4 A sad goodbye (1/2)

Ensen sat in deep thought, staring at Ada.

”Why do you think you could get me my job back?” He said, conflicted.

Ada, not realizing Ensen's conflicted look continued with a proud attitude ”Well after you left I went to the principals' office to talk to her. We talked for a while, and she said if we could convince our parents then maybe you could come back! Isn't that amazing?!” She said in excitement.

Ensen didn't want to lie to her. He had already given up on SilverLeaf academy. The truth was he simply did not fit in there anymore. Even if his students respected him as a teacher and wanted him back, was it really his place to come back? He was already fired because of the parent's persistence of wanting him gone.

But how would he break it to her? It wasn't her fault or any of his student's fault. His class this year was one of his best classes' in his whole career. While he would love to continue teaching him, he would have to compromise his morals and possibly even the academy's reputation. After all, a male teacher in an all-girls school was slightly weird, especially if he tried to force himself back into teaching in the school after he was fired.

Looking straight into Ada's eyes, Ensen decided he needed to be clear with her, he didn't want to hurt her feelings, but he didn't want to give her false hope either.

”Ada, I'm sorry but It's not appropriate for me to return to teaching there. I know you enjoyed my classes, and I've enjoyed teaching you guys. But... it's better for the academy to not have me in the long run. You understand, don't you? There's a reason I was fired and trust me I would love to come back, I have been teaching there for quite a while after all. But I don't have a future there.” Ensen paused, trying to gauge Ada's reaction.

Upon seeing Ada sitting there silently, Ensen continued ”Even if I was reinstated tomorrow, it would be a matter of time until I was fired again. I don't want to create trouble for my students or my old school either.”

Ada sat in the same place. The silence in the shop reaching every corner. Even the barista nearby lost her smile from feeling the cold atmosphere.

Ensen sat there, bravely waiting for Ada to respond to his blunt but honest response. After nearly a minute, Ada finally reacted, as if finishing processing the sentence. Tears began to well in her eyes, threatening to pour out. Her mouth turning to a gloomy standstill. Trying to arrange her thoughts, she opened her mouth slowly, as if still in shock. ”But... but everybody in the class loves having you as a teacher. You're so nice and help to point out all of the mistakes we make, unlike the other teachers. I know you don't fit in with the school anymore, but why?”

Ensen stayed silent, letting Ada think his reasoning through. He knew he was being hard on her, but it had to be this way.

Ada slowly raised both of her hands and rubbed her eyes, trying to clear the tears slowly forming. She took a deep breath to compose herself, finally understanding what he was saying. ”... I'm sorry for being emotional Mr. Fuentes, I... I just can't help it.” She said, looking visibly depressed.

Looking at Ada in such a state, Ensen didn't know what to do. He wasn't the best with emotions in the first place, how could he console her if he didn't have the slightest idea how to make her feel better? Looking at her once again, Ensen knew he had to do something.

”Don't be sad Ada,” Ensen said, trying to smile towards Ada. ”I know you like me as your math teacher, but I bet your new math teacher is great too.”

”She's dumb! Not even half as good as you.” She said, heavily pouting.

Ensen thought deeply, trying to think of what to say. ”Then, do your best and show them how good of a teacher I was.”

He knew that sounded conceited, but it was the only way he could encourage her. He knew he wasn't the best teacher, but he thought this was the easiest way to have her do her best. Even if it was for him in a sense.