Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 87766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
I text her my email as I head to my classroom, and immediately get one back in return, only it’s not from Luci, it’s from Deb. It’s Lisa’s Caraway’s contact information.
~*~*~*~*~
Monday morning, after the school-wide department head meeting, I hang around, waiting to cross paths with David Oliver, the head of the math department.
“Josh,” David’s voice booms as I place my hand in his.
“David,” My smile meets his friendly face, noticing how his hair has become more salt than pepper over these last couple of years.
“Dear boy,” his other hand cradles mine in a firm handshake. “I hear congratulations are in order. The entire district, let alone state, must be thrilled by the additional funds from your science victory.”
“Thank you,” I bow my head modestly. If no one knew who I was in the past they all do now that the grant arrived.
“It’s nice to see a young man taking such an interest in his field,” he continues, and I smile. I’m constantly receiving comments about my age in comparison to my accomplishments, as if that matters. Maybe that’s why Luci’s age never bothered me much.
“It’s nice to see anyone take an interest in education,” I reply, clearing my throat. “Which is actually what I want to discuss with you.”
“Oh?”
“Yes, a previous student - Luci Cunningham.”
“Doesn’t ring a bell,” he shakes his head and I smile wide. He probably never had her as a student, because if he did, how could he possibly forget?
“She graduated from here a couple of years ago and is looking for a student teaching position.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, Josh,” his mouth creases. “The semester’s positions have already been filled.”
“If you could find anything, I’d really appreciate it.”
“Will you be reserving some of your winnings for the math department?” He perks up, and I sigh loudly.
“David, surely you aren’t trying to bribe me?” I question, fully understanding his implication. “My prize money will be equally awarded to the other departments, since it was a win for science. However, I’d hate to tell Principal Finch of such dubious behavior.”
“Ah, well, um, yes,” David doesn’t meet my eye.
“This previous student would be an asset to our institution, and I think it would behoove you to take a look,” I hold out the manila envelope that contains a print out of Luci’s resume and everything else she sent me. “She’s very hardworking and her credentials are impeccable.” I lower my voice so no one else can hear, “And after some of the issues going on in your department I would think a breath of fresh air may be just what it needs.”
“Oh - well…” He hesitates, taken aback that I’d bring up his rumored affair.
I raise my eyebrow, waiting for his response.
“She missed a deadline,” he shakes his head.
“She’s out of state - Boston,” I open her file to let him see the school.
“Oh my, that is impressive,” he studies the paper. “I suppose I can take a look, but I make no promises.”
“That’s all I ask, thank you.”
~*~*~*~*~
The following Wednesday, there’s a note on my desk from David, letting me know that Luci has been given a position.
I’m waiting for my second period class to finish their daily quiz, when my phone lights up with a text.
“Why have there been no good movies released lately?”
I smile at Luci’s name, almost missing the fact that I need to move on with today’s lesson. I don’t answer and I begin writing notes on the overheard.
I can always tell when the period is almost over, because a few of the kids start to pack up their bags. They think I don’t notice, but I do. It’s always the same ones too.
I open the door just as the bell rings, heading back to my desk as they all leave the room in a hurry.
“Mr. Harrington?” I pick up my head as soon as I hear the familiar voice. It can’t be?
“What are you doing here?” I immediately stand, not able to get to her fast enough. Luci laughs, and I catch myself, giving her a one handed pathetic hug.
“I was in the area,” she laughs.
“From Boston?”
“Well my weeks are sort of slow now that I’m a senior,” she smiles. “Did I catch you at a bad time?”
“No!” I smile just as students from my third period class start to enter the room.
“No?” She giggles, noticing them walk in.
“Well, I have class now,” I brush it off. “Can you hang around?”
“Uh, yeah,” she hesitates.
I go into my pocket to give her the key to my office, and she looks at it, scared.
“Or maybe you can come back then?” I offer, not wanting to make her uncomfortable.
“No,” she shakes her head. “It’s fine. I’ll wait.”
She hesitates before taking the key and heading for the door, pulling a book out of her purse in the process.
“Oh wait,” I stop her. “Can you take my phone?” I run to grab it off my desk and hand it to her. “I don’t even know why I have it in here.” She takes it silently as the late bell rings.