AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 25
The fallout from the drug scandal was the talk of Oceanside for the next few days as shock waves rolled through the tight-knit community. Two of the Seattle television stations sent reporters to town. In an effort to put a positive spin on things, Mayor Dudley claimed any publicity was good for the community. Hope prayed he was right.
A lot of the focus fell on Hope, as she had been in the center of the drama, along with Cade and the three high school students who had stood up against Coach. Channel 13 had specifically asked to interview her. She declined and recommended the reporter talk to Cade, who was the real hero in her eyes. He declined as well, uncomfortable with the attention.
As she entered her U.S. History class and saw the two teenagers who’d been with her that fateful day with Coach Simmons, she couldn’t help but smile. Spencer and Callie were almost always together these days. Where one was, she was sure to find the other. They sat together in the two classes they shared and at the same table in the cafeteria.
It did Hope’s heart good to see them both happy. The way she saw it, the two nicely balanced each other out. From what she’d heard, Spencer had decided against Yale, and they were both planning to attend Washington State University in Pullman following graduation.
As for Scott Pender, with the football program suspended for the rest of the season, his chance at a scholarship was gone. Although he’d played an explicit role in Ben’s kidnapping, he was given a light sentence of community service hours that would take him well into the new year. That and his fall from glory were punishment enough.
Ben Rhodes had been praised by the local newspaper for his willingness to stand up against what he knew was wrong. Even with Coach’s threats hanging over his head, Ben had made a courageous decision to come forward.
Despite declaring it all a misunderstanding, Coach Simmons had been charged on a number of counts and was currently awaiting trial. He hadn’t been able to make bail, and sat in his cell, which Hope personally felt was the best place for him. He’d been smug and delusional to believe he could get away with what he did. His arrogance had led him to believe he was invincible, and no one would dare to stand up against him.
The high school halls were filled with milling students and chatter as they made their way to the last class. Hope had waited for this day for a long time. She had special guests visiting this afternoon. Cade, Silas, Ricardo, Dean, and Shelley were in the school, ready to speak to her class.
The bell rang and her students automatically took to their seats. Hope waited until the room quieted down before she stepped in front of her students.
“Instead of the lesson today…”
“Ah, come on Ms. Goodwin, you’re not giving us a pop quiz, are you?”
A groan echoed through the room. This was a Friday before a holiday weekend, and everyone was more eager than usual to get out and get going.
Hope waved her hand dismissively. “No pop quiz, I promise.”
Sighs of appreciation followed.
“Can anyone tell me what we’re celebrating on Monday?” Hope asked.
“No school day.”
“Very funny,” she said, shaking her head at their lack of knowledge and appreciation for the meaning of this holiday.
“Veterans Day,” Spencer supplied. If anyone knew, it would be him.
“That’s right. Can anyone tell me why the holiday is celebrated on November eleventh?”
No one seemed to know. “That’s the day the armistice was signed ending the First World War,” she explained. “Which was also called the War to End All Wars, but did it?” She left the question open-ended.
“My dad’s older brother, my uncle Bill, was in the first Gulf War,” Brooke mentioned.
“Anyone else know someone who served in the military during wartime?”
Several hands shot up, and a few students shared their own friends and family members who served.
As the conversations slowed, Hope suggested, “If you have the chance, thank each one for their service.”
Walking toward the door, Hope turned back to her class. “As it happens, I have had the opportunity to meet a few veterans recently. I’ve invited them to speak to our class. Before I introduce them, I want to encourage you to carefully listen to their stories. These are valiant individuals who have sacrificed a great deal for the freedoms we enjoy. I would ask that you give them the respect and gratitude they deserve.” She had the full attention of her class.
She paused and then added, “I can’t say this strongly enough. Be worthy of the sacrifices they have made.”
Hope opened the door, and Cade walked in first, followed behind by Silas, Ricardo, Shelley, and Dean.
“I’d like to introduce my friend Cade Lincoln first. Cade served in Afghanistan and was honorably discharged after being injured in an IED explosion.”
“I saw you with Ms. Goodwin earlier,” Carter said.
