Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 46858 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 234(@200wpm)___ 187(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46858 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 234(@200wpm)___ 187(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
Izzy turns to me. “Jeez, that was crazy. Is it fair to say you’ve got some explaining to do?”
CHAPTER 22
Elias
They’re talking in the office, I text my woman, forcing my breathing to come slowly. This might be the end of my work here.
It’s been a while since my last non-sparring fight, since I had to unleash all the pent-up primal fury in me.
But the second I saw my woman walking over to those men, I didn’t even think.
I just went out there, knowing I had to protect her.
No matter the cost.
I’m sorry, she replies.
It’s not your fault. If I had another chance, I’d do it again. I meant it. Nobody gets to speak to you like that. Nobody gets to make you feel small or hurt you.
I hated seeing you fight, she replies. I don’t want you to make a habit of it. But it was also nice to know I can count on you.
Always, Della, I type quickly, then smirk. I feel like I’m sitting outside the principal’s office. I mean, I am… But I feel about ten years old.
Do you think she’s going to fire you? Della replies.
I don’t know. She fired Paul for sleeping with a student.
But we haven’t slept together.
She doesn’t know that, and it’s not like I’m going to give her all the intimate details of our relationship. Where are you now?
I’m in the cafeteria with Izzy. Everybody’s looking at me like I’m some sort of celebrity, so I might leave soon.
If I end up having to leave, I text. Maybe we could take this day together. I could even show you my apartment. Not that there’s anything special to show. But it seems odd, since I know for a fact you’re mine and mine alone, that you’ve never stepped foot inside.
I’d like that, she replies. I know I shouldn’t skip class, but I don’t want you to be alone….
Don’t worry. When everything settles down, we’ll motivate each other to stay on the path, to improve as much as we can. I’ll help you with college in any way you need it.
I’ll help you too, Eli. Always. In any way I can.
I sit back, looking around the reception area and at the photos of happy students on the walls. Some were taken on campus, and others are photos of graduates in their new jobs.
Do you know what they’re talking about in there? She texts.
No idea, but Mary was adamant she wanted to speak to Jocelyn first.
Maybe she’s vouching for you.
I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case, I reply. But I honestly have no idea. Whatever happens, though, I’m not giving you up. I enjoy the work I do here. I enjoy helping people who need it. But if I have to give that up for you, I will, without hesitation. There’s too much at stake for us.
A family? A future? A marriage?
All that stuff, I type, smiling down at my phone, my chest whelming, heart beating and sending warm sensations around my body. I want to come and find you now, but I’m thinking of when we have kids. I’m thinking of teaching them the importance of facing up to the consequences of their actions. I have to set an example for them, Della before they’re here…
You’re going to make an incredible father.
My smile widens, despite the dark circumstances.
You’re going to be an amazing mother. I saw you storming over to those men. God help anybody stupid enough to threaten this mama bear’s cubs.
The same goes for anybody who threatens papa bear’s cubs… I think you made that clear.
We’ll do our best by them, Della. I’m so hungry for that future. But I also can’t wish it was here now, because that would mean sacrificing precious time with you. I want to savor every. Single. Moment.
The office door opens. I look up from my phone, finding Mary standing in the doorway.
She walks over, wringing her hands.
“Bad news?” I ask, as I quickly fire off another text.
I’ve got to go, Mary’s here. I’ll see you soon.
I almost add I love you, but I want to say it in person.
Or is that an excuse? A way to avoid the possibility she might not say it back?
“I don’t know,” Mary murmurs. “I did my best.”
Standing, I ask, “What did you tell her?”
“The truth is that you’re a credit to this place. You’re not the same as Paul. You’ve never shown interest in any of the students before…that your relationship with Della must be extremely special for you to risk it. She said something to me, Elias, before I followed you and Jocelyn. She said you two are forever. Is that true?”
“Yes,” I say firmly.
“But it only started recently, didn’t it?”
“Yes,” I say again. “But it’s like you said, with you and your husband. Sometimes, you just know.”