My Yearning Heart

Chapter 32

Senior Year Starts

Note: I just wanted to let you guys know that this is the penultimate chapter. I know it may seem like there's still a lot left to get to, but I don't think that they need to be emphasized in their own chapter. The next chapter will be the last, but it will also be the longest. Everything you want/need to know will be in that one so I hope I answer all of your questions and I hope you all enjoy the rest of this story. Once again, thank you so much for reading.

Be happy. You're better that way.

For some reason, those words stuck in my head. I couldn't be more thankful for Cinder's hospitality, but for her to say something like that was unlike her. She wasn't much of a wordy person so it definitely took me by surprise. Once Blake and I got home, we quickly settled in and got ourselves familiar with everything. It may not seem like a long time, but a week away from home was just too much for us. This separation we went through really messed with our heads, but in the end, it set us straight. We both know what we need to do. The days quickly went by until the start of the first day of school. Unfortunately, I was unable to tell Blake about me being fired. I was going to tell her. I just needed to find the right time.

We woke up right on time and headed off like we always did, but for some reason, this time felt a little more special than other times. It was probably because of our sense of renewal and understanding. That had to have been it. When we got to school, we went our separate ways. My destination was obviously my room, but when I got there, I was surprised to learn what the staff had been planning during the summer.

"Oh hi, you must be Alex." The strange lady walked up to me with her hand sticking out towards me.

"I am. May I ask who you are?"

"Sorry. My name is Glynda and I'll be starting here next year. They said that I would take the afternoon sessions since there's more to do, but they also said to watch you and ask anything that needs to be asked." The reminder of me being fired was already present. I dropped my things on my desk and went through everything as the first bell of the day rang for everyone to get to class.

I told her where everything was and what she should do if something else comes up that she can't solve. I also told her the case of some of the students that tend to come in if they're tired or need something to keep them going through the day. However, I told her that that was a secret and she actually decided to keep it between us. I was thankful for that. Aside from those things, my job was pretty easy that day. When the lunch bell rang, Blake came to my room and I tried my best to stay happy. She took notice of the new lady, but didn't comment about her. Although I didn't want it to happen, it was a little surprising that I haven't run into Yang yet. Not seeing ever since that night must have made things a little awkward between us. However, I was ready to face the reality of the situation.

Once lunch finished up, Blake and I said our goodbyes as we separated once again. At this point, I was forced to leave since some of the staff came barging through the door with numerous questions. Luckily, Glynda was nice to say that I did everything I should have and that there were no problems. It was just depressing that they made it obvious as to wanting me to leave the room.

"Alright, well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Yeah. Oh yeah, today was a one-time thing. I'll come in after lunch so it won't be a bother."

"Okay," I said as I waved my hand. After that, I was clueless. I had to wait another two hours until school ended.

I made it outside and looked around for a nice place to sit down for a while. Luckily, there was a spot underneath the cherry blossoms trees and I was even luckier to have them still in bloom. I sat down on the bench and enjoyed the scenery as best as I could. I didn't spend a lot of time out on campus so seeing so many new things really brightened up my day. Time went by and I didn't notice a thing. All I could think about was how beautiful this school was.

"Alex." I suddenly widened my eyes. "What are you doing out here?" I turned around to see a familiar face. It was Yang.

"Yang, hello. How are you today?"

"I asked you first. What are you doing out here?"

"Haha, I guess it is kind of weird to see me out here, isn't it?"

"Why do sound funny? Are you okay?" She knelt down in front of me and grabbed my hands. Unfortunately, I couldn't let this go on. I brushed away her hands and turned my body.

"Of course I'm fine. I just wanted to enjoy the scenery until things ended."

"Ended? What are you talking about?" I closed my eyes and smiled. No matter who I was talking to, the news of me being fired was difficult to talk about.

"This is my last year here." I paused and waited for a response, but there was none. "I was found in an interesting situation and because of it, I'm no longer allowed to be the nurse of this school. That's what I mean. I hope that answers your question."

"You have got to be kidding me? They're firing you for that?!"

"Yang, you just don't understand."

"No, they don't understand. Why would they fire you? You're amazing. You help these students so much. You brighten up their days. Why would they get rid of someone like that?" I shook my head and stood up. I had to set things straight here and now or else there was no way I could keep living with Blake and have an honest heart.

"They saw me leave your house late at night. You remember that, don't you?!" At that moment, Yang's eyes shot wide open and her body tensed up as if she was being trapped in a corner. "The things you did to me, the things that caused me to leave in such a rush… That's why I was fired. I had inappropriate relations with one of my students and in my profession, that's looked down upon. I'm lucky that I'm only getting fired. Don't you get it?!" I didn't even realize that my voice was stern and my body was upright. On the other hand, Yang was almost like a tiny child who had lost their parents. I didn't mean for this to go that far, but she had to hear it.

"Alex, I…" She tried reaching for my face, but I slapped her hand out of the air.

"We can't keep doing this Yang. I know we made that promise, but I just can't. You brought too much pain to my life that I can barely stand. I know you mean well, but…" The school bell rang and the front doors swung open, unleashing all of the students back into the real world. "I have to go." I walked towards the gate and didn't look back. There also no struggle to bring me back so I kept on walking.

Once I made it to the gate, I saw Blake running right for me. I smiled as she wrapped her arm around mine and the two of us walked home. As good as it felt finally clearing the air about that whole situation, I couldn't help but feel this uneasy feeling in the air. I didn't know what it was, but I knew that it would reveal itself to me sooner or later.

End of Chapter 32