01

6 years later….

« Ms. Gardner, Mitch is kicking my chair ! »

« Am not ! » Smiling and rolling my eyes I went over to the desks where the two voices were.

« Katie, Mitch how many times have I told you to get along ? » I squatted down and looked at the two of them. These two were always bickering and messing with one another. With a classroom of first graders this was a common occurrence though.

« If you guys want to go out for recess you two better apologize to one another. »

« But Ms. Gardener I wasn’t doing anything ! » Mitch pouted, crossing his arms across his little chest. Mitch was my little trouble maker so I didn’t really believe him.

« Guys. » I warned. My tone wasn’t harsh at all, only firm.

« Sorry. » They both muttered, glaring at one another. Grinning I stood up and moved back to the front of the room.

»Okay everyone go out and have fun at recess. Be good ! » No sooner had the words left my mouth did all of my students get up and run for the door leading outside. I followed behind and propped the door open.

I shook my head as I watched the kids run around like maniacs. I loved my job and this was one of the reasons. Watching them all run around without a care in the world was sweet. Sure teaching a bunch of first graders can be tough at times with their small attention spans. But it was always interesting. They kept me on my toes which I didn’t mind.

« Hey, Haley. » Coming towards me was another first grade teacher, aka my best friend Annie Bell. Her name fit her to a T. She had long red hair that was pulled into a tight braid and she had freckles along her face. Annie was really gorgeous.

« Hey, Annie. Excited for the holiday weekend ? » I asked, leaning against the door.

« Of course ! It is the fall festival and and four days off. Are you going ? » Annie stood across from me as we watched our kids.

« Yeah I am going. I volunteered at one of the booths. »

»Haley really ? You volunteered ? »

« What ? »

« The Fall Festival is meant to be enjoyed and to have a date with someone, not volunteer all your time. »

« Annie it isn’t always about dating someone. »

« No, it is about sleeping with them. » She joked.

« Annie. »

« Haley you need to get out more. You’ve gone on how many dates in the last year, two ? »

« Two is a lot. » I defended myself.

« No it isn’t. You are 24 and only have had like two boyfriends. »

« That is a good thing you know. » I pointed out.

« As your best friend I need to help you out. We are going to make sure you have a great fall festival this year. Maybe you’ll find a hot guy. »

« Annie-«

« No Haley, you haven’t done anything for yourself since your mom got diagnosed. It is finally your time to do something for yourself and you will, I am making sure of it. » She sounded very determined which was never a good a thing. When Annie got her mind on something she never lets it go. Something I have learned in our many years of friendship.

« I love you Ann but I don’t need it. I am fine with the way my life is. »

« You may be but I am not. » I didn’t get to reply as another teacher headed our way. Shaking my head I let the conversation slide.

Annie was wrong, I didn’t need to date or do anything. I was happy with my life right now. I had a great job, I had my own house, I had friends, what more could I want. Sure a boyfriend would be nice but it wasn’t a necessity for me.

I’ve gone through the whole heartbreak thing because of a guy and I didn’t need to go through it again. Once was enough for me.

So with that I pushed all of those thoughts aside. Love was the last thing on my mind right now.

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