It was 6:40 a.m. I went out to the parking lot to check on the drivers. I glanced over and saw that Oliver was just arriving. I took a deep breath and smiled, then started walking toward him, greeting the other drivers as I went.
I approached him quietly while he had his back to me. “Good morning, Oliver.” He quickly turned around, his face white with shock. My gaze fell on his blue eyes, which had huge dark circles under them, and his blond hair was messy. It seemed like he hadn't slept well in days, who knows doing what.
“Good morning, director.” His eyes avoided mine. I knew I didn't have the image of a kind director, nor did I want to give that impression.
“Who are you talking to?” I couldn't help my voice sounding annoyed and two tones lower than normal. I hate it when people don't look me in the face when I talk. I placed my fingers under his chin, forcing the eye contact he was trying to avoid.
“When you talk to me, look me in the face.” I quickly removed my hand from his face and saw the slight redness my fingers had left on his chin. I couldn't help but wonder what he would look like somewhere else.
His eyes remained fixed on my face until I finished speaking. His eyes reflected endless fatigue and the struggle between looking at me and avoiding it at the same time.
“Finish this here, and I'll see you in my office at 4 p.m., not a second more, not a second less.” Beads of sweat began to form on his forehead, and I saw him start to cling tightly to the fabric of his jeans.
“Mmm, yes, sir,” his voice trembled as he answered me and stood up straight as if my word were law. I checked the time and realized it was almost time for them to go pick up the children, so I turned around and started walking toward the school, while he stood like a statue, processing what had happened.
Anna hadn't arrived yet, and it wouldn't be long before the children started arriving, so I began to check that everything was in order in the classrooms and then proceeded to plan the upcoming activities and the school fair, when I realized it was already 2 o'clock and I hadn't eaten yet.
I picked up the phone and tried to call Anna, but she never answered. I went out to look for her and found her talking to Oliver, of all people.
“Anna,” my hoarse voice filled the room and silenced their murmurs. I felt my blood boil at the sight of them so close to each other, with a familiarity that made me uncomfortable. Anna and Oliver turned around quickly, as if I had caught them robbing a bank.
Anna quickly regained her composure and walked quickly toward me, while Oliver stood at the door.
Anna stood in front of me. “How can I help you, principal?” she asked as she glanced quickly at his desk, then turned her attention back to me.
I walked over to her desk and leaned on it. “What do you think I want, Anna?” I said, emphasizing her name, and I noticed how she tensed up.
“I called you twice, and I had to come here because you weren't at your station. The next time, where should I look for you? At Oliver's house or yours?” I asked as I stared at her.
She avoided my gaze and replied with a soft “I'm sorry.”
“Don't let this happen again. Order me something to eat, something Mexican.” I got up from her desk.
“Don't forget, Oliver, in my office today at 4.” Then I turned and walked away to my office, leaving them completely alone and with something to process.
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