by Beth Rinyu
Also by Beth Rinyu
The Exception to the Rule
An Unplanned Lesson
Beth Rinyu
An Unplanned Lesson Beth Rinyu
Copyright © 2013 by Beth Rinyu
First Printing, 2013
This book is a work of fiction, the characters, incidents and dialogues are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental.
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Cover Design by LLPIX Photography
Editing and Formatting by BZHercules.com
ISBN-13: 978-0615779485
ISBN-10: 0615779484
Acknowledgements
A great big thank you to . . .
My mom, my Aunt Rita, and my cousin Sharon for being my guinea pigs once again and encouraging me to keep writing this story. A double thank you to my aunt who muddled through those somewhat risqué scenes, even though I made her blush. Remember, Aunt Rita, this is purely fiction!
Marcie and Joanne for being the first round of editors before I sent it off to the editor!
My husband for always being so supportive.
Stephan and Aidan: no more late nights on your Xbox because your mom was too busy writing away to realize it! So you guys better hurry up and help me come up with an idea for my next book!
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
CHAPTER 25
CHAPTER 26
CHAPTER 27
CHAPTER 28
CHAPTER 29
CHAPTER 30
CHAPTER 31
CHAPTER 32
CHAPTER 33
CHAPTER 34
CHAPTER 35
CHAPTER 36
CHAPTER 37
CHAPTER 38
CHAPTER 39
CHAPTER 40
CHAPTER 41
CHAPTER 42
CHAPTER 43
CHAPTER 44
CHAPTER 45
CHAPTER 46
CHAPTER 47
CHAPTER 48
CHAPTER 49
CHAPTER 50
EPILOGUE
Chapter 1
I stepped into the hot muggy air, immediately wishing that I had opted to wear my sleeveless summer dress instead of the blazer and pants that I was wearing. I battled in my head whether I should run back in and change, but I quickly chased that thought from my mind, knowing that I had just enough time to make it to my job interview and that was if I didn’t hit any traffic or red lights.
My car had been acting up and I was hoping that it would be on its best behavior this morning, just long enough to get me to my destination, which was Pineview Elementary School. I was interviewing for a second grade teaching position, most likely along with twenty other people. It was early August, which meant that the summer crowds were out in full force in my tiny New Jersey bayside town that I called home year round.
The humming of my car’s engine as it turned over at the first turn of my key was music to my ears. Much to my surprise, I pulled into the school parking lot with five minutes to spare. I pulled down my rearview mirror and gave myself one last glance. My thick, raven-colored hair, which I had meticulously blown out and flat ironed just a few short hours ago, had expanded from the humidity. I grabbed the ponytail holder wrapped around the gearshift in my car and pulled my hair into the best possible bun that I could manage. I applied another quick coat of mascara to the lashes of my hazel eyes and a thin coat of lip-gloss to my lips. Well, this is going to have to do. It’s not like I’m going to get the job anyway. But at least the interview will be a good experience. This had become my mantra for the past year while pursuing a teaching job. I was working at a local preschool, but my degree was in elementary education. Even though this was my second interview round, I wasn’t getting my hopes up. There were plenty of times that I had been called back for a second interview and I didn’t end up getting the job.
I stepped out of the car, instantly breaking out in a sweat as I put my blazer back on. My first interview had been at the Board of Education office. This was the first time I had actually been inside the elementary school. My jaw dropped as I walked into the enormous, state-of-the-art building. It was full of windows, allowing for an abundance of natural light. There was a grand staircase leading to the second floor that was open to the downstairs. Wow, I guess this is what astronomical taxes buy you, I thought. I reminded myself that I wasn’t in my modest little town anymore, but instead the next town over - which happened to be very affluent.
I walked into the main office and waited for the secretary to end her phone conversation. I took a deep breath as she placed the phone down. “Hello, I’m Nicole Morgan; I have a two o’clock interview with Dr. Joyner and Mrs. Kane,” I said to the heavy-set woman sitting behind the desk.
She looked down at the paper on her desk. “Okay, have a seat. They’ll be right with you.”
I sat down and waited while I read the signs hanging on the walls over and over, trying my best to calm my nerves. I heard the door of the principal’s office squeaking open and the faint sound of voices. I gave a smile to the woman who was exiting, clearly knowing that she was here for the same reason as I was. She looked to be about 40 years old, which meant she had fifteen years experience on me. Her poker-straight hair was cut in an asymmetrical bob; obviously, the humidity outside wasn’t an issue for her. She was wearing a long printed summer dress and I was half-tempted to ask her where she had bought her adorable red peek-a-boo toe sandals.
"Cute shoes," I said as she made her way past me.
"Hey thanks." She smiled as her blue eyes glistened.
I rested my head against the wall. Yes, she was what they were looking for; someone who had it all together. Probably had a few kids of her own, a great husband, and a big house. Not someone like me, a twenty-five-year-old girl who tried on twenty different outfits before coming to this interview, all of which were either lying on her bed or on her bedroom floor at this particular moment. Someone who would misplace her car keys as soon as she put them down or couldn't maintain a relationship to save her life because she was too busy harboring the guilt of her past. Oh well, Nicole, another one you're not going to get.
"Miss Morgan, they're ready for you now," the secretary said before she led me back to the principal's office.
Dr. Joyner, the school superintendent, and Mrs. Kane, the principal, were sitting around the conference room table with a copy of my resume laid out before them.
They both stood up and shook my hand. Mrs. Kane reminded me of your typical soccer mom. I could tell almost immediately during my first interview that she was a very warm and caring person.
Dr. Joyner, on the other hand – well, he was just the opposite. He was a tall African-American man with a very deep, intimidating voice. He made me feel like I was being interrogated as a murder suspect in my first interview. I thought for sure that I had blown it, never in a millio
n years expecting a call back.
“Well, Nicole, you must have really impressed us to have made it down to the final three out of fifty applicants,” Dr. Joyner said with a smile.
Wow, what a boost of confidence, three out of fifty! And, Dr. Joyner actually smiled at me, I thought to myself. I smiled back, trying my best to contain my excitement.
“We just have a few more questions for you and then we will be making our final decision by the week’s end,” Mrs. Kane chimed in.
“Okay Nicole, what makes you think that second grade would be the right fit for you?” Dr. Joyner asked.
“Well, I love children of all ages, but to me there’s something about the primary grades that allows you to make such a lasting impression in their lives. The preschoolers that I’m teaching now are great, but they are much too young to be inspired by a teacher’s enthusiasm. Once you get to the older grades, they seem to think they know it all and will reject anything that you have to offer. I think that second grade is the perfect grade to motivate a child through the rest of their school years.” I took a deep breath and waited for their reaction.
Mrs. Kane quickly smiled as if she were happy with my answer. They continued on, going over the salary and benefits if I were to get the job.
“Okay, do you have any other questions for us?” Mrs. Kane asked.
“No, I think you pretty much covered everything,” I said.
“Okay, like I said, we will be letting you know one way or the other by the end of the week, then of course the final approval must come at the next Board of Ed meeting,” Mrs. Kane said as she extended her hand to me.
“Okay, that sounds great,” I said, shaking her hand and Dr. Joyner’s before exiting the office.
I walked out of the school and back into the heat with a newfound confidence. I was really happy with how the interview went, but I still wasn’t going to get my hopes up. I pulled my phone from my purse to find two text messages. One was from my best friend, Donna, asking me how the interview went and to call her as soon as I got done. The other was from Drew, my ex-boyfriend. I hadn’t spoken to him in months and was anxious to see what it said. My hands were shaking as I hit the button to read it: Was hanging with a few mutual friends last night and they told me about your interview, good luck, I know you will do great. My heart sank just reading his words. I missed him so much and wished that things could have been different between us. We had been together for two years. I was the happiest that I had ever been until he began to talk about marriage and children. I was still battling the guilt from my past and shuddered at the mere thought of those two things. The more he tried to get me to break down that wall the further I pushed him away, eventually leading to a very painful breakup. He was a great guy and I hated myself for not being able to open up to him, but it hurt too much to reveal my secret to anyone, so I kept it buried deep within my heart. I cried for days when I heard he was dating someone new. But through my tears, I knew that he deserved to be happy with someone who was willing to give him all that he wanted in life. As for me, I was done with the relationship scene. I was just going to focus on getting my life together and putting my past behind me for good. Yes, it would be a long road, but as I got into my car and looked up at the beautiful bright blue sky, something was telling me…you can do this!
Chapter 2
The week dragged on at a snail’s pace and each time my phone would ring, my stomach dropped. When I hadn’t heard anything by Friday afternoon, I just assumed I would be receiving the usual form letter that always started off with, “although you were highly qualified…” Oh well, just another one to add to my collection. I was heading out to lunch with my best friend, Donna, and her boyfriend, Michael. I was hoping that they would help take my mind off my impending rejection.
We were meeting at our favorite casual bay front restaurant. It was a beautiful day and I opted to ride my bike instead of driving. I placed my bike in the bicycle rack and walked into the outside dining area where Donna and Michael were already waiting for me.
“Look at you, riding your bike,” Michael joked.
“Leave her alone, Michael; that’s why she’s so skinny. I should be doing more of that and maybe I wouldn’t look the way that I do,” Donna said, looking down at herself.
“Donna, just stop, you’re beautiful,” I said. And she was, both inside and out. Donna had been my very best friend since middle school. There wasn’t anything we didn’t share. She was always there for me and vice versa. She had been there for me through my worst and I was so grateful for that. Her long blond hair blew in the breeze and her dark sunglasses hid her beautiful blue eyes. She was always so down on herself, particularly about her weight. She was always on some crazy diet or joining one gym after another to which she never went. She was by no means fat. She had curves, which looked perfect on her.
“Oh, Nicole, you are too sweet. But you know I would kill to have your body.” She smiled.
“We ordered you a Corona,” Michael said, pointing to the bottle that was on the table as he took a sip of his.
“My favorite,” I said.
“Well, have you heard anything about the job?” Donna asked.
“Nope,” I said, disappointed.
“Well, the day’s not over,” Donna said enthusiastically.
“Yeah, I guess.” I took a sip of my beer. "So what's going on with my favorite couple?"
Donna beamed. "Only this!” She dangled her left ring finger in front of my face as the sparkle from the perfectly cut pear-shaped diamond reflected off the sun. I had just taken a sip of my beer and choked at the sight of an engagement ring on her finger.
Michael had never mentioned anything to me, but then again he was wise if he was trying to keep it a secret. He knew the relationship I had with Donna. But still, I think I would have been able to have kept something like this from her.
"Oh my goodness, it's beautiful!" I said as I held her finger across my hand. I got up from the table to give both her and Michael a hug and kiss. I held back the tears that were stinging in my eyes. I knew part of it was over my happiness for the two of them. The other part was over sadness for me; this could have been me and Drew, if only I weren't so screwed up.
"We haven't exactly set a date, but we're thinking next summer and of course you are going to be my maid of honor," Donna said.
"Of course!" I said as if it were a no-brainer.
The waitress came over to take our order; I didn't even have time to look at the menu. I was too busy ogling Donna’s ring. So I decided to go with my usual BLT.
Donna told me how Michael had proposed to her early that morning during a romantic sunrise stroll along the beach. I sighed, wishing that I could have someone in my life like Michael, and then I painfully reminded myself that I once did and I screwed it up. The food arrived as we continued to talk about the wedding plans. Donna already knew her venue, the color of her bridesmaids’ dresses, the type of flowers that she wanted, and what their wedding song was going to be. She had it so together and I wondered how she could have been best friends with someone like me, who was her exact opposite.
Donna was an ER nurse and Michael was a police officer who just happened to break his ankle two years ago in a foot chase. Luckily for Donna, it just happened to be on the same shift that she was working. They had the type of relationship that most people would die for. Michael was so carefree and Donna so regimented; it was the perfect balance that worked well for them. I looked at Michael, who seemed to be beaming just as much as Donna was. He had such a cute boyish way to him that made you like him instantly. He had short-cropped brown hair and dark brown eyes. He was only a little bit taller than Donna, about five feet, eight inches, but the two of them looked like they were made for each other.
We finished our lunch and were still engrossed in wedding conversation. I could tell that Michael was getting bored from hearing about different types of flowers and styles of wedding dresses.
“Are we ready?” I asked finally
.
Michael nodded as if I had said the magic words. I went to get the check, but he grabbed it from my hands. “Michael, let me get this; you guys have a wedding to pay for!” It was of no use; he was already fumbling for his credit card.
I looked over at the entryway and hoped that my eyes were fooling me. It couldn’t be Drew and his new girlfriend - but it was. I wasn’t even ready to face Drew yet, let alone his new girlfriend. Donna placed her hand on my arm in support. I took a deep breath as they moved closer. You can do this; you can do this, I kept repeating over and over in my head.
The girl was grasping Drew’s hand tightly. I wondered if he had told her who I was when they were making their way to our table.
“Oh boy,” Michael whispered as he finally looked up from filling out the credit card information on the check.
I was so grateful that there was no humidity today and my hair was in perfect form; honestly, the things I thought at a time like this amazed me. They stopped right at the edge of our table as I secretly examined his new girlfriend from head to toe. She had very blond hair; with a little help from her hair stylist, I was sure. I could see her darker roots peeking out of the top of her head. She definitely had a much bigger chest than my average-sized one and she was a lot taller than my five-foot, five-inch height. She looked to be almost as tall as Drew, who was about five feet, ten inches. She was dressed in a teal green T-shirt and short khaki skirt that accented her long thin legs. After I was done with my assessment of her, my eyes moved to Drew. He was so handsome, wearing tan shorts and a blue T-shirt that showed off his rock-hard chest. His beautiful thick brown tousled hair blew in the light bay breeze and his warm brown eyes still made me melt. I had looked into those eyes so many times, never able to convey all that needed to be said.
I forced my best smile. “Hey,” I said, realizing I sounded a little too fake.
