Ty and I had been playing it cool at work. I still stayed on my side of the building, and he stayed on his side–mostly. Ms. Serenity was more than willing to allow me to take over the duty of walking the kindergartners to music class. I’d told her she could have the last few weeks of school off.
Although we’d been playing it cool at work–after work was a whole other thing. We’d spent as much time together as our schedules allowed, either messing around with music in my studio or messing around with each other. Ty was a superb listener, and I loved to hear him talk. Our conversations could be silly and surface or extremely deep. We talked about things I hadn’t ever discussed with a man in my life. He’d invited me to his place a few times. He would cook enough for us and put some in a to-go container for my mother. We hadn’t put any labels on what we were, but we liked each other.
After hurrying back to my classroom, I put some boxes under the table just in time for Mrs. Claudio, the school’s head principal, to enter my room.
“Ms. Stevenson.”
“Principal Claudio.”
She’d asked if we could meet in my classroom during my resource period. She didn’t say what the meeting was about. I was a little concerned.
“Thank you for meeting with me.”
“No problem. Have a seat.”
Principal Claudio sat in one of the tiny chairs with the grace of a swan. She was the epitome of class and elegance. This was her first year in the head principal position, and she made significant changes and improvements.
“I’ll get right to it. No one wants their boss in their class during their resource time.”
I smiled.
“Our student population has grown so much in the last year. We have so many children trying to get in that we had to establish a waiting list. That waiting list is about twelve to fifteen months long.”
“You have breathed a new life into this school. I mean, it was good before you, but I can see the improvement.”
“Thank you. Along with the growth, we are going to expand our arts department. I wanted to know if you would be willing to leave kindergarten and take the new music classes. We’d split the grades between you and Mr. Vesey. I also want you to take the new honors music classes.”
Her request had registered, but I was in complete shock. I was positive I would be back in kindergarten next year, and I was okay with that, but music was my life… my passion.
“Umm… Mr. Vesey…”
“Mr. Vesey was the one who said he’d be more comfortable with you over the honors music classes. The administration before me had offered you the music class and then took it away. I admire the way you took lemons and made teacher of the year lemonade. I need creative and driven people to fill these positions. Finding another great kindergarten teacher will be easy. I know I can’t find another musical savant willing to teach kids.”
“I’m excited, and I’m pretty sure I’m going to say yes, but can I have a few days?”
“Absolutely. I look forward to your answer.”
She left my classroom. I closed the door behind her.
Quickly grabbing my phone from my drawer, I sent Ty a text.
Text to Ty:You recommended me for the Honors music classes? You keeping secrets? ??
His resource period differed from mine, so I knew he wouldn’t respond immediately. During my lunch period, he replied.
Text from Ty:You’re much better at this than me. Of course, I want you… in my department. ?? Did you accept the offer?
Reply to Ty:Not yet, but I’m sure I will. Thank you!
Text from Ty:You should thank me later.
Reply to Ty:I might.
MADALEE
“No, Momma. You will not be in the way. The entire building is wheelchair accessible. The entire event is accessible. I want you to come.”
“You’re not embarrassed by me in this chair?”