by LaJill Hunt
"I'll tell him," he said and then remained quiet.
"I'm waiting, Bryce, let's hear it," Bernard told him.
"Well, I was showing the guys some pics in my phone, and the math teacher caught me. He turned the phone in to Ms. Eaton and she said you had to come and get it."
"That's it?" Bernard asked.
"Yeah," Bryce nodded, and then looked over at me, hoping I would agree.
Bernard looked up and asked, "So, that's it?"
I looked at Bernard and then back at Bryce.
"Boy, you're already in enough trouble as it is, and if I find out you're lying to me…"
"I'm not lying," Bryce whined.
"If you're not telling me everything, then that's a lie of omission. Same damn thing and you know it. Now talk."
"Okay, here's what happened. There's this girl in my class, and my friend Amir really likes her. So, his birthday was last week, and I paid the girl twenty-five dollars to take some pics and send them to him. It was a gift."
"Wait? What? Where the hell did you get twenty-five dollars and what kind of pics?" Bernard was breathing so hard that I could see his chest going up and down.
I was still trying to comprehend the fact that Bryce paid the girl for the pics, as a gift for his friend. This girl was not only sending the pics, but getting paid for them. This was way more than I expected.
"Just pics of her, posing," Bryce said.
"Again with the lies of omission. Try it again," Bernard warned.
"Naked pics."
"Jesus Christ, Bryce. What the hell is wrong with you? What the hell are you thinking? Do you know how much trouble this could get you in? Hell naw, how much trouble you are in? This is major, man. You gotta know better than this."
"I guess I was thinking it was no different than the stripper parties that you throw…"
"First of all, you are NOT me. Second of all, I'm a grown-ass man, and you're a kid," Bernard snapped. His voice was stern that even I jumped.
"Listen, I've explained to Bryce that not only was the girl sending the pics inappropriate, but his receiving them was just as bad. He understands that this could get him in even more trouble, and could have landed him in jail, right Bryce?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"And I'm sure he will delete the pics out of the phone as soon as he gets it back," I said, taking the phone out of my drawer and handing it to Bernard.
"No, he's gonna delete the pictures now and give me the phone, period," Bernard said, handing the phone to Bryce, "Delete 'em!"
"Yes, sir," Bryce sighed. He fidgeted with the phone and handed it back to his uncle, "They're gone."
"You need to apologize to Ms. Eaton," Bernard said.
"Sorry, Ms. Eaton," Bryce mumbled.
"Go ahead, get Mrs. Butler to give you a hall pass and go on back to class, Bryce. And don't forget, you have two weeks of detention, starting tomorrow."
"Yes, ma'am," Bryce walked out.
"Damn," Bernard said, rubbing his forehead, "I don't even know what to say. I'm sorry you had to deal with this. I just...I don't…his dad is...and I'm just trying to be there while his mom is on duty. Hell, I don't know what's going on with him."
"He's a kid," I said, "They all are. And they're very impressionable. He just wants to be just like his uncle, that's all."
"Come on, that's not fair, Danni. I'm not like that anymore," Bernard said.
"It doesn't matter if you are or not, Bernard, that's not even my concern. My point is that you say you're trying to be there, and that's cool, but understand with that role comes more responsibility than buying him condoms and energy drinks to prep him for a dance." I reached into my drawer, and into my purse, and handed him a crisp fifty dollar bill, "And I believe I owe you this."
"Come on, Danni, don't be like that. It's all love, and you know we go way back."
"I know it is, Bernard, but just like you, I'm not like that anymore. I've accepted my role and all the responsibilities that come with it. Now, I have a full day's agenda I have to deal with that I haven't even gotten started on. Thanks so much for coming, and I really appreciate your support in this matter."
We walked out of my office just as the door opened and Milton walked in with a female student.
"This young lady was in the hallway without a pass and says she was told to come to the office," he announced.
Suddenly, the girl let out a scream and came barreling toward Bernard, jumping up and putting her arms around him.
"Bubsy! OMG! You're here at my school? Did you come to get me? They called me out of class and I ain't know what was going on? Is it because you told them to?" She said without taking a breath.
"Whoa, girl, calm down," Bernard laughed. "How are you? Look at how big you've gotten. Wow, you're all grown up."
"Young lady, I'm gonna have to ask you to calm down and take a seat."
"You know her?" Bryce asked.
"Know me? Boy, please, this is my Daddy," the girl snapped as she hugged Bernard tightly.
Bryce looked just as confused as everyone else, and the room got quiet.
"Ms. Eaton, this is Reality Love," Mrs. Butler said.
* * * * * * * * * *
It was almost six in the evening when I was finally able to leave for the day. I had just gotten to my car and was about to back out of my spot when a motorcycle pulled right behind me, blocking me in. I rolled down my window and watched as the rider cut the engine off and removed their helmet. I shook my head as Bernard jumped off the bike and smiled at me.
"What are you doing? Are you crazy? I could have run right over you, fool!"
"Your car wasn't even in gear yet. I made sure I didn't see your reverse lights," he said.
"What do you want?" I asked him.
"Two things, actually. One, I wanna thank you for dealing with my nephew and the cell phone craziness. I'm really gonna work on him. What you said this morning made a lot of sense and I need to be a better example."
"Good," I nodded, "I'm glad to hear that. And?"
"And I'm going to make sure he doesn't get his phone back anytime soon and when he does get it back, I will definitely be making sure he's not sending or receiving anything inappropriate," Bernard said, matter-of-factly.
"Okay, and?"
He stood beside my car, as if he was trying to think of what he was supposed to say, "And what?"
"Bernard, you said there were two things you wanted. You told me one, now what's the other?" I sighed.
"Oh, I left without getting your number this morning," he said it so sexy that I almost asked him to repeat it so I could hear it again. Then I remembered that I wasn't in eighth grade, and he wasn't asking me to copy my science homework. This was far beyond that.
"I don't think so," I told him.
"Why not?" He seemed surprised that I was telling him no.
"It's not a good idea," I shook my head. "You don't need my number. If you need to reach me, you know where I work. And you only need to reach me regarding school related issues."
"Danni, you gon' be like that? I can't call you?"
"Call me for what, Bernard?"
"You know what I'd be calling you for. We go way back, and I would like to take you out...go to dinner, see a movie, catch up on what's been going on. We're old friends, aren't we?" He shrugged.
"You're right, Bernard, we are. But, I'm the principal, and I don't date my students parents. It's not a good idea," I started to roll the window up, and he stuck his hand in, causing me to stop.
"I'm not a parent of one of your students, I'm an uncle," he said, "His mom will be back in a couple of weeks. So, sounds like a good idea to me."
"Whatever, that still makes you a guardian. And what about your daughter? You know what? It doesn't even matter; we don't even need to discuss this anymore. I've had a long day and I really just wanna go home," I told him.
Bernard turned serious, and his eyes darkened, "Dannica, I explained to you earlier that Reality is not my biological daughter. I dated
her mom for a while, a long time ago. I never told her I was her father; she just latched on to me. I don't have any kids."
"Maybe not, but you're still a father figure," I said.
"Danni…"
"Ms. Eaton, is everything alright?" Mr. Ferguson called across the parking lot, walking towards us.
"I'm fine, Mr. Ferguson," I said.
"Hey, Mr. Ferguson." Bernard reached over and shook his hand. "It's good seeing you."
"You too, Mr. Wright. I saw the Back To School event you had over at the shop. That was real nice of you," Mr. Ferguson told him. "Some of the boys really needed that."
"Hey, you know me, Mr. Ferguson, I do what I can. We all got a role to play in these kids' lives, right?" Bernard said, looking over at me and stepping back. "Ms. Eaton, thanks again. I'll see you both around."
He got on his bike, put his helmet on, and gunned the motor as he pulled away.
"The infamous, B. Wright," Mr. Ferguson laughed.
"More like, B. Wrong," I replied. "I see he's taken over the family business."
"Well, he has his shortcomings, but we all do. I can't say I agree with everything he does, but I don't think he's anything like his father. He's a little more wholesome and grounded."
"Yeah, imagine that," I sneered. "His nephew thought that sexting was okay because his uncle hires strippers. That's real wholesome, Mr. Ferguson."
"Again, he has his shortcomings, but he does do a lot for the community. He gave free haircuts to the boys for back to school, and if they make honor roll, they continue to get free haircuts. And, from what I hear, a lot of the needier boys get school clothes from the supply closet in the barber shop."
"The supply closet?" I asked.
"Yeah, it's something his dad started when he had the shop. Whatever you needed, you could get it from the supply closet. Back then, it was porn, moonshine, drugs, even girls. You could even borrow money if you needed it."
"What?"
"But, it's not like that anymore I don't think. Nowadays, I think it's more like CDs, DVDs, coats and clothes for the kids that need 'em, and actual school supplies. The last time I went…"
"You went in there?" I said, shocked by Mr. Ferguson's confession.
"Hey, my uncle was in town visiting and he wanted some white lightning. That's the only place around here you can get it," he said.
"I have really got to go," I sighed. "Thanks again, Mr. Ferguson."
"Hey, not bad for a Monday," he nodded. "And to think, we get to do it all over again tomorrow."
"Please, don't remind me," I said.
Teacher's Pet
By the time Christmas vacation rolled around, I was well overdue for a break. I managed to survive the first half of the school year without putting my hands on anyone's child and catching myself before using a few 'choice' words when speaking to parents and even some members of the faculty. The Faculty Holiday Christmas Party was held at the restaurant of one of the finer hotels. It was the evening of the last day of school before Christmas Break. All I kept thinking was that it was the only thing I had to do, and then I would be free for two whole weeks. As exhausted as I was, I somehow managed to remember to purchase gifts for everyone in my family and get them over to my parents' home; before they left for Michigan to spend the holidays with my brother and his wife.
"I don't understand why you can't just fly to Detroit for a few days," my mother whined, taking the bags of wrapped presents out of my hand.
"Because I'm tired, and I don't feel like dealing with the headache, Mom."
"But it's Christmas," she said.
"I know it is. And that's why I gotta get outta here and get to my staff Christmas party," I reminded her.
"Leave the girl alone. At least she brought presents," my dad called out from the den. He was leaned back reading the paper in his recliner.
"That's such holiday spirit, Daddy," I yelled to him.
"It's the truth," he said. "Hey, I saw in the paper that barber shop, in our old neighborhood, raised enough money to buy fifty bikes for the kids. That was nice."
"Yeah, it was," I said. The news of the B. Wright Barber Shop Christmas Bike giveaway was the talk of the school. They were giving away the bikes to kids who either had perfect attendance, honor roll, or good citizenship. I thought it was a noble gesture and was impressed, but kept a safe distance from the project. Mr. Ferguson and Mrs. Butler helped identify the kids, and the bikes were going to be given on Christmas Eve. Oddly enough, Officer Gilbert seemed to take issue with the give-aways.
"That barbershop is run by drug dealers," he mentioned, "has been for years."
"No, it's not," I said, trying not to sound irritated by his accusation. "I know the owner, Bernard Wright, he's not a drug dealer."
"If you say so; Vice has been watching them, and it's only a matter of time," he said, folding his arms.
"I don't know what they're watching for," I said.
"So, are you bringing someone to the party tonight?" He asked, changing the subject.
"Nope, I'll be solo," I sighed.
"If you like, I can pick you up and we can go together," he smiled.
A few months after he started working at the school, and against my better judgment, I agreed to meet Milton for a drink after work, thinking that it would be innocent and meaningless. I was wrong. Four shots of vodka later, he was going on and on about how attracted he was to me.
"I feel like we'd make just as great of a team outside the school as we do on the inside." He confessed.
I looked at him, knowing full well that I had no interest in him whatsoever, but I didn't want to hurt his feelings.
"I'm sorry, Milton," I said, "I don't date people I work with."
"I can always transfer to another school," he looked disappointed. "I need another drink."
"Don't you have to drive home?" I asked.
"You've only had one glass of wine, you can take me," He stated. "I don't know where you live," I said, "but, I can call you a cab."
"Damn, I can't even get a ride home? That's the least you can do after breaking my heart."
I was 'guilted' into driving his drunk ass home; and he apologized the following day, saying he was out of line and it would never happen again. For the most part, he kept it strictly professional, but occasionally he would try and ask me out on the sly, like right now. There was no way, in hell, I would go with him to the Faculty Holiday Gathering.
"Thanks, but no thanks," I said. "I have to head to my parents house and catch them before they hit the road. I'll see you at the party."
"Is that the same barber shop where that man got shot when we lived over there?" My mom asked.
"Yeah," I said, "his son runs it now, Bernard Wright."
"They used to do more in that shop than cut hair," my mother whispered. "They used to have prostitutes in the back. Your father doesn't know that I know about that, but I do."
I laughed, "I don't think they have prostitutes in there any more, Mom."
"I hope not, but they got that money from those bikes from somewhere."
I looked at my watch and saw that I had to get going, "Mom, you and Dad be safe. Call me as soon as you get there. Bye, Daddy!"
My dad walked in, and gave me a hug, and kissed my cheek, "Have fun at your party, Sweetie. And do something exciting while you're on vacation!"
"Okay, I'll try," I said.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Meet me at Kincaid's!" Brandi said.
"What? I'm just leaving the Christmas Party. I'm not going to a club. The only place I'm going is home and getting in the bed," I told her.
"Come on, it's only eleven o'clock. And you don't have to get up in the morning. Just for a little while," she pleaded. "You're right up the street. We can just hang out at the bar."
I turned my car around in the middle of the street, "I'm on my way. And I'm only staying for an hour!"
"Yay, let's get this Christmas break started right," she laughed.
Nearly tw
o hours later, I sat at the bar and laughed with my best friend. I was glad that I agreed to meet her. I was having a ball. The music was on point, the crowd was mellow, and the atmosphere was festive.
"Oh my God," Brandi whispered, leaning over.
"What?" I asked, feeling tipsy from the drinks.
"Turn around and look who just walked in," she said, her eyes wide with surprise. "Slowly, please."
I slowly turned around and saw that a crowd of well-dressed guys walking in the club. I didn't recognize any of them at first. Then, I saw him, wearing a dark grey sweater and black leather jacket. I guess he felt me staring, he turned and his eyes met mine. He smiled and nodded at me, and I smiled back. He tapped one of the guys that he was with, and they walked over to the bar.
"Principal Eaton," he said.
"Mr. Wright," I responded, "you remember Brandi Hughes."
"Brandi, what's up, girl? You haven't changed a bit," he said, brushing past me to give her a hug. I inhaled his scent, and a chill went down my spine.
"You haven't either," Brandi replied.
"This is my boy, Doug," he pointed to his friend. "He cuts hair at the shop."
"Nice to meet you, Doug," I said.
"What are you ladies drinking?" Doug asked, motioning for the bartender.
"Oh, I'm done," I shook my head. "I've already had more than enough."
"Girl, stop," Brandi laughed, "you can have one more. We can toast to old friends."
I squinted at Brandi, who winked back at me. Another round was ordered, we moved from the bar to a table, and I immediately knew that the night was just beginning.
"This is my jam," Brandi said, snapping her fingers and singing along to the Usher song..
"Then let's go, girl," Doug took Brandi by the hand; and they went to the crowded dance floor.
"You wanna go?" Bernard asked.
"Naw, I think I'mma sit this one out," I said.
He slid his chair closer to mine and leaned toward me, "So, you all ready for Christmas?"
"About as ready as I'm gonna be," I said. "What about you?"
"I'm pretty much done. I do most of my shopping throughout the year, so I just have last minute stuff to get," he said.
