DEBBIE
By the time I pulled into Carter High's parking lot, the last bell had already rung. Kids were spilling out of the building in loud clusters, teachers herding the last few stragglers toward buses like exhausted camp counselors. Same old rhythm. Some things do not change. I grabbed my purse from the passenger set. I was coming to rescue my sister from whatever tragic dress she thought counted as date attire, I was committing fully. Before heading down the hall to her classroom, I stopped by the front office. Some traditions must be honored. The bell above the office door jingled as I stepped in;Right on schedule. Alfre looked up from behind the desk. She blinked a few times.
"Deborah Kaye Allen."
I grinned. "In the flesh." She stood up immediately and walked around the desk to hug me. "What are you doing here?" she asked, holding me at arm's length to inspect me. "Checking on my sister before she scares away the first person she's liked in years." Alfre's eyebrows lifted.
"Oh."
"Yes," I said, lowering my voice dramatically. "It's serious." Alfre crossed her arms, clearly enjoying this.
"Well. You came on an interesting day." I leaned against the counter. "Talk to me." She did not hesitate.
"You missed the tension at faculty meeting on Wednesday."
"What happened ?"
" Janet and your sister of course."
I raised my eyebrow. "That old hag—Had to be complaining about something "
"Over funding.Your sister wasn't letting up"
"Of course."
Alfre leaned closer.
"And the seniors started a rumor that Phylicia is seeing a teacher in this school."
"You would know."
"Listen I didn't start the rumor. But it's spreading."
I shook my head.
"Teenagers are exhausting."
"They are," she agreed. "But that's not the interesting part."
I narrowed my eyes.
"Oh?"
Alfre's lips curved slowly.
"Your sister."
I straightened.
"What about her?"
"She's been different."
I blinked.
"Different how?"
"She smiles," Alfre said simply.
I stared at her.
"No."
"Yes."
"At work?"
"At work."
I placed a hand over my chest. "That's how I know this is real." Alfre leaned in, lowering her voice. "And that new English teacher?" "Angela?" Her eyes widened slightly. "Oh, you know about her."
"I know everything," I replied proudly. Alfre smirked.
"Well. Let's just say they do not exactly look like coworkers when they think nobody is looking."
I picked up my purse. "That's my cue." Alfre laughed. "Go on then. Last classroom on the left."
"I remember," I said. "I practically grew up in this building." The hallway was quieter now. Lockers slamming in the distance. The echo of footsteps fading.
I turned the corner and ran straight into Ahmad.
Just great.
He looked surprised. "Debbie." I did not smile. "Ahmad." He glanced at my large purse. "Visiting?"
"Yes." He nodded once like he thought we were about to have a civil conversation. "How is she?" I looked at him for a long second. "She is thriving,you work with her and you don't know that?" I said flatly. His jaw tightened slightly. "We don't talk much." I did not respond. He shifted his weight."I heard she has been spending time with someone." I let out a short laugh.
