Page 123 of The Rest is History

“Well, I’m always here if you need to talk. All of you boys, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Now, go and enjoy those apple pies. I added a few slices of chocolate caramel cake for you and that pretty Reece Carter.”

I almost stop at the furniture store to order a new bed, but maybe I need to lay low for now. At least until the end of the month. I’m not impressed by the excitement of Halloween all through town as I drive back home. Sawyer and I don’t usually participate much in the town’s festivities, but we love the atmosphere. Now, I just want the month to be over so I can get on with my life.

Sam and the team play against Herbert Hoover High the day before my hearing outcome is announced and they win in a 42-6 blowout victory. They’re in the playoffs. I almost lose my mind because I can’t even congratulate them.

***

I arrive at school on the last day of October with the taste of Reece and Sawyer in my mouth and their worry weighing heavily on me. The school district has reached an outcome. Like a criminal, I stand in the same boardroom as before, awaiting my fate.

Principal Watson and Susan are present. Sally Varga, the school district’s administrator and her boss, Morris Beckhart, are also present.

Greetings are stilted. Principal Watson won’t look at me. My heart sinks just a little bit.

“Mr. Cameron,” Morris starts. “We’ve reached a decision regarding a breach of section seven of Linksfield High School’s Code of Conduct. By your admission, you are currently in a legal marriage and have willingly entered into a second relationship with a third party. We’ve taken into account your meritorious achievements at Linksfield, and we commend you for your contribution, particularly with the football team. After taking into account the concerns of community members, the values expected to be upheld by all staff members and students alike at Linksfield High School, and the values expected to be upheld by the school district, we have come to a decision that you are in violation of the morality code stipulated in section seven of the Code of Conduct. The outcome of this matter is termination of employment with immediate effect. Linksfield High School thanks you for your service.”

I give them nothing. Not even a twitch of a muscle. My face remains a stone mask but inside, everything explodes.

“You have the right to appeal this decision.” Morris slides an envelope across the table. “The process for an appeal is detailed in here, and you will receive electronic copies of everything shortly. Do you have any questions, Mr. Cameron?”

“I do not.” I won’t give anyone here the satisfaction of begging for anything.

“Alright. Please ensure that all school-owned property is handed over to Principal Watson or his administrator immediately.”

Outside, Susan shakes her head and tells me she’s so sorry. Principal Watson is beside himself. “I gave recommendations to let you stay, Cameron. I hope you know that.”

“Thank you.”

“You could’ve just denied everything, you know.”

I glance over at him. “No, I couldn’t.” He doesn’t understand that this is about not letting anyone control my life. I told the truth because that’s what it was: the truth.

He sighs. “Do the appeal, Cameron. Do the appeal. I’m begging you.”

Chapter 60

Reece

Ash stands at the bedroom window with his hands in his pockets. “We have enough savings to last, maybe, six months,” he says.

Turning, his eyes seeking out Sawyer, then me, he adds, “We’ll be okay.”

Sawyer gives me a weak grin. “We still have two incomes, right?”

I nod hurriedly. “Yes. Yes, definitely.” The least I can give in this situation is money. “And don’t forget I have some money from the sale of the house.”

“Thank you both,” Ash says.

“And we’ll ask for more hours at the woodlot, right, Sawyer?” I ask.

He nods.

Then, to Asher, I ask, “Is there anything else we can do?” Despite my bravado, my voice is small. As small as I feel. Once again, Asher faces an uncertain future because of something my father has done. He comes to me and rubs his hands up and down the outside of my arms. “Stay, Reece. That’s all.”

“Yes,” I say. “Yes. I’m not going anywhere.” And then, suddenly overcome by my guilt, I add, “I’m so sorry for all of this.” My eyes move to Sawyer. “I’m sorry, Sawyer.”

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