Smiling I pulled up John’s chin. He neared for a kiss, but a voice from behind broke our connection.
“Hey, John! You ready, dude? We are graduating, man! Yeah!” George exclaimed.
John looked at him, frustrated that our kiss had been interrupted.
“Come on, kids, move in.”
I recognized the voice of Mr. Claypool. He caught sight of me and came in for a hug.
“Congratulations, sweetheart! We are so proud of you,” he whispered into my ear.
Mr. Vasquez did the same.
The line seemed silent for a moment. I felt strange that others knew I was sort of a mascot for Milton.
They both waved and ushered us into the auditorium entrance. Before we were sent in different directions by one of the other teachers, John looked at me again. “Claudia, are you still joining me this evening?” He smiled and his eyes danced.
I laughed. “Sure, Mr. Slater. Just don’t tell your father. I don’t want to tell him again where to stick it,” I joked.
He chuckled.
I smiled, thinking he looked rather dashing and bashful. “Of course, I’ll join you.”
John lit up.
As we came to the end, I was surprised to see Mr. Vega, aka Mr. Cortez. I gave him a guarded, quizzical look. So did John. His presence didn’t frighten me as I had thought it might. Nothing scared me when John was by my side.
What’s he doing here? John fumed. I had to hold on to him when I felt the adrenaline in his veins make my heart beat faster.
I’m not sure, I replied, but as I dug into his mind, I noticed he had been hired by the school district.
“What are you doing here?” John growled at him as the line moved.
Students passed us. John’s hand held onto mine and he pushed ahead of me like a guardian would.
“Ah, look at you,” Mr. Cortez said. He seemed timid and resentful of John, but he cowered as John’s intimidating height loomed over him.
“I work here. Why else would I be here? The district’s idea of training … blah …”
John loomed even closer.
“Relax. I’m not planning on making any trouble. Can we just ignore me for now?”
“My uncle gave you clear instructions never to come near here again, or show your face.”
“I’m not here to make trouble,” he said cowardly. “I’m just trying to make a living, buddy.”
“I’m not your buddy, asshole.”
“Okay, no harm intended. I don’t plan to do anything to her. I’m done with all that. Honestly.” He shrank back.
I grabbed John’s arm. He was not worth it. John knew that. We moved away from the arrogant man. He looked shaken, which was how John wanted to leave him.
He’s going to be a part of our world, I thought, dreading it.
Not after this. John kissed me. Remember, baby … you and me. This will all become a faded memory. He pulled back.
I had a hard time letting go once he moved away.