unbreak the broken ✘ shawn hunter (BMW)

T W E N T Y S I X

There's only one class between the month long winter break and I, and it couldn't have been a better one to end the semester off with.

I have submitted all of my final papers, taken one test, and now all there's left to do is wish Mr. Feeny a Merry Christmas.

I unfortunately do still have to work during the break, but now that I'm desperate to move myself into an apartment, I need the extra cash. I went back to the trailer to get the rest of my things and had to rent a storage unit outside of town to leave some things. It's not a huge storage unit considering I didn't have much to begin with, but I rented one big enough to hold some kitchen stuff, my desk, and some other bedroom essentials.

Feeny did as Feeny does - teaches until the very last second. And the students that don't care for Feeny, like some of us, did what they do - leave as soon as time was up with nothing more for Mr. Feeny than a cheer that the semester is done.

Topanga, Cory, and Shawn stayed back and said their goodbyes. Less Cory since he'll be living right next door to him again for the break.

As soon as the trio left, I went to his desk to say my temporary goodbyes.

"I hate to say this, Mr. Feeny, because I know how much this will go to your head," I joke, "but your class has been my favorite. Again. What is this? The 8th year in a row?"

"I'm losing count, Ms. Bell," Mr. Feeny smiles one of his heartwarming smiles. "Every year you tell me that, and every year my head grows one inch bigger."

"I hope so," I smile back.

"I don't want to ruin this moment, but I have to ask," Mr. Feeny momentarily looks to the ground, and I know exactly what's coming.

"He's gone, Mr. Feeny," I answer before he even asks. "He wrote me a letter saying he was leaving for Maine. Don't know if I'll ever see Keith again."

He's silent for a beat. "Where are you staying now?"

"I'm currently at Shawn's apartment, but hopefully I'll be moving into my own soon."

Mr. Feeny nods, smiles, and responds, "If you ever need anything, you know where to find me."

I'm not sure what gets to me. Maybe his unconditional support, even though he's just my teacher. I can't stop myself from throwing my arms around him and giving him a hug. He responds quickly, and I let go before I make him uncomfortable.

"Merry Christmas, Mr. Feeny," I take a step back.

He puts a comforting hand on my shoulder and squeezes, "Merry Christmas, Ms. Bell."

A tear almost slips from my eye as I make my way to work. Skipping all of the boring details, work was slow. The 4-hour shift felt like 12, and I could not wait to get back to the apartment and sit down.

Well, that was the case, until I saw Angela leaving the apartment as soon as I got there.

"Ophelia!" Angela smiles as she shuts the door behind her, and comes over to give me a hug.

"Hey, Angela," I say against her shoulder. I notice a bag in her hand, but can't tell what's in it.

"Happy end of the semester! Doing anything over break?" She takes a tiny step back.

"No, nothing but working. Do you?" I glance down at the bag, trying to see what it is she took out of the apartment. Sue me, I'm nosy.

"I'm going skiing with my family a couple times. We're trying to visit places we haven't been before. We'll be going to Vermont twice." Angela steps forward to give me another hug, "I have to run, but Merry Christmas! And have a fantastic New Years if I don't see you!"