by Lia London
“I don’t like it. It’s not safe. You should quit and come back up here.”
“Ma, the tri-city area has way more crime than Eastmont. This is small town stuff.”
“Then why are you hiding away in a small town? You should come up here where there are more prospects.”
“I have a great job, Ma. I like it. I work with nice people and they pay me more than I need.”
“Why do you sound like you’re shouting at me?”
“You’re on speaker phone, Ma. This is my teacher voice. I’m projecting.”
“I don’t like it. It makes you sound bossy.”
Nikki flipped the switch for the garbage disposal and screamed down the drain into the noise. She turned it off. “Sorry, Ma. What did you say?”
Ma sniffed. “Charlie has a new girlfriend.”
No, he doesn’t. He’s lying to you so you’ll get off his back. “Really? Have you met her? Tell me all about her!”
Nikki slid the phone a little further down the counter and resumed chopping, tuning out Ma’s delighted praise of Cindy Camelhopper and how good she was for Charlie. Instead, Nikki pondered her dilemma. She needed to take back the big lie without losing face and all credibility, but how? Having let it get this far, she’d have to be creative in her reasoning, or all her new friends would hate her. She knew her fear was irrational, and yet she let it take her by the hand and lead her away from her duty to the truth.
She pictured the faces of her colleagues as she scraped the diced tomatoes into a huge mixing bowl. Gayle will likely laugh it off. Kristin and Dusty? I don’t think they care. Does Mr. Geoffreys know? Katie! Oh, how am I going to tell her? She stopped chopping and looked down at her ring. Will, this is all your fault. Or is it? Is it Gayle’s fault for meddling in the flirtations and making me feel like I shouldn’t date Will?
But do I really want to date Will? More than once? What do I want?
Nikki sighed. “Officer Ross.”
“What? Who’s Officer Ross?” Ma’s voice chirped enthusiastically.
Wiping her hands on a dish towel, Nikki leaned closer to the phone so she wouldn’t have to “shout”. A wry smile twisted her lips. Okay, Charlie. I’ll try it. “Um, he’s the campus cop I told you about.” She took a deep breath. “We’ve gone out twice now.”
Ma reacted with immediate ebullience, despite condemning his career during the last call. I guess Ma doesn’t really care as long as I have prospects. For the next half hour, Nikki made a massive vat of salsa and let Ma grill her about Ross. The beauty of it was that she didn’t have to lie at all when she explained all the reasons she liked him.
The next day, Justin walked in without Amanda, and Nikki instantly felt a pang of guilt. He looked so forlorn.
“Hi Justin,” she called, trying to sound cheerful.
He looked up without answering, his face an emotionless pincushion. Nikki winced, assuming he was angry with her for getting his girlfriend suspended.
Rather than pass the exam out by rows, she decided to pass them out one by one and say a word of encouragement to each student as she did so. She began the idea thinking solely of a chance to check on Justin, but after going through two rows, she realized she wanted to make this a regular practice. The students looked up with such gratitude, or at least hope, that she thought maybe they’d do just that much better.
When she reached Justin, the last in the room, she whispered, “I’m sorry about Amanda.”
He grunted without looking at her. “That’s just the start of it.”
Nikki heard the catch in his voice and crouched beside his desk to get a better look at his face. “What do you mean?”
“Nothing much. Just the worst day of my life.”
Nikki watched with surprise as a teardrop fell onto his test paper. Standing quickly to block the view, she put her hand on his shoulder. “Justin, why don’t you take this out into the hall? I’ll come join you in a minute.”
He looked up, tears welling. “Am I in trouble?”
“No, no. I just thought maybe you’d like to be alone while you take this test.”
His tears spilled down his cheeks, but he gave her a half smile and grabbed the paper up quickly. Nikki boosted her volume and she moved to the front of the class, effectively distracting any kids who might have seen Justin leave.
“Okay, it’s the test you’ve all been waiting for. Your chance to prove you know it all. If you read the questions carefully, you’ll see there really aren’t any right or wrong answers. It’s about proving your position from the text. You have every reason to succeed if you’ve read the story and paid any attention whatsoever in class. Good luck.”
She returned to her desk and grabbed the Kleenex box off the end. At the door, she called, “I’ll be right back. No cheating. It’ll be way obvious on this test.”
In the hall, she was glad to find Justin had not just left. He sat slumped against the wall with the heels of his hands pushed into his eyes. Nikki scanned the vacant corridor and tapped him with her foot. “C’mon, Justin. Why don’t you come across to the teacher lounge?” His eyes widened, and she laughed. “I assure you it’s not glamorous. The jacuzzi’s been busted for two weeks now.”
Justin rose to his feet and followed her across the hall. She found the room empty, and indicated he should sit down. Sitting kitty corner to him in the cramped space, she leaned her elbows on the table. “All right, Justin. What’s going on? Even your Mohawk is wilting.”
Nikki thought she’d get a chuckle, but instead she got a fountain of tears as Justin poured out all his sorrows. His girlfriend had dumped him that morning, his father had threatened to kick him out last night, he’d already flunked a test in math today, and someone had stolen his phone.
“Sometimes it’s just too much, you know?”
“Yeah, I know,” she said, sliding the Kleenex to him. “It’s okay. Let it out. High school’s not for wimps. That’s why they have you do it while you’re still young and strong.”
Justin tried to laugh, but instead folded himself forward and cried into the table top. Nikki, hoping she hadn’t left her class alone for too long, gently rubbed circles on his shoulder, trying to calm him. Before she realized what she’d done, he reached over and wrapped his arms around her neck, sobbing into her hair.
I’ve left my class. I’m alone with a teenage boy. We’re hugging. If someone walks in right now, I am so fired. Squeezing the miserable boy tighter, she set her lips in a flat line. I don’t care. This kid needs a hug.
They stayed like that for a moment longer, and then Justin pulled back. “Oh man, I’m sorry, Ms. F. I snotted on your shirt.”
Nikki glanced at it and quickly snatched a few tissues to undo the damage. Standing, she said, “Do you want to stay here, or go back?”
He wiped his eyes and stood. “I’m better now.”
She opened the door for him. “I’m sorry Amanda broke up with you. She’s had a rough week, too, I guess.”
“Amanda’s not my girlfriend.”
“She’s not?” Nikki retrieved the test he’d left on the table and followed him out the door into the hall. “But I thought…”
“My girlfriend Tiffany broke up with me because she’s jealous of Amanda. Amanda’s my best friend.”
Nikki furrowed her brows. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think it’s time for you to date your best friend. I’ve heard that’s the best way.”
“Is that what you did?” asked Justin hopefully.
Nikki shook her head and flicked his Mohawk. “I’m not that far along yet,” she said. “Do what I say, not what I do on this one, okay?”
Justin hugged her impetuously. “Thanks, Ms. F. You’re the best.”
With wide eyes, Nikki registered Ross standing at the intersection of the halls. How long has he been there? Giving the cop an awkward smile, she opened her classroom door and shoved Justin playfully in. “Go ace this test,” she whispered.
She t
urned back to the hall. Ross approached with a serious face, and she immediately began to apologize. “That probably didn’t look so great, but—”
He held a hand up and leaned close. “It looked very great. That kid probably hasn’t had a hug in years. Rough home life.”
Overcome with gratitude, Nikki threw her arms around him. “Thanks for understanding! I just…” Her train of thought derailed as she realized how warm and powerful Ross’ arms were. Oh my gosh, I could stay here all day. It’s just like I was telling Ma…
He gently extricated himself from her embrace. “Now, now. I won’t tell about the kid, but let’s not make this a habit. Not everyone is as inclined to forgive you as I am.”
“Right. Sorry.”
“Get to class,” he said, opening the door with a big smile. “Your kids need you.”
Nikki picked up the flawless Pink Lady apple and inhaled its aroma. It had to be safe, didn’t it? But who had left it there? Dropping her purse into her file cabinet bottom drawer, she went back out to the back door where she’d seen Ross patrolling. When he turned and made eye contact, she waved the apple at him.
His eyes widened. “Another one?”
“All right, royal taste tester. You said you’d check to see if it was safe.”
“Where was it?” he asked, taking the apple.
“Corner of my desk, like always.”
Ross sniffed at it just as she had. “You sure? It smells heavenly. Pink Lady and everything!” She nodded, and he took a big bite, crunching with relish. Suddenly, he clutched at his throat as if struggling to breathe. “It’s…”
“What?” Nikki gripped his wrist in panic. “What?”
“It’s…” he croaked. “It’s delicious!” He stopped gagging and grinned.
Nikki slapped his arm. “Not funny!” I don’t want to slap him. I want to hold him.
He proffered the rest of the apple. “You want this back?”
“No,” she laughed. “I’ve got gum in my mouth. The flavors will clash. You can have it.”
“What are you going to do if you keep getting these mysterious apples every day?” he asked.
Nikki rolled her eyes. “Wonder who my stalker is.”
“Or wonder who’s sweet on you.”
Nikki blushed and waved the idea away. Coach? She shrugged. “I can always make apple salsa.”
“You make apple salsa, too?” he asked through a mouthful. “Can I be royal taste tester for that?”
Laughing, Nikki felt a jolt of warmth rush through her. It dried her mouth instantly, and she licked her lips. “Yeah,” she said with an embarrassingly breathy voice. I don’t want Ross thinking I’m a wanton wife. I need to tell him I’m not married—now! She gave him a half-smile. A horrible thought hit her. What if he’s already attached?
“How about you? Have you got someone sweet on you?” When he hesitated, she bit her lip. “Sorry. Too personal?”
“No, no. It’s just…” His eyes fixed on her with a faraway look. “You know. I have my eye on someone, but…”
“She doesn’t know you exist,” said Nikki.
“Right. Story of my love life. Captain Unrequited Love.”
Nikki drew a slow, deep breath and smiled sadly. “Then she’s blind. Any fool can see you’re the nicest guy around.”
Ross’ face brightened at her words, and he held open the door for the Biology teacher, who walked in with a tri-fold chart of Plant vs. Animal Cells.
“I’m glad you found someone.” He didn’t look exactly glad.
“Yeah.” Why did I say ‘yeah’? This is where I’m supposed to tell the truth. Gaaaaak! Fear gripped Nikki, and she felt inexplicably compelled to elaborate on the lie instead of dispel it. “It’s kind of corny, but we just enjoy spending time together. Walking, talking, cooking, watching old sitcoms and action flicks.” Ross raised an amused eyebrow, and she went on. “It’s not all glamorous or anything, but he’s a great listener and he makes me feel really special.” Her voice trailed off as she saw the melancholy look in his eye. “I just wish he was here more, you know?” Real would be good, too.
“We’ll take care of you in the meantime,” he said softly.
Nikki clicked back down the hall, too distracted by the jumble of emotions she carried to care how much noise she made. Why can’t all men be as easy to talk to as Officer Ross? And yet why am I afraid to tell him the truth? She stopped and glanced back down the hall, spotting him through the door he held open for a pack of teenage girls. An image of his apple juicy lips came unbidden to her mind and she blushed. She forced the thoughts away, but they pulled her back to his laughing eyes, his dark curly hair, the little patch he missed shaving his chin…
“You would not believe how ready I am for a snow day.” Kristin slurped the dregs of her Mt. Dew Super Big Gulp.
Dusty shook his head and mumbled through a mouthful of turkey salad, “It’s not even Halloween yet, Kristin. Don’t start now.”
Nikki laughed. “I had no idea teachers would want them more than the kids.”
“Infinitely more!” Gayle said.
Nodding, Nikki said, “You may be right.”
“What’s wrong, Nikki? What’s got you tired?” asked Gayle.
“Student apathy,” said Dusty.
“Endless meetings and memos,” said Gayle.
“Stacks of grading,” said Kristin.
“Actually,” said Nikki. “Flickering fluorescent lights and squeaky student desks. My eyes and ears twitch all day.”
Gayle threw back her head and laughed. “You’re forgetting what I told you.”
“About what?” asked Nikki.
“The two most important people in the school.” Gayle stood up, cramming the last of a microwave taquito in her mouth. “Come on. Let’s go find Doug.”
Walking through the halls at lunch time, Nikki observed young love in full swing, with kids locking tonsils, saying loud, stupid, flirty things, and generally acting like giddy, hormonal fools. When Nikki’s eyes lingered on a particularly tender pair, Gayle scoffed. “It’s always mating season in high school, isn’t it?”
“Yeah,” said Nikki. She tried to sound aloof, but a piece of her called out, When will you let yourself be in love? She considered this as they descended a flight of stairs into the bowels of the building. After a few disastrous dates in college, she had just given up on finding a respectable boy like Craig. He had been creative and funny, and the two of them had morphed from gangly, awkward tweens to attractive youth together, always seeing the inner good in each other more than the outer looks. The longer she waited to try dating again, the less confident she felt. I’m so inexperienced. I’ll make a fool of myself. She snorted at herself. I should take notes on what I see in the halls in case any of it is useful later.
Gayle misinterpreted her amusement. “Oh, Doug’s here, and he’s not hiding. I’ve got one last place to look.” The custodial closet, storage room and boiler room had all been as uninhabited as the dark hallway, but now they stepped into a huge basement auto shop with a ramp that led up to the main level parking lot outside. The wide, metal garage door was open, casting a shaft of light on a blue Ford Taurus with its hood up.
“Doug, you in here?” Gayle approached the car and pointed to the feet extending from beneath it. Tapping one with her toe, she called again, “Doug!”
The custodian rolled out on a dolly. “Oh, hey Gayle!” He tugged earbuds from his large ears and scrambled to his feet. Nikki had never really paid attention to him before, but now saw that he was just past middle-aged with many friendly lines on his face. His large nose and pale blue eyes peeked out from under a layer of grime. Wiping his hands on a cloth tucked in his belt, he asked, “What’s up?”
“Doug, have you met Nikki Fallon yet? She’s the new gal in my department.”
He bobbed his head with a polite smile. “I’ve seen you around. I guess I thought you were just a really well-dressed student.”
Nikki laughed. “I get that a lot.”
“We were wondering if you could help us out. Nikki’s got some maintenance issues.”
“Ah, I haven’t been in your hall for a while. Was there a crashing fight or something?”
“Don’t you have to clean it every day?” asked Nikki.
Doug smiled like a father. “I’m the chief custodian. That means I get to boss the braves around while I tinker.”
“He’s got a cleaning crew, but this is your man for repairs,” said Gayle. “He’s also the best mechanic in town.” She looked at him appreciatively. “Is that Katie’s car, again?”
“You know it.” He gestured for them to head back into the hall. “Tell me your troubles, and we’ll see what my wizardry can do.”
They entered the stillness of the corridor and Nikki stopped, bunching up her brows in confusion. “Is that…Christmas music?”
“Oh, that!” Doug fumbled with his ear buds, retrieving the iPod attached to them. He turned it off. “Sorry. That was me.”
“Christmas, Doug?” asked Gayle.
“I’m dreaming of a white Halloween.”
“So am I!” said Nikki, brightening. She hummed the tune, and Doug joined in with harmony. Before she knew it, he’d swept her into a ballroom dance pose with his hand lightly on her waist. He glided with her a few paces before twirling her and bowing.
Flushed and surprised, Nikki applauded. “You are a man of many talents!”
“I do windows, too,” he winked. “I didn’t get grease on your shirt, did I?”
“She’s clean,” said Gayle, checking Nikki’s back.
They reached his closet, and he rummaged for a clipboard. “Okay, what’s the work order?”
“The lights—”
“Room number first, please.” He said it so business-like that Nikki had to pinch her lips shut to keep from giggling.
“31.”
He raised an eyebrow. “The clean room,” he said soberly. “Very nice.”
“The clean room?”
“Yours is the room the staff always says is so clean they don’t have to vacuum.”
