Monday had come and gone without incident as has the rest of the week. By the end of Jennifer's first week at the school, Jennifer had signed on to assist Carolyn teach.

It was such a joy to assist her friend and help shape young minds and help project them on the path towards whatever future endeavors they had.

She never thought she'd find a passion in the classroom, but her mind had been swayed.

The bell rang and the students were out. The students were practically running to their lockers and out to their cars, to walk home, or to the bus.

The first week of school was complete and the hallway was lively with the youngsters anxious to get the weekend underway.

" Well, if this first week didn't drive you away, I'd call this a success." Carolyn grins as she finishes erasing the chalkboard.

Jennifer laughs as she finishes organizing the papers on her desk.

" I really enjoyed myself. I never thought I'd be in a classroom, but these students are so engaged in what they are learning, it's certainly made my decision easier." Jennifer replies.

" You're a natural. Really and truly, Jen. I mean, the way you command a presence over the classroom, it's remarkable." Carolyn compliments her friend, thankful to have her helping out.

" I learned from the best." Jennifer replies with a smile back towards her friend.

" That story you were telling me about…the one you've been working on, how's it coming?" Carolyn asks frankly, knowing her friend had been working on a very hard story.

Jennifer sighs as she takes a seat on the edge of one the desks.

" It's so complicated. I wish I could find a lead." she sighs.

" There are a few high profile donors I've spoken to but they won't divulge anything. Jonathan plays golf with one of them. Do you remember Robert Wainwright?"

Carolyn sits for a moment before a lightbulb goes off. She nods fervently.

" Yes! I do! He's that heavyset man, right? With the beard?" Carolyn asks.

" Yes. That's him." Jennifer replies.

" I've never trusted him." Carolyn says.

Jennifer raises a brow before Carolyn speaks up.

" He's friends with that egotistical Senator, Derrick Johnston. Now there is a man that knows how to ruin a community with selfishness. He turned a little community in Northern California upside down. He drove out farmers. He found profit in selling the lands for high rises and condos. Now there is a person that might need to be on your radar."

Jennifer made sure to file that name away in her brain and speak to Jonathan about him. This off record comment could prove to be a very helpful lead.

" Where does Senator Johnston live now?" Jennifer asks.

" I figure you'd ask. He actually lives not too far from here. Last year, he made a big donation to our school. His son is a football star. Our Quarterback. He started playing his freshman year and now he's a senior. Principal Morris has to cater to him quite frequently." Carolyn replies, rolling her eyes.

" Oh really?" Jennifer raises a brow.

The two walk into the hallway, headed towards the large gymnasium. Carolyn leads them to a trophy case, one of many that lined the walls of the school, leading into the gym.

It housed photos, trophies, ribbons, newspaper clippings, plaques, and various other trinkets paying homage to the many different teams.

Carolyn stops in front of one of the two football display cases, which housed the most items.

Jennifer's eyes follow Carolyn's finger as she points to a few awards perched on a shelf. There she spotted a photo with the name, Rickie Johnston.

She sees the accolades he received the year prior and then Carolyn showed her the baseball case. In it were more awards with Rickie's name and photos again.

The teen looks happy and very proud in the photos. From pitching for the high school team, setting records, and winning playoffs, to now being the star of the football team, he was riding high with popularity.

She wanted to set eyes on him the following week. She didn't understand what Carolyn meant when the school administration catered to him, until her friend gave the explanation to it all.

" All because his father pays the big bucks…our school spends a fortune on sports. New equipment and uniforms. All thanks to this man right here, Senator Johnston." Carolyn says his name with such disgust.

There is a photo of the former Senator with his son and the football team in another case.

It seems clear to Jennifer judging by all the photos and the great care taken to really build up the athletics department at the school and keep a strong focus on the one boy who could "do it all" as one article states about Rickie, she knew she had to think of a way to carefully and delicately investigate the Senator.

Jennifer crosses her arms as she studies the photo before walking back with her friend to her classroom.

The halls are quite empty now, with the exception of some teachers and the school janitors.

" I know that look." Carolyn knows what she's thinking, " You'd better be absolutely certain before you pursue him. He's a very powerful man, Jen."

She looks worried as she stares at her friend, stepping away from her blackboard. " Promise me you won't get yourself into any danger."

She agrees. " I promise." Jennifer says.

" It's been a long week, I'll finish up the cleaning, you go enjoy yourself. I'll see you on Monday." Carolyn tries to shoo her friend out the door.

" If you're certain." Jennifer doesn't want to leave anything unturned for the week ahead.

" I'm positive. Now go!" Carolyn chuckles, waving the red head off as she gathers her things and leaves for the weekend.

There are still some students waiting for rides and some students chatting out by their cars looking relaxed and happy to be free from their confinement in the classroom.

The sky was growing a bit overcast and Jennifer knew a storm was going to soon be rolling through.

As Jennifer heads to her car towards the back of the parking lot, she spots a student from her first period class.

The two had taken a liking to one another. Macy was in 9th grade and has just come to the school. It was her first week of high school and it had been a challenging week for her at that.

The girl was adjusting to her new surroundings and after her first week of school, understood where she was on the social hierarchy. She was a freshman. A nobody and had become a prime target for some of the more popular girls.

The girl was quiet and judging by what she wore, clearly was given plenty of hand me downs to wear.

" Hi Macy!" Jennifer greets her warmly as the girl slows her pace when she sees her teacher.

" Hi Mrs. Hart." Macy smiles softly.

" Do you have fun plans for the weekend?" Jennifer asks her.

Macy shrugs her shoulders then points to her well worn book bag which is hanging on her back.

" Homework." She rolls her eyes.

" I remember those days." Jennifer replies with a laugh.

She feels a bit of sympathy for the shy and reserved girl. She's seen her walking 5-6 blocks to the bus stop to the school every morning.

She spots a few books in Macy's arms. A few classic novels. She knew the girl liked to read.

" Would you like me to give you a ride home? I'm sure it would be better than possibly getting caught in the storm?" Jennifer offers.

" Oh…it's fine. I don't mind the walk." Macy declines the offer.

" Are you sure? It wouldn't be any trouble at all." Jennifer insists.

" No, I'd better not. I'll see you Monday, Mrs. Hart." With that, Macy was off, increasing her speed as she purposefully walked to the bus with her heavy book bag perched on her back.

Jennifer waves her off and gets in her car, exhaling deeply as she finds herself feeling relief as the weekend approaches.

She pulls out her cell phone and dials up Jonathan.

After the third ring he picks up. " Hello Darling!"

Jennifer can't help but feel butterflies as he hears the excitement in her husband's voice. After all this time, she feels so much love for him.

" Hi darling! I wanted to call and let you know Carolyn let me leave a little early today. Are we still going out to the lake?" Jennifer asks, smiling.

" We certainly are. I have our bags packed and ready to go. Junior has missed you today, so have I." he replies.

" Wonderful. I've missed my boys. I'm looking forward to our weekend away." Jennifer says.

" So am I. Get home safe, I love you." he hangs up and Jennifer tucks her phone back into her purse.

She drives off and heads down the road anxious to head to the cabin to spend some time with Jonathan.

TBC…..