Page 137 of Enzo

The press are at the gates looking for me. Wanting a photo. But they're affecting Oakleigh, and it's children. This place is supposed to be a safe haven for them. A happy place, and I've brought the eyes of the media to them.

Just like I brought the eyes of the media into Enzo's life.

Nausea rolls through me. I press a hand to my stomach, but it does nothing to settle the sick feeling roiling through me. This is exactly what I never wanted to be. Someone who brings chaos into other people's lives. Someone who makes their safe places feel less safe.

“There’s something else I need to talk to you about.”

I stare at her, terrified.

Because my gut tells me what the something else is.

“Information concerning your father has been circulated online.”

Everything inside me goes still.

Miss T hesitates. “It says he served time in prison for armed burglary.”

I stare at her.

“Molly, is that true?”

I can barely make my voice work. “Yes.”

Her expression softens immediately. “Oh, Molly.”

That nearly breaks me.

My past has caught up with me. The very thing I wanted to forget forever is now out in the open for everyone to read about.

“The press will sensationalize everything. Unfortunately, Molly, this has now gone above me. The board has been made aware of the situation.”

“The situation?”

My life is now a situation?

My mind and body freeze.

“With the press physically at the school, there is a danger of the children potentially being photographed. Parents aren’t happy and the board wants the immediate disruption removed while things settle down. Your father’s history is simply fuel which makes the media frenzy worse. I am sorry to tell you that you have been placed on administrative leave, effective immediately.”

“Placed on administrative leave?” I whisper. The words are a slap to my face.

“I’m so sorry, Molly. If I could have it any other way, I would.”

“F-for how long?”

My chest tightens until it hurts. This is my job. My classroom. My children. The life I've built for myself. The one place where I've always known exactly who I am and where I belong. And suddenly, with a few quiet words from Miss T, it feels as though someone is taking it all away from me.

Miss T shakes her head, and my insides go into freefall.

“I can't tell you, I'm afraid.”

I hear the words, but I still don't understand how this affects things now. I understand having to come in through a different entrance, because the media are being obstructive, but what have I done that is so wrong?

I fell in love.

I look at Miss T, distraught, because my world has imploded.

She looks visibly upset. “I'm so sorry, Molly. This isn't what I wanted.” She shakes her head. “But I don't have the authority to overrule this.”