“Just kidding.” He pulls me into his arms, palms sliding to my ass. “Not that it’s gonna feel like itwhen I’m barebacking you senseless.”
I roll my eyes. “So it begins, huh?”
“Sure does, Renaldo. Tonight, and for the rest of your life.”
But just as Jake orders us a ride, a man calls out from behind us. “Ada? Ada Renaldo?”
I turn, anticipating another attack, and my heart sinks. Walking down the driveway is an older man I know all too well. I shrink into Jake’s side. “Um, hi Principal Friezen?”
He smiles at me. “It’s Barry now. Good to see you again, Ada.”
“You too,” I lie.
The memory of bawling about Jenny and the shit-milkshake in his office still kicks like a mule.
I expect him to turn to Jake and congratulate him for all his ball-related success, but his gaze stays on mine. “I’m, ah, sorry to have to do this as you’re leaving, but I’d like to speak with you about…”
He clears his throat, sounding as uncomfortable as I feel.
“Is everything okay, sir?” Jake asks, a protective hand at my back.
“Not exactly, Jacob. I have, ah, an apology for Miss. Renaldo.”
I gnaw my lower lip. “I, um, what about?”
“The incident that brought you to my office before your departure,” Principal Freizen says quietly. “I should have done more for you. I regret how things were handled very much. I wish I had done more for the children who experienced… well, you know… bullying.”
I stare at my old principal. His hair is white now, his bent nose flecked with purplish blood vessels. It’s so strange to think I was once terrified of this man. How it felt like he had the power to save or end my life. Now, he seems meek and kind and like a stiff breeze could send him skyward. I search myself and find that just like with Jenny, there’s no anger inside me anymore. Only sadness for the things no one can change.
“Thanks,” I tell Principal Friezen. “I’m okay now, though.”
“That’s no excuse,” Principal Friezen says with a sad smile. “But I appreciate your kindness, and I’m very impressed with what you’ve achieved with your music. Which isn’t to say it’s at all surprising.”
“Thanks,” I repeat as Jake’s ride pulls up at the curb.
“We have to go, sir,” Jake says.
“Barry.” Principal Friezen shifts his weight from foot to foot. “I know this is a little presumptuous, Ada, but the trustees’ garden party is tomorrow. Would you consider playing for us?”
My throat dries up. Never, in all my time at Pukekohe High, did I perform for anyone who wasn’t a music teacher. No school assembly. No end-of-year concert. No choir-accompaniment shit. Not once. “I don’t know…”
“Just one song? I’m sure everyone would love to hear you perform.”
“Um…”
Principal Friezen stares at me, his gaze imploring. “If I can be honest once again, Ada.Iwould very much love to hear you perform. I always did.”
My heart knots so tight it hurts. “Okay. Just one song?”
He smiles, relief etched across his face. “Just one song. I’ll look forward to it.”
I can’t smile back, but I wave as Jake opens the car door for me. I step into its warmth, relieved to be going anywhere else.
“Well,” Jake says, clambering in beside me and making the Honda sink a few inches. “I’m excited about this shitty garden thing now.”
30
Cece
