly went to the principal's office and spent the remaining time of my lunch break in a meeting.

When the afternoon classes started, I had the same routine where I taught other elementary students. And just before the bell rang at three o'clock in the afternoon, I saw the guardians and parents of my students were already waiting to fetch their children.

And when the bell finally rang, the students quickly cleaned up their tables and put all their things inside their bags. Afterward, they all left the room and ran to the exit gate. At the same time, I walked my way back to the faculty room to grab my other things before going home.

"I'll go ahead," I said to my co-teachers, who were still finishing their lesson plans for tomorrow, and when they heard me, they all looked at me and waved their hands. I waved back at them and finally left the faculty room. Then, I walked straight to the parking lot, where I parked my car and placed my things in the back seat.

Right. I still have to go to the grocery store.

"Take care on your way home, Ma'am!" I was shocked when I heard a familiar voice, and when I faced the direction where the voice came from, I accidentally dropped my keys when a man suddenly popped out a few steps before me.

I blinked several times before picking up my keys and looking at him again. He's holding a can of soda in his right hand, and looks like he's spending some time in the parking lot.

"Th-Thanks," I shortly replied to him. Then, I quickly stepped inside my car and started the engine. Then I saw him leaning back at the vending machine.

That was him! The first man to greet me earlier this morning. The one in the hallway. Why does he keep on appearing out of nowhere?

I looked at him again and remembered when he mentioned my complete name.

Right. I wanted to ask him how he knew my name, but I decided not to mind it anymore since it is only natural for a co-teacher to know a co-teachers name, right? I thought to myself and started driving out of the parking lot.

But when I was still driving in the parking lot, I saw that man from the rearview mirror of my car, and I was not sure if I was hallucinating things or if he was really looking straight at me.