History (Nathan Gardner) - Complete

Extended Break

"We think it would be the best for you to start your maternity leave now.."

"What?" I ask stunned.

"Nathan and I had a discussion and we think it would be best for you to start your maternity leave early.. we don't want the stress of working here having any sort of medical impact on your pregnancy.."

"So you're getting rid of me because of her?!" I glare at Nathan who's sat in silence.. he's part of this.. there's no escaping that..

"Katie.. it's for the best.. for you and your baby.. and as your principal I have a duty of care to make sure my staff are well.." he sighs.. "Here's your letter for the start of your maternity leave.."

"Thanks.." I take the paper from his hands..

"I'm not doing this to punish you.. I hope you know that.. you're going to be a big miss from the school.. but.. the stress of working with Megan.. it's just not worth it.."

"Then get rid of her!?"

"You know I can just do that.. okay.. I didn't want to take the accusations against you seriously.. I know you wouldn't do that.. that's why I'm doing this.. to give you an extended break.."

"Yeah.. I get it.."

I have nothing else to say to them, so I leave quickly and head to my classroom.. I know I had to take leave at some point but I didn't expect it to be sooner rather than later.

As I arrive to my class, I begin to pack away some of my stuff, for some reason it just doesn't feel right coming back.. ever. Even after the baby is born I don't think I can come back here.. not now.. not after they've basically taken her side. As I start to empty some of my things in my desk draw.. there's a presence at the door. I glance over to see Nathan leaning against the door frame, with his arms folded across his chest.

"Katie.." Nathan whispers softly.. his voice deep and calming but I ignore him.. "Babe.." he eventually pushes him self off the door frame and takes a step closer to me.. "Talk to me?"

"What's there to talk about?"

"Oh come on I saw the look you gave me.."

"You did? Good.." I nod placing some stuff in my box.. "Hope you're happy.."

"You really gonna be mad at me for wanting to take care of your health and my baby?"

"Seriously?! Don't pretend like you care.. you humiliate me by taking her side.. don't you see this is exactly what she's wants? Me out of the way so she can crawl back in.." I glare at him and he lets out a big sigh.. he's annoyed.. I can tell but I really don't care right now.

"I'm on your side.." he tells me.. "But I do think working here with her is only going to make you stressed and we don't want that for you or the baby!"

"I'm fine and the baby is fine!" I raise my voice a little.. "I won't forget this Nathan.." I pick up the box and it's a little heavy so he rushes over to take it off me.. "See! Even with that you're acting like I can't handle it!"

"You shouldn't lift any heavy stuff babe.."

"I'm pregnant Nathan.. I'm more than capable of lifting a fucking box!!"

"Oh shut up.." he comments back.. "Let's talk about this later.." he follows me out of the room to make our way to the car, and that's when I struggle to hold back.. as we're walking through the hallway.. I see Megan standing in the distance with a smug look on her face.. I try to ignore it but when she gives Nathan a look.. I can't control my emotions.. 

"Happy? Huh?" I walk over to her and Nathan is quick to follow me trying to stop me..

"Katie! Don't!" He calls out but ignore him again..