"Lettie, wake up."
The familiar voice, spoken ever so softly, stirred Lariette awake. She slowly blinked, her ears catching the shrill whistle blowing in the distance, followed by a loud cheer.
’Ah... Sports Day.’
The thought slipped into Lariette’s drowsy mind. The air outside still buzzed with the infectious energy of the ongoing Sports Day.
Opening her eyes, Lariette stared at the soft sunlight filtering through the window. A light, gentle autumn breeze fluttered the curtain. Turning to the other side, she saw Ruediger sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Eddy..." Lariette rubbed her eyes, trying to chase her sleepiness away, "Did I nap for too long?"
She had only ant to rest for a mont, but why did she feel as if she had slept for so long? The lingering warmth of his hand on her stomach after massaging her earlier lulled her easily to sleep.
Lariette’s cheeks flushed slightly. She was aware that Ruediger waited by her side, always composed and thoughtful.
"Nearly half an hour," Ruediger smiled. Leaning forward, he brushed Lariette’s bangs away, "I wanted to let you sleep more, but it’s not the right ti."
Chuckles escaped Lariette’s lips, agreeing with Ruediger. Propping up on one elbow, she slowly sat up. The aching pain in her lower abdon had dulled now, making her more comfortable.
"I gonna sleep in tomorrow," Lariette declared, laughter lacing her voice, "I should go back now. Nora might need my help."
Even though Nora insisted she get so rest, Lariette didn’t want to take advantage. Their task was simpler than other teachers’ duties but equally important.
Ruediger nodded once, understanding what Lariette ant. He supported her from the back as she slowly stood up. She looked up at him, shooting him with a grateful smile.
When Lariette and Ruediger stepped outside, they saw bursts of colors and movents. Laughter and cheers erupted from the field, traveling far through the passing breeze.
The rustling autumn leaves added more bright colors to the field. The mid-day sun shone bright, showering the entire area in its dazzling lights.
Children in colorful shirts dashed between stations, so clutching juice boxes while others shrieking in joy. Parents filled the stands, so got ready for the gas as they chatted and laughed.
As Lariette and Ruediger neared the field, he shot her with a smirk, "I want to kiss you before we split, but your principal won’t like it."
Bursting into laughter, Lariette smacked Ruediger’s arm. She narrowed her eyes, pretending to scold him, "Mind your manners! The disciplinary teacher won’t like it either."
Ruediger wiggled his brows. Leaning down, he whispered by Lariette’s ear, "So, I gonna save the kiss until we get ho, okay?"
Lariette pushed Ruediger before walking away, earning laughter from him. Glancing behind her shoulder, she glared at him when he winked at her playfully.
Lariette went to et Nora at one of the tents while Ruediger returned to the logistics station. The students manned the sales booths well, only hindered by small hiccups.
"So parents praise the smooth flow," Nora told Lariette once they gathered with a paper cup of hot tea, "The students seem to love the process too."
"Selling things, especially food and drinks, needs hard work," Lariette smiled. She took a sip of her tea before resuming, "But they won’t gain nothing. Hehe, it’s like the upgraded version of playing house."
"Hahaha! I rember selling sand cookies! I got paid with dried leaves."
Nora’s story elicited laughter from Lariette. She also did the sa when she was very young. Playing house was among her favorite gas.
Lariette followed Nora to oversee the sales booths again. They t Howard and Mr. Eastwood along the way, who reported their area was bustling with trade activities too.
Students and parents lined up at the stalls, patiently waiting to buy the foods and drinks they desired. The booths selling non-food items also were famous among them.
A stall offered an instant photography service, another did live sketching while so sold handmade trinkets.
Lariette stopped at the photo booth. Her eyes drifted from the board where photo examples were glued to the happy faces of the custors.
Nora noticed where Lariette’s gaze fell. She nudged at her colleague’s arm, teasing, "Why? Thinking of your husband? You should go and drag him here."
A pink blush blood on Lariette’s cheeks. Looking at Nora, she chuckled, "Hehe, maybe I should do it."
Nora laughed along, still teasing Lariette whose cheeks flushed more. Even when they moved to other stalls, her thoughts still drifted to the photography booth.
Lariette rembered the photos she had taken with Ruediger before. Adding more wouldn’t ever be a problem. She also loved the idea of commorating this Sports Day with his presence.
The day continued until lunch break. Nora dragged Lariette to the cafeteria. It operated like usual but on a smaller scale, serving food and drinks for students and parents in the air-conditioned dining hall.
"You didn’t call your husband to join, huh?" Nora glanced at Lariette as they lined up to get food.
"He texted ," Lariette smiled in helplessness. Balancing a tray, she picked so of the food served buffet-style, "Benjamin dragged him to have lunch with his gang."
Ruediger ssaged Lariette even before she got to ask him about his lunch arrangent. He told her that Benjamin and other male teachers invited him to have a al in the field.
Unwilling to disturb Ruediger, Lariette said she would et him after lunch. He replied with a joyful sticker. He also reminded her to try avoiding iced drinks because of her cramps.
Nora laughed once she heard the na of the PE teacher. Glancing at Lariette, she said, "He’s been gushing about your husband’s sports skills. Seems like they can be best friends."
Lariette had nothing to say about that. Ever since Benjamin t Ruediger yesterday, the PE teacher had chosen him to join his team in the tug-of-war ga later after lunch.
Thinking of the ga, Lariette’s heart beat with excitent. She couldn’t wait to watch Ruediger in action and cheer for him.
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