Page 54 of Bless My Heart

“So, Dr. Greenwood. It appears you’ve taken to sleeping with your students, huh? That happened kinda fast, don’t you think?”

“It’s not what you think.” I try to defend myself, but it falls flat.

“Oh, so you weren’t making out with your student?” Her eyebrows raise in question.

“Ok, that was what it looked like, but you don’t know the whole situation.”

“Well, I’m sure you’ll have fun explaining the details to the Dean.”

“Why are you doing this? Why do you hate me?” I ask. She’s had it out for me since I got here. She always finds a way to make a snide comment or put me down. I don’t know what I ever did to her, but the bee in her bonnet is about to come out and sting me.

“Ever since you got here, everyone has been like ‘Dr. Greenwood this, Dr. Greenwood that.’ Like, what makes you so perfect?”

“I’ve never claimed to be perfect.”

“Everyone else does, though. And I’m tired of hearing about it. Even before you interviewed, everyone talked about you like you walked on water.”

“I’m sorry.” I apologize even though I have nothing to be sorry for.

“We don’t need you here. I hope this little stunt makes them realize it was a mistake to hire you.”

“Wait a second. I worked hard for my job. I’m qualified for my position, and I’ve put in all the work.”

“Yeah, right. You probably slept with the interview panel too.”

“That’s enough, Sara. Don’t start accusing me of things you can’t back up.”

“I can’t wait to watch you fall from grace, Hazel. I can assure you, messing around with a student is highly frowned upon,” she tells me with a stupid smile on her face. I don’t know how someone could be so cruel to another person for no reason. I’ve never felt this much hate for anyone, even the people who broke my heart.

Before I can respond, she turns on her heel and walks back into the hallway, leaving me alone.

I slump down in my chair.

What am I going to do?

How did I let this happen?

I shouldn’t have kissed him at school. I don’t know what got into me. I know better than that. We were so close to not hiding it anymore that I let my guard slip.

I could get fired.

I probably will get fired.

I put my head down on my desk. What am I going to do? I rub my hand on my growing belly.

I decide right here and now that I’m just going to own it. I’ve got to keep doing my job until I’m told otherwise. I’ve got to be strong.

When I get back to my office after my last class of the day, Sam Englewood is standing by my office waiting for me.

“Hey,” I say quietly.

“Can we talk?” I nod my head and lead him into my office. “So, I’m assuming you know why I’m here?”

“I can guess,” I tell him as I sit down at my desk.

“You want to tell me what’s going on?” I hate that I have to have this conversation with him. He’s been my mentor and has really helped me come into my own as a professor, and I hate that I’m going to disappoint him.

“I’m pregnant,” I tell him. His eyes close, and he lets out a breath.