Opposites Attract - Riff Lorton

chapter eight

Kathleen walked into the teachers lounge, where once again, was Mr. Elliot.
He didn't say a word to Kathleen, but had a smug expression on his face.
Kathleen was confused but thought nothing of it. She grabbed her things and left.
As soon as she left, she was stopped by Mr. Ralph, the school's principal.
"Ah, Miss. Allen, would you mind stepping into my office?"
Kathleen's heart skipped a beat.
"Oh, uhm," she was stuttering hard.
"Of course, yes."
As she followed him in, she thought of all the things that could go wrong.
She was sure she was overthinking it.
"Miss. Allen, I do regret to inform you that today will be your last day teaching here. We have to let you go."
Kathleen's heart stopped. Her face paled.
"W- I beg your pardon?"
"Parents have expressed uncomfort after seeing you walking here with a gang leader."
Kathleen stopped for what seemed like hours.
"Alright. Thank you for letting me know."
She got up to leave before hearing Mr. Ralph again,
"We do need you to still help set up for the dance though."
Kathleen fought the urge to bash his head into his desk, instead nodding her own.
Kathleen left after that. She went to her class with a pained expression on her face.
She had to announce to each of her classes that she would be leaving and she got the same response every time.
All the students gasping, some even going as far as tearing up.
She had to stop from tearing up herself.
The day went by as it did. She didn't get through much material though. She handed back assignments and taught as much as she wanted to, which wasn't much. She mostly let each of her classes have free periods.
She was often the teacher that everyone went to for advice or help, even if they weren't in any of her classes. It was sad for everyone to see her go.
The dismissal bell rang, and as students left, some stayed back to hug her, and share their condolences.
Riff walked in on a few of her students crying, giving her hugs, and was understandably concerned.
"What's happening?"
The students looked at Riff and started crying harder.
Riff was even more confused.
Kathleen told the students that they had to go, and they understood leaving after picking up all their things.
Riff asked again if everything was okay.
"They- they're letting me go, Riff. They're firing me."
Riff crossed his eyebrows in anger.
"And why in hell would they do that?!"
"Because I walked here with you."
Riff was furious.
"Riff, I am not letting you do anything rash. It is what it is."
"I- what? No- I can't- you can't let them-"
Kathleen stopped him.
"Riff. No."
Riff went silent knowing there was nothing he could do.
"I've gotta pack all this up now. If you want you can leave, if you don't wanna stay too long."
"Nah, I'll stay for you doll." Riff said, sighing.
Kathleen smiled, starting to pack up all the decor that littered the walls, and desk of her class. There wasn't much, but it would still take her a bit to clear it up.
She heard a knock at her door.
"Hey Kath', what're you doing?"
Elliot.
Riff was so close to punching him through the teeth.
"Elliot, I am not in the mood right now."
"Yeah but what are you doing?"
"Packing up. I got fired."
Elliot faked a gasp.
"How's that? Do you have any knowledge of why?"
Kathleen gritted her teeth.
"Because I fell in love with someone who doesn't fit into the standards of society."
Riff stared at her. She was in love with him.
"Oh yeah? Maybe you should have taken me up on my offer."
Riff couldn't handle the man anymore.
Elliot obviously was the reason Kathleen got fired.
He punched Elliot square in the nose.
"Stay the hell away from my girl, alright pal?"
Kathleen gasped loudly.
Elliot was doubled over clutching his face. He mumbled something neither Riff or Kathleen caught as he wobbled out of the door, but both were sure they'd never see any more of him again.
"Riff! I told you not to do anything rash!"
"Oh he'll be fine. Are you done yet?"
"I- almost." Kathleen sighed at Riff's impulse.
"Alright girly- girl."
Kathleen finished packing the stuff off of her desk. In the end she had three small cardboard boxes to take home.
She stacked them up, and attempted to carry them.
"Here, I'll grab 'em for you doll" said Riff grabbing the stacked boxes.
"Why don't I hold one and you can hold the other two."
Riff bent down so Kathleen could take the one on the very top.
Riff gestured to Kathleen to head through the door, following her out.
"Aw shit, I forgot the container again."
"Language please, and you could bring it whenever. You do know where I live."
Riff thought for a moment. A few of the Jets, and their girls, had been wanting to meet Kathleen.
"Say doll, why don't we put these boxes in your house, and you come with me to meet the Jets and their girls?"
Kathleen's eyes widened.
"You- you want me to meet all of them?"
Riff was afraid he'd overstepped.
"Oh! Only if you want to, you don't have to if yo-"
Kathleen cut the boy off,
"What should I cook?"
Riff thought for a second.
"What about we just invite them for lunch or dinner or something at your place?"
"Yes. Tell them to come over tonight."
"Tonight?"
"Tonight."
"Whatever you say sweetheart."