Cupid's Plan

Chapter Two- I started over.

~~Taryn's point of view~~

My name is Taryn Timmons. I am twenty-seven; I had lived in Putnam county my whole life. I used to love living here. That changed two years ago. Then waking up and going to work was a struggle. I did it, though. I put a fake smile on my face and carried myself through the school's doors that used to make my heart explode with love.

I am still a good teacher. I don't bring my home life to school. My attitude at work is always bright and sunny. I have worn black every day for the last two years. It fits my mood and makes me feel better; It still doesn't take away the pain and hurt. It doesn't fill the void that has plagued my life for the last two years.

I did my job, went home, and cried myself to sleep every night. The days' fakeness would settle in, and the grief took over. I'll never understand why I walked away. I walked away without a scratch the camera that held the trip's pictures in perfect condition, leaving memories of the people I love. Reminders that I walked away, and they didn't.

During the summer two years ago, my husband and I decided to surprise our families with a trip to Disney World in Florida. I am an only child, and so was my husband. It was Carson, his parents, my parents, our four-year-old, and me. We had spent three days at Disney then spent a day driving to the beach. We then spent three days at the beach. It was the best.

Driving home, it all changed. ALL OF IT. Carson's dad was driving. The rest of us were sleeping. Clint had a heart attack while driving. He lost control, and the van we were in flipped three times. Everyone but me died on impact. EVERYONE BUT ME. I was left to live in this cold, cruel world all alone.

I took a year's sabbatical at work. No one questioned it. I went to a grief counselor after a year to be able to go back to work. I've worked this school year. I thought I could do it. As time crept on, I knew I couldn't. There are reminders all over this town. Hell, even work was a reminder. Carson was the principal of our school.

We were married way before he even got the job. We were high school sweethearts. We married as soon as we both turned eighteen. We both went to the same college. I just wanted to teach. Carson wanted to lead, I got my degree and went to work. He continued and earned his doctorate, he excelled. He started at the high school then was promoted to the principal of our elementary school a year later.

I put applications is all over the state. I had gotten offers from some far away. It was time for me to go. I was hoping a county just a little closer would call or reach out. I wanted to leave, but I didn't want to go where I don't have access to their graves. I do go every Sunday. I visit each grave; I spend the most time at Carson and CJ's grave. They are buried side by side.

One day at lunch, I sat at my desk and checked my personal email. I had an email from White county school systems. They have requested an interview; White county was the next county over. It's a small town with one little section of businesses, and the rest of it is cow fields and corn. I replied quickly.

By the time it's recess time can that day, they replied, asking me to come for an interview after school. My heart jumped with happiness inside. I drove to the board of education after work. I am thankful I picked a decent black dress. I am also grateful I am a better actress than I give myself credit for. They explained that they were in a crunch that I would be taking over a class that had a teacher pass away.

By the time I got home, they had called, offering me a job. I would have to wait for the background check to be completed, which worked. I went to work the next day and put my notice in. They had a backlog of teachers waiting for jobs. I was able to have a week in between. I got with a realtor and put my house up for sale.