After school was over, Goldenrod went to the gym like she did everyday. She found it was a good way to unwind after a long day of teaching and she figured maybe a good workout would help her clear her head. She kept her gym bag in the car so she'd have her workout clothes ready when she got there. Once she had changed in the locker room, she hopped straight onto one of the ellipticals.
Goldie could feel all the lustful stares from some of the guys around her. It happened so often that she was used to it by now. Goldie was pretty good at tuning out her surroundings, especially once she had gotten in the zone. It let her focus on the real problem at hand. What was she going to do about Coconut Cream?
She figured the first thing she should do was call the filly's parents and have a chat with them. Maybe they could shed some light on what this new attitude of hers was all about. Then, if she would allow it, the two of them could figure out a solution together.
Goldie stayed on the elliptical for about twelve minutes before she decided to take a break. She went to the water fountain for a drink when a brawny stallion approached her.
"Hi," he said.
"Hey," she said back with a smile. She was being polite even though she knew too well where this was going.
"I saw you on that elliptical. You were really killing it."
"Save your energy, dude. My boyfriend could literally roast you alive with one breath." She left the guy behind feeling very surprised and confused and continued her workout on the bow-flex.
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When her workout was done, Goldie grabbed a quick shower, changed back into her regular clothes and headed home. It was almost sunset by the time she got there. As she approached the door, she could smell something coming from inside. It smelled like stir-fry and it was delicious. She opened the door, set her things down and headed for the kitchen.
She was greeted by her boyfriend Spike, who was just putting the finishing touches on a very tasty-looking stir-fry. She certainly hadn't expected to come home to this. Usually, they made dinner together, but she wasn't complaining. Spike filled too plates with his stir-fry and walked them into the dining room, giving Goldie a kiss on the cheek as he passed by.
"What's all this for?" she giggled.
"No reason," he answered. "I just thought it'd be nice if I took care of dinner by myself for a change."
"It is really nice. Thank you." She rewarded him with a cheek kiss of her own and sat down across from him at the table.
One bite of the stir-fry and Goldie found herself on a rocket ship to planet flavor. It made her want to savor it forever. "Mm! Spike, this is absolutely amazing," she said.
"Anything for you, babe," he responded.
"I'm serious. After the day I've had, this was exactly what I needed."
"Why? What happened?"
Goldie put down her fork and sighed. "It's just one of my students has been acting out lately. She's obviously having problems and I wanna help her, but she won't talk to me."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Have you tried talking to her parents?"
"Oh, I'm definitely gonna do that. Do you know, today, she pushed another kid on the playground? Her best friend, no less."
Spike cringed. "Ouch. Were they okay?"
"Yeah, she was fine, but obviously I had to take away the other one's recess for the day. I'm really worried, Spike. I've never seen Coconut Cream act like that before."
Spike wished there was some way he could help Goldie resolve this. For now, though, all he could do was put his hand on hers and give her a smile to try and comfort her. "Don't worry," he said softly. "She'll talk to you as soon as she's ready. I'm sure of it. I don't think there's a teacher in that whole school that kids trust more than you."
That got Goldie to smile again, which he was very happy to see. There was something he wanted to ask her, but now he wasn't sure if it was the best time.
"Listen, Goldie. I know you've got a lot on your mind right now, but..."
He was going to ask her, but as he looked at her face again, he could see the deep worry in her eyes and decided against it. "Nevermind. It's not important," he sighed. "Let's just... try to have some fun tonight, okay?"
"Good idea," Goldie said. "How about I get the blanket out and we watch a movie?"
"Sounds great. I'll get the snacks," Spike replied.
"You're the best," she praised, giving him another cheek kiss. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
As he watched Goldie go to the closet to grab the blanket, Spike's hand slipped into his pocket as he felt what was inside. He decided that he would have to wait until after this whole ordeal with her student was over to make his move. It was okay. After all, he had waited this long.