Page 176 of Remiss
“My dad needed me.”
“Does he still?”
“Does it matter? I’m lost. He asked for my help because I couldn’t focus here. Even though I love football. Now, he says I can’t…he won’t let me…” CJ bowed his head. “I won’t have football or the club. My mom’s gone. Dad’s insane.” He slapped a hand over his mouth. If he didn’t shut up, he’d have CPS knocking on Dad’s door. “It isn’t as bad as it sounds.”
“Have you talked to your father?”
Dropping his hand, misery pouring into him, CJ shrugged. “His mind is made up, sir.”
“And you’ll just accept that?”
“What am I supposed to do? Dad…Mom…Uncle Mort…” He released a frustrated breath. “Everyoneexpects me to follow orders. Follow the rules.”
“Great leaders aren’t afraid to express themselves, offer their opinions no matter who they’re up against, and stand up for what they believe in.”
“I tried to do it here, but you still threatened me.”
“It was the wrong fight, Mr. Caldwell. You did oppose me and I compromised.”
“Is it?” CJ snapped. “We both know I can only submit one project. Skye’s here. Molly isn’t. You’ve made the choice for me.”
Another small smile. “I’ve already gotten special permission on your behalf to enter the project you began with Molly and whatever you come up with Skye. If you’re interested that is.”
CJ narrowed his eyes. “You weren’t going to tell me?”
“I don’t make exceptions for students who simply fall in line. My life’s much simpler that way. It gives me the time I need to mentor students who have leadership skills. Now, please go to Miss Ratcliffe. There’s only ten minutes of class left.”
Years of respecting adults were ingrained in him. As annoyed as he was and as much as he wanted to ignore the teacher’s directive, he couldn’t. He sighed, got to his feet, and grabbed his backpack.
“Mr. Caldwell?”
Gritting his teeth, CJ didn’t bother turning around. “Sir?”
“Legends aren’t made. They’re born.”
Unsure what that meant, CJ didn’t respond. He went to where Skye Ratcliffe sat, near one of the windows. Sunlight haloed her, sparkling in her honey-colored hair, and bathing her in brightness.
“I-I’ve taken notes for us,” she started hesitantly.
He’d been a giant asshole to her the day they met. “Thank you,” he said politely.
“I loathe science.”
“I enjoy it a lot.”
“My favorite subject is art.”
“You like to draw?”
She nodded. “And paint.”
“Oils and watercolor?”
“What do you know about art?” she asked, her tinkly laugh lifting something inside of him.
“We have a lot of art books in our library.”
“I didn’t know that. Is there a maximum number of books to check out?”
