The Sub

Chapter 34

Luke

There was a total of nine deaths that night. The airline is being sued, and the trials are dragging on. My father has managed to get Jacey's family our lawyer as well as the others who passed.

I hope they get every dime that company owns.

I was released from the hospital yesterday, and I'm staying with my brothers at my parents home. Today is Jacey's funeral. There was already a combined funeral for the nine dead, but this one is being held by her family. No media will be present.

I've refused the offers of my family coming; they didn't know her like I did. Even now, I can feel the judgement radiating from my brothers skin.

"How stupid of our little brother to fall in love with some teenage girl. It's so wrong." I know they're thinking it.

I thought it when I first realized that it was not just lust. I definitely know the difference between the two.

Now I'm sitting here in my car, trying to gather the strength to walk into the building where the closed casket funeral is being held. I won't even be able to see her precious face.

I remember the first time I laid eyes on her.

~~

This coffee will be the only thing to get me through the day with these shit-heads they call high schoolers. I know this sub job is only for a few days maybe a few weeks, but it'll be hell. I almost resent getting this degree and adding my name to the list of substitute teachers. Chemistry is interesting, but not for seniors in high school. They'll do everything and anything to get out of doing work, especially with me.

I walk in and already have a class full of kids, apparently this is home room. "I'm Mr. Hemmings. No, I am not your teacher. I am your substitute until your real teacher gets back from vacation or whatever." I set my coffee down and bite my lip. My tongue swipes the left side of my lip looking for the ring I took out this morning. "I expect the same amount of respect you'd give your regular teacher. If you're anything like I was then I expect more than what you give your regular teachers." Only about three students seem to be listening.

I read the notes left for me to read to them and by the end of it only one girl is listening. Probably some suck up, I always hated those girls in high school and college. Always pretending to be holy and sweet; well, until they met me.

Damn it Luke, this is high school and you're an adult.

The bell rings and they all leave. A few moments later kids start to spill in again. I go to the front of the class and see the same girl in this period. She sits beside a boy who seems to know her well. I can't lie and say I'm not jealous, even if it is the slightest bit. She is pretty.

Chemistry 2

At least this is a class that you have to be invited into, from what I read yesterday. When everyone comes into the class I give the same spill as I did to the home room class.

"Your teacher sent me a few emails about this class, so basically he wants me to hand out our syllabus for this semester. But first I have to take roll."

The first name on the list, "Jacey Carter?" I ask looking around. The girl from home room raises her hand. She has delicate features and auburn hair. Rather pretty. "Is there anything you'd rather be called?" I usually wouldn't ask this, but something about her makes me want to.