Chapter 54 Honey
HONEY
Leaning against my desk, I motion to my class. “So what’s your biggest takeaway from Romeo and Juliet?” Today is my first day back at school. It’s been a week since the accident, but with the holiday break coming up, I wanted to get back to work.
“That teens are dumb,” Emilio says.
I chuckle. “Possibly, but adults do dumb things too. Think of the adults who helped Romeo and Juliet run off to get married.”
“The Friar and the Nun.”
“Exactly. What could have prevented the tragic outcome? Aside from the Friar and Nun not helping them?”
My students consider my question, and Nora Jean raises her hand. “If their parents hadn’t been so angry at the other family.”
“Right. What else?”
“If Juliet’s dad hadn’t been trying so hard to marry her to someone she didn’t love, maybe she wouldn’t have been as eager to marry Romeo.”
“Another good answer.”
The bell rings, and I shout, “Don’t forget your review packet for the final exam next week!”
As I pack up my papers, I consider the pressure my father put on me to marry Ian, and I grit my teeth. This could have turned out so much worse. Because without that pressure, I never would’ve had a reason to jump into Adrian’s truck that day.
After my last class, I maneuver my way through the hall until I reach the principal’s office. The secretary waves me in, and I take a deep breath. My father made this mess, but I have to deal with it.
Principal Erickson smiles at me. “So what’s the verdict? Do you have the check?”
My heart knocks in my chest as I shake my head. “Unfortunately, I don’t. My father is a mercurial man who decided he has other priorities.” Her face falls. “I’m so sorry for the miscommunication. I hope it doesn’t reflect on me professionally.”
She looks down and sighs. “I understand. I’m disappointed, obviously, but I know this club is near and dear to your heart. I appreciate you trying.”
“I do have a bright side, though. Although my parents won’t be leasing the cattle, my boyfriend’s family has graciously stepped in and offered to help students who want to learn about ranching. I’ll have a sign-up to find out how many kids are interested in leasing cattle at a discounted rate.”
Really, it’s just a fee to make sure they’re serious about it. Rhett and Beau are happy to help my students. Their encouragement means the world to me.
When I close the principal’s door, I let out a breath.
I’m so relieved to have this off my plate.
I hate letting people down, but I can’t handle this pressure anymore.
Yes, I’m sad about it, but there are more important things to worry about in life.
Maybe we can fundraise and get something down the road, but it won’t involve some big donation from my father. That ship has sailed.
I won’t be asking him for anything again.
While it breaks my heart, I’m not the one who destroyed our relationship.
On my way back to my office, I spot a few students sitting outside the dark newspaper office. “Are you guys okay?”
Keith shrugs. “I can’t believe Mr. Rogers went around lighting fires. I want a good news story as much as the next guy, but even I know that’s crazy, and I’m only eighteen.”
His nemesis, Sabrina, rubs her red eyes. “He did a whole unit on ethics, and then turned around and dropped turds around the school.”
As she sobs, Keith pulls her into a hug and pats her back. Aww. Maybe those two don’t hate each other. I clear my throat. “The only thing that helps me make sense of this is realizing he must have some kind of mental illness.”
Sabrina sniffles. “Is he still in the hospital? I feel weird caring what happens to him, but I do.”
These kids are the best. “I care too. And yes, he’s still in the hospital, but he’s expected to make a full recovery.” After which, he’ll likely be going to jail. Hopefully, he’ll see a psychiatrist about his issues.
When I’m back at my desk, I pack my bag as I wait for the bell to ring. It’s been a long day, and I can tell I’m not a hundred percent yet. I’m glad Beau encouraged me to take some time off.
My phone buzzes with a text.
Beau: I’m out back, babe. Ready whenever you are.
I smile as I run my finger over the screen. He didn’t want me to drive today in case I was tired.
Me: Can we stop by my house first? I want to grab a few things.
Beau: Whatever you need.
Trish hops on my desk, startling me. “You almost died on that bridge.”
“Thank you for that reminder.”
“It was so crazy. And then your firefighter repelled off the bridge like some superhero to rescue you.” She sighs dreamily. “Does he have any brothers?”
I’m pretty sure Jace will always be a bachelor, and I don’t know Isaiah’s relationship status, but I fib for their sakes. “I think they have girlfriends.”
“Bummer.”
I stare at my whacky co-worker. “You know, for a minute there, I wondered if you were the arsonist.”
She cackles and flaps her hands at me. “I thought you were the arsonist!”
I chuckle. This woman is certifiably strange, but at least she’s not a psycho.
The bell rings, and I jump out of my seat and pull on my coat. “See ya.”
“Wait. You’re not staying late like you usually do?”
I glance around, pausing on Adrian’s empty desk. “I think I’m going to start grading more at home.” Or from Beau’s house.
Because life is too short to stay late at work every day.