Page 79 of After Hours Lectures
I reached out and turned up the volume on the radio, desperate for some form of distraction. But the music only served as a backdrop to my pain, the lyrics taunting me with their cruel irony so I turned it off.
Once I finally pulled into my driveway, the reality of what had just happened settled upon me. I sat there for a moment, letting the tears flow freely, letting the pain wash over me like a torrential downpour. What would happen now? How was class tomorrow going to be? Would Tyler even show? I would understand if he didn’t.
With a heavy sigh, I unbuckled my seatbelt and stepped out of my SUV. As I closed the car door behind me, I knew deep in my heart that this was not the end. I would heal, I would grow, and I would find solace in the fragments of our shattered love, just like I had when Jonah died.
* * *
I didn’t sleep a wink.The entire night, I tossed and turned as I thought about every word we had said in the parking garage. Questioned if I had made the right decision. Shouldn’t the right decision feel less painful?
When my alarm went off, I got up, showered, ate breakfast, and had coffee. I went through all the motions of getting my day started, knowing I had no other choice. I started to hope Tyler didn’t show for the rest of the school year. It would be easier for both of us, and he already had the grades to pass, but when I walked into the classroom, he was there sitting next to Fallon just as he had the entire semester.
I felt his eyes on me as I made my way to the front table. When I glanced up, our eyes connected, and the pain in his stare mirrored exactly how I felt. He looked as though he hadn’t gotten any sleep either. I gave him a sad smile and then got class started.
* * *
The classroom was buzzingwith activity as students engaged in lively discussions about their final portfolios. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the door creak open, and Dean Watson, a stern-looking man in his early fifties, stepped inside. Immediately, I found Tyler and we made eye contact. We both knew why the dean was in my classroom.
My heart skipped a beat, and a knot formed in my stomach. I glanced at the clock, noting we only had two minutes until class was over. I swallowed hard, trying to maintain my composure, and said, “All right, everyone. You have ideas. Go out and capture them. If you have questions, you can email me or come by my office.”
Everyone gathered their belongings, and Dean Watson walked toward me. With one last glance at Tyler, I turned my attention to my boss.
“Well, this is a surprise,” I said.
Dean Watson’s gaze was unyielding, and I braced myself for whatever he had to say. Once the last student left the room, he cleared his throat. “I honestly never thought I’d come to your classroom under these circumstances.”
“Oh?” I drew my head back slightly, as though I had no idea why he was visiting.
He nodded. “I’ve received a concerning report that you are involved in a romantic relationship with one of your students.”
Even though I had suspected the reason for his visit to my classroom, my eyes widened as if I was surprised. “What? Are you serious?”
“Unfortunately, I am. The person claims they saw you and a student out to dinner last night.”
“Dean Watson, I can assure you that whatever you heard is false. I’ve maintained strict professional boundaries with all my students, and I take ethics very seriously.” The lie felt heavy on my tongue, but I had to protect Tyler and myself.
“There are only a few weeks left of school, as you know. However, Hawkins University doesn’t take allegations like this lightly, considering the implications of such a relationship. I expect your full cooperation in this matter.”
“Absolutely.”
“As educators, it’s imperative that we maintain the trust and respect of our students. I hope you realize the potential consequences if these allegations are true.”
I nodded, my voice a mix of determination and remorse. “I understand completely, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to clear my name and uphold the integrity of this institution.”
“Since the person who made the report didn’t offer any proof, there won’t be an investigation at this time, but I will start one if any more accusations are made. Until then, I expect you to continue your teaching duties, while maintaining absolute professionalism.”
“Yes, of course. Thank you.”
We exchanged a brief, meaningful glance before Dean Watson walked away, leaving me to deal with the uncertainty that lay ahead.
23
Tyler
My stomach droppedthe moment Dean Watson walked into class. When Hayden dismissed us, I wanted to hang back, but I knew it would only make the situation worse. If the dean was there because Ford said something, my presence would only confirm my ex’s report. And if he was there for another reason, my refusal to leave would be suspicious as hell. With nothing else to do, I grabbed my bag and made a quick exit.
“You okay?” Fallon asked as we stepped into the hallway. “You’ve been quiet all morning.”
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I lied.
