“It’s not bad. It’s like football versus basketball.”
Her eyebrows pinched. “What are you talking about?” I guess the description worked better when Faith said it.
I had spent the last several days googling everything I could find on the autism and ADHD spectrums. I could see resemblances to Danny, but some things felt far off. I set the salt shaker back in the middle of the table.
“I don’t know.” I wasn’t ready for this conversation. I stood, causing the chair to scrape against the linoleum. “I’m going to go help Danny finish the snowman and then get dressed for the staff party.” I pushed my chair in. “Thanks again for watching Danny tonight.”
“Of course, I love his company.” Danny and I were both lucky to have Mom. “Since it’s Christmas break, let’s plan on him spending the night. In case you end up with later plans than you think.” She failed to hide her smile.
I grabbed my gloves and raised my eyebrows. “I appreciate the offer, but I will be back right after the party.”
Mom shrugged. “Up to you, but no rush. I’m not going anywhere.”
I stepped into the teachers’lounge with my “ugly” sweater and my package of Oreos. I had left the plate of burnt cookies from Mom in the car. I would need to dispose of the evidence later. My eyes searched the room for Faith.
Her blond hair was curled softly around her face. She had on a knee-length blue skirt, and a sweater covered in tinsel. She was beautiful, all of her.
Her blue eyes met mine. What would it be like to date Faith? To hold her in my arms or run my fingers through her hair. My stomach tightened.
I set the Oreos by a glass plate with gingerbread cookies and intricate snowflake patterns out of frosting. I bet I knew who made those.
Faith waited over on the right, standing off a bit by herself. I started her way when Jessica waved her hands, catching my attention, and began hustling over to me. I stopped mid-step, unsure what to do.
I really wanted to go over to Faith, but I also didn’t want to make Jessica upset. And if I caused a scene, Faith wouldn’t like the attention or confrontation. Every time a confrontation happened around her, she seemed to make herself smaller or she left. I noticed it with the school meeting and Ms. Sparks, I noticed it when I went too fast on the four wheeler, and with Jessica at the music program.
“Hey, Coach.” A firm hand slapped my back, making the choice for me. “Heck of a game against the Panthers the other day.” Craig, my old basketball coach and the current middle school science teacher, grinned. “I thought we had lost for sure, but that Jacob kid. He is something else, isn’t he?”
I chuckled. “Yeah. He is a great kid. On and off the court.”
“Reminds me of a high school basketball star I used to coach.” He bumped my shoulder.
I laughed softly. “He’s way better than I ever was.”
“Oh, I don’t know.” Craig shook his head and looked up at the ceiling. “I remember you scoring so much in that championship game your senior year. It completely turned everything around, and your three-point shot.” He made an OK sign with his hands. “If I remember right, you got another scholarship offer on that game alone.”
I nodded. True, but it was a community college, and even at a full ride, Cassie helped me decide we could do better at a more expensive, prestigious college.
A throat cleared loudly near the door, and I turned to see Ms. Sparks demanding attention with her stern gaze. “Thanks everyone,for coming. I’m sure Dotty will be here any minute.” Her forehead wrinkled and she checked her watch.
“I still don’t know why Helen didn’t just become the principal instead of her niece. She runs everything anyway,” Craig whispered with a mischievous grin. “I told her when the position opened, she should take it. I think she refused on the principle that she doesn’t want to be told what to do.” He stared at Helen.
“Something you want to share with the class, Craig?” Helen called him out.
He winked. “No, Ma’am.”
“That’s what I thought.” It looked like behind that stern mouth, she might hide a smile.
Huh. Craig and Helen Sparks. Weird.
Dotty came rushing up the stairs in a bright sweater covered in tinsel and flashing lights and with a cardboard box in her arms. We were about the same age, but she was much further in her career than I was, not that I wanted to do anything with administration.
Ms. Sparks sighed. “About time, Dotty.”
Dotty turned as red as the tinsel wrapped around her shoulders.Ms. Sparks turned to command the crowd.
“Now let’s start the cookie exchange and?—”
“I, um, actually planned something different.” Dotty avoided Ms. Sparks’s eyes.
