Bastian
Chapter Side Story 15 - Lazy Teacher's Teaching Method

✧Lazy Teacher’s Teaching Method✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

As they drove away from the mansion, going along the coastal road, Bastian could not take his eyes off Odette. Her skill at handling a car was coming along nicely. The way she smoothly transitioned between the gears, gentle acceleration and her handling of the corners was impressive. She was much braver behind the wheel than he would have ever guessed.

   “You wouldn’t make a bad chauffeur,” Bastian said playfully. Sunlight streamed through the trees, dappling Odette’s face as she focused.

   “Please, Bastian, no distracting comments right now. You have your safety to consider too,” Odette said as she navigated a curve in the road. Her voice betrayed her tension, but her eyes remained relaxed and fearless. Bastian watched amused as she drove, still inexperienced but unlikely to cause any serious accidents.

   As they came into the city, Odette became more alert. There were approaching vehicles and pedestrians every where increased her anxiety.

   “Why are you not saying anything?” she said.

   “You told me not to disturb you,” Bastian said, feigning confusion.

   “I still need helpful advice, if you have it,” Odette said, narrowly avoiding a cyclist. The route was unfamiliar – she never drove it during her lessons with Hans. It felt different being behind the wheel instead of a passenger in Bastian or their chauffeur’s car.

   “You seem to be doing well enough on your own,” Bastian said, he calmly helped Odette adjust her rigid posture and guided her hands on the wheel. “Keep your distance from the car in front, allow yourself some room to move and make sure you check your mirrors.”

   Bastian’s even tone and calming voice helped Odette navigate the twisting roads of the city centre.As the car drove along the winding road, she saw the sea again and noticed Bastian’s hands weren’t on the wheel. It seemed like he had been pretending all this time, making her feel safe when she wasn’t.

“Bastian! what if there was an accident?” Odette scolded him, but Bastian simply smiled.

   “See, you’re doing well, you don’t need my help really,” Bastian said, leaning back in his seat and looked up to the sky.  The clear blue stretched out endlessly, punctuated by fluffy clouds and dancing flower petals.It was a picturesque scene that seemed straight out of a painting, with every detail perfectly placed to create an idyllic atmosphere. The perfect backdrop for a serene spring day.

   “You’re quite the relaxed teacher,” Odette laughed. Bastian’s laid-back teaching was a stark contrast to Hans’s rigid and regimented style. “Are you planning on taking a nap?” she glanced at him, who was slowly closing his eyes.

   “Is there any reason why I shouldn’t?” he replied with a laugh, eyes closed.

  Odette blinked in surprise but soon she laughed hard, “Alright then, I will manage on my own. Any final words of advice?”

Bastian finally opened his eyes and checked his watch. “We need to pick up the pace or we’ll be late, perhaps we should speed up?” he suggested. The wind had playfully ruffled his platinum locks, casting a shadow over his forehead and eyes. His eyes, bright in the afternoon light, reflected the clear blue sky above.

With Bastian’s support, Odette confidently drove faster. He watched her with satisfaction as she expertly steered her yellow car towards Ratz.

“A princess who enjoys speed,” He considered letting Odette drive during their next visit to the imperial palace.  It would be amusing to see the emperor’s unexpected reaction but it might be too much for the faint-hearted empress,but the idea of a speed-loving princess was too entertaining to pass.

Bastian and Odette laughed together. Her white scarf fluttered in the sea breeze, creating a beautiful scene that Bastian couldn’t take his eyes off of for a long time.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Odette parked up behind the academy. The watch on her wrist showed that she had arrived ten minutes early. She grabbed her bag and got out of the car. It wasn’t until she was half way gone that she realised she would be leaving Bastian on his own while she was in class.

   “What are you going to do? I’m going to be gone for at least two hours.”

   “I know,” Bastian said, as he came round to wrap an arm around Odette’s waist. Despite her subtle attempts to push his arm away, conscious of all the eyes looking at them, Bastian refused to give up his public display of affection.

   “Bastian, not here…”

   “Lets go,” he said, ignoring her protests.

   “You’re not thinking of coming into the school with me, are you?”

   “Is there a rule that says I can’t?” He led Odette up the steps to the Royal Art Academy, a place where aspiring musicians practiced and studied for their entrance exams.

   Odette had never felt so awkward, but she allowed herself to be led. The academy was bustling with students practising, even on the weekend. The pair of them drew a considerable amount of attention.

 “I’ll go on alone from here,” Odette said as they neared the main building, her cheeks flushing. 

 “Everyone here knows who you are, Odette.” Bastian, however, entered the building without hesitation. He strolled down the corridor towards the classrooms. He knew the layout well, having accompanied Odette on her first day. 

   “That maybe so, but there is no need to prove that.”

   “Why? Are you hiding a young musician lover or something?” Bastian teased her.

   “Bastian!” Odette snapped in shock and gripped his arm tightly. He just shrugged. “Everyone here is here because of their passion for music, so please don’t joke like that.”

   Odette quickened her pace to get to the classroom faster and away from this embarrassing situations. Bastian kept pace with her easy enough and refrained from any further comments. He chose not to tell her the young student’s thoughts about his wife.

   When they got to Odette’s classroom, Bastian leaned in her a kiss and Odette accepted it on her cheek. “I will wait for you in the car,” he said.

   “Thank you,” Odette said with a smile and hurried into the classroom.

   Bastian watched her enter the classroom, which was filled with about thirty other students. He nodded politely before turning away from their uncomfortable stares. He could visit a nearby social club, but he decided he would enjoy a rare moment of peace

Carrying his polo coat in his arm, Bastian strolled through the academy corridors. On one side of the building, small rooms lined up in neat rows. The sounds of pianos, violins and other instruments filled the air. The academy was mostly filled with young men, with delicate features just like Odette.

   Quickly bored of his walk amidst the din of amateur musicians, Bastian decided to head back outside. He stood out among the students in his polo attire and leather boots. He diverted to a nearby news stand and got a paper. He then went to enjoy the warming spring sun in the academy garden.

Bastian sat on a bench under a blooming tree, reading the newspaper. After an hour, he folded it. The weather was perfect for a nap, on the lawn, but it didn’t feel right given his wife’s image so he decided to take a leisurely stroll through the spring-filled grounds of the Royal Art Academy.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Odette came out of class a little earlier than usual and in her haste to meet back up with Bastian, worried that he might have gotten himself into trouble, she forgot her sheet music. Something she didn’t realise until she was out in the parking lot and decided to recover it the next time she had lessons.

   Bastian was leaning on the bonnet of the car, smoking a cigarette as he waited for her. “Bastian!” she called out in a warm and honeyed voice.

   “Good evening, fair lady. Might you have the time to spare this old hobo a ride?” Bastian said, putting out the cigarette and showing her the nearly empty cigarette pack.

   “I can’t afford to give free rides, that’s just bad business,” Odette said.

   “You’re quite the stingy young lady,” Bastian said, mocking a hurt expression. “But I think I have your fee here.” He pulled out of his pocket a small bag of caramel chews he bought  from the academy’s shop.

   Unable to hold back her laughter, Odette held out her hand to accept the faux bribe. Just as she thought Bastian had shown some restraint, he presented another gift, a luxurious envelope.

Curiosity took the best of Odette and she opened ite. What she found inside made her gasp in shock. It was an exclusive season ticket to the opera, her name embossed in gold leaf, only given to VIP members. The tickets, printed with the Klauswitz couple’s names and private box number.

   “Is this sufficient payment for a ride?” Bastian said while brushing the petals fell on his hair. 

Odette hugged him tightly, saying yes without words. The premiere of a new opera by her admired composer was scheduled for the following weekend.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*