Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 87766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
I nod again, fully understanding.
“Unfortunately,” her voice perks up. “When I discussed this with my chairman of departments, he said he’d leave if I did that.” Her expression turns almost soft. “He came here early this morning, pulling records of every one of your past semesters here, showing me your college resume, and gave a very promising argument.”
I sit forward in my chair as she points to the stack of papers on her desk.
“I’m sorry, what?”
Of course he’d do something like this for me.
“He threatened to quit if I termed your position early,” she smiles. “He’s a major asset to this school, and I can’t let that happen. He’s awarded millions of dollars for the district through his private research, not to mention personally funded the renovation of our library without taking a single credit for it.”
I nod again, swallowing hard.
“So as you can see,” Principal Finch sighs. “I cannot afford to loose him, however his actions raise unbelievable suspicion, so I ask you again - did he ever force himself upon you, woman to woman?”
“No! Of course not!” I shake my head.
“Very well,” she pauses. “I believe you, however, I also believe that there is something going on now between the two of you,” her stare is intense. “More than just friends. Alas, you are an adult now, and I cannot stop what you do in your personal time, however, as I told him, I ask that you keep your personal lives and what you do during your personal time out of this school. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” I nod. “Of course!”
“Then that will be all,” she smiles, and I start to stand. “Oh!” Her words stop me. “I want you to know that I will do my best to make this a comfortable place for you again. Letters will be sent home with the students, as we obviously have to address this with parents. We will also have an assembly, explaining the severity of what is being accused.”
I thank her, before making my way back to my classroom.
First period is already underway, and I can’t help but smile at Brittney’s shocked face when she sees me come back in. I refuse to feel threatened anymore, and I’ll continue being her student teacher no matter how many copies she has me make.
By second period the halls are buzzing, and I make my way back to the office to make more copies, and to get staples.
“Luci!” Deb is waving from the other end of the hall. I smile as I walk towards her, pushing aside the small conversations and stares.
“News travels fast, huh?” I shrug.
“It’s high school, what do you expect?” She laughs.
“Ladies,” we both turn around to see Josh, and I wonder if he can read the confusion on my face. I mean, what the hell went wrong?
“What did you do?” I accuse him under my breath, completely ignoring Deb.
“I cancelled,” he shrugs.
“Why would you do that?” I shout. “You’ve risked your job, my job-”
“How could you even ask that?” I’ve never heard anyone shout so quietly before.
I notice the large stack of papers in his hands, but they’re moving so quickly I can’t see what they say. Deb’s trying to do the same, but manages to grab one.
“I spoke to Principal Finch,” he states what I already know. “I have a school-wide letter that will be going home with everyone today explaining the severity of the claims.”
“I heard what you did,” I accuse, briefly hearing Deb mumble as she reads the paper. “This wasn’t what we talked about!” My voice is low and stern.
“I couldn’t do it,” he sighs. “I made a different decision.”
I’m angry, furious even, but I try not to let it show right now.
“You told the Principal that we’re dating!”
“Are you stupid?” Deb sighs as she hands the paper back to him. “I really hope you know what you’re doing, brother.”
I give him another dirty look. “Anyway,” Deb turns to me. “I spoke to Matt, and I wanted to invite you over for dinner tonight.”
“Luci?” Josh asks, just as I question, “Me?”
“It can't be easy moving back here, and I thought it could be nice for us to get to know one another better,” she sighs. “Plus, with all that’s going on, I thought maybe you could use a friend.”
I give Josh another dirty look.
“Oh he won’t be there,” Deb laughs.
“What?” He interjects.
“You're not invited,” she shrugs, and I turn back towards her, ignore his gaping look.
“It wouldn’t be weird right? Since you were my teacher and all?” I ask, in light of all that’s going on.
“According to the rumors,” she laughs. “There are worse things you’ve done with your teacher.”
I hear Josh chuckle as Deb grabs me by the elbow and ushers us away.
“Sorry,” Deb apologizes. “Bad joke, but I couldn’t resist.”
“No,” I breathe. “It’s okay. I’d love to come. Thank you for the invite.”