The Coach

The Architect

Sebastian

    This meeting was prolonging way too much and I couldn't wait for it to end. As an architect, my work was unpredictable. I was trying to come to terms on a contract that would give us the chance to build a new public school in the city for kids with disabilities.

    My sister was the inspiration for this. She was born with delayed emotional development, and my mother didn't want to deal with it, so I took custody of her when I turned eighteen. She was sixteen, but she acted like a child who was ten. This made me focus on creating a safe environment for her and other kids with any other kind of disability.

    "So, these are the blueprints for the school, Mr. Bradford. As you can see, there will be ramps on every door and there will be easy access to every classroom and even the principal's office. We also plan on doing a special room for kids with a high grade of autism, it includes everything they need to feel comfortable and low sounds, so they don't get stressed" my contractor was explaining.

    I had a good team, including the soon to be principal, appointed by the mayor of the city. Knowing her reputation, I instantly approved the decision. The school needed to be built and we had the perfect spot to start.

    The meeting was finally over and we headed out to dismiss my guests when I heard a cute voice call me from the waiting room. I was always happy to see her. I would joke with her, not caring where we were or who was there.

    "Hello, my little Pumpkin!" I hugged her and ruffled her hair, which I knew she hated, but as a big brother, it was my job to bug her a little.

    "Don't call me Pumpkin and don't mess my hair up. I am in high school and that nickname is for kids" she said, and I could hear a sweet laugh coming from the lady next to her.

    I raised my eyebrows and I could see her blush at my gaze. "Hi, I am Zoey Torres, Martha's teacher" she introduced herself, extending her hands to shake.

    "Hello, Zoey. I am Sebastian Bradford" her hand was warm and soft and when she pulled it away, it felt empty. It was a weird feeling. She said her goodbyes to Martha and walked away, getting into the elevator a little on the clumsy side, and I was sure she didn't know someone noticed.

    Letting out a chuckle, Martha was looking at me with a frown on her face. "Are you laughing at my teacher?" she asked, with her arms folded over her chest.

    "No, lovely girl. I am just..." the words wouldn't come out of my mouth "never mind, let's just go into my office. I have some free time before I go in for another meeting"

    We walked into my office and she knew what she had to do. The blueprints were left on the coffee table by the couch and she was being a little curious about them.

   "What is this?" she asked, curiosity peaking in her.

    "That is a new school we are planning to build, for kids with disabilities. Just to make it easier for them to get educated" I replied.

    "But, we can manage at a regular school. That is why we have special education like the one Miss Torres is teaching us" she replied. I could see a little bit of disappointment in her face.

    I sat next to them and tried to explain the situation. We already had the contract with the city and the project was ready to go.

    "But, will I be able to stay at my school? I love it and my teacher is amazing. I even love our football team and I heard they have a position open for the football coach, and she took over until they find someone else"

    Those last words gave me an idea. Having experience in football from my high school years was a big advantage and while this project was on the works, I could take a small break and do something different.

    "Have they interviewed anyone?" I asked, hoping she said no. I could really take that job.

    "Well, no. The principal says Miss Torres is doing such a good job, that they want her to take over the team. So I don't think they have bothered to try to get someone"

    'Perfect' I thought. I rubbed my chin and picked the phone to call my secretary. "Please, set up a request for an interview at Woodland High. Tell them Sebastian Bradford is interested in the position they are currently offering" I mentioned. Martha was looking at me with wide eyes and a big smile on her face.

    "Yes, sir. But may I ask, why take a position at that school?" she asked.

    "Don't worry Laura, just make that request and get back to me with a date" I hung up the phone and Martha ran to me, throwing herself at me while squealing in my ear.

    "Are you trying to leave me deaf?" I laughed and she pulled away, joy clearly showing on her face.

    "I am happy because I might have you at my school. We will get to see each other a lot and I will be there cheering for you and the team and don't worry, you will get the job. They know who you are and my pretty teacher will be there next to you"

    "Playing matchmaker?" I raised my eyebrow. She shrugged her shoulders and went back to the couch to do her schoolwork. I laid back on my chair, thinking about her. She really was a beauty and not the ones I usually see, with surgeries all over. But the one who is all-natural and I love how humble she looks. What a great impression to give someone.

    It was time for my meeting and I asked Martha to stay in my office, promising her we would go out for dinner later on. Laura would watch over her and if she needed something, she would instantly tend to her.

******

    Two hours passed and I headed to my office, Laura waiting at the entrance with a note on hand, "Sir, I got you that interview and to say the least, they were really excited to have you there, so the interview will be tomorrow at 9"

    "Good job, Laura. Thank you. You can go home now" I dismissed her and walked in the office to find my sister playing Solitaire on the computer.

    "Don't you have something better to play? This game is so old"

    "Sorry, little one. But my computer is to work, not to play. So, no, I don't have any other games. Now, let's go have dinner before we go home"

    She took her backpack and we headed out of the office. I was confident that I would be Coach Brandford very soon.