Beyond the Lesson (TXS)

The Decision

It's been exactly two week since thanksgiving and I never sympathized with people who couldn't be away from from their partner longer than a few hours but man I'm feening to atleast kiss her at this point. We agreed after we got off the plane that we'd try to do subtle touches whenever we passed each other. Our pinkies have gotten very acquainted these weeks. We haven't said a word to each other and I'd honestly forget how she sounded if she wasn't still my teacher at the end of the day. I never liked school and I would miss a couple of days just because I didn't want to go but ever since she came here and stole my heart, my attendance has been unmatched.

"And you're sure about this Talia?" Mr. Karson asks as I sit in his office.

I nod. "I am sir. I mean I mine as well, there's nothing else this place can teach me what I don't already know." He nods.

He sighs. "That's very true and well honestly I have to say I'm not exactly surprised but you sure you want to wait I mean I can get it done now. I doubt the school board will not approve of your decision."

"Yes I want to wait that way I'll have a fresh start." I say and he nods and then chuckles.

"Well who am I to say no to such a promising young woman. You're a great kid and I know you'll do even better." He stands up and puts out his hand. I stand up and smile as I shake it. "So I'll have your answer by next week before the break and then you'll be free to go."

"Thank you Mr. Karson this means a lot to me."

He nods. "Anytime." I take that and I head off to first class. I came in early to talk to him about my decision. I decided to wait a few days after we got back to talk to him but then I just kept chickening out thinking to myself if it was the smartest choice to do. Ultimately I just woke up, got dressed in my white tee, black hoodie, and wide legged denim jeans and my Nike dunks with my black beanie, it's freezing. And then I walked to school, to think exactly what I was going to say. I still haven't told my friends or even Verena or Tyson but I just hope they'll support my decision.

I make it to class and sit down next to the two best friends anyone could ask for and they're going to be parents. That's still crazy. Maira and Lucas went to the OBGYN when we got back and it was confirmed that they were already two weeks in. Guess it made sense on why Maira wasn't drinking during the pool party even though she literally brought alcohol. But I'm proud of her. Her mom was livid at first but has been so supportive and is already converting one of their guest rooms into a nursery. "Hey you good? I woke up and you were gone." Lucas asks and I nod.

"Yeah just had to talk to Karson, I'm good." They nod and we continue with class. We called CPS on Lucas's mom when we got back. After only a few days of us being gone, she looked worse than before and ransacked Lucas's room for money and then hit him again. They put her into rehab and they cant release her without Lucas giving them permission to do so. So Lucas stays with me. He wanted to stay with Maira but she said she'll have to deal with him for atleast 18 years of her life and a pre-break is needed or she'll kill him. Her words not mine.

We're in lunch now and Lucas let it slip I bought a ring back in California and Maira has been freaking out. "This is huge Talia how are you not freaking out?!"

I chuckle. "Because I'm not doing it right now Maira chill before you cause a scene." I say and she waves me off.

"Fuck that. I'm surprised you haven't done it already because how you guys were going at it in California, you'd think it was your honeymoon."

We all laugh. "We just wanted to take advantage of the opportunity we had."

"Yeah I mean, 6 months of not being able to touch, kiss or even talk to each other is crazy." Lucas says and my eyes dance but they catch it. "What?"

I sigh. "What's going on Talia?" Maira asks.

I clear my throat. "The talk with Karson was about graduating early."

Their brows furrow in confusion. "Early?" I nod. "How early?"

"Well if the board approves, I'll be graduated from high school before the new semester starts in January." I say nervously and their mouthes go agape.

"January? You're graduating in January?" I nod. "Why?" Maira asks and I can see the tears forming in both their eyes.

"Guys I've learned everything I need to learn in high school. I hate coming here and the only reason I was going to stick it out was for you guys because we always talked about crossing the stage together and then going on road trip before you guys go off to college and I travel." They look down. "And we can still do that but I love Verena," they look up. "And I don't want her to wait to hear me to tell her I love her again when I have the ability to make it happen now.

"We get that Talia, it's not like we're mad at you. We're just sad because we won't be able to cheat off your work anymore." Lucas jokes and we all laugh through the tears. "But seriously we know how much you hated this place and how much you love Verena. We expected this, just not this soon."

I nod. "Yeah I know. But you guys are ok with me doing it right?"

They nod. "What of course. And with that, the only thing you'll have to worry about is that bitch of an ex." I sigh.

"Yeah that. Her parents haven't given us an update on anything and it's worrying that she knows and left and will come back when we least expect her to."

"Well you can't live your life in fear Talia."

"Yeah I know." Ring! The bell goes off and we head to Verenas class. We make it to her door but she's not there. I furrow my brows and when we walk in, there's an old white lady handing out sheets of paper.

"Good afternoon everyone, I'm your substitute for the day." She says and I raise my hand. "Yes honey?"

"Uh where's Ms. Romano?" I ask hopefully not showcasing my anxiety of why she wouldn't be here.

"Ms. Romano had a family emergency last night. So she called me in." I nod and sit down.

"Is everything ok?" Maira asks and I nod not wanting them to panic. But I'm panicking. School ends and knowing Ty has been taking late classes again, I texted him saying Maira is bringing me home. We get in her car and we talk about how life will work with me no longer being in school with them and we decided it'll still be the same and they'll come over more often after school to tell me the gossip. I'm going to miss them but we're bestfriends it's literally not like I'll never see them again. "Let us know if you hear anything from Verena."

I nod. "I will." I get out the car but get confused when I see Tysons car. I check the time on my phone and he should still at the school. I shrug it off and walk in the house excited and yet nervous to talk to him about graduating and asking Verena to marry me. That might be an after thought depending on how the first conversation goes. I turn the corner to the living room and my bag and keys drop at the sight but I can't react before a click and metal comes to my head freezing me with my hands up.

"Hello Talia."