During our planning period, I went to Marley’s classroom and found out she’d gotten the same story from her seniors.
“It’s the magic of Christmas,” she said.
“It’s the magic of popularity,” I retorted. “But whatever it is, I’ll take it.”
In the teachers’ lounge at lunchtime, several of the other faculty members looked conspiratorially at us. Marley had been correct that no one would say anything directly about our relationship, but word had definitely spread.
Coach Hurley came in and sat at our table, pulling a vinegary-smelling tuna sandwich from his cooler. The appearance of Principal Nadal spared me from watching him eat it. My boss motioned for me to follow him into his office.
Without Marley.
His down-turned expression was the first sign our run of Christmas magic had hit a speed bump.
“What did he say?”Marley asked when I came out fifteen minutes later.
I looked at her dazedly. There was no way to sugarcoat it. “He said they cut the funding. I won’t have a job after June.”
A momentary panic crossed her face, but then she steeled herself. “Did he mention the tree lot money? Everyone said the selfie wall is bringing in a ton of folks and we’ve sold almost double what we normally would by this time.”
“Marley, c’mon. You knew that was an incredible longshot as much as I did. They’re completely different budgets. The PTSA can help fund certain positions, but not ones like mine. You know that.” It had been a nice fantasy, but even in smaller districts like ours where it might be a little easier to bend the rules, some things could simply not be done.
She let out a weighty exhale. “Maybe we can appeal? The kids really love you. And you’re great with them.”
I fiddled with the ring on my thumb. “We need to be realistic. Enrollment is lower than expected. If they don’t need me, it doesn’t make sense for me to stay and take up budget space that could be better utilized elsewhere. Just because I love teaching here doesn’t mean it’s responsible to keep me.”
“But—”
“Hey.” I leaned over to kiss the top of her head, making sure no one could see us. “I just got this news. I haven’t even had a minute to process. Let’s just take it slow. We don’t have to have it all figured out this second, right? Isn’t that our motto?”
I gave her a smile, but inside, my emotions mirrored the dejection I saw in her eyes. There were no other high schools around for miles, and even if I’d been willing to make a massive commute, open positions were scarce. None of the teachers at Coleman Creek were planning to retire in the next few years—Principal Nadal had asked. He’d been adamant I’d been doing an excellent job and he wished he could keep me. I’d thanked him for the opportunity, because I knew this knife to the gut wasn’t his fault.
I liked Coleman Creek. I wanted to stay. But I also felt like I’d found my calling as a teacher. I couldn’t envision living here and working at, say, The Landslide. Or one of the warehouses nearby. I had zero interest in running my own business again after The Game Place. Then again, it was hard to imagine not seeing how far Marley and I could take what we’d started this weekend. The thought of giving her up after I’d just found her made me physically ill.
Both of us made our way back to our classrooms, and I managed to keep my focus on the students for the last two periods. Marley had a parent meeting she needed to stay late for. She gave me a key so I could head to her place and let the dogs out.
Leaving my classroom, I got stopped in my tracks by Mr. Bailey.
“Mr. Wymack, do you have a minute?”
“Sure.” I smiled at him. “Are you here to complain about my piercing again? Or tell me I need a haircut?”
Against his will, one side of his mouth raised. “Don’t be fresh, young man. And while you certainly need a trim, and while I am disappointed that you seem to have switched out the small gold stud for that hideous hoop through your nostril, I’ve come to discuss something else.”
I leaned back against one of the student desks, intrigued. “I’m listening.”
He cleared his throat. “I heard about the budget cuts and how they affect your position here.”
“Good Lord. It’s been five minutes. Can’t anyone keep a lid on anything around here?”
“No, city boy. If you want secrets and to be treated like a stranger, you’re in the wrong town. Especially during the holidays.”
“I guess it’s fine then.” I huffed. “But anyway, yes, it looks like I’m out at the end of the school year.”
“Hmm. Well, I just came by to say that we’ll miss you around here. It’s a damn shame.”
My eyes popped. Even though I’d gotten on Mr. Bailey’s good side, I thought I’d only moved that needle from open hostility to mild tolerance. But he was acting as though he genuinely liked me.
“I like you,” he asserted, as though reading my thoughts. “The students respond well to you and you…care about them. You’re an excellent teacher.”
