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“It’s not what you think,” I murmur.
“What do I think?” she replies.
“I don’t know, that he’s like that other teacher. The one who was fired. But it’s not like that. We’re the real deal, Mary. We want to be together forever. We’regoingto be.”
She says nothing, just turns, and hurries after Jocelyn and Eli.
Izzy turns to me. “Jeez, that was crazy. Is it fair to say you’ve got some explaining to do?”
CHAPTER22
Elias
They’re talking in the office, I text my woman, forcing my breathing to come slowly.This might be the end of my work here.
It’s been a while since my last non-sparring fight, since I had to unleash all the pent-up primal fury in me.
But the second I saw my woman walking over to those men, I didn’t even think.
I just went out there, knowing I had to protect her.
No matter the cost.
I’m sorry, she replies.
It’s not your fault.If I had another chance, I’d do it again. I meant it. Nobody gets to speak to you like that. Nobody gets to make you feel small or hurt you.
I hated seeing you fight, she replies.I don’t want you to make a habit of it. But it was also nice to know I can count on you.
Always, Della, I type quickly, then smirk.I feel like I’m sitting outside the principal’s office. I mean, I am… But I feel about ten years old.
Do you think she’s going to fire you?Della replies.
I don’t know. She fired Paul for sleeping with a student.
But we haven’t slept together.
She doesn’t know that, and it’s not like I’m going to give her all the intimate details of our relationship. Where are you now?
I’m in the cafeteria with Izzy. Everybody’s looking at me like I’m some sort of celebrity, so I might leave soon.
If I end up having to leave, I text.Maybe we could take this day together. I could even show you my apartment. Not that there’s anything special to show. But it seems odd, since I know for a fact you’re mine and mine alone, that you’ve never stepped foot inside.
I’d like that, she replies.I know I shouldn’t skip class, but I don’t want you to be alone….
Don’t worry. When everything settles down, we’ll motivate each other to stay on the path, to improve as much as we can. I’ll help you with college in any way you need it.
I’ll help you too, Eli. Always. In any way I can.
I sit back, looking around the reception area and at the photos of happy students on the walls. Some were taken on campus, and others are photos of graduates in their new jobs.
Do you know what they’re talking about in there?She texts.
No idea, but Mary was adamant she wanted to speak to Jocelyn first.
Maybe she’s vouching for you.
I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case, I reply.But I honestly have no idea. Whatever happens, though, I’m not giving you up. I enjoy the work I do here. I enjoy helping people who need it. But if I have to give that up for you, I will, without hesitation. There’s too much at stake for us.
