Statuism -

Her, - Chapter 2

Roman's heart shattered, the brightly decorated classroom walls around him seemingly caving in. Teaching students at St. Robert's Elementary was the only thing he enjoyed in this cruel world. Roman gripped the desk to support his trembling body, holding back the tears from his eyes.

"I'm sorry, Truett. I wish you to know I had no part in the decision. The Board figured you would be better off teaching elsewhere." The principal gave Roman a look of sympathy, knowing how the news is affecting him.

"That's okay. I just hope I could influence my kids to be their better selves. But... St. Robert's is my home. I just can't understand why they would do this?" His voice trailed off.

The silence spoke a million words, but not a sound was shared between the two. That was until the principal let out a big sigh, nodding his head in understanding. The principal gave Roman a pat on the back.

"We'll see you again Roman."

                                                                                            ***

"Come on Roman! Keep up!" Jonas called behind him, his arm wrapped around Amelia, his girlfriend's, waist.

Roman walked sluggish behind Jonas and Amelia, trailing farther and farther behind as the three walked through Socha City Park. The trio nears the city's most precious material. A Statue of Mariella, the Lost Princess of Socha. Shimmering by the sun, the gold-painted tears shone bright enough for the world to see. Mariella was named a goddess. Rumor has it, the princess cheated on Death himself and was cursed as a statue for eternity. At least, until she found her true soulmate. But the truth is she just ran away with her lover and was never to be seen again. It was an old tale we were told as kids, and it stuck around.

Pushing off Jonas' shoulder, Amelia propped herself up on the pedestal. With her arm raised, seeming scared, she mocked the statue's position.

"Hurry Jonas! Take a picture!"

Jonas pulled his cellphone out, snapping pictures of his beautiful girlfriend. He threw the phone into Roman's hands, hopping on the pedestal with Amelia. Roman began taking pictures of the couple. A tap on Roman's shoulder startled him, almost dropping Jonas' phone.

"Excuse me!" It was a woman. "You should get up there with your friends. I'll take pictures for you," she offered. Roman thanked and gave her Jonas' phone. He too got on the pedestal, balancing himself with his hands due to the little amount of room left.

"Kiss it Roman!" Jonas yelled, laughing. Roman looked confused. The statue.

"Absolutely not. Do you know how dirty this statue is?"

"Come on! Just do it."

"No. I will never do that."

"Fine. Come stand over here then," waving Roman over.

Roman scooted over to the couple. Standing uncomfortably close to the statue, but still smiling.

"Say cheese!" shouted the woman. The flash of the camera was blinding as Jonas pushed Roman's head to kiss the cheek of the statue. Before the flash faded away, Roman was pushed back by a weight change. Losing balance, he tumbled backward off the pedestal. Groaning, he sat himself up and massaged his lower back.

Looking up at the pedestal where his friends remain, he smiled at them to indicate he was alright. They were petrified. However, they weren't looking at Roman, but behind him. Roman noticed the people surrounding him. They were all looking at one another, going back and forth. The woman who offered to take the pictures had dropped Jonas' phone and had her hand covering her mouth in shock. Roman looked back to his friends, still atop where the statue stood. Roman's eyes widened. The statue. It was gone. He quickly turned himself around, his eyes discovering the elegant lady laying behind him. The Princess of Socha. The rumors have been proven here today, she found her person.