Chapter Five: Simplicity Ain't That Simple
I showed up early and was well prepared the next day, even though I hadn't been able to sleep much. I heard the kids whispering and received looks of sympathy as well as judgment from the school staff, but I kept my chin up. I'd made a mistake and would probably do the same thing if it happened again. I couldn't stand idly by and watch an innocent child be bullied. Bradley was guilty of nothing but being shy and standoffish. He was a smart kid and would someday do something important. Just because he was different and not athletic didn't give the other boys an excuse to single him out and torture him! I wouldn't stand for it!
When I approached my classroom, I noticed Brandon and his friends standing just outside the door. Unsure of their intention, I approached cautiously though didn't falter. I wasn't about to be bullied by a bunch of thirteen-year-olds myself!
I was hoping perhaps Brandon had come to his senses, but wasn't all that surprised when none of them said anything to me. In fact, I even thought I'd heard one of them snicker. I remained calm, unlocked the door and stepped inside, just as I heard Mr. Moody demanding they disperse.
Once alone, I breathed deeply to try and slow my heart rate. Before class began, I had to compose myself. When I opened my eyes, only then did I notice a beautiful bouquet of flowers on the desk.
"Officer Kenobi," I whispered, a smile blossoming on my face. However, the signature on the card was not what I was expecting, and I scolded myself. Why would Officer Kenobi give me flowers? He didn't even like me and obviously wasn't interested in any type of relationship; especially romantic. The feeling was mutual, actually. I wasn't ready for another relationship anyway.
"My sincerest apologies for your accident," I read from the card. It was signed by Mr. Robert Patine on the back of a business card advertising the Protection Bank and Trust.
"Accident," I repeated with slight aggravation. What does he think happened? That I ran into his son's fist due to my own klutziness? He probably believed whatever Brandon told him, which was most likely far from the truth. The thought occurred to me I should set the record straight, although it wasn't my place. It was up to Mr. Moody to take care of things like that. All I should be concerned with was getting my lessons prepared, delivered, and finish writing my paper due next week.
After the bell signaling the beginning of class rang, my first-period class filed in. This was my favorite group. They were all attentive and interested in what I had to say, although my bruised nose and eyes were a bit of a distraction. Most of them knew what had happened already, though all some could do was stare. I told them not to worry about it, that I was fine. Still, I received some kind notes from a few of those who wished me well and hoped I would heal soon.
The next class went basically the same, as did the next. By mid-day, I had accumulated a fairly large stack of get well cards and drawings from my students. When it came time for lunch and first recess, I tucked them all inside my purse and locked them inside the desk.
I had recess duty this week, which is why I was outside in the first place yesterday. The eighth graders were in their usual corner, and Brandon was among them. Thankfully, Bradley stayed on the opposite side of the grounds. It took me a while to find him amongst the large number of students, but once I had, I noticed something I hadn't before. There was a patrol car creeping along school property. Behind the wheel was none other than Officer Kenobi and I waved at him. He smiled and waved back but I wondered why he was here. Surely, he had better things to do than check on Bradley. Weren't there people breaking the law somewhere in this town?
Still, he slowly drove by and even parked for a little while before pulling out and driving by again in the opposite direction. I watched him the entire time, though his attention had been diverted away from me. Suddenly, his lights came on and he sped up dramatically, disappearing from my sight.
Perhaps I'd see him again and get the chance to question his reasoning. Was he truly that concerned about Brad, or perhaps it was someone else he was worried about? Could it possibly be me?
Don't be ridiculous, I scolded myself. A handsome man his age surely had someone of significance waiting for him at the end of the day. I hadn't noticed a ring, but I didn't imagine he spent his evenings alone. Like I did.
A sudden wave of despair swept over me and I breathed deeply to rid myself of it, smiling at a student passing by. Nearly a year had passed since the accident and I had been alone ever since. I had come a long way and yet my heart still ached at times. When the anniversary came, I would deal with it. What other choice did I have? Until then, I would focus on my schoolwork and my duties as an intern teacher.
Early the next morning, I had been called into the Chief of Police's office. I had known Captain Quinn a long time and could easily distinguish his moods. Today, he seemed fairly pleased and was holding my daily report in his hand. I prepared myself for the ribbing that was sure to come.
"You had a busy day yesterday, Ben," he told me with twinkling eyes.
"Go ahead. Get it over with," I suggested as I sunk into the worn but comfy leather sofa in his office.
"You intervened during a 10-59 on school property? You do realize an official request hadn't been made," Quinn told me.
"I know that," I informed him. "But as you're fully aware, the Patines think they own this town. I'm just keeping my eye out."
"And then I notice the investigation turned into a 243? How so?"
I explained what had occurred and the more I spoke, the more Quinn's lip began to curl. Here it came.
"Miss Ami Berrie. I've met her. She's quite attractive."
"Don't start. I'm not looking for a partner."
"Why not? It's been a long time Ben. You need to let go of the past and start thinking about your future. If you don't do something about it soon, you'll end up like me. Old, alone, and mean."
"Mean. Right," I chuckled sarcastically.
"Hey!" he said with mock irritation. "I can be when I need to be."
Captain Quinn's version of 'mean' was most people's 'bad mood.' He was well respected in the community and had even considered running for mayor a couple of times. If he ever did, he would most likely win by a landslide. However, that would leave me to pick up where he left off and I had no interest in taking his place. Too many politics went along with the job. Too many headaches. I liked my life just the way it was: Quiet and simple.
"I need to start my patrol," I informed the man, hoping to change the subject.
"Hey, Ben," he said, stopping me before I'd made it out of his office.
"Tell Miss Berrie I said hello."
"I doubt I'll see her," I told him while walking away.
His deep-throated chuckled followed me out the door.
I followed my usual route, taking a turn downtown before swinging onto the alternate highway which would lead me out to the schools. The driveway to them was long and there was only one way in and out. It was impossible to be conspicuous; not that I was trying to be. In fact, I wanted Brandon and his friends to be aware I was keeping an eye on them. Maybe he would hesitate the next time someone got on his nerves.
I would do what I needed to should it happen again. I wasn't afraid of Mr. Patine or his money. I didn't need him and there was nothing he could take away from me. My house wasn't worth much and I had no property. I drove my assigned car to and from my home. Basically, I was free of anything to use against me. Not like many in this town. If they weren't afraid of him and his lawyers, they were afraid of what his influence could do to them or their business. The man had a bad habit of ruining lives.
I didn't care for him at all. The first time I met him I got a chill. I couldn't explain it. The man gave me the creeps. His eyes were ice blue and his smile was just as cold. I honestly didn't know how people could trust him with their money.
Maybe I was overreacting, but I'd always trusted my gut. It was what got me out of trouble a few times in the past, and hopefully would continue to do so. If you asked me, Mr. Patine and his son were nothing but trouble.