Taking Charge

by Bridgitte Lesley

  “We have a little something for you.” Joy smiled as he gave her the bottle of champagne.

  “Oh Jordan.” She put her arms out and put her arms around his neck. Joy smiled.

  “Thank you.” She kissed Jordan and smiled. She sat down again.

  “Oh we have to have a little glass. Just a little glass.” Tanya smiled as they all had a glass of champagne. Jordan held his glass up.

  “To the Principal and her success!” Joy smiled. She held up her glass.

  “To every single child. Because we are all children. And life is there to be enjoyed. And enjoy it we will!” Tanya grinned.

  “To life!” They all raised their glasses and drank their champagne. Jordan poured another glass for each. Joy smiled.

  “Oh while I remember. Can you get each teacher’s shoe size? Don’t let me forget. I need to order a few pairs of sneakers so that the kids can see them. Oh I mustn’t forget.” Tanya giggled.

  “I will do that first thing in the morning.” Joy smiled.

  “Thanks.” Jordan smiled.

  “Sneakers?” “Carrots. Dangling little carrots. Everyone will want a pair of those. Oh those grades are going to soar!” They all chuckled. Tanya got up.

  “See you tomorrow.” Joy hugged her.

  “See you tomorrow.” Tanya smiled as she left for home.

  CHAPTER 9

  Tanya walked in to the lounge and smiled. Zeba smiled.

  “Now young lady. What is going on with Jordan?” Tanya shook her head.

  “Why?”

  “Because he is happy. He has always been happy but he is a different kind of happy. Kind of like he has met a woman.” Tanya smiled.

  “Really? Has he?” Zeba looked at Tanya.

  “Where were you for supper?” Tanya smiled.

  “I was at the pub.”

  “And did you have supper?” Tanya nodded.

  “All nice and full thanks.” Tanya giggled.

  “What makes you think he has met a woman?” Zeba shook her head.

  “Your Dad and I think there is something going on. He is himself. But he really is happier. And whoever she is.” Lloyd smiled.

  “Whoever she is she did something to him. Because he is different.” Tanya smiled.

  “And I like my sons happy.” Tanya giggled. Zeba looked at Tanya.

  “You had champagne. Or something.” Tanya smiled.

  “A tiny bit of champagne.” Tanya smiled and hugged Zeba. Zeba chuckled.

  “What a lovely day you had.” Tanya smiled.

  “I have a feeling there is a lot more in store.” Zeba smiled.

  “She is the right person for the job.” Tanya nodded and sighed.

  “She is. In more ways than one. She is.”

  Jordan smiled as he held Joy’s hand.

  “You are so special.” Joy smiled. She got up from their little table. She hugged Jordan and stood behind him. She kissed his neck and moved to his ear. He turned around. He took Joy in to his arms.

  “You didn’t have too much champagne did you?” Joy whispered.

  “No.” He pulled her into his arms and started to kiss Joy. He moved her to against the counter and pulled her up close.

  “Joy.” Joy nodded as she looked at Jordan.

  “You are driving me crazy. I know it is too soon. But I want to make love to you. You are driving every part of my body crazy. I can’t focus.” Joy smiled and pulled Jordan closer and kissed him.

  “Jordan. Tonight. I don’t want to be sleeping alone. I haven’t ever done anything like this. But I want to. I don’t want you to think I sleep around. I don’t want you to think that.” Jordan nodded and looked at Joy. She looked at him with huge eyes and whispered.

  “I am a. Uhm. I haven’t ever.” Jordan kissed Joy.

  “I haven’t either. Never. Not with anyone. You would be my first.” Joy smiled and looked at Jordan. He lifted her up and carried her to the bedroom. He slowly undid her jeans button and her zip and eased her jeans down. She kicked her boots off and undid Jordan’s button and fly and eased his jeans down. He lifted her and lay her on the bed. They kissed and held each other. Their hands exploring one another.

  “I want you Joy.” He slowly removed her brooks. Joy slipped his underpants down. They took their underwear off.

  Jordan looked at Joy.

  “Are you sure about this?” Joy nodded. He slowly lay over Joy.

  “Don’t let me hurt you.” Joy nodded. He slowly worked his erection inside Joy’s body. Jordan held on to her and enjoyed the feeling of being inside her body. Joy felt as her eyes closed. She smiled and opened her eyes and looked up at Jordan. They both whispered as they spoke.

  “Jordan I.” He put his finger over her lips.

  “I know Joy. I love you.” Joy smiled.

  “I love you.” Jordan smiled and slowly started to move. Joy clutched on to him. He felt her starting to shake as she climaxed. Jordan moved faster and faster. Joy started moving to the rhythm. He thrust into Joy and she let out a low guttural groan. He moved faster and faster and pushed against Joy as he ejaculated. He looked down and Joy looked up. She pulled him down and kissed him.

  “I love you Jordan.” He smiled and kissed Joy.

  “I love you Joy.” He slowly moved out of Joy. Joy smiled. Jordan hugged Joy.

  “Joy next time we are in this bed. We are naked!” Joy giggled.

  “Please don’t get that morning after thing and regret this.” Jordan smiled.

  “Oh sweetheart. I loved every moment. You have taken me and turned me in to a man!” Joy smiled.

  “All woman.” Jordan smiled.

  “You were always a beautiful woman.” Joy smiled.

  “But now I really am a woman. And you did that.” Jordan smiled and kissed Joy.

  “I am honored.” Joy smiled.

  “So am I.” Jordan smiled.

  “I have to leave you.” Joy smiled.

  “I will be here when you get back.”

  “I might be very late.” Joy smiled.

  “But you will be back.” Jordan smiled.

  “I will.”

  Jordan got dressed and smiled.

  “Later.” He leaned over and kissed Joy. Joy smiled.

  “Hair.” He walked to the bathroom and brushed his hair and smiled. He walked out of the bathroom and kissed Joy and walked out. He walked in to the pub and smiled. He felt on top of the world.

  He walked over to Thomas, Wayne and Paul who were sitting at one of the tables.

  “And how are you three doing?” Paul smiled.

  “I for one have egg on my face. I sort of gave the Principal a hard time. And I kind of came on to her. So I think tonight might be a good night to drown my sorrows.” Jordan chuckled. Paul shook his head.

  “I didn’t know who she was. Until she gave us the order to be at that assembly. I feel so bad.” Jordan smiled.

  “Did she say anything?” Paul shook his head.

  “If she had yelled I think I would have felt better.” Jordan smiled.

  “I would forget all about it. Move on.” Paul smiled.

  “We were all put in our places. The three of us. And Penny. Poor woman.” Jordan chuckled.

  “Forget about it. Move on. If she wanted to she would have said something.” Paul nodded.

  “Yeah. I guess you are right.” Jordan nodded and walked off. He walked to Frank.

  “What is news?”

  “News is this place is thumping. And it might be a late night.”

  “Want me to take over?” Frank smiled and shook his head.

  “Boss you might like to tuck your shirt tails in.” Jordan smiled and tucked his shirt in.

  “Uhm. Yeah.” Frank smiled. They both looked up as Penny walked in.

  “Evening.” They both nodded. Jordan pointed at Thomas’s table. Penny smiled and walked over and took a seat next to Thomas.

  “Made it.” They all chuckled and nodded.

  Jordan smiled. It was the first time that he had seen th
e four teachers together. The men sometimes came in. But not the four of them. He listened as they started chatting. The assembly was the topic of discussion. Jordan smiled to himself. The pub was filling up.

  “Boss it is one of those nights.” Jordan nodded. He walked over to the stage and picked up his guitar. Joy lay in bed and heard Jordan starting to sing. She flew out of bed and got dressed. She put on her wig and added a lot more make up. She quickly put her boots on and ran down the stairs. She ran out the back door. She made her way around the building in the dark and walked through the front door and smiled. Craig grinned. Joy walked over to the stage and picked up another guitar. Jordan smiled.

  “I don’t believe what I am seeing.”

  “Thought you might need back up.”

  Frank was on the phone in seconds. Chase, Clyde and Roger arrived. They took their seats behind their instruments. Joy smiled.

  “Styx. Mister Roboto. Hit it with the synth Roger.” Roger grinned. They all adjusted their instruments. Jordan grinned. Joy started singing. Chase smiled as he started to play the drums. Jordan grinned. His guitar sounded a lot different. He grinned as he looked at Joy. She was dancing up and down. Even her voice sounded different. He listened as she sang.

  Tanya ran through to the lounge.

  “We have to go to the pub! That lady is back!” Everyone hopped in to the van and headed for the pub. They walked through and stared. Zeba grinned.

  “Out of this world!” Tanya nodded.

  They finished their song and Joy smiled.

  “Sam Cooke. Chain Gang. Stick with me.” Jordan smiled as they all sang the lyrics. Joy took over and sang the lyrics. She looked at Jordan with huge eyes. He grinned and joined in. Soon everyone was singing. Lloyd took Zeba’s hand and they started dancing. Jordan grinned as he watched. He stood and played the guitar and sang along. Joy smiled. Everyone joined in and sang.

  Joy smiled.

  “Proclaimers. I’m Gonna Be. Hit it Dean. Need you loud!” Dean stood up with his guitar and walked to the front and joined Joy and Jordan. Jordan grinned and Dean winked. The pub got louder and louder. Everyone was up singing and dancing. Jordan smiled as he looked at Joy. She smiled. Tanya danced with Thomas and then Wayne. Everyone was up dancing.

  Joy smiled as the song came to an end.

  “Johnny Cash. Ring of fire!” Dean roared with laughter. Joy grinned. Jordan tapped his foot as he started singing. Joy was playing her guitar. He sang all the lyrics and they quietly did the backing. Everyone sang along. People danced as they sang. Jordan smiled as he sang. He looked over at the band and they had the biggest smiles he had ever seen. He smiled and looked at Joy. She played the guitar as she danced.

  Joy smiled as the song came to an end.

  “Santana. Well All right.” Jordan smiled as he played. Chase hit the drums. Jordan sang the lyrics and listened as they all joined in at the crucial moments. He smiled and looked at Joy. She winked and nodded. Tanya looked at Jordan and he smiled. Jordan played the guitar and closed his eyes. He smiled to himself. He loved the music. He looked up at Joy and smiled. She smiled and nodded. He heard the band backing him up. He grinned as he played solo. There were suddenly drums and Chase grinned. It was amazing. Jordan smiled.

  They played the end of the song and Joy smiled.

  “Jimmy Cliff. I can see clearly now.” Jordan moved his chair and stood up. He stood and looked at Joy as they both sang. The entire band were singing. He looked around. The entire pub’s customers were on their feet and they were singing. Joy smiled as she sang. The crowds were loving it.

  Jordan smiled.

  “Second last song ladies and gents. It is a school night after all!” Thomas roared with laughter.

  “Men at work. Down Under.” Joy smiled and Jordan grinned. Chase was on the Drums in an instant. Roger stood at the little keyboard and played. He grinned as he listened. The crowds were louder than the band. Jordan laughed and looked at Joy. She grinned. She stood and giggled and shook her head. The patrons were so loud they sang every word. The chorus got even louder. Tanya roared with laughter. Jordan grinned and shook his head.

  Joy grinned.

  “Yazoo. Don’t go.” Chase grinned. Joy sang the lyrics. Every time she sang ‘don’t go’ the entire pub came alive. She grinned and looked at Jordan. He smiled as he strummed his guitar. He joined in with the lyrics. Clyde tapped his foot and played the trombone.

  Jordan smiled.

  “Last song ladies and gents. Our school anthem.” Joy started clapping her hands and stomping her foot. Everyone joined in. Every single person sang. Bruce ran in and roared with laughter. He grinned as he looked at Frank.

  “Hell I thought I was here to make an arrest. Wow!” Frank nodded. Jordan grinned. He let his guitar sing out the amazing tune. Chase spoke into his microphone.

  “One more time!” Jordan chuckled. Joy grinned and nodded. Every person was on their feet. Bruce grinned. Even the kitchen staff came out of the kitchen. Jordan smiled. They stood and danced and clapped their hands. Stomping their foot. Joy smiled as she joined Jordan with the guitar piece. The pub was so loud you could not hear anything. The song came to an end. They all started to stomp their feet and clap their hands. Jordan nodded. They struck up for the third time. Joy smiled and sang. They all pointed at Joy as the solo lyrics came up. She sang and sang. It was so loud. Joy smiled and looked at Jordan. She closed her eyes and lay her head on her shoulder. Jordan nodded. They came to the end of the song.

  Jordan got up.

  “Ladies and gents. My band. Jordan’s.” They all took a bow.

  “See you on Friday.” Joy smiled and winked. She slowly vanished through the crowds. Joy made her way out the front door. She made her way around the pub and walked through the back door. She ran up the stairs. Joy smiled. She had a quick shower and hopped in to Jordan’s bed. She sighed and closed her eyes. She soon fell asleep. Jordan crept in to bed at two in the morning. Joy smiled and hugged Jordan when he got in to bed. He kissed her and held her in his arms. They were both asleep in seconds.

  CHAPTER 10

  Joy woke up and looked at Jordan. He rolled over her and made love to her. Joy smiled as he made love to her. She clung on to him.

  “Oh Jordan. I love you so.” Jordan smiled.

  “I love you. Good morning sweetheart.”

  “Morning my angel.” Jordan smiled. He kissed her.

  “Last night.”

  “Was out of this world.” Jordan chuckled.

  “There are going to be headaches.” Joy smiled and nodded.

  “What time did you get here?”

  “Two!” Joy giggled.

  “And it is all your fault. You got them all hyped up!” Joy giggled.

  “And now for work.” Jordan smiled. Joy got up and showered. Jordan made her breakfast and her lunch. Joy smiled.

  “That is so nice.” Jordan smiled and walked down the stairs with Joy. She smiled.

  “Oh Jordan.” He smiled as he looked at Joy. He had turned her van around and it was ready and waiting. She kissed Jordan and smiled.

  “Later.” He smiled.

  “Later. I love you.” Joy blew him a kiss.

  “I love you.” Joy drove off.

  She pulled up at the school and opened her boot. She soon had boys helping her carry boxes to her office. She smiled and looked at her watch. She took the huge chain and padlock and looped it through the gate. She looked at her watch. She looked up. Pupils flew through the gate. Barry flew through the gate and adjusted his tie.

  “Morning Ma’am.”

  “Morning Mister Gibb.” Joy tied the two ends of the chain with the padlock. She hooked it over the other side of the gate. It wasn’t really locked. She walked to the offices and smiled. She had never seen people move so fast.

  Dalton and Anne roared with laughter as they sat and watched. Anne shook her head.

  “As in so clever!” Dalton grinned.

  “It isn’t even locked. Did you see those kids fly?” Anne g
rinned. They slowly drove off.

  Tanya walked through to Penny.

  “Can you give this list to Miss Sheridan?” Penny nodded.

  “Will do. What is it?”

  “Sneaker sizes. Hush hush.” Penny nodded and folded the list. Penny got up and made a cup of coffee for Joy and took it through to her. She gasped.

  “What are they?” Joy smiled.

  “Books and stationery.”

  “But we don’t get a stationery supply.” Joy smiled.

  “Those are for Monday. I need you to start setting up a newsletter. Penny I need your e-Mail address.” Penny smiled.

  “I will send you a mail.” Joy smiled and nodded. Penny handed her the list.

  “Sneaker sizes.” Joy smiled.

  “I need something else. I need a list of every single pupil per class. On wooden boards. Listed. With those letters that you stick on.” Penny smiled.

  “I will do those by the weekend.” Joy smiled.

  “Thank you and I am going to need every single phone number. Of the pupils and their parents.” Penny smiled.

  “I will do it and mail it to you.”

  “It is highly confidential.” Penny nodded and smiled.

  Thomas walked through with two boys. He left them in the reception area. He walked through to Joy.

  “Miss Sheridan. If they are caught smoking. What do we do?”

  “One strike and you give them a set of shears and they cut the lawn for an hour.” She handed a pair of shears to Thomas.

  “How many Mister Carter?”

  “Two Ma’am.” She handed him another pair.

  “Make sure they know that is one strike. And Penny needs their names.” Thomas nodded and walked out.

  The boys were taken outside and handed the shears. Thomas nodded.

  “See you in one hour. Get busy.” The boys stared.

  “But.”

  “One strike gents. One strike. Strike three and you lose the sneakers.”

  “But Sir is that for real?” Thomas nodded.

  “Oh yes. At the end of the term you get your sneakers. But not like this. This means you have two strikes left. Blow it and you don’t get your sneakers.” They both looked at each other. They got busy on the lawn.

  An hour later Thomas walked out. He fetched the boys and they walked in and gave their details to Penny. She nodded as she wrote their details down. Penny whispered.