Chapter 5 Rosa
Sunday December 2, 3:57 p.m.
Hunter walked away, leaving Rosa stunned. “Is he going to be okay?” she asked, sitting on the bench and taking off the black hiking boot.
Tate shrugged. “It’s been two years. He’s fine most of the time. But it still hits him pretty hard out of the blue.”
Rosa placed the hiking boot back in the box and put the lid on top. “What happened two years ago?”
“His…” Tate trailed off. Then he spoke more softly. “His wife died.”
Oh. Wow. Not much Rosa could say to that. “That’s awful.”
Tate sighed. “I probably shouldn’t have told you. But you’re the first girl he’s talked about since her, and I thought you should know.”
Rosa put a lid on the next box of boots that Hunter had brought out. Rosa knew grief. The waves of sadness from losing her parents still hit her hard at times. Even after some time had gone by, the pain never fully went away. Plus, going through cancer treatment, Rosa had seen so many others not make it. But somehow Rosa did.
Survivors’ guilt ate away at her every day. Which was probably why she has overworked herself. To somehow make up for it? Thinking about it now, Rosa realized how silly that sounded. But she hadn’t wanted to face things, so she buried herself in anything else. Something else that needed to change.
“Thanks for telling me.”
Tate nodded. “Oh, don’t worry about cleaning up these other boxes. Did you want to go ahead and get those black ones you tried on?”
“Yeah. Definitely.” Not really her color, but she had an idea about how to Rosa-fy them.
Tate rung her up at the register. “I hope you enjoy your stay in Leavenworth.” He picked up a brochure and placed it in the bag with her box of hiking boots. “There’s lots of festivities this month. You should check them out. Hunter is usually out and about, too.”
Rosa smiled. “Thanks. Maybe.”
“We also offer adventure tours. Hiking and such. In case you’re interested.” Tate slipped another brochure into the bag.
As she left, placed the shopping bag in her car and got in, Rosa couldn’t help but push aside all romantic thoughts of Hunter. When she had entered the store and saw him again, it was like it was meant to be. He had rescued her, and now he was there to help her get hiking boots. In true Rosa fashion, she flirted with him. And he flirted back.
It was in the nature of the women of their family to flirt. At least, that’s what her mom and Aunt Lucia had told her. Life was already stressful enough. Why not have some fun once in a while? Playful banter was like a sport to Rosa. She had hoped to banter with Hunter as they walked off the mountain, but he wasn’t saying much and she’d just come off of almost dying.
But just now? In the store? Hunter putting the hiking boot on her was like a scene from Cinderella. “A perfect fit. So dumb, Rosa.” She chided herself for her comment in the heat of the moment. She put the key in the ignition and started her car.
If only she had known the guy was a widower. A fairly recent one, too. A young, handsome, damsel-in-distress rescuing, mountain man, business owner, bearded guy in flannel who had probably married the love of his life only to lose her.
Rosa pulled onto the road and headed back to the rental, doing what she should have done to begin with–swear off flirting. Swear off any distraction, no matter how potentially fun, no matter how good looking.
If only he wasn’t so dang cute.
She grumbled at herself. “You’re here to figure out your life, Rosa.” There was no room for romance . She needed to focus on herself–all her emotional baggage–before getting tangled up with someone else. Especially with a guy who wasn’t emotionally available.
There was one thing, though. Bavarian Boots also offered hiking tours. Which she desperately needed. Today, she’d break in her new boots with a long walk around the neighborhood. But eventually, she’d need someone more experienced to help her navigate the trails. The mountains called to her, in a way. The memories of hiking with her family was a big part of it, but conquering the mountain, even though it was hard, made her feel like she could do the same thing with the rest of her life.
She pulled into the driveway of the rental house and dug out the brochure from the bag. On the back was a picture of Hunter. Of course he guided the tours. Rosa’s breath caught in her throat. Maybe a group event would be good. More people. Less pressure to talk. It was settled, then. She’d sign up for something soon.
Monday December 3, 7:23 a.m.
Before the crack of dawn, Aunt Lucia had already texted–twice. Once Rosa was awake enough to focus, she finally read them.
LUCIA: Rosa. Taylor is at the school now. She’s hoping to meet with you.
LUCIA: Wake up sleepy head. Time to get up and go to school. This is your aunt.
ROSA : I know. Your name is saved in my phone.
LUCIA: Are you up yet?
ROSA: Why do I have to go now?
LUCIA: I told her you were on your way.
Seriously. Why?
ROSA: FINE. I’m up. I’m going.
Rosa groaned her way out of bed. Sure, she wanted to try out substitute teaching. Teaching felt like a calling she needed to explore. But a few days of sleeping in sounded good, too.
Another ding sounded from her phone and Rosa was about ready to thr ow it across the room. Except this time it wasn’t from Lucia.
brAD: Did you listen to my voicemail last night?
Rosa shook her head. Shoot. She forgot about that. Ha! Rosa mentally patted herself on the back. The fact that she didn’t even remember to check the voicemail was proof that she was moving on with her new life.
As she got up and got ready, she made a mental note to listen to his voicemail later, after she had a chance to talk to Taylor at the school, then maybe she could go grab a coffee somewhere.
She drove into town. As she pulled past Bavarian Boots, which was empty at the early hour, she still looked for Hunter’s blue truck. Her heart broke for him. No one should have to lose their spouse, especially so young.
At least her parents died together. Rosa’s heart dropped at the thought, except it was true. If they had to pass, at least they were together. Rosa couldn’t imagine either of them living without the other.
Probably why she had decided not to pursue anything super serious. No relationship Rosa had would be as good as her parents. The bar was set too high. Plus, she felt so damaged. She’d been through cancer, and she was still grieving her parents’ death. She didn’t exactly have a full feeling of self to offer another person.
After passing Front Street, Rosa drove maybe half a mile and arrived at Leavenworth Elementary School. She pulled into a parking spot and sat staring at the entrance. Her school days in the Snoqualmie Valley, a community outside of Seattle, had started out rocky due to the language barrier.
She grew up only speaking Spanish at home with her parents and brother, but she learned a little English from TV and some of the neighbor kids. Thankfully, Rosa wasn’t the only Spanish speaker in her class. Other immigrant kids had also come to the area as their parents got jobs in local agriculture.
That’s where Rosa excelled. As new ESL students showed up, Rosa helped them, befriended them, and encouraged them. Her grades were pretty average from Kindergarten through high school, but what teachers praised her most for was her confidence and leadership.
“Rosa is a natural teacher.” On her report card, over and over again. And it was something Rosa had gravitated towards, at least until she went to college. So why had she changed her mind from being a teacher to being an accountant?
It was complicated. Now, sitting in front of the school, a tinge of regret rippling through her, Rosa tried to give herself a break.
“You’re here. It’s never too late.” Even though 29 felt old, her Aunt Lucia reminded her she was “just a kid.” She shook her head and unbuckled her seatbelt.
Rosa took a deep breath and got out of her car. The school was s et at the foot of a mountain covered in snow. Unlike the quaint architecture of downtown Leavenworth, the elementary school looked like any typical public school–brick and metal, boxy, big name out front, tall flagpole.
What would she find inside? Would she find herself somehow?
Funny how confidently she walked into her corporate job every day, but right now walking towards the school, she wrung her hands, though not because of the cold. She was nervous. It was one thing to be a leader of your peers when you were a student. Could she handle a classroom of students?
She opened the front door and a young blonde woman at the front desk looked up. “Good morning, welcome to Leavenworth Elementary. Can I help you?”
Rosa cleared her throat. “Hi. Yeah. My aunt Lucia used to work here. I’m–”
“Rosa!” The woman stood and ran around the side of the desk. “I’m Taylor .” She extended her arms. “I’m a hugger.”
“Oh.” Rosa leaned into it, awkward as she felt, though the warm welcome relieved her nerves. “Nice to meet you.”
They let go and Taylor let out a big sigh. “We miss Lucia so much around here! What’s it been, like four years or something? She talked about you all the time. I feel like I know you. You have no idea how happy we are to have you. You could not have come at a better time.”
Rosa stood still, blinking slowly. If she had wanted to get a word in, there wasn’t an opportunity. Not that Rosa knew what to say. All she could do was smile and nod, her eyebrows raised.
“Our third grade teacher went into labor last night–three weeks early! Mrs. Davis is so organized, she planned her due date so it would be during winter break. But that didn’t work out. So now we are in need of a substitute.”
Rosa’s mouth dropped open. “For three weeks?”
Taylor rested a hand on Rosa’s shoulder. “Lucia told me all about your background. Sounds like you’d be perfect. And you’re visiting the area all month? Oh, it’s just so perfect.” Taylor turned and headed back to the desk. “Not to worry, though. Mrs. Davis left amazing sub plans. They’re already on her desk. The kids don’t get here for another twenty minutes, so you’ll have time to read over them.”
Taylor sat at her computer and typed. “I’ll just need to copy your clearance card and driver’s license.” She held out her hand and waited for Rosa.
A huge knot formed in her stomach. Substitute teach? Right now? And for three weeks? The whole point was to relax. Wasn’t it? But the time off was also supposed to help her figure out what to change.
“I…” Rosa hesitated, then went to dig into her purse.
Taylor looked up. “Oh my oh my, there I go again. I apologize. I tend to get overexcited. You feeling okay about all this? Your aunt said you were ready to start right away. But if you’re not, I totally understand.”
To be honest, she didn’t feel okay about this. But only because she hadn’t expected to sub today, let alone for a long-term gig. But hadn’t that been how she got her corporate job? No way would she have pictured herself working in downtown Seattle, but after her interview with Brad, everything changed.
Rosa was here in Leavenworth to switch gears. Change everything. Try teaching. Well, this was as good a time as any, wasn’t it?
“Yes.” Rosa pulled her wallet out and found the needed cards, handing them over to Taylor. “I’m ready.”
Even if she wasn’t, if today was a disaster, Rosa could always quit. Right?
Taylor let out a big sigh. “Oh, I was hoping you’d say that. You really saved us.” Her smile was so thankful and genuine, Rosa couldn’t help but feel warmth inside for being here to rescue them when they needed it most.
Sorta like how Hunter had rescued Rosa.
“You’ll read it in the sub plans, but each grade is doing a performance for the Winter Showcase the last day before break. The third graders have been singing the songs with the music teacher, so they should do fine. Usually each grade does something extra special, but since the showcase is only a few weeks away, you don’t have to worry too much. Unless you want to.”
Rosa took a deep breath. This was all happening so fast. Her mind was racing, but at the same time this somehow felt right.
“Sounds good,” Rosa said. Why not at a winter concert on top of subbing? Bring on the Christmas cheer. Like Taylor said, it was just the kids singing a few songs. No biggie.
Taylor gave her keys and directed her down the hall toward the third grade classroom. “I’m not sure what you’re used to, but our school is pretty small. Only one class per grade.” They reached the door with a big number three on it and stopped. Rosa unlocked the door, opened it, and turned on the light.
“Woah.” Rosa’s eyes lit up, all nervousness replaced with excitement. The room was immaculate. Color coordinated bins and cubbies and name plates. A reading nook with bookshelves, a rug and bean bag chairs.
She could get used to this. Her corporate office was gray and lifeless. This classroom was full of color and creativity, much more her speed.
“I’ll be in the office if you need anything. And I mean anything.” Taylor waved goodbye and disappeared.
“Coffee?” Rosa’s eyes pleaded.
“Absolutely, I’ll be right back.” Taylor disappeared back into the hallway.
Rosa walked toward the teacher’s desk in the front corner, near the wall of whiteboards. Setting down her purse, she read the welcome letter in the open binder.
Dear Substitute Teacher.
Thank you for taking this job on such short notice. Sometimes life doesn’t turn out the way you plan it, no matter how on target you think you are. So while I’m enjoying life with a newborn, here’s what you need to know about my third grade classroom. They are all wonderful students and I love them dearly. Sheets for daily instructions are included. See tabs. If you have questions, here’s my number. Let me know if you have questions about the Winter Showcase, though our music teacher is a good resource for that as well.
Thanks, Mrs. Davis
So this was really happening. Rosa was a substitute teacher. Not how she planned it, but like Mrs. Davis had said in her letter, how often did that happen? This was her chance to see if teaching was a part of her future as the little girl inside of her had hoped.
“Here you go! Let me know if you need more. We’re all kind of addicted around here. So last year we invested in an actual good coffee machine.” Taylor stepped into the room and handed her the cup, the warmth radiating into Rosa’s hands.
“Thanks.” Rosa smiled and again Taylor disappeared.
As she sipped on her coffee, Rosa peered out the window. School buses started pulling up to the building, and students got off, their squeals of excitement muffled through the windows. Rosa set her cup down and smiled. She was ready. And caffeinated.
The students filed into the classroom, each of them staring at Rosa as they took off their backpacks and hung them up under their names. All at once, they started asking Rosa the same questions over and over.
“Where’s Mrs. Davis?”
“Did she have her baby?”
“Are you our substitute?”
“You’re pretty!”
“My big brother is taller than you. ”
The rapid fire questions reminded her of the morning meetings at the accounting firm , where it felt like everyone talked at once and nobody listened. Rosa’s ears rang and she shut her eyes for a few seconds.
She shook her head and opened her eyes. “Good morning, class. I’m Miss Flores.”
Rosa wrote her name on the board. Then she wrote down all their questions, plus the answers, in hopes that they would quit asking over and over.
“Please, find your seats and we’ll get started.” Rosa walked around, asking each student their name, not sure how she would remember them. At least this was elementary and she’d have the same students all day. The idea of middle and high school scared her.
The bell rang and Rosa pulled out the roll and set it on the desk. “I’m excited to be here. As you can see on the board, yes, Mrs. Davis had her baby, and yes, I’ll be your substitute teacher.”
The door opened again and a girl with brown hair and bloodshot entered the room. A few students started whispering and pointing.
The girl plopped her backpack on the floor, then wandered around the room, tripped over the corner of the rug in the reading nook, then dramatically fell face first onto one of the bean bag chairs. All the students turned and snickered.
Heat filled Rosa’s chest. She had no idea how to handle managing behavior in the classroom. She watched a few training videos from the substitute coordinator, but it was mostly about writing students up for extreme behaviors.
But this wasn’t that. So, what if a student was just clowning around? But the bloodshot eyes probably meant something bigger was behind her behavior.
“Uh, hello there. I’m Miss Flores. Can you find your seat, please?”
The girl lifted her head slightly. “Can’t. Stuck.” The other students giggled again.
Rosa took a deep breath and walked over to the reading nook, then squatted. Her leg muscles were a bit sore from her hike two days before. The memory of Hunter’s hand reaching out for hers flashed in her mind. She wouldn’t mind being rescued right now.
Rosa was the one who probably needed to rescue this student. Holding out her hand, Rosa asked, “What’s your name?”
The girl’s eyes shifted around, studying Rosa’s face, as if judging whether she could trust her. “Tell me yours first.”
Rosa bit her lip, offering a smile even though inside her frustration grew. “Miss Flores. I’m going to be your teacher for the next three weeks.”
Rosa winced inside, wondering if that was a true statement. Her intention was to take this sub job one day at a time. But something in the girl’s eyes told her that right now, she needed stability.
The girl nodded and finally took Rosa’s hand. “I’m Emily.”