Page 24 of After the Rain

The accusation hit like a physical blow. Mrs. Garrett was essentially suggesting I was showing favoritism to Cooper to get closer to his father.

"That's completely false. Any attention I give Cooper is based on his educational needs?—"

"Ezra, I believe you. But Mrs. Garrett has also mentioned your history in Portland, how you left under circumstances involving questions about appropriate boundaries."

My blood ran cold. She'd researched my background, discovered the David Rivera situation, and twisted it to support her current complaints.

"Dr. Williams, what happened in Portland was a misunderstanding based on prejudice and false accusations. I was never found guilty of any wrongdoing?—"

"I know. I reviewed your personnel file when Mrs. Garrett raised these concerns. Your former principal gave you glowing recommendations. But the fact remains that you've now had boundary concerns raised in two different districts."

"Concerns raised by bigoted parents who can't handle having a gay teacher interact normally with their families."

The words came out harsher than I intended, revealing my frustration and fear. Dr. Williams studied my face carefully.

"Is that what you think this is about? Your sexual orientation?"

"Mrs. Garrett has made several comments over the year that suggest she's uncomfortable with my presence in her daughter's classroom. The fact that she's now attacking my relationship with a single father seems suspiciously targeted."

Dr. Williams was quiet for a moment. "Ezra, I want you to know that your sexual orientation has never been and will never be a factor in your employment here. We value diversity and inclusion."

"I appreciate that. But Mrs. Garrett's complaints seem designed to force me to choose between my job and any kind of personal life."

"I understand your frustration. And between you and me, Mrs. Garrett has made similar complaints about other teachers over the years. She's... very invested in what she sees as appropriate school conduct."

"So what are you saying?"

"I'm saying we need to be strategic about how we handle this. Mrs. Garrett has requested that I restrict your contact with the Harrison family to essential educational matters only. She's also suggested that future homework help should take place at school rather than in family homes."

"And if I refuse?"

"Then she's threatened to escalate her concerns to the school board, possibly involving other parents who might share her... perspective on appropriate teacher conduct."

The threat was clear. Comply with Mrs. Garrett's demands, or face a potential career-ending controversy.

"What do you recommend?"

"I recommend that you be extremely careful about how your interactions with Mr. Harrison might be perceived. Limit personal conversation during school hours, avoid spending extended time at their home, and consider whether social activities together serve Cooper's educational interests or your personal ones."

"In other words, treat Wade like every other parent."

"In other words, protect yourself from people who might use your personal life against you professionally."

Walkingto my car after the meeting, I felt the familiar weight of being forced back into the closet for my own protection. Thefreedom I'd felt in Cedar Falls, the possibility of being openly myself while maintaining my career, had been an illusion.

Mrs. Garrett had seen to that.

I sat in my Honda for ten minutes, staring at the school building that represented both my calling and my cage. How could I explain to Wade that our growing connection had to end because of one parent's bigotry?

Before I could lose my nerve, I called Wade.

"Hey," he answered, sounding pleased to hear from me. "How was your day?"

"Complicated." I leaned against my steering wheel, trying to figure out how to explain. "Wade, I need to cancel our library plans this weekend."

Silence. Then: "Is everything okay?"

"I had a conversation with my principal today about maintaining professional boundaries with parents. Someone complained about the time I spent at your house over the weekend."

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