Moment of Reflection

Chapter 26

A/N: **SCREAMS** THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS HAS EXCEEDED 500 READS AND 75 VOTES. I CANT THANK YOU ENOUGH. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE SUPPORT <3 Not only does it motivate me to keep writing, it really helps me overall mentally. I'm a very unstable individual and this really makes me happy :) Thank you all again SO MUCH!!!!! I decided this deserves an update today. Enjoy:)

Ever since Friday, I grew extremely nervous as to how I spoke around her. I wasn't sure if what I said had actually caused her heart to race uncontrollably, or if it was a coincidence. The doctors cut off visitation until they knew what had happened and how they could fix it.

Now I was sitting parked in the teacher's parking lot at West. I procrastinated cleaning out my classroom. I didn't go on Friday after school was done. So I knew I had to go today.

I gripped the steering wheel and let out a long breath, knowing I was stressing myself out.

I looked around at the fall foliage, the warm colored leaves laying on the ground, the air remained chilly while the cool breeze moved the leaves across the pavement. Today was Halloween.

I forced myself out of my car. Knowing this would be the last time I walked this same path. My black asics struck the ground as I paced my way to the same entrance I used the past three years.

The wind blew against my black pants, giving me goosebumps along my bare arms. Approaching the glass doors, I grabbed the cold metal handle, opening the door. Walking down the empty halls, I held an empty box, heading towards my locked classroom.

As I turned the corner into the E-wing, I saw my classroom, though the door was open and the light was left on. I worried a bit, that the sub could be in there. Though I haven't met my replacement, I was more worried about students being in there.

Growing closer to my room, I heard conversation. "Fuck." I cursed under my breath, stopping in my tracks.

My heart raced, my hands grew sweaty. I argued with myself, unsure if I should leave or go in.

"Now as we read through Anthem, you wi-" Upon entering, I seemed to have caught everyone off guard.

"Are you Mr. Scaletta?" The college boy asked, he has to be my sub.

"Yes." I responded flatly, seeing a few of my students. "What's going on? School ended about an hour ago."

"It's an after school study/catch up session." He responded, standing straight.

I nodded as I approached my desk. "Well I would at least like to introduce myself," he said, approaching me, sticking his pale hand out, "Tom Bauer. I will be taking your place."

Knowing my former students were watching the encounter, I shook his hand and began getting my things together.

"Mr. Scaletta," I heard one of my students ask, "Why are you leaving? Did you get fired?"

Conversation erupted throughout the room. I watched as college boy attempted to handle it. His quiet attempts failing.

"Enough!" I said, my voice raised. "To answer your question Vince, I left due to a personal matter within my family. It's for the best. I did not get fired. Resigning from this position was an extremely difficult thing to do so don't think I jumped at the chance when I got it," I spoke, swallowing as I continued to get my things, "Of course, don't allow rumors to be spread. We all know what happens when a teacher leaves their position."

The room remained silent, "Okay, so now that-" College boy began to speak but I abruptly stopped him in his tracks.

"Hold it right there. My students are very fond of me and I'm sure it's difficult for them to see me leave. If you would please wait until I at least leave with all of my things before returning the focus in this so called 'study session'."