Page 91 of Pretty Relentless

“Call me if you need anything. Otherwise, plan to take the next two days off, and if you want the rest of the week, just let Dana know.”

“Thank you, again. I appreciate your support.”

“You’re welcome. Talk soon.”

We hang up, and even though I appreciate his candor and kind support, it doesn’t help settle the tsunami of emotions in my chest. My heart hurts. Being a teacher brings a certain level of scrutiny. Not all parents will support you. I get that. But this is different. This is public scrutiny, and I’m not in favor of it. In fact, I despise it completely.

I give Dana a call after waiting about thirty minutes. As suspected, she has already spoken with the superintendent, but she’s also fielding other calls and comments. A small group of parents have already stepped forward, outraged by my actions and calling for my dismissal once more. She didn’t state who is leading the charge, not that it matters.

The damage is done.

My dream of working in my hometown until retirement may very well be in jeopardy.

The board might look at me as a problem child, for lack of a better phrase, and decide my contract isn’t worth keeping. There may be a nationwide teacher shortage, but sometimes you have to cut yourself loose from things that bring you grief.

What will I do then?

I can’t imagine any other school district jumping at the chance to hire a teacher who’s constantly being talked about and may or may not have lost her previous job because of public backlash and scrutiny.

The thought of having to find another job makes my stomach roll. I love my students, my school, and this town, despite the fact they’re throwing me under the bus right now.

But I love Gavin more.

How quickly my perspective changes when I think about him. He’s simply amazing, and if I have to choose between working at Pine Village Elementary School or finding another job so I can continue to date him, I already know which one I would choose.

Guess it’s time to freshen up my résumé, huh?

I shake my head at the thought. I’m not afraid of it, but I really hope it doesn’t come to that.

My time with Gavin has been special, and looking back, I wouldn’t change it for anything. Even now, knowing I could lose everything I’ve been working toward my entire career.

As I get ready for bed, my phone chimes with a text alert. Even though I have dozens of messages I need to reply to from colleagues and friends, I click on the one name that brings me comfort during this mess.

Gavin:Heading to bed and thinking of you. I wish you were here, so I could hold you while you sleep.

Gavin:Please don’t stress and worry, beautiful. I’m sure that’s easier said than done. I can practically hear the wheels in your head spinning from here. You will get through this. We’ll do it together.

He keeps saying that word.

Together.

Gavin:I’m glad you’re taking the next couple of days off. No reason to put yourself directly in the spotlight while you’re trying to work. Your dad is right, you don’t take nearly enough time for you. Try to relax. Read a new book. Create something beautiful in your craft room. Just be you.

After I talked to the principal, I called my dad. He was outraged on my behalf, but seemed genuinely happy when I told him who the man was. He’s known Gavin for a while and has the utmost respect for him professionally. Personally, he’s now his biggest cheerleader, and during the conversation, he kept offering his approval.

Once I filled my dad in on what’s happening, I messaged Gavin with an update. He knows I’m taking the next two days off and will be attending the board meeting Wednesday night. I still don’t know if I’ll speak, but I want to be there, to hear what others will say to the board. Maybe then I’ll decide to speak on my behalf.

Gavin:I have something to say to you, and I’m going to say it the first chance I get. But not in a text. I want to look in your mesmerizing brown eyes when I do.

Gavin:Sweet dreams, sweetheart. I’ll talk to you soon.

Smiling, I reply, wishing we were lying in bed, snuggled together beneath the blankets.

Me:Good night, Gavin.

I insert the heart emoji, hoping it conveys how I feel without saying the words. I can assume to know what he’s wanting to tell me, and it most likely is the same thing I want to tell him. Face-to-face. So I can throw my arms around him and show him how I feel in a kiss.

Sleep doesn’t come easy, but it eventually does. Dreams of me, Gavin, and Annabelle carry me through the night until I’m awakened by more phone calls and texts.

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