The Junior (College Years 3)

A couple of the boys scoot closer to him and ask questions about football. I stop reading from the book and let the kids talk, knowing we only have a few minutes before the bell rings. I smile as I watch Caleb with the children, content. I am going to miss this class, and this school when I’m finished. I’ve been hunting for a permanent job and I found one that I haven’t said yes to yet, but I really want to.

I need to talk to Caleb about it first.

Within a few minutes, I’ve got the kids rounded up and headed back to the classroom so they can gather their things, Caleb taking up the back of the line and steering them. The bell rings and I lead them back out, delivering the kids to the bus and car pickup line while the rest of them go with another teacher to get picked up in person.

When I’m done with my after-school duties, I head back to the classroom to find Caleb sitting behind my desk, his hands resting on top of it.

“It’s kind of hot that you’re a teacher,” he says, leaning back in my chair.

I let the door shut as I roll my eyes. “You say that a lot.”

“I would’ve had mad fantasies about you if you were my teacher,” he says with a faint smirk.

I laugh. “Please. Not at eight years old.”

“I might’ve kissed the pillow at night pretending it was your lips,” he teases.

Walking straight up to my desk, I lean in and drop a kiss on his smiling mouth. “You’re weird.”

“Just trying to keep it real.” He glances around the classroom. “You going to miss this place?”

I nod, settling my butt on the edge of the desk. “Yes. I’ve really liked it here.”

“Found a job yet?”

I’m surprised he’s asking. It’s been a bit of a sore subject between us. He’s scared I’m going to leave the area, and I can’t deny that I’ve applied to a few school districts that aren’t close.

Hey, I had to keep my options open, though he’d rather I stay here.

I get it. I don’t want to leave him either.

“I think I have,” I say, keeping my voice light. Casual. “I wanted to discuss it with you first, though.”

He frowns, those thick brows of his drawing together. “What did you want to talk about?”

“Well, I got a job offer as a second grade teacher.” I pause for only a moment. “In your old school district.”

His frown deepens. “Wait a minute…in my hometown?”

I nod, excitement bubbling up inside of me. “They’ve lost a lot of teachers lately, due to them retiring, and they were desperately in need. I applied and I got the job.”

“Which school?”

“Rivergold Elementary,” I tell him.

His frown completely disappears. “Where all the rich kids went?”

I burst out laughing. “Okay sure. Whatever.”

“Wait a minute.” He gets out of my chair and approaches me slowly, his steps careful, as is his gaze. “What are you saying right now?”

“I’m sticking around, Burke.” I’m smiling so hard my face hurts. “You’re stuck with my ass.”

“You’ll be teaching in the same area where I grew up, Gracie. Are you going to…what? Live up there? It’s an hour away from here,” he points out.

“Not at first. I thought maybe…I could live with you still. If you don’t mind,” I say with a shrug. “But eventually I’ll have to move up there.”

With you, is what I want to say, but I’m too scared.