CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Misty got dressed in a pair of slacks Susie had given her and a flowing green top. After learning how important it was, she wore comfy sandals on her feet.
Her shoulder-length dark hair hung straight instead of in the ponytail she preferred on a hot summer day.
Today was the first day of the school year, and she’d meet with her colleagues for the first time before students arrived later in the week.
She was a bit nervous. She looked younger than twenty-six, which was no problem with the kids, but sometimes older teachers had to be shown how effective she was as a teacher before they accepted her.
Sugar stared up at her and wagged her tail.
Misty hugged her. “You must be a good girl today. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
She’d taken Sugar for an early morning walk, but being home alone for a day was a test for both of them.
At the sound of the doorbell, Misty went to answer it.
Hazel greeted her. “Hi! Are you ready?”
“Yes,” said Misty, feeling her excitement grow. She grabbed her purse, said goodbye to Sugar, and locked the front door.
“Before we get in the car for our training, I want to take a selfie with you,” said Hazel.
Misty put an arm around Hazel and smiled at Hazel’s request. She loved having such a close friend. They’d instantly clicked.
“David will meet us later today at the Kung Fu Karate Studio,” said Misty as she climbed into Hazel’s light-blue VW convertible.
“I’m relieved it’s just going to be the two of us for now,” said Hazel. “I’m not that athletic.”
“Bet you were a cute cheerleader, though,” said Misty.
Hazel laughed. “I practiced a lot.”
###
A few minutes later, they arrived at the school, which was on the outer edge of the center of town. The day was going to be one of learning names and new procedures.
Her former third-grade teacher approached her.
“Hi, Mrs. Walters,” Misty said, beaming at her.
“Misty Owens!” She took hold of both of Misty’s hands and squeezed.
“I was delighted to learn you were teaching here at Emerson Wittner Elementary. It’s always satisfying to know that one of my special former students has chosen to be a teacher.
I’m here to help you in any way I can. And please call me Marilyn. ”
Warmth flooded through her. Misty remembered how Mrs. Walters had made her feel special. Misty couldn’t stop herself from giving her a quick hug. “You’re the reason I’ve always loved the idea of teaching. You were the best teacher I ever had. You made a difference in my life.”
“Ah, thank you. It was my privilege to have you as a student, and now it’s a privilege to work with you. Come to me anytime. I’m here if you need me.” Mrs. Walters left her to join other teachers.
Misty was thrilled to learn she’d have only nineteen students in her class. In Florida, she’d had twenty-eight. This would allow her to provide more one-on-one time with both high-achieving students and those who struggled.
Hazel had been assigned to third-grade students and was in a classroom next to hers, which made Misty feel relieved. If necessary, they could spell one another for emergency bathroom breaks.
After the morning meeting, Misty went to check her classroom. During the summer, she’d bought supplies and books, and she and Hazel had set up her classroom, placing tables the way she wanted them. She gave it a critical look and decided to make a few changes.
Her theme for her classroom was kindness, so she posted the “Kindness” banner she’d made so it would greet the kids when they entered the room.
She could hardly wait to see their faces when they saw the colorful posters she’d hung and the bookshelves she’d filled.
She loved the idea of rewarding kids for good behavior with reading time.
###
A lunch of pizza and salad was a catered affair in the cafeteria. Misty was reminded of how kids formed certain groups and watched as the adults seemed to do the same, sitting at tables of four.
The principal, Nolan Deere, remained standing alone on the sidelines as if he wanted to remind everyone that he was in charge.
He’d recently been transferred from the high school and was still an “unknown” as a leader of the elementary school.
Misty privately thought he was a gruff man but was awaiting judgment on how well he performed his role.
Marilyn Walter waved Misty and Hazel over to her table, and another second-grade teacher sat with them.
After lunch, the group headed into the gym for another training session, and then Misty and Hazel were free to leave.
Misty couldn’t wait to check on Sugar.
###
Misty arrived home to find a note attached to her front door.
She opened it and read instructions from Crystal on how to operate her new security system.
She could hear Sugar barking and hurried to unlock the front door and go to the control panel mounted by the front door, as Crystal had indicated.
She punched in the security code, and the light on the panel turned green.
She hugged Sugar, let her outside, and then went through the house, reviewing Crystal’s message about how the system had been set up.
She checked the windows where sensors had been installed.
Misty didn’t think it would be necessary to have the system on when she was at home during the day. But it would be a big relief at night.
Crystal called to see how her day had gone and to check on how the security system was working.
After Misty filled her in on both, Crystal said, “Emmett’s mother is arriving a few days before the wedding.
His father is coming on Saturday morning and will leave on Sunday.
Of course, he’s making a political trip out of it, but we don’t care.
It’s much easier on Emmett’s mother when his father isn’t around. ”
“Sad, but I get it. I’m relieved you and his mother are getting along,” said Misty.
“Me, too,” said Crystal. “Natalie Chamberlain is a much different woman now that she’s sober.”
“Do you want me to plan a luncheon for you and Natalie? Or anyone else you want to invite?”
“It’s sweet of you to offer,” said Crystal, “but Nettie has already invited us to the Café, and I’m anxious for Natalie to see it so she can understand what Melissa and I are planning to do there.”
“There must be something I can do as Maid of Honor,” said Misty.
“Just having you there with me is all I need. As soon as people start to arrive, we’ll disappear into the house to change.
Whitney will help gather the people into a circle.
Nick and Emmett will leave the house first, then us.
We’ll appear from the back of the house and walk into the middle of the group for the ceremony.
We have a guitar player and a justice of the peace lined up. ”
“So, everyone will be standing?” Misty asked.
“That’s the only way we could manage it,” said Crystal, “though we’ll have a chair available for GG and any others that might need it.
We thought about having a sit-down dinner, but then it quickly became something neither Emmett nor I wanted.
But we will have a tent for the buffet in case of inclement weather.
We envision this as a loving ceremony with friends we care about. ”
“What about the food? Last night, I guessed Melissa was helping with that,” said Misty.
“Melissa, Nettie, and Jason are preparing the food, which I know will be delicious. We’ll have a keg of beer, wine, and soft drinks available along, with the usual cold water.”
“What about the honeymoon?” asked Misty, excited for her sister.
“That’s a surprise. All Emmett has told me was to pack lightly and bring an appetite.” Crystal’s voice rose with excitement. “We leave the morning after the ceremony.”
“It all sounds wonderful,” gushed Misty. “When you return, I’ll do something special for you.”
“Thanks. I know these plans are a little unorthodox, but Emmett and I are excited about them.”
“That’s all that matters. Should we get our nails done on Saturday morning? My treat?”
“Yes, that would be fun. I thought about having my hair done and decided to leave it as it is. That’s how Emmett likes it.”
“Okay, I’ll make an appointment at the Nail Parlor,” Misty said, relieved to be able to do something for Crystal.
Crystal said goodbye, and Misty ended the call. Life was moving fast. She hoped she was ready for all of it.
###
Misty picked up Hazel, and they headed to their karate lesson. After seeing the traditional uniform on David’s students, Misty and Hazel were both wearing tights and a T-shirt.
David met them in shorts and a T-shirt. “Great to see you.” He led them inside the building to a small classroom and took off his shoes.
“This is informal training, so we don’t need uniforms, but we’ll be working on some of the traditional movements before we get into more of a self-defense mode.
By doing it this way, I hope you’ll be more aware of your bodies and how to use quick movements to your advantage. ”
Misty nodded solemnly. She had told only Crystal about the phone call from Florida and decided not to mention it to anyone else. She slipped off her sandals and stood ready.
David demonstrated a move and then asked Hazel and her to mimic it.
After completing several repetitive moves, Misty felt more in control of her body. She wasn’t ready to confront anyone yet, but she could understand the value of the exercise.
Another instructor arrived, and he and David demonstrated some sparring moves.
“See how you can use your movements to protect yourself,” said David. He suddenly kicked out one leg and his sparring partner whirled away and then fell when David followed up with a strike of his hand to his neck.
“I don’t want you to do that to me,” Hazel whispered to Misty.
Misty laughed. “I have only one person in mind when I’m practicing this.”
By the end of their class, Misty had a better appreciation for the skills involved and realized how skilled David was.
“Anyone going to Jake’s?” Hazel asked.
“I’m not. But I’d be happy to give you a ride,” said Misty.
“Okay, if I stop by and see you, Misty?” asked David. “I’d like to talk to you about something.”
“Sure,” she said. “That would be nice.” He looked like he wanted to do more than talk, and she liked the idea.
###
After dropping Hazel off at Jake’s, Misty drove home excited to have some time alone with David. They’d both been busy, and she’d missed being with him. She thought about him all the time. David was a great guy, and she didn’t want to lose the growing relationship she had with him.
He pulled his truck in behind her car.
While she waited for him to join her at the front door, she worked on the security system and rushed inside to turn it off.
David stood at the front entrance laughing while Sugar raced in circles, running to Misty and then over to him.
Misty picked her up and then handed her to David. “We’re both excited to see you.”
His eyes focused on her, and a bright smile lit them. “I’m glad. We haven’t had many chances to be together.”
“No,” she agreed. “Come in. How about something cold to drink? Beer? Lemonade? Iced Tea?
“Ice water is fine for me after that workout,” said David.
“You’re really good, you know,” said Misty, handing him a glass of water. “We can sit outside where it’s cool.”
“Okay. It’s a nice night.”
Sugar followed him out to the deck while Misty grabbed a glass of water for herself.
David had placed his glass on the table and stood at the deck railing looking into the woods. A moon hovered above them shedding silvery light on the trees around them.
“It’s almost magical, isn’t it?” murmured Misty, standing beside him, gazing into their surroundings. The sound of the river’s flowing water was like music on a night like this.
David turned to her and gave her a questioning look. “May I?”
Misty’s pulse pounded. She lifted her face to his, and when his lips met hers, she shivered with delight. Being with David was so different from what she’d known. He cupped her cheeks with his hands and moved closer.
Though she could feel his arousal, she wasn’t scared. And as his kiss deepened, she welcomed it.
When they finally pulled apart, David studied her with such a tender expression she wanted to weep. She laid her head on his shoulder and held on tight.
“On the nights we can’t be together, let’s talk on the phone, keep things going,” said David.
“That would be great. I want to move forward with you,” said Misty, grateful for the work she’d put in to enable her to speak openly with him.
“Me too,” murmured David, leaning down to kiss her, stopping the conversation, and letting his lips speak to her in a heart-stopping way.
Long after David left, Misty replayed the evening in her mind.