***
Friday’s classes went by quickly. After work, I went home, having a few hours to spare before I was due at Layna’s. I’d missed the last couple of dinners having been with Wrenn, and my non-appearance hadn’t gone unnoticed. Layna had joked that if I weren’t at this one, she’d come looking for me. I didn’t doubt that she would.
I had a theory that Mom had been speaking to her. Mom was worried about me, but then again, she was always worried about me. Especially since Dad had died. Mom spent nearly all her time invested in taking care of me and making sure I was okay.
I dug out my phone and dialed Mom. I felt bad that it had been a few days since I’d spoken to her. Knowing how much she worried, I should have made more of an effort. She answered on the fourth ring.
“Hey honey,” she said warmly.
I closed my eyes and pictured her smile. “Hey, Mom. How are you?”
“Good. Busy, but good. How are you, how’s work?” she asked.
“Fine. Almost over, and then I’ll be back home.”
“And I can’t wait,” she replied. “Have you applied for any jobs for next year?”
“Not really. I was thinking of doing my elementary certificate. I don’t think I’m cut out for teaching teenagers.” I chuckled.
“I was always surprised that you went high school instead of elementary,” Mom agreed. “If that’s what you want, then do it.”
“Yeah. Maybe I will.”
After ending the call with Mom, I thought more about the next year. The more I thought, the more I realized that’s what I wanted to do. I grabbed my laptop and navigated my way to Boston University’s courses website.
Fuck it. I’ll do it. I clicked Apply Now, and spent the next twenty minutes completing my application for the post-graduate course that was due to start midyear. It felt good, like I had a plan. I knew where I was heading for once.
Just as I was about to shut my computer down, an email from Cam popped up.
––––––––
Hey man,
I got a freaking job! Finally! It’s a year-long contract for next year in a decent public school in Farisbrook. Guess I’m growing up, huh? Time to start acting responsibly, and curb the drinking and late nights. Good thing I have a few months to clean up my act ;)
How’s life in private schoolgirl wonderland? Still hating it? Ha! You should put in for a job back here.
Keep in touch man.
Cam
––––––––
I chuckled at the thought of Cam as a full-time teacher. Early mornings and paperwork were not his strong points. I often wondered if he realized how much work went into teaching, or if he’d chosen it because of the excessive holidays. Either way, he was about to find out.
––––––––
Congrats, man, that is fantastic! What will you be teaching?
Things here are the same. Only two weeks left, and I’m free. Not sure what’s next for me. Thinking about going back to college and getting my elementary degree. Less hormones to worry about.
What are you doing over break? We should catch up. There is someone I’d like you to meet.
––––––––
I pressed Send, and then second-guessed the last sentence of my email. Cam knew me well enough to know I didn’t do relationships. He didn’t know why, but from my countless one-nighters throughout college, he knew me bringing someone home would be a big, big thing, because it was something I’d never done.
***
Just as I was about to leave, I picked up my phone and saw there was a text from Wrenn.
When you see me tonight, just know the sexy little number I’m wearing is all for you ;)
I smiled and shook my head. She was such a tease.
As long as you know that I’ll be ripping said number off that body later tonight.
Her reply beeped through almost instantaneously.
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I groaned and went to get ready. Being in the same room as her was hell. I had to monitor my glances and ensure my attention wasn’t completely soaked up by her. It would be so easy for anyone to see there was something between us. At times, I was honestly shocked that nobody had picked up on our relationship.
I checked my reflection in the mirror as I walked out of the bathroom. In my black cargoes, combined with a shirt and my leather jacket, I looked pretty good. I slapped on some aftershave and tousled my hair. There: done. Knowing I was seeing her made me want to put effort into my appearance. Seeing her and not being able to touch and kiss her drove me insane. I wanted her to feel that; I wanted her to feel as crazy as I felt.