When His Dreams Take Flight

by Andy Holloman

  Steve Johnson, the school’s Spanish teacher, raised his hand and Nick nodded at him. “Nick, look, this is something to keep reminding us about, but doing more than that just isn’t necessary. We’ve got tons of emails and texts we have to keep up with. I just don’t think drastic measures are called for.” He looked around the room and all heads were nodding.

  “Thanks for your comments, Steve. I know most of you feel the same way. Still, I have been patient about this and I have been warning you guys. The voluntary thing isn’t working.” He moved from the front of the desk to the classroom whiteboard and picked up a dry erase marker. “You see, gang, it works like this: kids can’t stay away from their phones, we all know that. But we can.” He drew a picture of a cell phone and put a circle around it. “In fact, we simply have to because it matters so much more.” He drew a large X through the phone. “They watch what we do.” He drew four faces on the board with oversized eyes. “Just remember back to when you were in high school. Don’t tell me you didn’t pay attention to the teachers, because I know you did. Today, there’s this incredibly invasive aspect to teen life that didn’t exist when we were younger, the smartphone. And since we are role models, we have to show them that we are engaged with them and not distracted by the phones. So from now on, your phone has to stay in your pocket, purse, backpack, etcetera when you’re in front of, or have the potential to be in front of, the kiddies. It cannot be turned on while you are in front of them.”

  A loud groan arose from the group.

  “Now, if you’re in the break room, or if you’ve got an empty classroom, or any other time that you are not in front of the kids, then feel free to use your phone. Is everyone clear on this?”

  Half of the group nodded.

  “I’ve decided to skip talking about attendance reports. You guys know if you’re getting them in or not. If you’re not, I’m going to chat with you in private. So, that’s all. Anyone else got an item for the group?” He looked around the room. “Okay then, the last thing on our agenda today is that we have a guest. I mean, I was planning on having two guests, but only one is here.” He pointed to the back of the room. “Joss, could you stand up back there.” Everyone turned around in their seats.

  She stood and gave a quick wave.

  “Jocellynn Hughes is someone that several of you know. She grew up here in Mt. Rutgers and recently returned. I invited her to the meeting because she’s very interested in joining our team and I just wanted to introduce her to everybody.” He pointed to Jocellynn.

  “Thanks, Nick. Hi, everybody. I just want to say that I love Thomas High and I hope I can join the team.”

  “Thanks, Joss. So, some of you know Jocellynn and I were married, but that ended and we’re still good friends. Also, Patty Hughes is Joss’ mom and most of you will remember her as being an important member of the school board a few years back and a big supporter of our school. There was another possible new staff member that wanted to drop in on the meeting but he cancelled earlier today.” He paused. “So, that’s all I have today. Thanks for coming.”

  A hand shot up in the air. “Nick, wait just a sec,” said Juanita Benson, the school guidance counselor. “We have something that we want to give to you.”

  He flashed a big smile. “So are you going to give me a swift kick in the ass, or what?”

  Laughter filled the room.

  “We’ll likely save that until the end of the school year,” said Steve.

  The laughter continued.

  Juanita stood up, “We wanted to take a moment to say to you how much we appreciate your hard work and all the things you do to make our school a better place. Everyone here feels that your energy and positive spirit have pointed the school into a much, much better direction.” She walked towards him and handed him a small trophy.

  “What a surprise!” He held the trophy in front of his face and read the inscription aloud. “To JT High’s Best Principal Ever, Principal Nick. This is so nice guys, I just don’t know what to say.”

  “You’ve done a great job, Nick, really great job,” said Steve.

  Everyone in the room rose to their feet and started clapping. Nick held up the trophy and then bowed.

  “Thanks so much, everyone. Nothing happens without all of us pulling in the same direction.”

  As they began filing out, several teachers stopped by to hug him or shake hands and give their personal appreciation. Allison slid in beside him and gave him a kiss. She smiled at him and took his arm. She scanned the back of the room to locate Jocellynn, but she had left.

  ***

  Allison handed him a Diet Coke and sat down across from him at his kitchen table.

  “So you knew about this trophy thing?” said Nick.

  “I most certainly did.” She leaned over the table and kissed him. “And you deserved it.”

  “It was such a surprise. I mean, I hear their complaints and see the rolling eyes and you just never know if they get it.”

  “Get what?” She held his hand.

  “That I’m just trying to get everyone pulling in the same direction. That we’re all on the same team.”

  “They get it. Most of them have been at the school for a few years. They know when they’re working for someone that’s fair and effective. And that would be you, my handsome man.”

  “Thanks, sweetheart. It really was a big surprise.”

  “As was the special visitor you invited.” She pulled her hand away and sat back in the chair. “So is she going to be working there soon?”

  “It’s possible. Patty’s called me twice about getting her a job. I gotta do what I can for Patty, she’s come through for me big time.”

  “I get it. It’s cool that you’re trying to help out.”

  “Thanks. You sure it’s going to be okay if Joss is at the school?”

  “Yeah. I’ll roll with it.” She picked up his Diet Coke and took a sip. “All of the guys in the meeting kept staring at her. She looks so much like that actress from the show where all the docs and nurses are jumping in bed with each other.”

  He smiled, “I know. Don’t bring that up though, she hates it when folks talk about that.”

  “She’s very pretty.”

  “I guess so.” He took a long drink. “You know that you are way more attractive than her.”

  “Thank you, Nickie, but it doesn’t have to be a contest.”

  “I didn’t mean to make it a contest. I just want you to know how beautiful you are.”

  “Look at this, I’m blushing.” She fanned herself. “Just don’t know if I can take all these compliments. But if you happen to have a few more, I’ll listen.” She tapped his hand playfully.

  “Honestly, I think you’re the most beautiful woman I have ever met in my whole life. I really mean that.”

  “Oh, Nickie, you are so nice. You surely do know how to turn a girl into a blushing, blabbering mess.” She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.

  He leaned forward and took her hand in his. “The main reason you’re so beautiful, my dear, is that you’re beautiful on the inside.”

  She sniffed and wiped her eye again. “Oh, Nickie, you’re good on the inside, too. Your heart is so big.”

  “Do you think I’d be a good father?”

  “You would be the best father ever.” She looked down at her hands. “You just need to keep your problem under control.”

  “I have been, sweetheart. I promised you when you took me back that I wouldn’t drink again.” He looked down at the floor and scratched his forehead. “I never, ever want to lose you.”

  “I know you’ve been trying, Nickie. Honestly, I haven’t even thought about your drinking that much. It just kind of came back to me seeing your ex around now. I just worry that you could fall back into your old habits.”

  “The temptation is there every day, I can’t deny it. But there’s more at stake now. I’ve got you.”

  “You can’t know how happy that makes me to hear you say that. And you kno
w you can count on me to help you, right?”

  “Of course I know that, but I’m never going to let tequila back into my life. I want to be a man that you feel you could spend the rest of your life with. A man you want to be the father of your children. A man you can depend on.”

  “You are so wonderful and I believe in you. I can’t imagine any man that has more potential to be a good husband and father than you.”

  “Potential?”

  “Well, potential is good. I just need you to stay sober and not fall back into those old habits.” She walked around the table and sat down in his lap. She brought her face in close to his. “But I know you can do it. I love you and I know you’re the perfect person for me.”

  “So you’re saying I have ‘perfect person potential’?”

  “Just give me a kiss, you silly, handsome boy,” he complied.

  IX - March 23

  Nick arrived ten minutes early for dinner at Patty Hughes’ home. Even during the bad times with Jocellynn, Patty had always treated Nick like a son. She never blamed him for divorcing her daughter. Her efforts in lobbying the school board assisted Nick in securing the job as principal of Thomas High. She’d also been a big help after his run in with the Laskin boy. He needed to show his appreciation.

  Jocellynn had kept her drinking problem well-hidden, especially from her mother. She made Nick an accomplice in the deception. He’d never felt right about the lies he told Patty to cover for Jocellynn. But now it gave him some leverage with Joss, and he needed it.

  Patty opened the door, “Well, Mr. Nicholas Townsend. Oh my gosh, you are as handsome as ever!”

  “Hi, Patty, good to see you.” He stepped in and hugged her. “And you’re as beautiful as ever.”

  “Oh, you are such a flirt.” She tapped his arm. “I sure do miss getting hugs from a big strong man. Can you bring me one of those every week?”

  “I will, Patty. Special delivery just for you.” He walked further into the living room and took off his coat. The aroma of Patty’s roasted garlic chicken filled the room. “Smells like you made my favorite.”

  “Of course I did. And I made the garlic mashed potatoes you love, too. Gotta stuff you with garlic to keep all the vampires away,” said Patty.

  He smiled and hugged her again. “Yep, gotta watch out for vampires more than ever these days, huh? They’re everywhere.”

  “I know. It’s so funny how vampires are everywhere now. I mean, I can’t run through my cable channels without seeing someone getting their neck bitten!”

  Jocellynn walked in from the kitchen. “Nickie, Nickie, Nickie, so glad you finally made it over here. I hope that my mama isn’t the only one getting a big hug.”

  “Good to see you, too, Joss.” He walked over and hugged her. Her hands lingered on his arms.

  “My, my, what strong arms you still have, sugar. Keeping up the workouts, I see.”

  “Thanks, Joss. Hard to fit them in some days, but I’m mostly keeping up.”

  “I know what you mean about finding the time, but you’ve always had such a great body, Nickie. Be a shame to see you get flabby. No doubt that girlfriend of yours likes your big muscles, huh?”

  “Now, Joss, let’s not bother Nick about his fitness schedule or his lovely Allison. Come on and sit down, Nick, and let’s do some visiting. I wanna hear about school. I bet you have that place turned around.” Nick sat in a recliner while the Patty and Jocellynn sat across from him on the sofa.

  “The school’s shaping up, Patty. Mid-year evaluations were good.”

  “Of course, of course they were. I just knew you were the right person to make that school better.”

  “I really appreciate all you did to help me get that job, Patty.”

  “And Mama, he has the cutest little thing for a girlfriend at that school. Red hair and pretty green eyes, plus all those lovely freckles that redheads have.”

  “Now, Jocellynn, that’s enough about Nick’s girlfriend. I didn’t ask you to invite him over here so we could spend all our time talking about things like that. I happen to know all about Nick’s girlfriend and she’s very nice and a very good teacher. Jodie has her for a class.”

  “You both would like her. I’ve been in love with her almost since the first week we met. Hopefully you’ll both get to know her.”

  “And Nick, are your parents still enjoying living in Florida? I feel like I haven’t seen them in so long.”

  “They love it, Patty. Tampa really fits them. Tons of friends and lots of things to do.”

  “Good to hear.” She brought her palm to her forehead. “Oh my goodness, Jocellynn, we have a guest here and we haven’t even offered him something to drink. Nick, can I get you some iced tea? Or a diet soda?”

  “Now, Patty, you know I would never drink anything else but your famous iced tea. Give me the biggest glass you got.” She smiled and went into the kitchen.

  “Mama, get me a glass of chardonnay, thanks.”

  Nick leaned towards Jocellynn and whispered, “I need to talk with you in private after this dinner. It’s important.”

  “Sure, dear. Mom always goes to bed by nine. We’ll have lots of time to chat.”

  Jodie walked in and smiled at Nick. “Hi, Principal Nick.” He stood up and they shook hands.

  “Hi, Jodie, good to see you again. Allison, I mean Miss Tucker, has been telling me that you’re doing very well in her class.

  “Thanks, Principal Nick. I’m trying.”

  Patty returned with the drinks, “Jodie, honey, you look very nice. Are you going out?”

  “Yeah, Mama. I’m going to meet some friends downtown and go to a movie. I’ll be home at the normal time.”

  “Will Timmie be in that group of friends?” asked Jocellynn.

  “Maybe. I’ll tell him you said hi, okay?”

  “Please do that. Tell him I think about his mama every day.”

  “I will. Bye, everybody.”

  “Give your mama a hug, sweetie.” She did. Patty sat down beside Jocellynn.

  “Bye, honey. Be safe,” said Patty.

  “I will, Mama.” She took her coat out of the closet and left.

  “So she’s involved with Timmie Laskin?” asked Nick

  “Don’t know that I’d call it ‘involved.’ More like a big crush. She’s chasing him a little too much, if you ask me,” said Jocellynn.

  “Now, now, Jocellynn. You shouldn’t be saying things like that. Jodie’s had her struggles when it comes to getting noticed by the boys. All that came naturally for you, honey.”

  “But Mama, don’t you think she’s trying a little too hard?”

  “I couldn’t say, sweetie. She’s really been working on her weight and dressing better. I think if you spent some time with her while you’re home, that it would help. You know, give her some girlie advice.” Patty took Jocellynn’s hand. “I wonder if both of my girls got to be a little too boy crazy because their Dad wasn’t around when they were growing up.”

  “That didn’t affect me, Mama.”

  “Well, some folks say it can. He worked all the time when Jocellynn was growing up and then died when Jodie was just a year old.”

  “I remember,” said Nick.

  “Mama, all girls are boy crazy at Jodie’s age. I was too, so were all my friends. I don’t think that if Dad had been around it would have made any difference. You did just fine raising us on your own.”

  “Well, all I gotta say is watch out for that Laskin kid. He’s bad news, if you ask me,” said Nick. “And I’m not just saying that because of what happened a while back.”

  “Timmie is a really good boy. No one knows that better than me,” said Jocellynn.

  “I know you spent a lot of time with him when he was little, Joss, but things are different now. He lives with his grandmother, without any real supervision. He’s headed down a bad path,” said Nick.

  “He’s had it rough, Nickie. If you knew him like I do, you wouldn’t worry.”

  “But, Jocellynn, d
ear, I know how you feel about that family, but we gotta think about Jodie. Those things that Stick did, and now he’s in jail. I gotta remember to watch out better for Jodie,” said Patty.

  “There’s nothing to worry about, Mama. We need to warn Timmie to watch out for Jodie.”

  “Okay, Jocellynn, that’s enough.” A buzzer went off in the kitchen. “Oh dear, I gotta get back to my dinner. Everything will be ready in just a few minutes.”

  ***

  “So, she’s asleep?” asked Nick.

  “Yep. Same time every night,” said Jocellynn.

  “I can tell she’s lost weight. How’s she been feeling?”

  “Not that great. She’s been pretty down lately.”

  “And how’s the cancer?”

  “Nothing’s changed. They want her to try these medications for a few months and then they’ll decide if she needs some other course of treatment.”

  “I’m sorry. I know it’s hard for her. I’m betting it’s hard on you and Jodie, too.”

  “You’re a sweetie. We’re doing fine.” She sat down on the couch beside him. “You said you wanted to talk about something?” She moved closer to him on the couch and put her hand on his thigh.

  He shifted his body away from her, “Yeah. I need to explain to you how things should be between you and me now that you’re back in town.”

  “Sure, sugar. Hold on a sec while I get a drink.” She stood up and then turned back to him. “You want some more tea?”

  “No, I’m fine.” She walked out of the room and returned with a bottle of Jose Cuervo Especial and a glass of ice.

  “It’s just for me. I usually have one or two on the rocks before bedtime.” She put the bottle on the coffee table. He stared at the bottle and his face tightened.

  “Damn, sugar. I just upset you, didn’t I?” She picked up the bottle.

  He grabbed her wrist. “It’s okay. You can leave it. It doesn’t hold any power over me anymore.”

  “You’re stronger than me. Do you still think about it?”

  “Every day, just like every other alcoholic. But I’ve been sober for a long time and I’m planning on staying that way.” He stood up and walked to the front window. His mouth was dry and beads of sweat had formed on his upper lip. “You and I need to get to an understanding about a few things.”