White Fur

Episode 16

Skyler’s POV

I walked into Mr. Rodriguez’s office with a big smile on my face face. “How has your summer break been so far, Mr. Rodriguez?” He never called teachers by their first name so we never called him by his first name. I always thought it was weird but I didn’t want to get fired.

“Much more busy than I would like.” He motioned to a chair in front of his desk for me to sit in while he moved and settled into his own chair. “How about yours?”

“It’s been fine, nothing too crazy. Mostly just errands and housework.” Nothing too crazy is the understatement of the century.

“Well, shall we get into it.” He lifted a file folder with McCarthy, Skyler written on the tab. I nodded as he placed the file on the table and cracked it open.

“Alright, this meeting is to evaluate and determine if we should renew your contract with the school for next year and future years. Unfortunately there have been a couple incidents that have occurred that required the school boards attention so we are meeting in a more formal manner today.” I nodded my head to show understand as I felt my smile and my confidence begin to fade away.

He continued “Let’s start with the incident involving destruction to school property and endangering students. We did an incident report at the time of the occurrence but would like to hear it again in your words, if you don’t mind.”

“Yes. We were going to start learning about quadratic functions in the real world. Physics commonly uses height, velocity and acceleration functions so I thought it would be a good idea to show all of those at once. I created a miniature roller coaster that shoot forward to do one loop, slow down at the top then go backwards to complete the loop. This loop ride is one of the most popular at amusement parks so there was a likelihood that a student has been on this type of ride. The coaster cars were about as big as a toy race car”

“Did you test the coaster beforehand?” Mr. Rodriguez questioned while looking down at the folder.

“Yes I tested it at home several times and it performed perfectly. That day in class we tested it many times at different speeds and were able to find the velocity at which each coaster went. The problem came with the faster speed. I don’t know exactly what happened but it accelerated the coaster cars too face and ended up launching it and breaking the window. I made sure the students were all standing away from the roller coaster and no one was harmed.” I tried to shine a light on the positives, my students did learn a lot that day it just depends on what topic, math, physics or safety.

“Did you get approval from admin staff before bringing in the miniature roller coaster?” He already knew the answer was no, but he probably wanted me to admit it for the record which I have also already done.

“Unfortunately I didn’t. I consulted with other teachers, who shall remain nameless, but not an administrator.” I took a deep breath, I should have asked but our classroom policy is just as long as the students learn the topics, teachers can teach however they see fit. I thought real-world applications would be more engaging and impactful. My students will definitely remember this lesson, that’s for sure.

“Alright, as I said we have an incident report so I don’t need more details on that.” He shuffled the papers and paused looking at another paper in his hand. “Next I’d like to talk about the End of the Year festival last week, on Thursday.”

“Pardon?” I was confused, nothing happened at the festival. I mean a couple kids tried to eat the crafting supplies and draw on other surfaces but I was able to stop them.

“Last Thursday, a week ago, that incident.” He stated all matter of fact like.

“I’m not aware of any incident from the festival.” I was completely confused nothing happened involving me that day. Maybe it’s because I supervised the craft station instead of tickets, but since Andrea was in charge of that she would be the only one I had to tell.

“A guardian formally complained that you were acting inappropriately with a man at the festival in front of the children at the craft station.”

Kanto? He’s talking about when I first met Kanto? Someone complained that I talked to Kanto that day? Our exchange that day lasted about 5 minutes. “I don’t know what that person informed you happened but nothing happened worthy of a strike against me. I went back to get art supplies and when I turned around I bumped into someone. I apologized, he asked to meet me later to which I told him we could meet after the festival and that was it.” I felt myself starting to get angry “We talked for less than 5 minutes.”

“Ok Ms. McCarthy.”

“If someone gets in trouble for talking to paying customers of the festival for 5 minutes, then all of the staff should be in here.” My blood was boiling, a person complained about me because I talked to someone? I might lose my job because I bumped into someone for less time than it takes some of our student to go on a bathroom break?!? “If something truly inappropriate happened, more people would have complained and I would have had the slightest clue when you brought it up.”

“Ms. McCarthy.”

“Someone shouldn’t get in trouble for doing a part of their job.”

“Ms. McCarthy.” Mr. Rodriguez said much louder, stopping my rant. I was still angry but now definitely wasn’t the time to release it. I took a deep inhale trying to calm myself.

Mr. Rodriguez put the paper back in the file and closed the folder “There’s seems to have been a misunderstanding but unfortunately the complaint was given directly to the school board before it could be properly investigated.”

The office was quiet, I knew what he was going to say next but I didn’t want to hear it.

“Ms. McCarthy with everything that happened at the festival and the damage to school property. The school board has decided to let you go.” Mr. Rodriguez had a strict look on his face which signaled to me that it was over. “Ms. McCarthy, I tried my best to prevent this. You are beloved by our students and our staff but unfortunately the school board couldn’t ignore the complaints.”

I looked down at my hands fiddling with my fingers trying to think of what to do next. Then I suddenly stopped as if my thoughts were about to come up with a solution.

I’ve heard this before somewhere, I’ve seen his expression like that, I’ve felt these feelings.

“Ms. McCarthy.” Mr. Rodriguez snapped me out of my thoughts again. “I’m sorry. There really is nothing I can do to convince the board to let you stay. However, if you need a recommendation, I will give you one.”

I tilted my head in confusion “What do you mean?” It really made no sense. The man who just fired me is going to recommend me?

“As I said you were beloved here. And even though the roller coaster thing didn’t end well, I appreciate you trying to make the lesson impactful content wise. You always step up to lend a hand when a coworker needs assistance. I always see you staying late to have extra office hours to help students. You are a hard worker and passionate about what you do, that’s difficult to find in teachers these days. That’s what I tried to explain to the board but they wouldn’t listen. So if you need a recommendation, I’ll tell them it was budget cuts and whatever school it is would be lucky to have you.”

I was still in shock but now it was from these words of kindness. Mr. Rodriguez and I barely talked throughout my time here and he had all these kind things to say. I was filled with mixed emotions of anger, sadness and even gratefulness.

The office sat quiet for a bit longer until I got up. “Thank you for the amazing opportunity to work here. I truly enjoyed my time at this school and I appreciate your words. I hope that the next school year is a success.”

Mr. Rodriguez got up and walked me over to his office door. “Thank you Skyler, and again I’m sorry things didn’t turn out better.” He gave me a warm smile as we shook hands, then I stepped back into the admin lounge then back to the hallway. The empty hallway instantly made being fired more real. I used to walk up and down this hall not giving it a second thought, but now I find myself walking slowly staring at everything. I never thought I’d leave these halls so soon, I love this school but it’s time to move forward I guess.

I left the school and started my walk home. I started trying to get a game plan together in my head of what to do next. Most schools start in August so I have about a month to find out where I’m working next year. I’ll have to spruce up my resume, it’s been a while since I touched that thing. And then I have to-

Behind me I hear a glass bottle roll down the sidewalk. I instantly spin around to see what caused the noise and take a sharp inhale. I get a slight glimpse of a man before he disappears around the corner behind a building. I’m must still be jumpy from Sunday, not that anyone could blame me. I relax my body and let out the breath I was holding, that’s when I heard my phone go off in my purse. As I take out my phone I remember to put my splint back on my wrist so it can finish healing. I grab my phone out of my bag to see who messaged me.

-Hey girly!!! I’m going to be in town next Friday, you free to go out?

It was a message from my college roommate Sally. We were paired to live in the dorms together our freshman year and we’ve kept in contact even though she lives out of state. Whenever she’s back in town we always meet up, she almost always chooses a club as our meet up spot. We may both be 26, but she constantly reminds me that we can ‘grow up’ when we are 30.

-I don’t know. Today’s been a bit of a rough day, I can’t really think about my plans next week yet. I sent back, I wanted to see her but at the moment I wasn’t feeling up for a club.

-You know what they say. The best way to get rid of bad vibes is to shake them off. Literally.

-I know but can I get back to you later?

-Sure but just so you know we are going to Vibez so dress cute! She messaged back. Before I could respond she sent another text. Oooo maybe wear that dark red dress that I saw in your closet last time I was there.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. But I also have to admit I did always enjoy hanging out with Sally even when she drives me crazy. I don’t go out to clubs often so going out every once in a while and dancing horribly was always fun. I may be having a terrible day, but I shouldn’t punish Sally for it.

-Fine, what time are you thinking?

-Yay! I’m thinking we can meet up at your place at 8 then get a ride to the club when we are ready to go.

-That should be fine. I’ll see you then.

I put my phone back into my purse and sighed at the thought of my new plans being added to my list of things to do. My misery set back in thinking about my future job hunt. Then my mind went back to what Mr. Rodriguez said, who would complain about me talking to Kanto and why would they go straight to the school board. It just doesn’t make sense.

I groaned as I continued to walk down the sidewalk back to my apartment. I hope Kanto is having a better day than I am.

-

Kanto’s POV

This is the worst day all week. I hated having to leave Skyler in the city while I went back to the pack house. At least earlier this week I knew I’d see her at the end of the day, but tonight is different since I’m needed here. And it definitely doesn’t help that Zenith keeps pestering me to go back. But I can’t, I pushed off too much work that I have to be here. Hopefully soon Skyler will be at the pack house with me. I should probably announce that I’ve found my Luna soon, because Brett was right people were suspicious of my long absence.

My Gamma, Jack, and I’ve been working on the rogue situation almost all day. Since spotting the rogue group on our northern border we needed to increase patrols. We still don’t know what they were doing there or why they weren’t behaving like normal rogues, but the rotting garbage smell was still very present so we know it was definitely a rogue group.

“And you’re sure there haven’t been any other sightings at any of our other borders?”

“We haven’t caught the scent of any other rogues, Alpha.” Jack confirmed.

I let out a sigh. “That means it’s one of two things. Either it really was just a group of rogues and the size of our pack spooked them to flee. Or someone has organized these rogues and have been scouting our pack.”

“And you think that someone is him?” Jack connected what I was trying to say.

“It’s plausible that he is behind this.”

Jack squinted his eyes a little “We lost his trail about 4 years ago. We haven’t heard or seen him since. Do you still think he’s trying to bring down this pack?” I knew Jack wasn’t trying to question my logic but it has been a while and my pack has only gotten strong since the last run in.

“It is possible that he has given up, but I doubt it. He and his father swore to bring down our pack 12 years ago, I would be shocked if he really just stopped.”

“Well then.” Jack grunted as he got up from the chair. He stretched to his full height of 6’5” before taking a couple steps towards the door. “We’ll need more warriors for training as well as extra patrols.”

“I agree. Also make sure everyone is up to date on their basic training.” I required that every pack member receive basic training on how to fight in case of emergencies. I hoped that my pack members would never need to use it but if they did they could protect themselves a little. I required the pack members to take the training one month after they shifted for the first time. This helped members bond and learn to coordinate with their wolves.

“Yes, Alpha.” Jack bowed his head and made the rest of his way to the doorway. Right as he grabbed the handle he stopped and a smile grin crawled across his face. “You need to go to training too, sir. Just because you have a mate now it doesn’t mean you get to start slacking off.”

Before I could even let off a warning growl, Jack disappeared from the doorway. For such a large man, he was extremely quick. I think he’s been hanging out with Brett too much, he usually doesn’t make jokes. Jack is a more serious and calming presence, which is why I made him my gamma. He always had a very focused demeanor and did amazingly well during training so it made Jack the obvious choice for my gamma. But he was right, I had been slacking on my duties recently.

Little mate is worth it. Zenith popped back into my mind for the thousandth time today.

Look I know you want to go be with Skyler but there’s too much work for me to leave. We have to get the pack work done. I pleaded with Zenith. He had a better sense of responsibility when it came to pack business.

Fine but can we at least text her? It’s been all day and we haven’t talked to her since this morning. Zenith was slightly right, we haven’t talked since this morning but it hasn’t been all day only about 4 hours.

I took out my phone and was about to text Skyler when a message popped up.

-How’s your day going so far? It was from Skyler, she must be psychic or something.

-I was just about to ask you the same thing. Work has been rough but getting it done.

-Oh I’m sorry to hear that, maybe I should have made you work instead of watch movies at my place. I may not have known Skyler for very long but I could tell she was blaming herself a bit.

-No, those were hours well spent. My mind drifted back to the many make out sessions during the movie. I could feel Zenith getting antsy as well as my pants tightening.

-Is there anything I can do to help you? Skyler offered, she didn’t even know what was going on but she was still willing to help, I couldn’t help but smile.

- No, I’ve got everything covered here. But thank you for offering.

-Haha good then. If you would like to possibly spend more time together, I’m free this weekend. We can finally attempt to go on our date. She texted back but then instantly followed it up with another.

-But you must finish your work first. I’m not going to be the cause for you slacking off. I chuckled, she sounded just like Jack for a second, she must really be psychic.

-I should be finished in time for Saturday night, does that work? I offered

- Saturday is perfect! Now get back to work, slacker.

I laughed at my mate’s response. She doesn’t even know what work I’m doing but she already understands how important it is that I keep working for the pack. I can tell that she’ll be a fantastic Luna, determined to do her best but also knows how to balance work and life. Im excited for her to permanently be by my side.

A huge grin was on my face, I was so lost in thought of my mate helping me run my pack that I didn’t hear the door open.