Shay was momentarily lost. She wasn’t even sure where she was. She was suddenly aware every eye in the room was staring at her and that’s when she realized that was exactly what she’d been doing. Staring. Only she wasn’t staring at another student or out into space. She had no idea how long she’d been zoning, but it was almost time for the bell to ring so it must have been at least half an hour.
She finally came to herself and managed to say, “I’m sorry. What was the question?”
There was some mild laughter before Mr. Garvin said, “What is carboxyl group? That was the question.”
“Oh, a carboxyl group. Well, it’s a group that has a carbonyl group and a hydroxyl group attached…”
Just then the bell rang saving Shay from any further embarrassment.
“Shay? Would you mind staying for just a minute again?” Adam asked her as the other kids filed out. Fourth period was his planning time so he knew he’d have a few minutes to find out what was going on with her.
Moments before, Erin had called for Cameron to come back to her office. She still wasn’t sure what she was going to say, but she had to say something. Regardless of what had happened; regardless of how she felt, she had to find a way to reassert herself as the adult and she had a plan in mind she hoped would work. Then again, there was a part of her that secretly hoped it would fail. It was a classic case of Id versus Super Ego and her only hope was that the Ego, her intelligence, could win out over both. She’d waited until just before the end of class to have him sent up putting him in her office at the same time Adam was talking with Shay.
In guidance, Erin asked Cameron to come in and have a seat. “Cameron, about yesterday…”
In Mr. Garvin’s room, Adam closed the door. He stood just inches in front of Shay and asked with genuine concern, “What’s going on, Shay? This isn’t like you. You’re my best student. Is there anything you want to talk about with regard to what happened in class just now?”
Shay didn’t look at him as she spoke. “I can’t stop thinking about what you said to me at Homecoming, Adam.” He didn’t correct her so she continued speaking, “I feel the same way about you and I don’t know what to do. I can’t think about anyone or anything but…you…and I’m so confused.”
At that moment all four of them heard a series of loud popping sounds. From guidance, they sounded distinct yet far away. From Mr. Garvin’s room, they sounded loud, sharp, and very close. Shay was so startled she shrieked and threw her arms around her teacher. As she held him tightly she said, “What was that?”
“It sounded like firecrackers. My money’s on Josh Hammond,” he said as he tried to look outside the window. He went to take a look but Shay wouldn’t turn loose of him.
“No, those weren’t firecrackers. Please don’t leave me, Adam. I’m scared.” She looked into his eyes which had been looking toward the door when the popping sounds rang out. When his eyes met hers she pulled him toward her and passionately kissed him. “Shay, we can’t do…” She kissed him harder and he began kissing her back when the klaxon alarm sounded. That alarm was reserved only for emergencies like a tornado or God forbid…an armed attack.