Word of Honor, Book 2 (37 page)

Pushing her reservations aside, she concentrated on the goal at hand – to help children, no matter their skin tone and ethnic background. Children made her heart beat faster, her mouth smile a bit wider, and her days fill with insurmountable joy. So, she pushed her culture shock aside and made her way to the wonderfully tidy office that smelled of lemon and vanilla Febreeze. She was greeted with a warm welcome that reminded her of apple pie à la mode – warm, sweet, with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Her thoughts often drifted to dessert as of late, and she’d been baking her behind off in her fabulous kitchen. Also, after several trips to the local Target store and two antique shops, she’d made Aaron’s house into
their
home.

“Mrs. Pike,” came a cheery masculine voice from a short distance away. Mia looked up to see a petite man dressed in a gray lightweight sweater and dark slacks waving her over. “Please come on inside.”

She stood from her seat, her portfolio in hand along with additional copies of her resume and references. Wearing a muted pale pink skirt with charcoal stripes, a dark gray shirt, and low pumps, she took a seat in front of a large oak desk with a still blank computer monitor sitting atop it. Mr. Huff smoothed the front of his sweater before taking his seat. They looked at one another for a brief moment, and then he clasped his hands together.

“Thank you for coming in today, Mrs. Pike.”

“Please call me Mia.”

“Of course, Mia. You’ve spoken to the assistant principal, Mrs. Charter, and taken a tour. I understand that your phone interview went exceptionally well.”

“Well, I felt that it did. I was happy to be called in for an interview.”

“Yes, we obtained your faxed over records from Bright Beginnings Academy and Compass School.” The man looked about his desk in a brief state of confusion, then grabbed several files, turning them over. His face relaxed and his smile soon returned as he looked down at several typewritten forms. “And let me tell you, everyone we spoke with had only glowing things to say about you. That brings me, actually, to a recent change of plans.”

Mia cocked her head slightly to the right in bewilderment.

“Mia, I’ve been the principal here for ten years. I am originally from Memphis, Tennessee, and that is where the majority of my wife’s and our extended family reside. My parents are up in age, and it is with sadness that I recently turned in my resignation.”

“Ohhh, I’m sorry to hear that. Your parents are unable to relocate here, I take it?”

“Well.” He winced. “They could, but I feel that taking them away from home would be more disruptive to their lives and current sense of well being than my family and I moving back to assist. I don’t plan to stay there forever, but who knows what the future holds?” He threw up his hands. “My assistant principal, who you’ve met, wishes to remain in her current position. We’ve interviewed several people, many of whom also had impressive backgrounds. What appealed to me is that you obviously have your Masters in Administration and Childhood Development. Your license is up to date, your professional and personal recommendations are out of this world and a…” He paused and picked a piece of paper out from the stack. Looking over his glasses, he began to read, “A Dr. Owens spoke
extremely
highly of you. I’ve never seen such a wonderfully written reference.”

Mia could no longer hide her grin.

“You volunteer for all sorts of programs and outreach activities. You taught adult inmates how to read and prepare for their G.E.D. at Holman Prison. According to your credentials, you are well versed in children that are on the autism spectrum, as well as sensory perception disorders. You have extensive experience in regard to children with other developmental delays as well. It appears that if a child is felt to be unable to learn, they are sent to you… and you work some sort of magic.”

Mia gave a light chuckle, but the man looked at her seriously, not breaking his somber tone.

“Mia, you are what people like me look for when things like what I am about to explain to you happen. Now, though you have no managerial experience, in your case, that doesn’t bother me. It is clear from how you’ve led a team of students and peers in prior years at BBA, and other schools you’ve assisted and substituted at, that you are capable.”

Oh my God… he is not going to do what I think he is going to do!

“Mia, I would like for you to interview with the Board of Directors for my position. I will be vouching for you. I love these students. I am going to miss them terribly. I did not take my decision to leave lightly. It is quite upsetting actually, but things happen, and we must adapt. We are not the biggest school, we may not be well known, but my staff is exceptional. We care about the parents, the entire faculty, and our philosophy is to treat each child as if they were a member of our own family. Before you even said anything, I looked at you, and found you exude a refined nature, but kindness, as well. Coincidentally, the three words used to describe you many times by your peers were: thoughtful, hard-working, and innovative. You’re a problem solver. If a child has a situation that others saw as hopeless, you would declare that not true and find a way inside of that little person’s world.

“I say all of this to say that the nature of this interview has changed. You were trying to obtain a teaching position here, but I want you to become the new principal. Is that something of interest to you?”

“Oh… oh my goodness.” She smiled and crossed her legs. “I’m sorry, this has just completely taken me by surprise. Um, yes, yes! I most definitely would.”

And then, like a sly thief of hope and dreams, the reality came crashing down. The devil in the details waved a burnt flag, sat down in the room, perched upon the corner of the desk and shook his ruddy head at her…

Tsk, Tsk, Tsk…

“Mr. Huff.” She raised a finger. “There is one thing I’d like to share with you before we proceed.”

“Of course.”

“Race is not of importance to me, and it obviously is not to you or you would not have even considered me for this position. It is more than apparent that I’m not white. I’m African American.”

“Right, yes.” She could see the perplexity in his expression, undoubtedly wondering where she was going with this.

“Well.” She swallowed hard. “You see, I just recently got married.”

“Congratulations!” His smile returned.

“Yes, and uh, my husband is a good man, a good person. He is quite successful in business, owns his own company and loves children. However, he, well, had a troubled past, Mr. Huff.”

The man’s face etched with sudden concern. Mia refused to have her life turned into some three-ring circus. It would be no issue for a digging sort of fellow to get a hold of her personal life and turn it into a drama-filled soap opera. No, she’d take control, take matters into her own hands, and mold the situation how she saw fit.

“I see…” He seemed to tense up in his seat. “What sort of trouble?”

“Well, he was involved in an organization that is known for racist propaganda and ideology. He is no longer that person, however, Mr. Huff. I assure you.”

“Sooo, he was like a black panther or something?” The man’s brows dipped low in obvious concern.

“No, he was a white socialist.”

Mr. Huff’s previous look of confusion had nothing on this…

Mia stifled a laugh, swallowing it behind a tight-lipped expression. It was rather perplexing how the topic had previously held vast amounts of anxiety for her, but now, when the words came tumbling out of her mouth, it almost provided comic relief. The man’s expression softened, and it was more than apparent that he, too, was amused, though he didn’t dare say it.

“I… I see. So, that is over and done with?”

“Yes. He has served time as well; he was an activist for the organization and that is where the majority of those charges transpired and originated from. His last stint in prison was due to an altercation, which he was later exonerated of. He was completely cleared due to it being self-defense. If you no longer want me for the position, I completely understand, Mr. Huff. I would hope, however, that I’d be judged on my abilities and character, versus my husband’s checkered past. He’s obviously gotten over the issue. Look who he married.”

At this, Mr. Huff laughed lightly.

“Wow… what a story. That’s really something. I have so many questions, but…” He shrugged. “They’d be completely inappropriate. How fascinating, quite honestly. That, to me, is more like a testimony, Mia. I’m glad you shared it with me. I believe in giving people second chances and it was honorable for you to share with me your personal situation. This way, in case it is brought up, I can respond appropriately.”

“Yes, and if you need any verification of this, I can provide it for you.”

“Okay, thank you for that invitation. Uh…” He chuckled as he nervously moved papers about on his desk. “I didn’t expect this sort of discussion, but in an odd sort of way, it may make you even more likable to some individuals.”

“Really?” She was certain she didn’t hide her surprise. “How so?”

“Well, initially one may be taken aback, but the fact that you could find it in your heart to look past such a thing with someone is proof that the human heart is larger than some may think. I don’t know much about the socialist movement or any of that.” He waved nonchalantly in her direction. “But I know enough to understand the gravity of the situation. Again, thank you for disclosing that. You legally didn’t have to but, as stated, you’ve helped prepare me for a possible situation should someone decide they want it addressed.”

She nodded in understanding.

“I’d still like to proceed.”

Mia sighed with relief.

“I want you to interview for this, and I want you to speak to everyone just as you’ve spoken to me. Candidly… I’ve only spent twenty minutes with you, and I already like you.” He smiled.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Huff. Before we proceed, I do have
one
question.”

“Of course.”

“Would there still be teaching opportunities if by some blessing I was in fact to become principal of F.E.S.? I would still like an opportunity to be in the classroom and lead from time to time.”

At this, Mr. Huff burst out laughing and shook his finger at her. “This is exactly what I’m talking about. This is what we
need
! Knowing you’d get a sizeable pay raise, be in an office and all that entails, and you
still
want to know if you can teach.” He shook his head. “Mia, if that is what you want, I am certain it can be arranged. Perhaps a few times a month you could lead a class, for instruction if nothing else.”

She nodded happily.

“Do you mind if I have some of the members of the Board of Education come in right now, or is this too soon? Do you need time to prepare or talk this over with your spouse?”

“Oh, they’re here? Right now?” She tossed a glance over her shoulder at the closed door.

“Yes, they are here in the building for an unrelated event, but I can call them.”

“No, I’m sure my husband would be okay with this, just… a little surprised!” She laughed nervously.

“The timing is perfect. I know you may feel on the spot, but I have a good feeling about you. I believe that my school will be in good hands…and that’s quite important to me.”

“Of course it is. Yes,” she said, waving her hand in his direction. “Please feel free to have them interview me.”

“Great.” Mr. Huff cheerfully grasped his desk phone from the receiver. “Grace, Mrs. Pike is in my office. We are about to conduct the principal interview versus what she was initially scheduled for… Yes, please update that. Can you please page Frank, Diane, and Kirk? I need them to come in my office and meet her, and ask any questions they may have… Yes, in the next few minutes, please. I appreciate it. Thanks, Grace.” He disconnected the call.

“Mia, they will be notified and will be here soon.”

“Okay. Thank you so much for this opportunity!” She pressed her hands flush together.

“You’re welcome. I think it is an honor for our school to have you in
any
capacity. So, let’s begin. Tell me three reasons why you believe you’d be a good fit as principal for Flatwoods Elementary School…”

One month later…

“
Y
OU’VE TRACKED MUD
all in the kitchen.” Mia pointed disapprovingly at the dark brown sludge that had dropped off his shoes. Aaron sighed and rolled his eyes before placing his fishing rod up against the foyer wall.

“Baby, I’ve had a really long day. Come on, don’t start naggin’. I’ll get it up later.” Out of the corner of his eye he could see the lady’s peepers turn into menacing slits as she made her way into the dining room.

“Aaron, I’m not your maid.”

“Damn, is it icy in
here
!” he hooted.

“Not funny, and don’t tell me about havin’ a long day. You’ve been out fishin’ with Marcus and Jasper all morning and the day before that, on the golf course, while I’ve been neck deep in paperwork!”

“Now don’t you go cryin’ foul, Mia. You
wanted
that position! You were so happy to become principal, and now all I hear is how stressed out and tired you are. Baby, look.” He raced over to her as she turned her back, undoubtedly ready to walk away and leave him in the dust. “I’m sorry about the mud, baby.” He pressed her to him and ran his hand up and down her shoulder. “I know you’ve been stressed out; we both have. I went fishin’. The golfing trip was for a new client, Mia. You know I hate golf but we’d just signed the new contract so it was a way to celebrate. It has been a bit of a nightmare getting my licenses here. Even though I was cleared for the murder charge, but I am still battling the courts regarding my carry permit. I have to have those licenses, honey.”