All's Well That Ends Wells
Author's Notes Part 1: All's Well That Ends Wells is the prequel to Luck of The Draw. AWTEW is what can be assumed occurred between Tony's honors banquet for Teacher of the Year at Wells College and his preparation to return back to Fairfield. Some details in the prequel will be followed up throughout LOTD.
Chapter 1 – Humbly Submitted
"I am so grateful for this opportunity to nurture the minds of these young people in the classroom and on the diamond. This year at Wells College has definitely been a true field of dreams for me. My colleagues have been amazing as well as the Branford community. My family was grateful for your hospitality and support during this year. It was an honor and a privilege to work so closely with all of you over the last year. Candy and Dr. Graham have been wonderful to work with. To each of my students in the classroom and on the diamond, you've inspired me more than you will ever know. It wasn't that long ago, that I sat in seats just as yourself, looking to earn my college degree, and now I'm in a position to share my wealth of knowledge with each of you. I am so elated that my daughter, Samantha is here. Stand up honey and wave so everyone can see you. She's also a college student back in Connecticut just like many of you. My life and my world changed because of Wells College and the Branford community. I will forever be in debt to you. I thank you again, Dr. Graham for everything and Wells College for such a prestigious honor as Teacher of The Year. I am sincerely grateful," remarked Tony as he walked away from the stage with a tear shed down his face.
The entire banquet room was full of admiration for Coach and Professor Anthony Micelli. They shared their gratitude and excitement with cheers, applauds, and gallant whistles. Candy handed Tony a handkerchief as he kissed her on the cheek and hugged her. Tony, now a pale white and puffy eye from fighting back tears, hugged and kissed Sam. She grabbed her father tightly and said, "Dad, I know, I know, but try and focus on your accomplishments tonight. You've done great and tonight proves that. Be proud and try to enjoy the moment. I'm proud of you"! Tony gave a halfcocked smiled to Sam as he took his seat. The formal ceremony was ended with a champagne toast to Professor and Coach Anthony Micelli by Dr. Graham, and then party began.
Just as Tony put his glass down, Dr. Graham began to approach Tony for further congratulations. They hugged and shook hands and took a couple of photos for the yearbook committee. The two gentlemen walked off to the side from the crowd. Then Dr. Graham leaned in toward Tony and handed him an envelope. Tony opened it and said, "Wow Dr. Graham, I'm so overwhelmed right now. I can't believe there's more. Is this a bonus," inquired Tony?
Dr. Graham gave a jolly laugh as he leaned in towards Tony's ear and said, "Why yes, it is Coach Micelli! You've won the Junior College Division 1 Championship and you're also the Division's Coach of The Year. Plus, the college threw in a little something extra for gratitude." Dr. Graham continued to say, "Coach, Professor, I don't mean to apply pressure on tonight's celebration, but I need the signed documents to extend your contract over the next three years. The Administration is asking for it so that preparations for the budget can commence".
Tony immediately froze in place. He wasn't prepared for this inquiry tonight. Tony instantly began replaying in his mind his conversation with Angela about gearing up for three years and him trying to figure out how they could live in a mutual city and travel to their jobs before Angela left to return to her life and business in Connecticut and New York City. Then a single tear rolled down Tony's face again as he looked so broken and lost. Tony looked up at Dr. Graham and before he could say anything, Dr. Graham said, "It's Angela isn't it, Tony. You haven't signed the contract because of Angela".
Tony took a deep breath and said, "Dr. Graham, I honestly can't see my life without her in it. Since she has been gone, I've been surviving on fumes. I honestly don't know if I am coming or going. Angela is the reason I came to the interview and took this position. She's my reason for everything these days. We have a son to finish raising in Connecticut and we're supposed to be looking after her mom, Mona. Then there is Sam and Hank, helping them get started on the right foot. Dr. Graham, I love her, and to sign a contract for three years would mean that I accept that my love for her and her love for me aren't the greatest priority in my life. I have already kept her waiting for way too long, I've broken her heart once, and this time she left first hoping it wouldn't hurt so bad. If there was any other way, I could continue my position here that would let me be with Angela, and her continue her career, then I would sign the contract. But I know there isn't. I'm going to have to thank you for the incredible opportunity but decline the new contract. My whole heart is in New England. God gave me a second chance at love with Angela, and I can't let that opportunity go. I am so sorry that we can't make it work here, because Wells College is a wonderful institution. Dr. Graham, as of tonight I am officially resigning from Wells College as head baseball coach and associate professor of history. This has been an exhilarating ride, but the last eight years of my life with Angela have been heaven on earth. As much as I have loved my time here at Wells College, it only worked because I had Angela in my life. I couldn't do what I do without her. And the same is true of me for her. We are each other's forever and always. I hope you understand," Tony responded.
"Oh Tony, I do. More than you know. It saddens me that you won't stay on with us, but I know what you mean about surviving without the woman of your dreams. Thank you for all your hard work. You have been an amazing employee and it has been a pleasure knowing you", Dr. Graham replied as he extended his hand for a shake. Tony responded by shaking his hand and they embraced.
Before Tony walked away from Dr. Graham, he turned and inquired, "Hey Dr. Graham, I never got a chance to ask, which one of my professors at Ridgemont recommended me for the job here at Wells."
"Elliot Darnell. He was your speech professor when you first started at Ridgemont. Elliot is also my cousin-n-law. He's married to my wife's cousin. He told me you were worth everything and then some and you taught him not to judge a book by its cover. He also said that you gave a public speech about young people being overlooked and not given funding to attend college and play baseball. As a former pro-ball player that had it rough, he figured that you could more than relate to the students here at Wells in the classroom and on the field. He said as a mature college student you weren't intimidated easily and you were a stellar student with an exceptional point of view on life,", said Dr. Graham.
"When I shared with Elliot that we needed a baseball coach, he suggested you, but he warned me that I would need to "sweeten the pot" to pull you from your home and family. That's why we created the Associate Professor position for you as well. But after being in the company of you and Angela, I know you two were made for each other. You deserve to be loved by one another. I'd be a fool to think I could come between that. You're a wonderful man Tony Micelli and you're going to make a great husband and professor and coach. If you need a reference or letter of recommendation Tony, you let me know. I'd be happy to do what I can to assist you getting a job close to home. I gave up the love of my life for the world of college athletics many years ago. And while I love what I do, I've never been loved or had the chance to love another the way I loved her, and she loved me. It's been bittersweet and that's why I said I understand your choice. I mean it Tony, don't hesitate to ask for a professional reference from me," Dr. Graham added.
"Professor Elliot Darnell, I would have never guessed. I will be sure to thank him, very soon. Thank you again Dr. Graham for your support. Ay-Oh…I, I just had a wild and crazy idea, thanks to Candy. I'm going to leave right now and head to the airport to see if I can get on the late flight with Sam headed back to LaGuardia. I can't wait, I've got to see Angela soon as possible. It killed me that I was honored here this evening and she wasn't here to share it with me. She is as much responsible for my success as I am. This is the first major moment for me since I met her, that she isn't a part of, and I feel incomplete without her in this moment. I'm going to use my vacation starting this week on Monday and I'll return the following week to close out my affairs and pack up the apartment," Tony said.
"Of course, Tony, that would be just fine," Dr. Graham replied. As they had one more final handshake.
Tony immediately snuck back to the head table and whispered in Samantha's ear, "Grab your stuff, and mine too, we're going home". Sam turned to look at her father with great shock and joy. She put a huge smile on her face. She gathered up their belongings and followed her father out of the banquet hall.
