Chapter 7
SIENNA
I wring fingers together, waiting for Principal Simpson to sit down after closing the door to her office at this surprise meeting she called in for me today.
Her heels click against the tiles as she approaches a small table along the wall with a coffee machine and a few mugs.
“Can I get you some coffee?”
“No, thank you,” I deadpan, running my sweaty palms along my dress slacks. “I’ve already had too much today.”
“That seems to be my problem, as well,” she imparts simply. “The women are always bringin’ in coffee cakes and cookies. Goes well with a good cup of joe, and it never seems to stop.”
“Better than smoking.”
Principal Simpson chuckles as she takes her time stirring and adds another sugar packet. “That’s true. The mothers are also always trying to kiss up for somethin’ or another. Then there are the PTA moms…”
“There’s a difference?”
“Oh, yes. The PTA moms are always trying to do more fundraisers and meetings like I’m going to say no. However, I never do turn down their pies.”
I’m out of pleasantries and small talk, ready for Principal Simpson to spit out what I’m here for, even though I have a feeling it has something to do with what I’ve been trying to avoid. But I’m trying everything within me not to have a mild panic attack in this office.
It has to be something else.
“How is everything going, Miss Vesper?” she finally asks me. “Things in your classroom going okay?”
“Great,” I immediately reply. “The kids are wonderful.”
“Mrs. Whitman may have said something different. However, she should’ve retired years ago.”
I bob my head, understanding that teaching a bunch of first graders can be challenging, but I’m up for it at any time.
Principal Simpson finally moves to take her seat behind her desk and pushes her thin glasses up her nose. “Did you need anything for your classroom?”
I shake my head. “I’m fine.”
“How are the children?”
Is this just a check-in?
“It was an easy transition. I was happy it went well.”
“Good,” she quips. “I’m very pleased to hear that.” I nod and exhale freely for the first time since stepping inside her office. “A few mothers called in concerned.”
Crap.
My muscles tense a little because I don’t get what for.
“Concerned?”
“About Micah Wolfe’s chaperoning today.”
Double crap.
Inhaling slowly through my nose, I try to play it cool the best I can. “Heath’s father?”
Her hazel eyes flick up to mine, hinting that she’s seeing right through my innocent act, and she’s not here for it. “Yes…Heath’s father. He didn’t sign up like the rest of the moms.”
I thought he said he asked one of the moms to step down.
“I was under the impression he filled in for another parent,” I reply simply. “He passed all background checks and—”
“I think the concern is why he’s suddenly chaperoning, Miss Vesper. He’s never done it before and, frankly, he isn’t the town’s go-to volunteer.”
So?
I think this impromptu meeting is getting more unnecessary and stupid by the minute.
“It was my suggestion for Mr. Wolfe to get more involved with Heath’s school. Heath isn’t as social as the other children, and I’ve been concerned.”
“Concerned?” She furrows her brows and brings her #1 Principal mug to her thin lips. “He’s six.”
“He’s quiet. And it’s my job to make sure nothing was wrong at the home and that he receives any attention in addition to help him through it.”
“And?”
“I think he’s lonely.”
“And the solution?”
“Slowly work him into small groups. See if I can get him into a comfortable environment where he may open up a little.”
“And Mr. Wolfe’s job?”
What is the big deal with a parent chaperoning?
“Is there a problem with one of the mothers not liking Mr. Wolfe, Principal Simpson? Because I don’t fully understand what’s wrong here?”
She places her mug down slowly, clearly, we’re not in a hurry to get to the point here, so I lean back and get comfortable.
“I think they believe he had ulterior motives.”
“Such as?”
“Well, he was seen talking to you, Miss Vesper.” I have zero issue holding her stare, even though there is so much more she doesn’t know. However, my being interrogated over the smallest of things here is ridiculous. “Mr. Wolfe hasn’t…dated for a long time.”
I remain quiet because I’m not going to make this easier for her.
In fact, I want to hear her say what she wants to divulge because, when I was hired, it was brushed upon.
I want Principal Simpson to make it perfectly clear.
“I’m glad he’s getting involved in his son’s education. As you said, it could be good for him.”
“It could.”
“However, let me be frank, Miss Vesper. You’re a pretty young lady. I could see why Mr. Wolfe would be interested in more than Heath’s schooling. Being involved with any parent here at Magnolia Elementary is strictly forbidden.”
“I don’t play favoritism, Mrs. Simpson.”
“I wouldn’t think so. However, we have policies in place to prevent such actions, and it’s in the best interest of our students and community.”
“Community,” I repeat with furrowed brows. “I’m confused.”
“The last thing we want is gossip about how you could be changing grades or—”
“I’m a respected teacher, Mrs. Simpson,” I grind out. “I can assure you, my students get the grades they earned.”
“I don’t doubt it, Miss Vesper—”
“But I was summoned into your office anyway.” I can’t help but glare at her. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Simpson, but I’m a bit insulted.”
She tsks and shakes her head as if I’m misunderstanding, but I’m not.
And I knew this.
I’m just not a fan of the policy, but I do understand that others may not follow the rules. It’s for the integrity of the students…not my love life.
“I can assure you, Miss Vesper, I’m not trying to insult you. I just have standards I have to abide by. I hope you can understand that I put the students’ education and best interests at the top of my priorities. It has nothing to do with your position. I think you’re wonderful.”
I give her a curt nod because I get it.
I get it, and I hate it.
It shouldn’t be this hard to accept this and be okay. Micah isn’t someone I’ve spent a lot of time with.
“I understand,” I mutter. “That’s what I want, too.”
“Good.” Principal Simpson lightly smacks a stack of files and dismisses the matter. “I’m glad we could have this talk. I appreciate you coming by.”
Like I had a choice.
Rising from my chair, I turn toward the door and don’t offer a goodbye.
I know it looks exactly how it is.
Micah Wolfe and I…we have something that isn’t a normal parent-teacher relationship.
It’s raw, unfiltered want and need.