Reforget [h.s]

Six

Olivia Harding

The ride across town was fairly quiet. I kept my attention on Ace hanging his head out of the window of the backseat, having the time of his life the majority of the ride. It also helped me with my anxiety to keep my mind off of the interview. We pulled into the front parking lot of a fairly big middle school. I pulled down the visor and ran my fingers through my hair one last time.

"I don't know how long this will take," I stated awkwardly turning my head to make eye contact with Harry.

"I'll wait," he stated blankly staring out of his window after he slammed the car in park.

"Alright," I replied as I got out of the car and grabbed my binder. I smoothed out my dress and headed into the main building of the school. I was about ten minutes early, with the help of Harry speeding through town. I walked into what looked like the front office and gave the desk receptionist my name.

As I patiently waited, I started to get hot. It was chilly outside, but it was beyond warm in this tiny office waiting area. I got called back a few minutes later and walked into the principal's office. Her name was Mrs. Pollard. She was a sweet lady with very high heels on. She stood to greet me and I firmly shook her hand.

As we engaged in small talk about my previous work experience and rankings in school, she mentioned to me that they were desperately in need of a substitute teacher and that if I accepted the job, she would make certain that I was hired as a full-time teacher for the next school year. I was hoping for an actual job coming into this interview, but honestly, starting out as a substitute teacher and being promised a job in the next few months was an offer I wasn't about to pass up. This opportunity would give me the chance to get comfortable in my new apartment and also to get to know my co-workers.

I signed some paperwork and Mrs. Pollard went to scanning all of my documents and faxing them over to the Board of Education. I left her on the note that she would call me sometime next week for scheduling and payment purposes. I shook her hand and exited the building with a smile plastered on my face.

Sure enough, Harry was waiting on me exactly where I had left him. I opened the door to Ace swiping his tongue across my face. I swear I heard a chuckle escape Harry's mouth, but when I looked up to meet his gaze, he had a serious look on it, much like every other time I've looked at him. I silently got into the car and we made our way back through town.

"Actually, can you take me by the store? I want to get a few things for the kitchen. Jake and I don't always have the same tastes in food," I asked nervously.

Harry let out a small breath and pulled into a super market parking lot.

"You don't have to come," I added as I opened my door to find he had already gotten out. "Okay, never mind," I replied to my own comment as Ace walked cautiously beside me.

I gave Harry a confused look which made him speak up, "He is a service animal. He can basically go anywhere, his collar says that as well."

I nodded my head toward him looking down and noticing the collar around Ace's neck. As awkward as it was having Harry follow me everywhere on top of Ace, it was kind of nice. I grabbed a few things out of the produce section for sandwiches and salads, and we made our way to the frozen section. I picked up a few pizzas and we headed to the check out line with the occasional 'oos and aahs' regarding Ace and his adorable self. Harry had silently put a few items in the buggy as well. As I went to swipe my card, Harry slid his first.

"I am perfectly capable of paying for the groceries," I spat in his direction.

Once again Harry said nothing. I let out a huff and picked up some of the bags. We walked back to the SUV and loaded everything up. Harry gripped the steering wheel harshly once again. I wondered to myself why he was so silent and angry all the time.