“Doesn’t that brown sign say ‘scenic turnout’?” Amelia pointed off to the left of highway 26.
The principal sighed and began to slow the SUV. “We’ll stop. But this isn’t a joy ride. Get out. Do your business. Then let’s get going again.”
“Hey, we didn’t take our annual selfie,” said Stella.
“Perfect opportunity! With an amazing background.” Mercury nodded as Hale guided the SUV into the turn lane and then crossed over to the gravelly scenic turnout spot. As he parked and Amelia lumbered from the passenger seat, the women poured from the SUV.
“Hey! I said we need to get going!” Hale said.
“Oh, come on, Mr. Hale,” Jenny said, dimpling at him. “Let’s all take a picture.”
Coach Davis clapped the principal on the shoulder. “It’s just a picture, and we did leave in plenty of time to make it to the airport.”
Mrs. Gay closed her magazine and sighed. “Mr. Hale, if you wouldn’t mind terribly, I would like to take a picture of the scenery for my classroom. The history of this pass is as rich as it is tragic.”
“See?” Coach Davis said. “It’s unanimous.”
“Okay, I suppose we do have some extra time,” the principal grumbled as he reluctantly followed the teachers. “But let’s make it quick.”