United Together As One

by Maggie O'Casiry

After the two teachers, Ms. Stevenson and Ms. Widmer are fired from Foster they start to enjoy their early retirement. However, they miss having interaction with people everyday. When Foster starts struggling financially again, the two come up with an idea that could benefit the community. Along the way they encounter many obstacles. Will they make their new dream come true?

United Together As One

Chapter 1

It was the day of the trial and the two teachers sat nervously, although they didn't let that show of course. Liza's had just finished and along with her parents, she left. Ms. Stevenson glanced at Ms. Widmer and tried to form a smile, but she couldn't even form the start of one, but seeing the fear in her girlfriend's eyes made her whisper, "Be brave, it will be alright. We will get through this together. Liza's went well it seemed, hopefully ours does too."

The two sat anxiously as they listened to Mr. Turner and a few others speaking. When the attention shifted to Mrs. Poindexter, the teacher stated, "Isabelle and Katherine have been at Foster a long time, as I have too. All students treat them with the highest respect because of how long we've been here. They see Isabelle and Katherine as role models. I have no doubt they had a strong influence on Eliza and her friend and who knows how many other students. Unfortunately, Eliza didn't stick around to testify on this issue. Sally, you know her well though, can you give a statement on how Ms. Stevenson and Ms. Widmer influenced their students, particularly Eliza?"

Sally nodded and spoke, "Liza really looks up to them both, especially Ms. Stevenson as the perfect role models. She saw it as they were older and thus wiser that anything they did was perfectly acceptable. She really wanted to be just like them, particularly Ms. Stevenson. There is no doubt of the influence the two held over her recent accounts."

Ms. Stevenson sucked in a sharp breath and Ms. Widmer glanced at her and noticed she was biting her lip in attempts to hold back her tears. Her girlfriend who was usually extremely strong was trembling and about to break and it hurt her seeing Isabelle that way. Ms. Widmer slid her left hand into Ms. Stevenson's right and clutched it tight. Ms. Stevenson welcomed the comforting touch, but was afraid how the room would react if they noticed, yet she needed that strength, so she didn't let go. Her world was crashing down before her, so she looked to the red-head on the board hoping she would come to their defense as she had for Eliza. She met the teacher's eyes and forced a weak smile that conveyed the meaning there wasn't anything she could say that would take away the consequences of Sally's statement.

The red-head though couldn't just sit there and stay silent, so gently she spoke, "I understand the concern dealing with this entire situation of the two holding an impact on Eliza. Perhaps she looks up to the two as much as Sally claims, but have any of you considered that maybe just maybe Eliza would have still loved this girl if she had never met the teachers? What if it is just love no different than loving a boy?"

Mrs. Poindexter sharply retorted, "There is a difference, one is natural and one isn't."

"Just because you chose to marry a man doesn't mean all girls will. Times are changing and so must our preconceptions of certain people or else we will destroy the world. Isabelle and Katherine have been at Foster for 20 years and are valuable members of our school. If this trial goes south for them, Foster will fall without them. You are so concerned in financially supporting the school to save it from closing, yet you haven't considered what losing two favorite teachers would do. Plus, it would be difficult to find replacements wanting to work at a school that could close."

"Why are you defending them? Can you not see the error in this?"

"I'm just opening the discussion."

Ms. Baxter cut in, "Unless she is one of them!"

Mrs. Poindexter with her very serious expression turned to the red-head and demanded, "Well are you . . . are you gay?"

The red-head trembled and her lip quivered as she prepared to answer. Briefly she glanced at the two teachers on trial. Ms. Baxter jumped in again, "She is, she need not to say it, her body language expressed it clearly. It makes sense then why she stood up for Eliza and now the teachers. Mr. Turner, I know this is not the issue at hand, but I think Scarlett should be removed from the Board of Trustees. We cannot have a lesbian influencing our school like that and should the public find out! Good Heavens, Foster would surely close no matter how successful the campaign goes."

"I agree," seconded Mrs. Poindexter.

Filled with rage, Ms. Stevenson leapt to her feet and exploded, "Everyone stop it! Scarlett hasn't done anything, it is I and Katherine in question. Leave Scarlett be and for goodness sake stop judging her, judging us based off of who we love. We are more than that label! You know us personally and it hasn't made us evil, we are human just like you."

"You are nothing like us."

Tears streamed down Ms. Stevenson's face as she was no longer able to withhold them. She turned from the group and ran towards the door. "Iza, wait!" cried Ms. Widmer. For a brief moment, the teacher looked at her dearest friend, but didn't stop.

The room returned to silence and no one spoke, but all attention shifted slowly back to Mr. Turner. He rested his head against his hand and his face showed his concentration. After a long moment he sought, "Does anyone have anything to contribute regarding Isabelle and Katherine's possible influence on students?" No one made any effort to defend the teachers or throw them under the bus more. He nodded and declared, "Then everyone is dismissed, you too Scarlett, but the Board will remain to discuss."

Taking a deep breath, Ms. Widmer protested, "Scarlett is part of the Board."

"Alright, let's settle it fair and square. Board of Trustees, all in favor of Scarlett remaining on the Board?" He waited for a moment, and then questioned, "All in favor of her being kicked off?" All hands went up. "Then it is settled. Dismissed."

Scarlett bravely stood up and exited with Ms. Widmer and all others in the room. The two walked down to the art room and there found Ms. Stevenson sitting at her desk with her head down. Gently, Ms. Widmer knocked on the door frame, so she wouldn't startle her friend. Ms. Stevenson knew who it was without looking up and questioned with her voice quivering, "How did it go? Also sorry I ran out, I couldn't listen to them for a moment more."

"Scarlett was removed from the Board of Trustees and right now the rest are discussing Liza's and our fate."

Softly Scarlett added, "It doesn't look good, given they kicked me off only based off of my love preference when I hadn't done anything wrong."

Ms. Stevenson sighed and Ms. Widmer waved Scarlett away, so she could have a few moments with her girlfriend. As soon as she left, Katherine walked over to the desk and affectionately rubbed Ms. Stevenson's back. "Listen, whatever happens next, we will face together. You are not alone. We will get through it and make everything better. If they fire us, which is highly possible after what Sally said, we will retire early in the country as we dreamed of. Then we can focus on us and our lives. You can paint your pictures more, and I can try my hand at writing poetry instead of teaching students how to read some ancient poet's work. We will use a misfortune as our greatest blessing."

"I love you, Kah!"

"I love you too!"

When Saturday came and the envelop from the school arrived, the two were prepared for whatever it read. They sat down together on the couch and Ms. Widmer tore open the envelop. Holding it between them, they read it over silently. It read:

Dear Ms. Stevenson and Ms. Widmer,

The Board of Trustees have decided for the sake of all students at Foster it is best neither of you return to teach at the school from this moment forth. You both are welcome to come in over the weekend and gather your personal belongings from your classrooms. You are not welcome at Foster anymore, including after school events or fundraising events.

All the best,

Mr. Turner

The two didn't react or say anything after reading it. Ms. Widmer stood up and returned a moment later with two glasses of wine and handed one to her partner. With a smile they clinked glasses and Ms. Widmer said, "Here's to retirement and our next chapter! Now we'll finish the paperwork for that country house and begin packing our things. Here's to making the best out of a not-so-pleasant situation."

"And doing it together," chimed Ms. Stevenson.

Chapter 2

Before too long in the countryside of Long Island, the two former teachers were settled into their new home and so were the cats. All the boxes had been unpacked and they felt like they were in a place they could call home. Their nearest neighbor wasn't for at least a mile away, so it was really peaceful compared to the busy city. The cottage they chose to spend their early retirement in was surrounded by woods on one side and rolling hills on the other. If they desired they could drive 10 minutes and be at the shoreline and walk along the beach. It was paradise. At first they were afraid leaving their previous house would be difficult because of all of the memories that had taken place, yet they preferred to leave it behind, so they wouldn't be reminded of whatever Liza did there. The two soon realized a home wasn't built with four walks or in one spot, but it was anywhere the other was.

Ms. Widmer gazed out of the kitchen window with a small smile on her face. Softly she sighed as she watched Isabelle so delicately brush the paint brush across the canvas. For a long while, she observed her and then for a second Ms. Widmer glanced down at the notebook on her own lap. She sighed again, but this time because she felt defeated. She was working on creating what she wanted to be her masterpiece poem, but she was being too analytical of her work to accept it as good. Again she looked out the window and watched how carefree Ms. Stevenson stroked the brush and how she didn't worry if she would mess up the painting. Her admiration for that woman grew more each day and now she could cherish her presence for all hours of the day, which was the best gift she could ever ask for.

With her smile growing brighter, Ms. Widmer put her attempt at a poem away in her desk drawer and ran outside barefoot. Ms. Stevenson looked up and smiled warmly, but then turned back to her painting. Katherine leaned down and stole a kiss on her cheek making her girlfriend blush. "How is your poem coming?" Isabelle inquired.

Ms. Widmer answered, "Alright, I suppose. I couldn't get the right words to form today, I'll try it again at another time. But Iza, this painting is magnificent!" Her smile widened, but she didn't respond and dipped her brush in the paint to add another stroke.

A year had gone by since they were fired from Foster. They were sitting outside together each working on their gifts – painting and poetry. Ms. Widmer paused for a second to admire Ms. Stevenson's art and then commented, "Is that the silhouette of Foster in the clouds?"

Isabelle studied her work for a minute before replying, "It does look that way, but I hadn't intended that."

"You must miss being there."

"I miss the students."

"Why haven't you said anything until now?"

"What does it matter Kah? Foster will never take us back. Even if they would, I wouldn't want to be in a place that treats us so poorly. Do you miss teaching too?"

"More than I ever imagined and I also didn't say anything because it wouldn't matter where we go or what we do, we'll still be treated as lesser humans. Foster has been on my mind lately because the other day it was in the paper."

"It was? Why?"

"Same reason as before, financial struggle. The campaign had saved them last time and funded them throughout this year, but they can't last another year without support from the public again. If the enrollment doesn't increase, Foster will constantly be in a financial battle to survive. It seems everyone is worried without Mrs. Poindexter, the fundraising campaign will fail this time as she was the one behind the scenes saving the school. Ms. Baxter has taken over as the manager of the whole operation with Chad – Eliza's brother – being her right hand. According to the article, he is the current Student Council President, which could be a good thing if he goes to Eliza for help in saving Foster as she was very knowledgeable the first time."

"I'm honestly surprised it hasn't closed yet. It's a shame the most passion you see from the teachers there only comes when they are in the most need," commented Ms. Stevenson. "At this point, I don't care what happens to that place, it won't impact us in any way." Ms. Widmer nodded and then rested her head on Isabelle's shoulder to simply enjoy her company.

Several days later, Ms. Stevenson ran over to Ms. Widmer as her skirt flew around her and then settled into place. "What has you so wound up?" chuckled Katherine.

"Foster needs to close down no matter what! We need to draw the attention the media is giving it elsewhere and I know what. I can bind your poems into a short collection and with my paintings it will be a perfect sales stand. We will hold events – selling our products, and teaching our skills to youth on the same days and times as Foster has fundraising events. We will make sure we really spread the word about our activities, so that people come to us instead of supporting Foster," Ms. Stevenson declared.

"Why is it so important that it shuts down? Is it because you still feel it betrayed us?"

"No, but just imagine if I sell enough of my art, we could afford to buy the property. Oh the things we could do, the people we could help! We could turn it into a better school! Or we could turn it into our studio, or a homeless shelter! The possibilities are endless, we could turn another disaster into something amazing. Just think about it Kah."

"I mean those are some ideas that could aid the surrounding community, but what if you can't sell enough paintings to afford the property?"

"I have a lot saved up from the years and if you help contribute, surely we would be fine."

"Well we don't even know how much it would cost to buy the land and to keep it running."

"I went to the library yesterday and looked through the old deeds of the property, I know exactly what it goes for. I talked to Scarlett who has seen the treasurer's documents of operating the school and I think it is manageable. Besides it would give us something other than long walks, painting, and poetry to do. Think it over and let me know your thoughts."

"I'm all in, if it is what you want and will bring your happiness because that's all I could ever want."

"Don't get me wrong, I'm perfectly content now because I'm here with you and you are all I ever need to fulfill me." She pulled Ms. Widmer close to her and then intertwined their lips. Katherine affectionately ran her hand down Isabelle's side sending butterflies throughout her entire body. Slowly the two broke contact and smiled warmly as they stared into each other's eyes. They rested their foreheads together and then Ms. Stevenson folded herself into Ms. Widmer's arms. The two held on tight cherishing the moment together.

Chapter 3

A few weeks passed and it was one of the first major events for fundraising for Foster. The two teachers spread their word as much as they could about their little sale event. They were still a bit concerned it wouldn't draw in the attention it needed, so they decided to hold it at the Promenade in the city where a lot of people come. They got there early, so they had time to set up. The two decided to even offer commissions in case there was something in particular a person wanted in poetry or a painting. The table was set up under a tent in case it would rain, even though it was sunny. Posters and colorful signs decorated the area to draw in attention and they really hoped their plan would work. At the table they had business cards with the house phone number on to contact them. They hoped people would be satisfied with their work and tell their friends as well.

Ms. Stevenson and Ms. Widmer were sitting there for an hour and no one even approached the stand. Once in a while, a few people glanced their direction, but continued walking passed. The two were silent and it was clear they were feeling their plan slowly fall through the cracks. Ms. Widmer encouraged to lift their spirits, "Stay strong, we haven't been here that long yet." She paused and took Isabelle's hand and clutched it tight. "It'll take time until the right crowd finds us."

As if summoned by her words, Liza came onto the Promenade and saw the former teachers. She lit up and strolled over to them and chimed, "Hi! I hadn't expected to see you two here. What are you up to? How have you been?"

Ms. Stevenson answered with a small chuckle, "We weren't expecting to see you here either. Shouldn't you be at MIT?"

"It's Fall Break and I came back home to help Chad with some details of the fundraising for Foster – I'm sure you've heard it is struggling to stay open again." Ms. Widmer nodded. "The Promenade is one of my favorite places in the city, so I came here. What about you two?"

Ms. Stevenson finally informed, "We're here just selling our work because we couldn't keep it to ourselves and felt the world would enjoy our talents."

"Then we will put our earnings towards more of our hopes and dreams for our future," added Ms. Widmer.

"That's wonderful! I would love to help you reach your goals because it's the least I could do after all the problems I caused. How much would a poetry book and a painting be?"

"Oh Eliza," started Ms. Stevenson, "you really don't have to."

"I want to though, I love poetry and my dorm could really use art to decorate the walls."

Liza picked out the painting she wanted and then chose the cover she preferred of the poetry collection. As she checked out, Ms. Widmer causally sought, "Isn't there a campaign event happening now for Foster?"

"There is, but I'm letting Chad handle that. I considered going to support him and Foster, but I really wanted to take a walk and not worry about anything for the time. I have a few major assignments coming up and here really gives me inspiration, in the afternoon I'll probably visit some museums for more ideas. It seems business is slow, so I will try to draw more focus to your little stand as I continue my walk."

"Thank you, Eliza, it means a lot to us!" Liza smiled and walked off down the Promenade.

The two former teachers sat there and could see Liza was showing off her purchase to the public as she walked off. Soon a little crowd came into the tent and paintings were being sold, commissions were being taken, and the business was growing. It was busy for a while and then the people faded away. When no one was there, Ms. Widmer looked over to her girlfriend and found her in tears. "Iza, what's the matter?"

"Nothing," she promised, "we're going to make it. Our dream is going to come true, if today is anything of a prologue of our future events. I have you and you have me and it is our future we are building today. I couldn't do this alone and neither could you because as we've learned over the years we truly are stronger together and nothing can stop us."

Chapter 4

January 26

FOSTER ACADEMY TO CLOSE FOLLOWING THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR

Foster Academy has been running raising funds trying to save their school from closing due to lack of finances. Once a month, the school has been holding fundraising events in attempts to save the school. The September one was the most successful and the school raised $2,000, but in October they didn't even reach $1,000. November the rate was even lower and less people have been coming to the events.

Student Council President, Chad Winthrop said, "It's a shame, we worked so hard to save it. I know my sister, Liza will be so disappointed hearing this when she comes back from college. Foster was our home."

Winthrop isn't sure where he went wrong in leading the meetings along side of Miranda Baxter, a Bible teacher at Foster Academy and head of the campaign. He had his sister help him write some of the speeches he has given at the campaign events and consulted her for advice.

Foster will remain in operation the remainder of the school year, but then will close its doors. The building will get listed for sale in a week. However, a lot of maintenance needs done, which is where the campaign really fell apart. Baxter said, "We tried getting the donations we needed from the public, but it wasn't enough. When a ceiling tile fell the other week, we were told it had to be repaired immediately. In order to do so properly, the entire ceiling would need replaced over the holiday break in December."

It became a matter of safety for the students and the teachers pushed for extra fundraising in December, but it fell through with them receiving only $100. There wasn't enough to even fix a section of the ceiling. As a result, the structure was deemed unfit for students and is set to close. It hasn't reached the level of dangerous yet, but should another mishap occur before the end of the school year, the doors will close sooner and students will be spread out into other local schools.

"My friends and I will be divided into schools nearest to our homes. It's going to be awful once Foster closes. I wish we could have saved it. The next owner is going to have a lot to repair before it can become anything," Winthrop said.

The students will automatically be placed in other schools around the city, but the teachers and staff will be out of jobs. Each will have to find a new place to work on their own.

"Isabelle! Come quick!" cried Ms. Widmer. The one cat went running and a moment later Ms. Stevenson appeared with concern flickering in her eyes. Before she could say anything, her girlfriend passed her the newspaper. "Take a look at this hun."

She skimmed over the article and her eyes widened in shock and then she muttered under her breath, "Oh my word!" She didn't take her gaze off of the paper and continued to stare at it. "I can't believe it is actually closing. Now as soon as it gets listed, we are going to have to do everything to get it settled in our possession."

"When we first talked about buying it, you had listed several ideas of what you want to turn the property into. So exactly which are you leaning towards?"

Ms. Stevenson grinned slyly and stated, "You'll have to wait and see. I'll reveal my plan once we get it in our possession in case anything falls through and we don't get the property. I've seen too often blessings are counted before they're given and then it ends in a disaster."

"Fair enough. Can we even afford all the repairs the school needs in order for it to operate?"

"We should be fine, we sold a lot of paintings and poetry these last few months. If it is meant to be, fate will be on our side."

A week later, the listing for the school was in the newspaper. Ms. Stevenson saw it and didn't even hesitate before dialing the number in the advertisement. When she heard someone on the other end pick up, she declared, "Hi I saw the listing in the paper and I'm interested in purchasing the property that Foster Academy currently operates on."

The voice replied, "That's awesome! I hadn't expected anyone would express interest so soon, if at all. As soon as you are available come down to the Town Hall and we can start sorting things out and see if we can make it work. Just ask for me, Angelica at the front desk."

"Awesome! I'll hop on the next train. May I bring my friend who would be like a co-owner, if everything goes through?"

"Oh of course."

"Thank you, we'll see you in a bit." She hung up the phone on the wall and then looked to Katherine. The two then prepared to leave Long Island for the city to start working towards their next chapter.

Just over an hour later, they arrived at the Town Hall and asked the secretary for Angelica. A middle-aged woman came out and gestured for them to follow her back into her office. She sat down at her desk chair and welcomed the two to sit in the chairs placed in front of it. Angelica started, "First of all, no one for ages was even remotely interested in the building until it was turned into Foster, so why are you both so passionate for that specific land?"

Ms. Widmer answered, "We both are former teachers there and it holds a dear place in our hearts as we were there for 20 years."

Ms. Stevenson added, "The building has so much potential it could really be put to good use for the community."

"What exactly did you have in mind?" sought Angelica. Isabelle looked to her right and wound her fingers around Katherine's hand. Her lips parted and she took a breath as she prepared to begin her sentence, but didn't get the chance to. "Wait, I'm sorry I'm just curious how did you two become business partners?"

Ms. Widmer informed, "I have known Isabelle for a really long time, since we were in school before we became teachers. When we left Foster, we took some time to focus on our own strengths – like I was writing my own poetry and she was doing her paintings. Then Iza proposed we buy Foster if it would close and turn it into something the community could benefit from." She squeezed Isabelle's hand and then released her grasp to gently rub Ms. Stevenson's arm.

"Pardon I, but are you two gay like a couple?"

Ms. Widmer felt Ms. Stevenson tense and her fingers dug into her hand more. Then nearly through clenched teeth she responded trying to hold back her sharp tongue, "Yes, but that is none of your concern, it wouldn't make a difference if we had husbands."

"It actually will make a drastic difference though. I can have you fill out all the forms, but you'd waste your time, no one is going to let a gay couple buy Foster or any place to become any form of business. I best advice would be to find a place that accepts your kind, but I wouldn't know where that would be. Enjoy the rest of your day."

On the train ride back to Long Island, Ms. Stevenson didn't say anything nor did she let her facial expression give any hint to the thoughts running through her mind. Ms. Widmer knew though she was upset and just was keeping it inside until they would be alone in the countryside. When they arrived back to the cottage, Ms. Widmer cautiously asked, "Are you alright?"

Ms. Stevenson snapped storming around the room, "Of course not! It's not fair they are discriminating against us! It shouldn't matter if I love you or if I love a boy there is no difference, not in everyday life and not in owning a place that would benefit the city. Why can't anyone see us as more than gay? Why can't we be human and live life like anyone else? Why must we be treated differently? Why must every moment of our lives be torture? Is it too much to ask for us to be happy? I just want to marry you and live unbothered by what society thinks of us. But instead, society does everything in their power to make our lives as miserable as can be. I feel so bad for Eliza and her friend, they have no idea what struggles lie ahead for them. I just want to make the world safer for them to spare them of the pain we've gone through."

Ms. Widmer held her hand out and Isabelle took it, so she pulled her onto her lap and clutched her tightly to her chest. Gently she ran her hand across Ms. Stevenson's delicate face taking the tears with her. Then she kissed her cheek trying to bring comfort to her dearest love. The one cat entered the room and rubbed at their feet sensing the two were upset. Ms. Stevenson didn't have the strength to smile, but at least flopped her hand down to pet her dear cat. Then she pulled her arm up and curled it around Ms. Widmer. After several long moments passed, Ms. Widmer whispered, "At least we still have each other and can still be together because that's what truly matters."

Chapter 5

It was the middle of April when the phone rang and Ms. Stevenson picked it up, "Hello?"

"Hello, is this Isabelle or Katherine?"

"Yes it's Isabelle. Who's calling?"

"It's Angelica, from Town Hall. The ad for the property of Foster has been in every paper printed since late January, but you two were the only ones to even inquire about it because no one wants it. The city would be better off if the building is being of use instead of becoming one of those abandoned buildings that become vandalized. I do not support what you and Katherine are, but another agent here tolerates your people. If you are still interested in the property, he is willing to work with you."

"My Heavens!" She was in shock and even the word choice Angelica had chosen didn't bother the former teacher this time.

Ms. Widmer looked up alarmed from reading a book of poetry, but then saw Ms. Stevenson seemed delighted and not concerned, so she went back to her book.

"What are your thoughts?" questioned Angelica.

"Please hold, I need to talk to Kah about this." She pressed the hold button and turned to her girlfriend who was gazing at her curiously. "There's a chance we could still buy Foster and there's an agent that accepts us as we are and would work with us."

"Oh my goodness!" Ms. Widmer shrieked. "Opportunities like this never come, you have to take it. We can make our dream come true after all. Set up an appointment with the agent tomorrow and we will take action immediately." Ms. Stevenson did just that.

The next day, Ms. Widmer and Ms. Stevenson dressed up to go to the meeting with the agent. He sat with them for a while working through the first steps of securing the building. It would take several days or even weeks to get approved. They knew that would only be the first step in making their next chapter a reality. Still Ms. Stevenson kept silent about her true idea of what she would turn the structure into. She wanted to wait until the keys were practically in their hands to say anything.

The two waited patiently as they waited for the mail to come and deliver the news. The days seemed to drag out, but only three days had gone by since the meeting with their agent. Finally a white envelop appeared in their mailbox with the return address listed as the Town Hall. The two sat down on the love-seat couch and pulled out the document.

Congratulations!

You have been granted ownership of the property that currently Foster Academy is located. You will receive the keys to the building on the last day of the school year, June 8th. The next steps would be to start repairing the building and getting it up to code for whatever you want to turn it into. Then I will help you get the necessary permits for the place to operate and it won't be much longer until it is your dream place.

All the best,

Jack Miller

Real Estate Agent

Ms. Stevenson burst into tears of joy and clutched the paper like it was her best friend. After a moment, she set it down and hugged Katherine. Then Ms. Widmer inquired, "Now that it is official, what exactly do you want to turn the place into?"

Causally Ms. Stevenson answered, "A school."

Katherine sighed as her excitement drained. "Why a school? I mean yes we were once teachers and it will always be apart of us, but if we make it our school, that would mean we are in charge. That wouldn't matter though. I'm more concerned that it wouldn't last long given how much Foster was struggling with finances and enrollment. It's not that I don't believe in you, but what makes you think you can get enrollment up to the point it doesn't struggle with funds every year?"

She smiled innocently and informed, "It will be more welcoming." Without fully explaining, she stood up and returned carrying a covered painting. "Untied Together As One."

Ms. Widmer was about to question what she meant, but then her girlfriend pulled the sheet off of the painting and her eyes watered up. The art was a rectangle rainbow, but in the center was a round emblem. The left side of the circle was Ms. Stevenson's Coat of Arms and the right was Ms. Widmer's. She couldn't hold her tears back any more and breathed, "Oh Iza!"

"It's going to be the flag of the school, Untied Together As One or Untied for short. It will be for all students gay, lesbian, or straight and all will be accepted and welcome." Ms. Widmer sighed heavily and her face dropped its smile. "Is something wrong Kah?"

"If you were worried about enrollment and Foster couldn't even get the numbers up, you'll be lucky if you get one student. Isabelle, no one accepts us! This could lead to a road of great pain and torture for us. We could get thrown in a mental asylum or forced to go to Conversion Therapy. Do you really want that? I support you always, but this . . . it's too risky I can't. I want nothing to do with this, if you proceed with your plan. Never mention my name and never let anyone find out who you are with."

"But we're supposed to do this together!" Ms. Widmer shook her head in fear and Ms. Stevenson bawling her eyes out dashed out the front door.

Chapter 6

Ms. Widmer defeatedly dropped her head into her hands and cried. Her heart shattered to a million pieces knowing she had hurt the woman she loves so dearly. When she found her strength, she lifted her head and looked out the window. She cried more when she saw Ms. Stevenson and how broken she had left her.

A good 20 minutes passed before she was able to dry her tears. Then mustering all of her strength she could, she went outside. "Iza, can we talk?" pleaded Ms. Widmer.

"There's nothing to say," Ms. Stevenson replied through sniffles.

Ms. Widmer sat down next to her, but Isabelle slid away, which took her by surprise. "Look, I think it is a brilliant idea. I'm just scared. I know you are thinking of the future and how to make everyone in our community feel safe and welcome, but it's not a welcoming world. I don't want you getting hurt. We've been through enough already I don't want what happened with you in the WAC to repeat. I want to see a world where society loves us for how we are and stops trying to change us. I want to see an accepting community. I love you and you are incredible! I am so sorry for hurting you, my love. I'm just so scared."

"I'm sorry too, I shouldn't have dropped it on you like that, I should have eased into it more lightly."

"Now stop it, you've nothing to apologize for, the way you presented it was fine. It was I that didn't react well. I really do like your idea and we should go forward with it."

"We?"

"Yes, we. I will never leave you alone, we will face everything together, the good, the bad, all of it. If what comes from this is worse than the court-martial, and our school manages to provide a safe haven for one student, then it was all worth it. This school could pave the way to the future and make the world better for our community. We'll just constantly be at war with society until we get everything to go through, but with your determination, that shouldn't be a problem."

Ms. Stevenson practically jumped on Ms. Widmer and clung to her tightly thrilled to have Katherine on her side. Then she kissed her for a very long moment.

The next day, the two hurried off to the city to meet their agent, Jack. He smiled warmly as they sat down in the same seats. Ms. Widmer clung to Ms. Stevenson's hand tightly to assure her they were facing this straight on hand in hand. Ms. Widmer began, "Iza and I know for certain what we will do with the property and need your guidance of what permits we will need, and which we can start working to achieve now." She paused and looked to her girlfriend. "We want to turn it into a school that welcomes with open arms students and staff like us. We want straight students to also attend and learn to accept our community, so we can start to make the world better for future generations."

Jack inhaled deeply and very slowly released it stating, "That's a lot to ask. Well first of all, what type of school do you hope it to become – a public, a private, a charter, or another?"

Ms. Stevenson informed, "Private."

"That's a good way to go, if you said public that would be a very lengthy process. You more so have to worry about land and property permits because it is private. However, the City Council loves making everything difficult. You will be challenged by the city for wanting to open a school when Foster was deemed closed, especially because it's in the same spot. You will have to appear before Mayor Edward Koch and persuade him your school is needed and will do better than Foster."

Ms. Stevenson sucked in a sharp breath and it was clear she was extremely concerned how the Mayor would react to having United in his city. Ms. Widmer rubbed Isabelle's arm and reminded, "Relax, Mayor Koch is a Democrat he will support us. Remember hun, in the election of 1977 some believed he was gay?"

"Oh my goodness, I forgot all about that."

"We'll be ok."

"Alright, but what about the rest of City Council?"

"They aren't the voice of power, only Mayor Koch is."

Jack nodded and with a smile added, "I believe you will prevail, but don't let anyone shake your ground or try to stand in your way. This school is needed and your vision for it will be a large step towards a brighter tomorrow."

"Plus," started Ms. Widmer grabbing Ms. Stevenson's chin and turning her head to look into her eyes, "I'll be right there with you and we will conquer this together you are not alone."

Chapter 7

A month later, Ms. Stevenson and Ms. Widmer were called to a formal City Council meeting to defend their idea for United Together As One. As of this point, all that anyone knew was the two wanted to start a school where Foster Academy currently sat. Mayor Koch walked in wearing his suit and tie and waved hello to all the members as he walked passed in the aisle. He went over to the podium and started, "Good morning NYC Council! Today we will be covering a land possession and what the new owners hope to accomplish with the property. The owners have disclosed they wish to turn Foster Academy into another school. At this point, I will call the Speaker to take over leading the meeting, as always."

He stepped down and took his seat off to the right side of the podium. A lady a bit older than Ms. Stevenson and Ms. Widmer approached the podium. She carried herself with sophistication and grace and seemed as if she held all of the power of the world in her. Then she spun on her heels and peered out at the audience through her glasses. Ms. Stevenson tensed seeing it was none other than Mrs. Poindexter. Then she spoke, "Good morning everyone! As most of you know I was the previous Headmistress of Foster Academy. I have seen it struggle financially and I've seen it saved. This year, I was sadden to hear the news of its closing, so this topic today is very close to my heart. I have yet to meet the two owners who will gain its possession in a few short weeks. I would like to start by having them stand and introduce themselves and then we will begin officially."

Ms. Stevenson trembled having a bad feeling about this, but Ms. Widmer's hand in hers gave her strength and at the same time they stood up. "Isabelle! Katherine!" Mrs. Poindexter cried in surprise. "You were the two that bought Foster's land?" The two nodded. "Alright, well let's jump right in. What makes you two think you can run a school any better than I did? What would make your school better than Foster? What would keep your school open?"

Ms. Widmer looked to Isabelle to answer as it was initially her idea, but then she saw her girlfriend was far too nervous to speak to Mrs. Poindexter, so she bravely declared, "Our school, United Together As One will be accepting of all students and faculty. It will be a safe place for homosexuals like us or heterosexuals that accept our community. United will encourage students to set aside their differences and adjust to an ever changing world."

From a side wing in the room, Ms. Baxter sprang to her feet and snapped, "That's ridiculous! The Bible says what you creatures are is a sin and not right. We cannot have a school that encourages such unnatural behavior. Your kind should be eradicated and the only way to a bright future that you two hope to accomplish would be if you advocated for the end of all gays and became normal like us. I want you two to leave this meeting immediately. You are not welcome here and you will never be granted a school of such. Now leave this normal room and never return!"

Sharply the Mayor cut in, "Ms. Baxter, you are not the Speaker and you weren't given permission to speak."

Mrs. Poindexter defended her friend, "She summed up my thoughts exactly, I'm glad for her interference, and yes I would agree you two evils leave this meeting and never show your face in this city again! Off you go!"

For a moment neither of the two moved and glanced around the room hoping someone would come to their defense, but most seemed to side with Ms. Baxter and Ms. Poindexter. Completely humiliated the two held hands and made their exit. As if their little world had been destroyed, they walked defeatedly down the street. "Ladies wait!" they heard a voice call and turned around to see Mayor Koch. "Mrs. Poindexter is only the Speaker and Miranda is only a member of the City Council, they hardly have power. Your school is a wonderful idea! I will make sure it becomes a reality. It isn't unnatural or evil, it's just the way some people are designed, there is nothing wrong with you. Technically for land, the only approval needed is mine, so you are all set. United Together As One you shall have."

Chapter 8

June 8th finally came and Ms. Stevenson and Ms. Widmer were so excited. They spent all morning talking about it. At 4:00 they stood in front of Foster Academy. Ms. Widmer declared, "I never thought I would be standing by these doors after we were fired."

"I thought the same, but remember in only a few moments it will no longer be Foster and will be United," agreed Ms. Stevenson.

Just then Ms. Baxter emerged, but she didn't smile at her once friends. She marched straight over to them and slammed the keys into Ms. Stevenson's open palm. Through clenched teeth she hissed, "Don't destroy this school." Then she pushed passed them and got in her car and drove off.

"Kah, we made it! It's really ours. Now we have a lot of repairs to do to get this place ready to run. I would like to hope we could start in this coming late August, but that might be a difficult task. It's late to start now, we will wait until tomorrow. While we are in the city do you want to take a walk on the Promenade and then get dinner?"

"Sure!" exclaimed Ms. Widmer.

Come morning the two hurried to get to United and entered the walls they missed so much. It looked like the place they loved so well, but only missing the people. Shelves were empty, but the furniture all remained. The place really felt abandoned and their sneakers echoed in the hallways as they walked. Ms. Widmer held a list of all the repairs essential to getting it back on its feet to be open to students. They decided to spilt up and walk around getting a feel for how bad of a shape the building was in and which repair would be most important for them to begin with. Ms. Stevenson went off to the left and Ms. Widmer to the right.

Ms. Stevenson walked to the art room and entered. She sat down for a moment at her desk and remembered how wonderful it was to be in that room. For a second, she closed her eyes and pictured the smiles of her former students as they expressed their creativity. Then in her mind, she wandered around the room admiring the projects the students were working on. One opened a fresh tube of paint and she inhaled deeply to smell the lovely scent. However, she jerked her head back as it didn't smell like new paint, but instead as if something was smoldering. She opened her eyes and fearfully glanced around the art room. There was no hint of smoke, at least not visible. Cautiously, she went over to the heating and cooling unit to see if it had been left on from the previous day. It was off and smelled fine. Ms. Stevenson scanned the vents from the ceiling and around the room, but there was no smoke. Still though, the scent was extremely strong.

Just then flames broke out in the hallway and startled Ms. Stevenson to the point her legs gave in and she fell on the floor. She quickly pulled herself up and grabbed two cloths off of her one shelf. She covered her mouth and nose with one to limit the amount of smoke she would take in. Then as fast as she could, she ran down the hall with the heat of the flames making her sweat. "Katherine!" she screamed terrified her friend would get trapped.

"Iza!" she heard Ms. Widmer echo.

She almost made it back to the entrance and stopped in her tracks with terror glowing on her face. A wall of fire separated her from Ms. Widmer and also blocked the way to the front exit. "Kah!" she cried as tears streamed down her cheek.

"It's alright. There's an exit at the end of each wing. We'll go back the way we came from. I will meet you outside in the front parking lot. Now go!"

Over the fire wall, she tossed the second cloth to help Ms. Widmer and dashed back towards her art room. Further though, she ran until she came to one of the back doors. She pushed, but the door didn't budge. Taking a second, she glanced at the lock assuming that was the problem, but it was unlocked. Harder she pressed, but it still did not move. She took several steps back and bashed into it. Several times she tried slamming her body against the stubborn door, yet nothing worked. She decided to stop wasting precious time and turned to enter the nearest classroom and make her exit through a window. However, the flames had grown and she couldn't get to any of the classroom doors without walking through the blaze. She shoved at the door again. "HELP!" she hollered praying someone would hear her.

"Honey, are you trapped?" questioned Ms. Widmer from the other side.

"Yes, the door won't open and I can't get to any windows."

"I'll try it from here." Ms. Stevenson could hear her tugging and tugging on the handle, but it wouldn't even shift.

"Kah, stop it's useless."

"No it isn't! I will not give up I will get you out of there."

"No Kah, this was one of the repairs. This door sticks and the school rarely could get it opened. The heat from the fire is welding the hinges too I'm sure." She pinched her fingers under the crack at the bottom and soon felt the comforting touch of her dearest girlfriend. "Katherine, I love you so much! Promise me you will rebuild and not give up on our dream."

"I love you too, Isabelle. I would never give up, but I'm not losing you! You are going to make it out!"

"How? There is no way out for me, I'm trapped. Even if the flames don't kill me, the smoke will. Already it is getting a lot harder to breathe and I'm starting to feel lightheaded.

"I will find a way out for you."

She heard shuffling and felt Ms. Widmer's fingers disappear. "Please don't leave me!"

"But I have to do something to save you."

"There isn't anything you can do. Please just let us be togeth–" she trailed off as her world went black.

Chapter 9

A droning beep sounded steadily and she shifted when she heard a soothing voice inquire, "Iza, can you hear me?"

Slowly Ms. Stevenson opened her eyes and glanced around her environment trying to figure out where she was. The walls were bleak and she was lying in a bed, but Ms. Widmer was hovering right at her side with concerned eyes. Then her memory became clear and she recalled the fire and feeling like she was suffocating. "How did I survive?" she choked out sounding like she just woke up.

Ms. Widmer informed, "Seconds after you went unconscious the fire department arrived. I was still holding your fingers, so I knew you were lying on the ground or sitting against the door. I cried out that you were trapped and they used their tools to cut a large hole in the door. Then they pulled you out. You were then taken to the local hospital and placed on oxygen to help you breathe clear of smoke. You didn't need it for too long though."

"How much damage did the fire do?"

"All that remains are the walls."

Ms. Stevenson sighed, "That sounds like it'll be very costly to rebuild." Ms. Widmer didn't say anything and simply stared at her. "What?"

"Another was here earlier and had to go, but should be back shortly."

As if summoned, a knock came from the door and Ms. Widmer nodded to the nurse to get the door. Then Mayor Koch entered. His eyes lit up seeing Ms. Stevenson was awake. "Are you alright?" he sought.

"I am," she assured. "Do we know what caused the fire yet?"

"We do. It was set. Someone lined the entire inside of the school with a flammable liquid, but so little it wasn't seen. There was a candle that would slowly kindle and after a long while reach the liquid, which caused the explosion of blazes. Authorities are not sure yet who set it and if the intention was only to burn down the building or harm you and Katherine. But I do have good news! I will be paying for the cost of the rebuilding and it will cost you nothing – so it's even cheaper for you because you don't have to pay for any repairs. Katherine tells me you are a painter, so I think it'd be wonderful if you paint a detailed picture of what you want the outside to look like, you can do a collection of classrooms you want a certain way like you can paint your art room, so we can have it recreated."

"Oh my this is wonderful news! Perhaps this fire will turn into the best thing that has ever happened to us!" After a moment she became serious and questioned, "Do the police have any suspects yet as to who might have set it?"

"When we talked to Katherine earlier, she suggested Miranda Baxter because she had lashed out at the City Council meeting, and was the last one with the keys until she handed them off to you two."

"That does sound quite possible. If it was her, I doubt she intended any harm to us and meant only to destroy what we hoped to build."

"Don't concern yourself too much with it, I sent police to investigate and question her. If I had to guess they're doing that just about now."

"How long do I have to stay here?"

A nurse informed, "Not too long. Technically you are fine to go now, but we would like for you to stay a few more hours in case something happens due to the amount of smoke you took in. You should be out by tonight."

The Mayor remained for a few moments more and then left, only to return a second later. "Ladies, two officers and Miranda Baxter have come. She's wondering if she could talk to you both," he stated.

Ms. Stevenson nodded and the officers led Ms. Baxter in. Her eyes were red and tears were escaping. "Isabelle, I am so sorry I swear I never intended for you to get hurt. I was hoping no one would be there when the candle burned the liquid. Are you alright?"

"Yes I will be fine," she assured.

"Oh thank the Heavens! I only burned the building down to spare it from the sin you would bring upon it. As a Christian it is my duty to extinguish evil and I promise that is all I meant to do. Katherine, Isabelle, you are my friends and I'd never cause harm to you. Yes you're both unnatural, but nothing that counseling can't fix. I highly recommend you–"

"Be silent!" hissed Ms. Widmer. "You do not understand us, you haven't even found love, you wouldn't know. Stay out of our business if you think it is unnatural and evil because you are so wrong. Our love is the purest thing in the world, the evils are people like you."

"Kah," gently cut in Ms. Stevenson knowing her girlfriend's temper was about to snap, "let's not argue, it is pointless she will never understand. What we have is beautiful, we don't need other's approval. But you are right, we aren't the evil in the world. Officers, I'm sure she's been charged with arson, yes?" They nodded. "Please lift the charges there is no need for it the building will be rebuilt anyway. However, I think a punishment for fitting for the crime is ideal."

"What did you have in mind?" asked the one officer.

"Well Mayor Koch offered generously to pay for the entire rebuilding, but that wouldn't have been necessary if the first never was burned. I think it's only fair if Miranda pays for at least half of the cost, if not all."

Everyone in the room agreed, except for Ms. Baxter of course. Ms. Widmer grinned and declared, "See Miranda? No matter what you try to do to stop us, we will succeed because love always prevails because we aren't alone and do everything including this together."

Chapter 10

While the school was being built according to Ms. Stevenson's painting, the two worked hard advertising their school and mission trying to get students to enroll. For the first bit, their school was all over the newspapers mocking their idea for all inclusion. As the months went by, the two began to worry no one would ever enroll or even express interest. They had a mailbox set up in case anyone wished to write in their interest, but most of the mail was hate mail. One day though, they got a letter that read:

Dear Head Mistresses,

I really like your idea for United. I am straight, but my best friend wasn't. When she told the world she was a lesbian, no one supported her. I stayed by her side though trying to understand and uplift her. Unfortunately, she felt so alone that she took her life. I have been trying to advocate for her community ever since, but no one will listen to me. My school teases me for my beliefs on the topic, even my boyfriend – well not directly. He tries to side with me, but doesn't understand, so he often stays silent. I want to come to United where I can support a community that needs love the most from people like me. Plus there I won't be teased for standing up for them. How do I get into your school? I know construction is nearing completion, so do you know when I can start?

Please write back when you can,

Allison

Ms. Stevenson and Ms. Widmer were so excited to have their first student, but unless they found teachers for other subjects, the two of them would have to learn how to teach it all and run the school. Then Scarlett came to talk to them personally and asked what position she could have in the school and she became a science teacher. Very slowly a few more students enrolled and a male signed up to be a history teacher.

The full construction took two years to complete, but it had come together nicely. That August, it opened its doors for the eight students that chose to come to their school. The large three floor structure felt extremely empty and abandoned with so few students, but it was a start. One boy came to the office one day begging to be transferred in from his public school after announcing he was gay and the school turning on him. Of course Ms. Stevenson and Ms. Widmer welcomed him with open doors. Before he left the public school at an assembly, he stood up and gave a speech about United hoping others like him that hadn't admitted it would follow. Several that were silent supported him, even though they were straight. They hated the way everyone isolated him and laughed at him when he walked the halls, so they followed him to United as well as others who were still hiding in the closet. A total of 12 students followed as it was one of the largest public schools in that part of the city.

Each student advocated and brought more attention to the private school and soon parents who didn't accept their children started sending them to a place they could learn and feel safe. The student numbers increased drastically in the first year of it being open.

It has been five years since the trial that happened at Foster Academy and the world of the two teachers was changed forever. On this particular morning, they decided to take a brief detour on the way to school just to reflect on how what seemed like a huge disaster turned into their greatest blessing.

Ms. Stevenson and Ms. Widmer got off of the train by Cobble Hill and walked down the quiet street hand in hand. They paused to look at the one house that they had once called home. Ms. Widmer commented, "We had so many memories in that place, I thought I would really miss leaving it, but I really like our cottage in Long Island. When I see our old home, I only reminisce on the wonderful memories we shared there."

Ms. Stevenson was going to respond, but then the door opened and she gasped, "Eliza!"

The young lady lit up and ran over to her former teachers and cried, "My goodness it's been so long since I've seen you. How have you two been? I heard what you did with the property Foster was on and that is amazing! I am so happy for you and what you are doing for our community and the world. You both are going down in history for sure.

The door opened again and Annie called, "Liza, darling, you forgot your lunch!" But then she saw her girlfriend talking with the two teachers. "Oh hello!"

The four of them talked for several minutes before Liza had to hurry off and catch the subway to work. The two teachers left then and continued on their way to school. They arrived at the entrance gate that protected the building from vandalizers who disagreed with their mission. Ms. Stevenson held up her card to the little box and the gate opened for the two. With their hands linked they approached the parking lot and stopped in the grass to admire their creation.

The three story structure was longer than it was tall. It was the color of dark gray clouds, but not so that it was stormy in color. The windows were tinted and gave off a royal blue hue. The main entrance double doors stood proudly in the center with a white trim around them matching the trim on the windows. Off to the left of the door was the flag pole. The highest flag was of America with the one below the rainbow flag with the Coat of Arms of Ms. Stevenson and Ms. Widmer just as Isabelle had painted.

Students were all over the campus scurrying off the buses into the building to get ready for the day to begin. Others were on the grass talking to friends before they would go to their separate classes. Two boys walked in the double doors holding hands. The last few teachers were arriving in the parking lot and getting out of their cars with their teacher bags. Some were walking onto the grounds, and others came in taxis. A few others came on bikes and placed it in the stand aside of the parking lot. All the teachers as they arrived waved with a smile to the two head mistresses.

Soon not many students or staff remained outside. Ms. Widmer glanced at Ms. Stevenson to tell her they too should get in, but then saw the sparkle of tears in her eyes. Before asking, she followed her gaze and saw Isabelle looking at the golden letters shining in the sunlight above the doorway. Then softly Ms. Stevenson claimed, "We did it, our dream came true. We created a safe environment for everyone. Look at what we did, it's amazing! There is hope for the future of our community after all where we will live in peace." She paused and leaned over to kiss Ms. Widmer and then continued, "Kah, we have it and it's perfect, United Together As One."