Twenty Five

Hayleigh was torn between wanting to stop and fast forward the minutes on the wall clock before her.

In this quiet and empty classroom, the ticking of the clock had never seemed louder in her ears. She’d been staring at the hands until with each second it neared closer to eight o’clock. It was funny to feel both dread and anticipation, and in all the time she was waiting she was yet to decide which one weighed more.

When the door finally opened and Rowen stepped inside the room, she concluded it was dread.

He was in his usual teaching look tonight in black slacks and a light blue shirt rolled up at the sleeves. He dropped his satchel on the desk up front and took out a sandwich.

“Looks like I made it.” He glanced at his watch. “Have you eaten yet?”

“Yes,” she said, watching him take a big bite with gusto.

“Sorry, just give me a minute. I haven’t had anything since lunch.”