NOT GIVING UP ON FOREVER

Chapter 85

"Miss Ryans, come in and sit down." The director pointed to an empty seat in the office.

Hesitating a moment, Anna sat down and cleared her throat:

"Why did you call me, Ma'am?"

"Miss Ryans," the woman began again.

"Anna."

"Anna. I've heard rumors that you have great ambitions, and I think the Principal's chair is very attractive to you and..." She cleared her throat, too. "You have far-reaching plans. Right?"

Anna didn't know what to say, but the head teacher went on.

"I would like to tell you that if you knew what a huge responsibility it is and what moments you need to keep under control, you would not aim at this place so... fiercely."

"Ma'am, I..."

"But I understand. Young, ambitious, intelligent... you want to reach some heights. I understand all this. But I still cannot allow you to carry out what you have planned. I'm not giving up the Principal's chair. Over my dead body."

"I think such extremes are unnecessary," Anna smiled and added, "but the inauguration of the new directorship is entirely up to the parents and faculty of the School 678, and here I suppose..."

"Anna!" suddenly blurted out Mrs. Treethers. "How can you so coolly step on people and go ahead for dethroning me from a position that is the passion of my entire life! Is nothing sacred to you?"

"You're exaggerating, Ma'am," Anna frowned.

"What? Look what you're doing? Do you think I don't have eyes and ears? With your victories and contributions, you win over people before voting."

"That sounds fair."

"This is cruel. Anna, is it so important for you to become the principal of this school?"

"Career is important to me, Mrs. Treethers, and I'm getting it straight, in the normal and obvious way. I don't see the point of your claims." Anna shrugged, annoyed.

"And the human attitude? Did we not sit with you at the teachers' gatherings, talking about dreams and careers? Don't you remember me telling you my way to that chair?"

"Ma'am."

"Miss Ryans. Anna. I speak to you now not as a colleague but as a friend. Please, Anna. Back off."

"Ma'am. Being a teacher, a principal, or something else is not enough for me. It is a step in a ladder."

Mrs. Treethers' eyes glistened with tears, and Anna looked away, not to embarrass her even more.

"I can transfer you to our London school branch. We have a partnership with a British institution, and I will arrange your transfer as a teacher. But this is a temporary matter. Miss Ryans, step back."

"Perfect," Anna said suddenly.

"Excuse me?"

"Great!"

"Are you serious?" the director froze in her movements.

"I like your offer of the transfer. I accept it, waiting for sponsorship in the visa and registration of all necessary documents for my legal residence and teaching at this school."

"Will you back down at the election?" the Director asked.

"I will."

Mrs. Treethers, not believing her ears, went up to Anna to shake her hand.

"I can't believe it. Thanks. Are you sure you're ready to move?"

"Yes. I need a change of scenery." Anna swallowed. "Can I go now?"

"O-of course. Thank you again."

Anna walked out the door, and Mrs. Treethers gave way to tears of relief.