Go Gina

2

Note to self: get a car. Atlanta cabs are expensive and I only have the little bit in my savings till I get paid.
I stood out front of the high school. This was the new me. This was gonna be go.
Walking into the building Im guessing I'm running late because they are kids crowding the hallway. I'm so distracted by all the movement that I have no idea where I'm going.
"Ayo ma you new here or something?" Some boy asked me.
"Umm I'm looking for the principal's office." I said.
"Damn you fine. I'll show you were to go if give me your number."
We started walking. "I don't think that's appropriate."
"Why not ma?"
I was bout to respond when I bumped into something hard. "I'm so sorry."
"You must be Ms. St. James. I was gonna meet you in the front and show you around but I see you found your way." Wow he's gorgeous.
"Wait you a teacher? My bad Miss." he said walking away.
"Well then how about we talk in my office for a bit."
I nodded and followed him into his office.
"You have nice taste." I said sarcastically looking at the furniture.
"Thanks it's not really my taste. My girlfriend thought my office was full."
"Truly don't think this should be anyone's taste." I said out loud covering my mouth. "I'm so sorry didn't mean to say that out loud."
"You really don't remember me huh?"
"Am I supposed to?"
"Ken Rose. You busted my lip when I was like 10 and your aunt made you..."
"Apologize every time I saw you" I smiled finishing his sentence. "Wow K you grew up. I thought you moved to California."
"I went to school there but came back to when my dad got sick."
"Damn how is he doing?"
"Fine now but let's talk bout you. Major English with a minor in child psychology."
"Yup."
"Well we hired you cause we needed a senior AP English teacher but it looks like you can also teach elective psychology."
"Why did you hire me? I'm sure there are other teachers out there."
"Honestly?"
"Is there any other way?"
He sighed. "Your aunt told me about the things you were going through and I felt like I could at least help."
"Kenneth I  don't need a pity party so if that's what this is we can dead it now." I said getting ready to leave.
He grabbed my arm stopping me. "Please don't walk away. I really feel like y'all be good here. I understand how hard it can be to start over but come on G." He sighed.
"Ken I don't think you remember how much I don't like to be touched." I snatched my arm away grilling him.
"At least you're didn't punch me this time."
"Ahhh so you do remember summer camp?"
"Hell yeah it's crazy last time I saw you we was what 15?" He asked getting all excited.
"Yup I remember not wanting to go home. I always regretted going home every summer."

"I remember having a crush on you and all you ever wanted to talk about was your gang banging boyfriend talking. What was his name again? Alan? He joked

"His name is Alex and he's in jail now so I don't have to worry about him anymore"I said wiping the tear that was threatening to fall. Why do I keep crying about this man?

"Look I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, I was just kidding around."

"Well Ken I did not think your joke was very funny."

"Yeah I could tell

"Why is this hall way so fucking long?" Shit my legs are getting tired.

"Umm Ms.St.James please refrain from cursing in the school halls and or in front of the students."

"My bad'". I giggled "When did you get all serious?"

"Had to grow up sometime G.  I suggest you do the same."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing this is going to be your classroom. The current teacher is leaving Friday so you can come on Saturday and make it your own."

"Do I get paid for coming in saturday?"

He chuckled. "You should introduce yourself in the class right now in AP english."

"Uhh is that such a good idea in the middle of teaching?" I honestly didn't want to talk to the kids. I haven't taught since my college internships to years ago

"I think its a great idea." he said opening the door to the classroom.

"Good afternoon class I justed wanted to stop y and introduce the teacher who will be replacing Mr. Evans."

I stood in front of the class. All the nerves in my body came to play today. "Hi. My name is Gina St. James and I will be your new teacher starting next Monday." I smiled

"This  some type of joke she looks like she should be sitting at one of our desks." one of the boys in the back shouted

Before Ken could address I answered his question. "Thank you for the compliment. I do look very young for my age but this is no joke and I am going to be your teacher. How about I get out of Mr. Evans class and you guys finish reading the Odyssey. It is one of my favorite epic poems."

"What do you like about it the most Ms. St James?" Mr Evans asked me.

"Well I actually hate the story where the man travels around the world and cheats on his wife but it teaches you that no matter how many times you fall into temptations you can always make it back home." Mr. Evans smiled and nodded at me. Ken said goodbye to the class and walked me towards the exit.

"How about me you and my girlfriend Angel hang out tonight?"

"Nah I have to finish up my apartment and find a dog sitter."

"A dog sitter?"

"Yeah my dad brought me this blue nose pit as a moving present and I have no idea who's gonna watch him when I'm at work."

"Well I know one of the old ladies that lives in your building. Maybe I can ask her for you."

"I forgot all about the southern hospitality" I laughed.

"Maybe you should have come down here more, you wouldn't have missed it so much."

"Well you know how teenage girls get caught up in their boyfriends."

"Gina I don't know all about what happened in New York, but i think you are gonna be great here." He smiled

"Thanks Ken."

I walked up to my cab and decided to go to the supermarket because my refrigerator was empty empty. All I had was a tray of ice. 

I always hated grocery shopping. I never knew what I wanted and carrying the bags killed me. Almost making it to my door one of my bags breaks making me drop everything.

"Great job Gina."

"It would be nice if you didn't leave shit all in the hallway." A deep voice said.

"Well if you haven't noticed it by now this is now on purpose and I was just trying to get inside."

"I ain't ask for your life story just don't let it happen again." He said slamming the door to his apartment.

See old me would have started banging on his door asking him ho the fuck he was talking to. And that is exactly what new me did.

"Open the fucking door you fucking dick head!" I was banging so hard my hand started turning red.

"Yo what is you doing?" he said coming all in my face.

"I don't know who you think you talking to but.."

"I was talking to you sweetheart so unless you plan on using that mouth of yours to suck my dick i suggest you stop banging on my shit." He once again slammed the door in my face.

I come to a conclusion. I do not like this man.