Language of Love

Veraret Urguere

    I go to unlock my classroom that morning, Mr. Molton stands outside. He looks like he hasn't slept in a while.

"Is there something you need?" I ask.
"Find someone to watch your first period." He responds.
"Why?" I ask.
"I found your mother." He states.
"Congrats," I remark.
"Ms. Thorne, I found her dead." He says. I'm not surprised or upset by it. Does that make me heartless? Oh well.

"That sucks." I comment.
"She is your mother!" He exclaims.
"Yes."
"Well, she's alive now. In the hospital, you should go see her." He suggests.
"Thanks for the offer. Tell her I said hi. I have a class in 10." I say. He gives up and leaves.

"What the hell did your mother do to you?" Devin puzzled. She appeared out of nowhere, once again.

"Too much to name, I don't have the time to explain. I'll give you three word version - drunk abusive angry." I answer.
"Explains a lot." She mutters and walks away.

    Sally walks into my room that morning. She looks like she hadn't slept in a while. I give her a sympathetic look. There's not much I can do.

"Tell me about Mr. Kennedy. I need something positive. I had a rough weekend." She says. I nod, knowing what that's like.
"Sure, but don't mention this to anyone, please. Um, well, he slept over last night. You can take that however you'd like." I say. She smiles. It fades after a few seconds.

"Do you think I'll turn out alright?" She worries, after a moment of silence.
"Yes, you're smart, you're strong and you're brave. I know it's tough right now, trust me, I've been there, but I have no doubt you'll do something amazing one day." I answer, honestly.
"Thank you." She says and leaves my room.

I enter a few test grades into my grade book and then check my email. I have multiple spam emails and one parent email. I open the parent email. I immediately recognize the student's name. He's in my 3rd period, he's always distracted. His name is Jason Rozonkiewiecz, pronounced Rozen-Cabb-Ich. Some of the other teachers call him Jason Rotten Cabbage, because he's notorious for not turning in assignments, talking in class, fighting after school and smoking in the bathrooms.

Ms. Throne,

My name is Becky Rozonkiewiecz, my son is Jason Rozonkiewiecz. He is not doing well in your class, I would like to meet with you. I'm
very concerned and have a few ideas of what we should do. I'd prefer to meet as soon as possible. I'm free to chat anytime, email me back here. Have a great day!

-Becky Rozonkiewiecz

I laugh at her email. I respond and offer to meet in my classroom at 4:30, this afternoon. During planning, I walk into Fitz's room.

"I have a teacher parent today." I complain.
"Why?"
"His mother is worried, she should be, but not about his Latin grade. He's trashy. I don't mean trailer park, grew up rough, kind of trashy, I mean piece of shit trashy." I say.
  "Yikes," Fitz replies.
"He reminds me of a guy from high school. I've told you about him..." I tell him.
"Who?" He asks.
"The one who got me pregnant." I mouth, silently.
"Ah, that guy. What an ass.." He mutters.
"Really. I mean, I don't think he's paying for it, but I wouldn't be surprised." I comment.
"Does he have a girlfriend? Or possible prostitute?" Fitz jokes.
"Not really. I've caught him in the women bathroom with at least five different girls." I gossip.
"Sounds..." Fitz begins. Someone clears their voice behind us. There's a student at the door.

"How long have you been standing there?" I fear.
"I walked in somewhere around possible prostitute." The student laughs.
"Oops." I mutter.
"What do you need, Cori?" Fitz asks the girl.
"Um, you took my phone yesterday, can I have it back?" Cori pleads.
"Yes." He says. He unlocks his desk and pulls out a fluffy cased iPhone.
"Thank you." She says.

    Mr. Molton walks in. He sees me and opens his mouth.
    "Mr. Kennedy, I need to speak to you, alone." He says.
"Goodbye." I say and leave his room.

✿✿✿✿✿

"There have been some rumors. Rumors claiming that you are sleeping with a student, before I take any measures, I'd like to her what you have to say." He says.
"Well, I'm not sleeping with a student." Fitz informed.
"Well you're sleeping with somebody, right?" Molton guessed.
"I assure you it is not a student." Fitz responds.
"Then why do you look so nervous?" Mr. Molton presses.
"No reason."
"Tell me what student you are sleeping with." Mr. Molton demands.
"I'm not sleeping with a student." Fitz repeats.
"Really? Than what's the woman you are sleeping with's name?" The principal asks.

"Sir, I don't think that's appropriate." Fitz comments.
"Just tell me the woman's name. You don't have to give me her address and life story, all I need is a name. So I know you aren't having a relationship with a student." He demands.
"Gray Thorne." Fitz says, meekly.
"Oh. Oh god. Well, that explains a lot. I'll be right back, don't go anywhere," Mr. Molton says.

✿✿✿✿✿

I follow the principal into Fitz's room. Fitz leans against a desk with his arms crossed.

"Now, Ms. Thorne, Mr. Kennedy has claimed that you two are sleeping together, is this true?" Mr. Molton interrogates. I give a look of feat to Fitz. Who looks at me apologetic.
"It's true." I say.
"You know this could get you fired, right?" Mr. Molton checks.
"Yes, but I'm sure Fitz will tell me why he decided to tell you, anytime now." I answer.
"I'm sure he will, but how do I know you aren't covering for him." Mr. Molton presses.
"Because I could get fired over this and I'm still unsure of why our relationship was even brought up in conversation." I remark.
"So, why did you tell me?" He continues.
"It's the truth and I also know that if you decide to fire me, I can get you fired, because you are sleeping with my mother." I answer.
"Kiss, then." He resolves.
"I'm sorry, what?" Fitz blurts.
"Kiss. If you are truly sleeping together I'm sure you won't mind kissing each other." He says.
"I'm not going to kiss her just so you can what, believe were are actually together? I love her and I'll tell you that. But, asking me to kiss her on the spot is ridiculous," Fitz scoffs. I give in.
"Just kiss me, goddamnit." I say. He rolls his eyes and pulls me into a kiss. His lips soft, his body warm, and his passionate kiss makes me forget the principal is watching.

"You can stop now." Mr. Molton gags.
"Happy?" I ask.
"Sure." He mutters and leaves Fitz's room.

"I would stay, but I have a parent meeting soon." I complain.
"Good luck!" He says.