Chapter 492: Tree Hill Guidance
Wednesday, February 15th, Afternoon
From across the desk, she looked at the student. She worked over some paperwork. The young student looked back at her guidance counselor. After adjusting the papers, she put them down after they were organized.
"So, Avianna, I looked over your classes and our previously discussed goals," Ashlyn Pierce-Scott said.
"Yes, Mrs. Pierce-Scott," Avianna said.
"What worries me is a few of your grades are falling behind," Ashlyn said.
"I don't know how to fix those," Avianna said.
"Have you looked into the tutoring center?" Ashlyn asked.
"No, Mrs. Pierce-Scott," Avianna said.
Ashlyn wrote something on a sheet of paper. "Okay, I suggest you check out the tutoring center; they'll get you set up with extra help," she said.
"Yes, Mrs. Pierce-Scott," Avianna said.
"I discussed things with the tutoring center and informed them of your goals. They can build a program you need," Ashlyn said.
"Thank you, Mrs. Pierce-Scott," Avianna said.
Ashlyn handed Avianna a few pieces of paper. "Hand this to the advisor at the tutoring center, and there is a hall pass there," Ashlyn said.
Avianna took a quick look at the papers and nodded, "Thank you," Avianna said.
"I'm just trying to help you reach your goals," Ashlyn said.
"Is there anything else?" Avianna asked.
"That's my line," Ashlyn said and chuckled. Avianna looked at Ashlyn, confused. "Sorry, is there anything else you need to discuss?"
"No," Avianna said.
"Then we're done here," Ashlyn said.
"Thank you, Mrs. Pierce-Scott," Avianna said.
"You're welcome and good luck," Ashlyn said.
Avianna nodded and left Ashlyn's office. Ashlyn leaned back and sighed. Some of her charges were easy; some were not so much. Shaking her head, Ashlyn looked down to her digital planner. There were a few minutes before her next appointment.
Ashlyn leaned back and rested her hands on her stomach. She looked out the window and took in the weak light of the day. It seems like the weather wanted to turn.
Basketball was almost over, and Ashlyn knew she would have grumpy Brett to deal with. Ashlyn also needed to have a co-parenting meeting with Huck. They needed to start to prepare for Brett's move to South Bend.
That was when Ashlyn's smartphone started to ring. Ashlyn sighed, turned away from the window, and picked up her smartphone. She didn't know the number off the top of her head. Ashlyn was about to let it go to voicemail. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up. That instinct told her to answer the phone.
"Pierce-Scott," Ashlyn said as she answered her phone. Ashlyn nodded, "I know it's you; I know your voice. Yes, yes, I am at work right now…I'm in-between appointments right now…there is a game tonight…I don't know if the kids will be at the game…it's a neutral sight game, so yeah, black uniforms…not that I don't mind the interest, but we never talk, and your actions, so why are you calling me? Okay, okay, I don't want to seem ungrateful, but I do need to know why you called…Are you serious? No, no…it's shocking…I know, do you need anything? Okay, keep me informed…okay, talk to you soon, bye."
Ashlyn took her smartphone away from her ear. She stared at the phone for a moment or two in silence. Finally, she dropped the phone on her desk. She stood there for a moment, then pushed away from her desk.
Crossing her office, she stood in the doorway for a moment. After a moment, Ashlyn almost collapsed against the door frame. After a moment, Ashlyn pushed off the doorframe, and she straightened herself up. Slowly, Ashlyn pulled her door closed.
Now isolated in her office, she walked over to her office window. Slowly, she leaned forward and rested her forehead on the window. Of all the days, this was the day that it happened. The coolness of the glass felt good. Her eyes followed a squirrel that ran across the lawn in its little walk/hop motion. Ashlyn smiled slightly for a moment.
Her mind started to race with things she needed to do. But it just happened, everything is so new, there is no information. Of course, she will have to call James, but that could wait until after his game tonight.
Damn! They have a game tonight. They're traveling tonight, which means a long night. Also, it's basically babysitting while they head to the venue and back. That means she has to make phone calls.
Many people may not show up. Bridges had been burnt over the years or, in some cases, never built. Why today of all days? Thank God that the NBA is going into the All-Star Break. James was planning on returning anyways. His last game before the break is tonight; James had planned on flying home tomorrow.
Ashlyn sighed and picked her head off the window; she returned to her desk and took a seat in her desk chair; Ashlyn picked up one of her pictures. She looked at it deeply; it was a picture of her and her four children.
Brett stood behind Ashlyn. Maeghan sat on Ashlyn's lap; the twins sat to either side of Ashlyn. It was one of the few pictures she had of them all. She smiled and tried to remember the good of that day and not pain in the ass it was to get them all dressed, in position, and smiling for the picture.
Ashlyn put down the picture. She sighed and knew she needed to start messaging people. Ashlyn picked up her smartphone and opened her messages.
Ashlyn: Message me when you get his need to talk.
With a quick nod, she put her smartphone down. Ashlyn looked at her digital planner; she had another appointment coming up. Standing up, Ashlyn walked over towards her office door. Grabbing the doorknob, she took a deep breath, settled herself down, and opened the door. Ashlyn shrugged; after all, the show must go on.
