“The school board voted early and approved the budget cuts that were sent up at the end of the year.”
“What? Don’t they have till the fall to decide?” I’m trying not to panic. Budget cuts happen all the time. I just already know what’s up on the chopping block.
“They only have to wait that long if everyone isn’t in town to vote. Since they were, no reason to delay,” Carolyn says with a smile.
What she really means is that the cuts can happen before the fall semester starts—less of an uprising about closing electives midyear when you never had them to start with.
“I’m sorry, Bailey. I know how much the electives mean to you.” Troy rises from his perch and takes a step toward me.
I couldn’t hide my devastation from this news if I tried. Budget cuts are always a thing, and I usually never worry about them cutting the electives. It’s typically less money spent on things for the school or maybe increasing the class sizes. But I should have known they would go after the electives once the school board required each teacher linked to one to show up and speak as to why we need to keep them. The moment I saw Carolyn talking to everyone on the board like she was their best friend should have been my first clue.
I’ll never know why she started to pick on me. I can guess, but I’ll never be sure. Maybe it was because I wasn’t the richest, but people liked me because I was nice and did well in school. Or maybe it was because I never fell in line when she wanted me to. I never had a problem telling her no. But I honestly think it was because her dad was always nice to me. Which made no sense. Parents were always nice to me, despite what their kids did. It was like their way of making up for their shitty offspring.
“I’m sure they can find other things to do. The school board was able to keep the sports teams. Perhaps some of your students can try out for one of those. Being involved in sports has proven to help self-image and inclusion. Might be better than that talking thing they’d been doing with you.”
I raise my eyebrow at her and smirk. “Yes, because peer counseling and drama club are so known for being antisocial when it actually involves multiple people and has proven to help leaders of all industries to speak up and learn social cues and be self-aware.”
“And that really seemed to work out for you, huh?” She throws her comment at me as if I didn’t choose this life. As if me working in the same high school I was tormented in and helping change it into a safe place for all kids wasn’t my choosing. Or owning my home and having the financial freedom to walk out of this place anytime I want and never have to look for another job, yet still live the lifestyle I have, but choosing to stay anyway.
I have nothing to say to her, ’cause she isn’t worth it. She doesn’t get to know about me. She doesn’t get to take one ounce of my self-worth away. Because that’s the power I have, and she won’t take it away like she thrived on when we were kids.
“Come on, sweetie. We’ve got better things to do than stick around here.” Another jab, but I refuse to let it bother me as Troy says nothing and follows her out. I once thought he would stick up for me, or just dispute the dribble pouring out of her mouth, but it never happens.
I shake my head at the stupid thought of ever thinking things would change as my phone rings. I pick it up after I check the screen, happy for a friendly voice on the other end.
“Hey, Miles. How’s it going? You over that cold yet?” Summer colds are the worst, but Miles seems to have one for every season, if that’s even possible.
“Not-a so good, akzuley.” I can barely understand him with his nose clogged, making me take a seat.
“Oh no.” I put my other hand on my head and rub my temples to prevent the headache I know is coming. “Are you going to make it out tomorrow?”
“No, sorzzy. I can’t keep my headz up.”
“Well, don’t push it. Get some rest. Is Gidget going to make it out?” I’m hopeful, but I get a sinking feeling in my stomach anyway.
“No, she’s sick too.” Either he’s getting better or I’m just learning to understand sick talk.
“I hope she didn’t get what you have.” Ireallyhope she didn’t get it. Maybe it’s just a small bug.
“Nah, she’s pregznet.”
I pause ’cause I really think I misheard him.
“Pregnant?”
“Yaz.”
Wow. Nothing small bug about that.
“Congrats, sweetie. We can celebrate when you’re both feeling better. Give my love to your lovely mama girl, and I’ll call you later. I’ll send over some soup and maybe some crackers, too, for you both tonight. So happy for you guys. Rest up, and call if you need anything.”
He hangs up first, and I know he must be super sick, as Miles is known for not wanting to hang up first ’cause he thinks it’s rude.
Crap. Like double crap. How the hell am I going to do a mud run without a team? The whole point was for me to have someone help me through this. Sure, I could probably do it on my own, but I signed up as a team.
I pick up the phone and call the one person I know who can help. She answers on the first ring.
“Jules, I need your help.”
