His Little Smoker

11| Not

Larson

I sat down in my office, updating students' records and making notes of each session. I picked up Malibu's file and smiled to myself, that girl was going to get me fired. I made note of our conversation during the game keeping the other details out. I sighed, her Dad was the root to her addiction and her body has convinced her that she couldn't stop. I brushed over her name, I wanted to save her from herself more than anything.

There was a knock at the door and Malibu's face immediately filled my mind. She stopped by earlier today but I couldn't get enough of her and her sarcasm. "Come in." The door opened and my mood changed once I noticed it was my boss, Principal Fleming. "Good afternoon how can I help you?"

Fleming pulled on his suit, "It's always nice to see you Dean, I had a favor to ask you if you don't mind." Fleming was a round man, his bald head adding to the stereotypical boss man. I gestured for him to take a seat and he refused, "I'm not here for long."

I closed Malibu's file and set my pen down, "What is this favor that you need to ask Fleming?"

He rubbed his hands, "You know about the charity event we are having tomorrow." I nodded, "One of the staff actually won't be able to make it and I was hoping you could fill in. With how great the football game was last week we're expecting a huge turnout." He smiled, "Wouldn't want to be under staffed now would we?"

I agreed, "I'll have to discuss it with my wife but I think I can make it Fleming, no problem."

He came over to my desk to shake my hand, "You're a lifesaver Dean thank you so much." He began walking away and I called him back for a request, "Yes?"

"I was thinking of changing offices, if you have any in mind I would appreciate you letting me know." Malibu's comment from the first day I met her flooded through my mind. "If you can of course."

Fleming had his hand on the door, "Teachers change rooms all the time, I'm sure we have one available to your liking, we'll talk about it next week."

"Thank you Fleming." He left the office and I flipped to the next file wanting to get as much as I can done. There was another knock and I checked the clock, it was after school hours. I took a deep breath and fought off my smile, "Come in, the doors always open."

I can't believe I was feeling this giddy about one of my students, I needed to get a grasp on reality. That day in her driveway I caved, I didn't want to accept that I actually found a liking in the young girl. Kissing her would've done just that. The door opened and it was a disappointing sight once again. This time it was the anger management counselor next door, Sarah Grime.

She smiled, "Overheard Fleming asking you to pitch out in the charity event tomorrow, excited?"

Sarah had been working here a few years prior, with my office right next to hers we became acquainted with each other quickly. She took a seat without me telling her to and I chuckled, "I'm not sure excited is the right word for it, I'm used to tackling on one kid at a time." I ran my fingers through my hair, "Not several of them plus erratic adults."

She chuckled and I flinched, it just wasn't the same as hers, "You'll be fine, maybe your wife can tag along."

"Not possible, someone will have to say at home and watch our child." I resumed my work, "If there isn't—"

Sarah cut me off, "A wife, a child, and a girlfriend, how lucky of you Dean Larson." I glanced up quickly confused at her accusation, "Friday nights game was something special indeed, a lot of recording from that night." Sarah tilted her head to the side and acted as if she was smoking a cigarette, "Splash."