Cailin jumps up and runs to where another kid has entered the playground.
“You guys are so cute together,” I say.
“So are you.”
He walks us to a bench where he sits with his knee crossed over his leg and his arm draped across the back of the wood structure.
We sit in silence until he inhales and turns to me. “I take it, you saw the news stories about you.” He exhales as he looks off in the distance. “I’m sorry you have to deal with that.”
I turn to face him, not really sure what to say. I guess if I’m going to hang out with him, this is going to happen. I need him to know it’s okay, but I’m still not sure if it is. I don’t want my dad to find out this way, but I might not have a choice.
He places his foot on the ground, resting his elbows on his thighs as he lets out a deep breath. “Just get ready for it, okay?”
I place my hand on his arm, scooting closer to him. “For what?”
“The haters.”
I sigh, looking off into the distance, knowing they’ve already come out.
“Believe me, people can be ruthless, and mean things are said about me every day. Now, their attention will be on you.” He turns his head slightly my way and glances at me through his lashes. “It’s hard when everywhere you look, people are talking about you. I just want to make sure you’re prepared.”
I want to let out a nervous laugh but bite it back. After today, I know exactly what that feels like.
I take a second, searching for Cailin. A group of moms who arrived just a few minutes ago are now gathering their kids to leave. I notice the glares we’re getting from a few of them over their shoulders.
I see one mom yanking her daughter away from Cailin, saying they have to go even though that child is whining, saying they just got there.
My vision goes to Adam’s, wondering if he’s seeing what I am. He doesn’t look my way, but when his eyes close and his head drops, it’s all the conformation I need. He saw it, too. They’re leaving because of him.
The stupidity of people makes my blood boil. I place my hand in his, showing him I’m here and not going anywhere.
There’s no doubt in my mind that both of them are worth it.
I wrap my other hand around his arm, pulling myself even closer to him and leaning in to softly kiss him before whispering, “I can take it.”
He moves his lips to touch mine again, and we hold it there for a few seconds, enjoying the feel of each other.
17
Sarah
As I walk up to my classroom, Ashley’s mom is waiting for me. “Good morning, Mrs. Everson. How was your weekend?” I smile as I unlock the door.
“Can I have a word with you?” Her expression is one that says I’m about to get an earful, but I’m not sure why. Her daughter is one of my better students.
“Sure,” I respond, trying to stay positive as I swing open the door. “Come on in.”
She steps in front of me and makes her way to my desk where she sets down her purse with a little more force than necessary.
“What can I help you with?” I ask.
If my mom taught me anything about how to deal with parents, it’s to keep calm, no matter how absurd they can be. And believe me, they can be absurd onsomany levels.
“I’m not comfortable with you being my daughter’s teacher anymore. So, I am removing her from your class. I wanted to make sure you knew exactly why.”
Whoa, is she serious right now?
I step up to my desk and see the way her jaw is locked and her fists are clamped together. She’s being very serious.
